He went out. The real owner of the property was sent for; the property
was bought for L2,000; the deed, which had been put in escrow, and which
on its face called for L150,000, was taken up, releasing the stock, and
then the old men and the young man rubbed their hands and said to each
other that it had been a good day's work.
CHAPTER X.
ENCHANTMENT.
Sedgwick and Browning had now been several days in London. Every day they
had been riding and driving--seeing the sights. One morning at breakfast
Jack mentioned that it was Tuesday; that next day would be the annual
celebrated Derby Wednesday; that he had made arrangements for as many to
go as could get away. The number was finally limited to four--Grace and
Rose, Jack and Jim.
This was talked over, and so soon as the arrangements were determined
upon, Jack proposed that when the race should be over, instead of coming
back to London, they should go on beyond Surrey, down to the seashore in
Sussex, where an old uncle of Rose's resided, for a few days' visit. This
was, after some discussion, agreed upon; whereupon Jack rose and went out
to make a few needed little preparations; the young ladies followed to do
some shopping, while Sedgwick went to his room to write some letters.
He finished his letters and was going out, when he met Mrs. Hamlin in the
hall. She greeted him and asked him to sit down a moment, saying she
wanted to talk with him. He swung a chair around for Mrs. Hamlin, and
when she was seated he took another chair opposite, saying: "Is there
anything particular this morning, madam, which you desire to talk about?"
The old lady looked at him a moment, then said:
"Mr. Sedgwick, I have noticed that since you came to my house you seem to
be worried, as though this London roar and confusion oppressed you; and
I have seen a look on your face sometimes, which, it seemed to me, if set
to words would say: 'I would give anything in the world to be out of this
and back once more free in my native land.' It worries me, and I want to
ask you if something cannot be done to make your life here more
pleasant."
"Why, my dear madam," said Sedgwick, "I never was half so kindly
entertained before as I have been in your house. There is nothing
lacking, nothing; and when I think of ever returning all this kindness
my gratitude is made bankrupt."
"Still, you have something on your mind. Is it a business trouble? Will
you not test our friendship in real truth?" asked the lady.
Sedgwick looked at her seriously a moment, and said: "I have something,
but it is not business, that distresses me. But, were I to tell you, it
would test your friendship indeed."
"Well," responded the lady, "I want to know it. I hope we can help you."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account