I would come in with you but that I am expecting Mr. Potts
with the tallies. You need have no scruples."
There was no excuse nor escape, and Aurelia followed the negro in
trepidation. Crossing the hall, he opened for her the door of the
lobby corresponding to her own, and saying, "Allow me, ma'am,"
passed before her, and she heard another door unclosed, and a
curtain withdrawn. Beyond she only saw a gulf of darkness, but
out of it came a deep manly voice, subdued and melancholy, but
gentlemanlike and deferential.
"The young lady is so kind as to come and cheer the old hermit. A
thousand thanks, madam. Permit me."
Aurelia's hand was taken by one soft for want of use, and she was led
forward on a deep piled carpet, and carefully placed on a chair in the
midst of the intense black darkness. There was a little movement and
then the voice said, "I am most sensible of your goodness, madam."
"I--I am glad. You are very good, sir," murmured Aurelia, oppressed
by the gloom and the peculiar atmosphere, cool--for the windows were
open behind the shutters--but strangely fragrant.
"How does my excellent friend, Major Delavie?"
"I thank you, sir, he is well, though his wound troubles him from time
to time."
"Commend me to him when you write, if you are good enough to remember
it.
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