ble, and at last, as if to show an utter aberration of mind, he determined to obtain leave of absence for a week. It was a most remarkable event in his history, and as such excited much speculation. But the old gentleman’s lips were closely buttoned; he quietly packed a valise, and set out upon, what he called, a country excursion.
It was curious to notice how much he was missed in the house. Some missed his kindliness; some his quaint humorousness; some his punctuality, by which they set their watches; and Mrs. Howard seemed actually to feel the want of that sarcastic tone which made the sauce piquante of her dainty food. Where he actually went no one knew, but in four days he returned, looking more bilious and acting more crotchety than ever; but with an exhilaration of spirits that showed the marvellous effect of country air.
The day after his return, two men, wrapped in cloaks and wearing slouched hats, entered the butcher’s shop in —— Street. Giving a nod in passing to the man at the counter, the two proceeded up stairs, and took a seat at one of the back windows. The blinds were carefully drawn down, and they seated themselves as if to note all that passed in the low, one-story building, which opened upon a narrow paved alley directly beneath the window.
“Do you know that we shall have a fearful settlement to make if this turns out to be all humbug?” said the younger man, as they took their station.
“Any satisfaction which you are willing to claim, I am ready to make, in case I am mistaken; but—look there.”
As he spoke, a female wearing a large black cloak and thick veil entered the opposite house. Instantly a shout of joy burst from the children, and as the old woman rose to drop the blind at the window, they caught sight of the two merry little ones pulling at the veil and cloak of the mysterious lady.
“Did you see her face?” asked the old man.
“No, it was turned away from the window.”
“Then have patience for a while.”
Nearly an hour elapsed, and then the door again opened to admit the egress of a person, apparently less of stature than the woman
