“You are going to have some supper with me, of course?” suggested Laura.
“Umph, oh, yes,” he replied in a half hesitating manner.
Miss Stanbridge cast aside her opera cloak and stood before the young man in a costume of the most faultless description.
Her arms and the upper portion of her bust were bare, and Gatliffe was taken completely aback at the elegance of her attire and the beauty of her form.
He, however, said nothing, but sat down to supper, the girl waiting on her mistress and her visitor.
When the supper was over, and the things removed, Miss Stanbridge said to the girl—
“You may go to bed, Lucy. I shall not require you any more to-night. I will see my friend out. But stay, before you retire bring in a little hot water in the kettle.”
The girl did as she was required, and then took her way upstairs.
At the request of Laura Stanbridge Gatliffe lighted a cigar and mixed himself some grog.
An hour or more passed away.