E-text prepared by Roy Brown
by
Author of "At the Mercy of Tiberius", "St. Elmo" Etc.
1902
"The grace of God forbid
We should be overbold to lay rough hands
On any man's opinion. For opinions
Are, certes, venerable properties,
And those which show the most decrepitude
Should have the gentlest handling."
VANINI
LondonJames Nisbet & Co. Limited21 Berners Street
"Did you tell her that Dr. Hargrove is absent?"
"I did, ma'am; but she says she will wait."
"But, Hannah, it is very uncertain when he will return, and the nightis so stormy he may remain in town until to-morrow. Advise her tocall again in the morning."
"I said as much at the door, but she gave me to understand she came along way, and should not leave here without seeing the Doctor. Shetold the driver of the carriage to call for her in about two hours,as she did not wish to miss the railroad train."
"Where did you leave her? Not in that cold, dark parlour, I hope?"
"She sat down on one of the hall chairs, and I left her there."
"A hospitable parsonage reception! Do you wish her to freeze? Go andask her into the library, to the fire."
As Hannah left the room, Mrs. Lindsay rose and added two sticks ofoak wood to the mass of coals that glowed between the shining brassandirons; then carefully removed farther from the flame on the heartha silver teapot and covered dish, which contained the pastor'ssupper.
"Walk in, madam. I promise you nobody shall interfere with you. Miss
Elise, she says she wishes to see no one but the Doctor."
Hannah ushered the visitor in, and stood at the door, beckoning toher mistress, who paused irresolute, gazing curiously at the muffledform and veiled face of the stranger.
"Do not allow me to cause you any inconvenience, madam. My businessis solely with Dr. Hargrove, and I do not fear the cold."
The voice of the visitor was very sweet though tremulous, and shewould have retreated, but Mrs. Lindsay put her hand on the bolt ofthe door, partly closing it.
"Pray be seated. This room is at your disposal. Hannah, bring the teathings into the dining-room, and then you need not wait longer; Iwill lock the doors after my brother comes in."
With an ugly furrow of discontent between her heavy brows, Hannahobeyed, and as she renewed the fire smouldering in the dining-room,she slowly shook her grizzled head: "Many a time I have heard myfather say, 'Mystery breeds misery,' and take my word for it, thereis always something wrong when a woman shuns women-folks, and huntssympathy and advice from men."
"Hush, Hannah! Charity,—charity; don't forget that you live in aparsonage, where 'sounding brass or tinkling cymbals' are nottolerated. All kinds of sorrow come here to be cured, and I fear thatlady is in distress. Did you notice how her voice trembled?"
"Well, I only hope no silver will be missing to-morrow. I must makeup my buckwheat, and set it to rise. Good-night, Miss Elise."
It was a tempestuous night in the latter part of Ja