New Ulm weekly review., 1886-12-15

silk, her presence full of dignity; yet
Indications Of feminine coquetry were
not wanting in the arrangement ofthe
large tippet on her shoulders and the
rosebuds that dangled from her cap.
The carpet was soft and velvety.
Septimus glanced at his muddy boots
with dis,nay. He would willingly have
made a more splendid entrance into
to the halls of slavery
Miss Dynoch, I believer" he said,
with his best bow.
'AYes, that is my name. Perhaps
you will be SO good as to inform me
to what cause am indebted for your
visit"
She did not ask him to sit down,
and she remained standing herself.
"Ihave come, madame, . said Septi.
mus. much impressed by her dignity,
'.to demand Miss st. Claire -Rosalin.
da St. Claire-at your hands,
He had prepared this speech and a
great deal more, but the rest OF it had
quite gone out OF his head
81 beg your pardon. must ask
you to speak up.
Miss St. Claire, madame" repeated
Septimus, raising mis- voice and endeav-
ored to drown the shrill bark OF the
terrier. "My Rosalinda, where is she?
How is she?"
'There must be some mistake, I
think" said the lady. "The people
from whom took the house are called
Jones. Did you not come on business
to see my nephew"
"The same" ;" replied Septimus, little
knowing that he had given the wrong
card with the address OF his firm
printed in the right hand corner. "Mr.
Thomas Gawkroger has written to
me, and am here to inquire after the
health of Miss ST. Claire
The lady shook her head, her man
ner, becoming more severe.
"My nephew is from home at the
moment. | must ask yon to wait in
the hall till his return"
She approached the bell, but septi-
mus pushed forward.
"Your nephew" he exclaimed; my
letter is from Mr.. Thomas Gawk-
roger"
.'Then there is decidedly some mis-
take. I must wish you good morn
ing"
MADAME said Septimus with
great solemnity, regardless Of the fact
that the terrier was working the heels
of his boots on the chances OF their be-
ing rats-nor did he smell the Dutch
cheese-"do not put me off. am not
to be deceived. l am aware (he was
beginning to get nervous) "that you
have a companion-a beautiful young
lady-concealed-"
81 have no such thing" interrupted
Miss Dynoch with some temper, "and
never did in my life. Do you mean
to insult nle?"
HNo companion gasped Septimus.
'Does not Miss st. Claire live here?
Your nephew wrote and told me she
was dangerously i'll. I've come all
the way from London to see her.
have corresponded with her regularly
for months
'"Then you ought to be ashamed of
yourself" said Miss Dynoch, and the
rosebuds ratified in her cap.
"My intentions, madam, are hon
orable. Your nephew, Mr.. Thomas
Gawkroger-'
"My nephew's name is Mr.. Edmund
Fenwick. Leave the room instantly!
You have come here under false pre-
lenses. QUIT my houseimmediately." I"
'But Rosalinda, where shall l find
herr" asked Septimus, looking wildly
around as if he thought it probable
that his fair lady-love might be con-
cealed behind the yellow silk curtains.
Miss Dynoch became perfectly rigid
with suppressed rage. She pulled the
bell violently. At the same instant
the door was thrown open. "Susan!"
cried Miss Dynoch; "show this person
out"
Septimus turned to make one last
appeal, and almost fell into the arms
OF a good-tempered looking young
man, with brown beard and twink
ling geyes.
| hope you are not i'll, Amt Zoe?"
''No, Edmond, my health is preserved
to me. But [ beg that you will dis
miss this person from the house. He
is a dangerous character; he has used
the most disrespectful language!'
II assure you, madam, began poor
Septimus, who wished himself safe at
home in Brickbury, II mean no dis
respect"
whats your business here" asked
the newcomer. "You see that you
are annoying the lady
~ received letter on Monday" ex-
planned Septinus, taking an envelope
from his pocket. II was prepared for
ill news, but not-not for such treat
ment as this. Consider my position
in the world, Mr.. Thomas Gawkroger!"
"Oh, ah-yes!' broke in the man
with the beard. "Mr. Thomas Gawk-
roger to be sure. He wrote to you,
did he?"
"He did. And if yon can tell me
where he has hidden away this lovely
girl"
"Edmond!" cried Aunt Zoe, with up
raised hands, "what is the meaning of
all this? Do you know or do you not
know to whom this person refers? Do
you or do you not know who Mr.
Thomas Gawkroger may be?"
'Well, Aunt Zoe, "replied the nephew,