The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-07-27

whiss5 curiously enough, his thoughts reverted
20 MARKS recent description Of her as
pretty piece of property" an opinion il
which he mentally conceded. From her, b.
directed his gaze towards Grit-who returned
ms stare with interest-and at last brought
his eyes round again to Leonard
II am come On business, y he observed, softly
and again glancing round at Mildred anC
Zachariah
/ "My sister and my friend sir" answered
Leonard, are none too many. What may
your business be with me, sir %
The attorney took off his other glove, picked
up his hat, put the glove into it, and set it on
his knee.
| at might be as well-better, permit me tc
remark" he answered, deliberately, off We
we're alone But if you do not object of course
Monsieur, ought to have no scruplesD
Leonard inclined his head, in intimation Of
his acquiesoence in the same views
Il have not the honor, Sir Wrayn continued
the attorney, "to be acquainted with you and
sladame, your amiable lady; | beg pardon
alademoiselle, your charming sister; and you
40 not know me, even by reputation it seems
II should have been pleased, enchanted, if the
7 acquaintance had commenced under circum-
stances less disagreeable for me, though |
hope--permit me to say, / really desire-to
meet the case in the most frank and liberal
spirit"
Mildred looked blank, and turned PALE for
though she understood nothing of what he
meant or alluded TO- she experienced an inward
sensation of coming evil, presentiment of
misfortune, which she could not account for
Pray, sir, explain yourself" replied Leon
ard, observing his sister change color. What
case do you refer to / am not aware Of hay
ing involved myself in Paris In any matter re-.
| curing the interference Of gentleman Of the
| law
"ln few words, then, Monsieur resumed
Gaetano-and here the long fingers worked
strapgely-"a certain person now in Paris has
become my debtor, to very considerable
amount. You probably know him. His name
is Aveling"
Mildred uttered faint exclamation of ter
ror, and sat riveted to her chair, looking ixedly
at the stranger. Grit slowly turned his head,
and thrust his hand down behind his neck,
beneath his coat, with very peculiar motion,
as if feeling for something concealed there,
and then stood up Leonard said nothing. He
only set his lips hard together, giving an affirm
atiye sign of the head.
"Well, Monsieur, my client informs me that
you are--pray pardon me for the allusion, but
you will understand that in matters of bust
ness one cannot help speaking of facts-that
you are in his debit
I" 1t is true. | have that misfortune ob-
served Leonard, looking uneasily across at his
sister.
Gaetano received the confirmation of the
fact with a bland inclination of the head
But | suppose, sir" resumed Leonard,
that you ere aware he holds mortgage on
my property in South Carolina, fully equal to
the amount in which stand indebted to him.
"With the power to foreclose, after brief
notice." remarked the attorney, suggestively.
ooh, yes Monsieur Avelng has acted in this
matter with the most perfect frsnkness. 1t is
q pleasure to have to do with such an honest
man.
"Darn the lingo" muttered Zach, impa-
tiently.
There ensucd pause, during which the long
fingers clutched the rim of the hat several
times.
!, "Mansieur Aveling," resumed the attorney
presently, "has mado me Proposition which
will have the effect Of changing our present re-
lstions entirely. He has become deeply in
volved, in consequence of certain speculations
in which he has embarked, and, needing
money, wishes me to advance him to the full
amount Of the mortgage, and accept the deed
as my security"
"And have no doubt SIR" observed Leon
ard, that if you do SO, it will be because you
feel satisfied with the security"
|" / am so, Monsieur, of course" responded
the attorney; and the agent of Monsieur
Aveling, being now in Paris, has greatly facili-
tated the transaction"
+" 1t is concluded, Their ~ said Leonard.
The attorney bowed.
g And am, in such case, your debtor, Mon
sieur Pelligrini," continued Leonard.
/" Ii ia SO, Monsieur" answered Gaetano.
Leonard" exclaimed Grit, {" can't get be-
hind this lingo, no how. | can sec there's
soothing uncomfortable agoing on, by that var
ole cocn's lOokin' SO COMPOUNDED pleasant
What's up?"
az shall speak in the Englitch, sare, if it
will to you that do it." said Gaetano, some
what to the surprise Of the parties most inter
ested
avail, faint mono o. my business, it's true"
observed Grit, in no wise abashed by the dis
coVery "but when hearn the name Of Mark
AVeling, | anow'd there couldn't be no good
q comin'p
& You will please excuse my friends vivaci-
~, remarked Leonard, speaking in French,
and putting his finger to his forehead, in a no.
ticcable manner but taking care Grit should
not perceive the motion The attorney raised
his ye-brows, to intimate that he understood.
And you viii, if you please, Monsieur, in
form me now more precisely what is the object
Of this visit?o
The attorney set his hat once more on the
floor, and moved his chair forward foot or
two, approaching the table
'It was Monsieur, to ascertain whether it
would be perfectly convenient to you to pay
somewhat confidential key.
Mil1rad huriad be- faoa in hor hands nd
became much agitated. Leonard rose, and,
crossing over to where she sat, laid his hand
on her head affectionately, and whispered,
whether she had not better withdrew
sSGt shs declined, almost peremptorily.
~ am sorry to cause Mademoiselle PAIN
said Gaetano, in his very sOftest voice. al
hope Mademoiselle will do me the justice TO
admit that expressed wish to speak to Mon
s;eur Wray alone"
{" My sister, Monsieur" remarked Leonard, |
"is always moved when this subject is under
discussion. | need not allude more particular
~ to the reason. AS You have seen the mort |
gage deed, you viii be acquainted with the
peculiar position in which she stands in rela-
ton to It. Thank God" he added, with ear
nestness, tear glistening in his eye as he
spoke, "thank God we are not now in our own |
81 would assure you Monsieur" resumed |
the attorney, "that whatever may be the pow
er of your laws, under such extremely delicate
they do not reach to France
and that even if they did, should not desire
to enforce them. 1t is painful for me to see
Ma1emoiselle suffer, especially as | cannot
avoid making further allusion to her. Permit
me again to suggest that she should leave us
to settle this business out of her presence"
II do not desire it sir" said Mildred. ~
will stay. Being party interested" she ad-
ded, with bitter smile, and>a painful attempt