She ran hurriedly over to herself the tiresome intricacies that followed, till she came to the end, where a brief postscript ran,—
“As your name is amongst those to be reduced in consequence
of the late Treasury order regarding the Customs, Mr. Dunn
hopes you will lose no time in providing yourself with
another employment, to which end he will willingly
contribute any aid in his power.”
A wild, hysterical burst of laughter broke from Kellett as she ceased.
“Isn't there any more good news, Bella? Look over it carefully, darling, and you 'll surely discover something else.”
The terrible expression of his face shocked her, and she could make no reply.
“I 'll wager a crown, if you search well, you 'll see something about sending me to jail, or, maybe, transporting me.—Who's that knocking at the door there?” cried he, angrily, as a very loud noise resounded through the little cottage.
“'T is a gentleman without wants to speak to the master,” said the old woman, entering.
“I 'm engaged, and can't see anybody,” rejoined Kellett, sternly.
“He says it's the same if he could see Miss Bella,” reiterated the old woman.
“He can't, then; she 's engaged too.”