'Then show up these gentlemen to them at once. You stay here to-
night, gentlemen, I presume? Shall the horses be taken out?'
'Feed the horses and wash their mouths. Whether we stay or not
depends upon circumstances,' said the placid younger man, as he
followed his uncle and the waiter to the staircase.
'I think, Nephew James,' said the former, as he paused with his foot
on the first step--'I think we had better not be announced, but take
them by surprise. She may go throwing herself out of the window, or
do some equally desperate thing!'
'Yes, certainly, we'll enter unannounced.' And he called back the
lad who preceded them.
'I cannot sufficiently thank you, James, for so effectually aiding
me in this pursuit!' exclaimed the old gentleman, taking the other
by the hand. 'My increasing infirmities would have hindered my
overtaking her to-night, had it not been for your timely aid.'
'I am only too happy, uncle, to have been of service to you in this
or any other matter. I only wish I could have accompanied you on a
pleasanter journey. However, it is advisable to go up to them at
once, or they may hear us.' And they softly ascended the stairs.
On the door being opened, a room too large to be comfortable, lit by
the best branch-candlesticks of the hotel, was disclosed, before the
fire of which apartment the truant couple were sitting, very
innocently looking over the hotel scrap-book and the album
containing views of the neighbourhood.
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