They shook hands and parted, and Quirk hurried away to his lodgings, in order to be able to say that he had occupied his own room, etc., etc., in case of trouble. As he strode away, a strange little figure enveloped in a long coat and a tattered old shawl, the better to protect it from the weather, appeared from the shadow of an adjoining building, and swung himself along between his crutches, muttering to himself: "Hih! hih! get the reward for these thieves--watch the papers _I_ will--know all about 'em--get the reward, hih! hih! hih! hih!" and the darkness swallowed him up as it had done him who had gone before. CHAPTER XXX. But, Othello, speak-- Did you by indirect and forced courses, Subdue and poison this young maid's affection? Or came it by request, and such fair question As soul to soul affordeth! Shakspeare. Mr. Delancey sat in his drawing-room conversing with General Delville; whom he was yet allowed to believe he might one day look upon as his son-in-law. The night was dark, and a penetrating, drizzling rain was falling, which rendered the cheerful scene in that vast appartment all the more bright and pleasant. Suddenly there came a startling ring at the door bell, the sound of which sent the blood in a hot flush to Della's temples, as she sat there quietly between her mother and the General, with her thoughts wandering where they chose, though she seemed to be listening to the conversation. A servant entered, saying that a gentleman desired to see Mr. Delancey. "Tell him I am engaged." "I did so, sir; but he insisted upon seeing you." "Perhaps some one bringing you news concerning the robbery," suggested Madame D. "Ah, perhaps so. Show him into the library and tell him I'll be with him in a moment." Excusing himself to his guest, the merchant sought the library. A tall man, wrapped in a heavy cloak, his hat still on and drawn over his brows, was walking impatiently back and forth across the floor. Mr. Delancey turned his cold eyes upon him earnestly for a moment and withdrew them nervously. "Mr. Wilkins, I believe?" "The same, sir." "And what brings you to my house to-night?" "That which has never brought me here before, sir, and never will again--business of a strictly private nature." Mr. Delancey looked somewhat disturbed, but drew a chair beside a large writing-desk, and motioning his visitor to be seated, placed himself in front of him. "Nothing wrong about the last load of goods? No trouble with the boats, is there, Wilkins?" "Nothing of the kind, sir; my business, as I told you, is of a strictly _private_ nature." "Proceed, I am ready to listen." "And will you, sir, listen to me calmly; and make no sudden outbreaks or disturbance? I hate scenes, even with women, but with men, Heaven defend me!" "I know of nothing you could say, sir, that would call forth any such ebullitions as you speak of; I am not a man of unnecessary words, as you well know."