It was the afternoon of the same day, as Dr. Vaudelier was reclining upon a rustic seat near the landing, he was surprised by the appearance of a canoe coming down the creek. The canoe contained an elderly gentleman, and a negro, who, after several unsuccessful attempts, succeeded in landing the passenger upon the little pier. He was about fifty years of age, apparently. His hair and whiskers were a mixture of gray and black; his countenance was full, and his complexion florid, which contrasted oddly with the green spectacles that rested upon his nose. "Do I have the honor of addressing Dr. Vaudelier?" said, the stranger, in a tone so soft and silky that the doctor could hardly persuade himself it did not proceed from a woman. "That is my name, sir; and to whom am I indebted for this unexpected pleasure?" "De Guy, sir,--Antoine De Guy, at your service," squeaked the visitor, with whom the reader is already acquainted. "Well, sir, may I inquire the object of your visit?" "Certainly, sir. I am informed there is a lady at present residing with you, one of the unfortunate persons who were on board the Chalmetta at the time of her late disaster. A Miss Dumont." "Who informed you, sir?" De Guy hesitated a little, and then said he heard a number of gentlemen discuss the late disaster at the hotel in Vicksburg; that one of them had mentioned this fact--he really could not tell the gentleman's name. "What is your business with the lady?" asked the doctor, to whom the idea of a new enemy of Emily had already presented itself. "That, sir, I can best disclose to the lady in person," squeaked the street-lawyer, with a low bow. "This way then," and the doctor led him to the library, into which he soon after conducted Emily. "Miss Dumont?" said De Guy, rising and making a profound obeisance as she entered. "My name is De Guy." Emily bowed slightly, but made no reply. "May I beg that our interview may be private?" said the attorney, glancing at Dr. Vaudelier. "This gentleman is my friend and confidant; it is not necessary that he should retire," replied Emily, as Dr. Vaudelier was moving towards the door. "Very well, madam; though I think, from the nature of my business, you would wish it to be confidential." "Perhaps I had better withdraw," suggested the physician. "By no means, my dear sir; if this gentleman's visit relates to business matters, I must beg the favor of your counsel." "As you please, Miss Dumont; I come charged with a message from your uncle, my respected client, Mr. Dumont." "Indeed, sir!" replied Emily, a slight tremor creeping through her frame; "pray deliver it at once." "It is simply to say your immediate presence at your late residence is necessary." "Where did you see my uncle?" asked she. "At Bellevue, madam, yesterday morning. I arrived at eleven o'clock to-day." "When did Mr. Dumont return from his journey up the river?" asked Dr. Vaudelier.