Here Malcolm discharged the cab and entered the hotel, leading Eudora, and followed by a porter carrying her box.
He asked to be shown into a private sitting-room, and ordered breakfast immediately for two.
The waiter hastened to obey; and while breakfast was being prepared, Malcolm persuaded Eudora to lay off her bonnet and shawl, and repose in an easy-chair.
A comfortable meal of coffee, muffins, fresh eggs and ham was soon spread, and Malcolm led his companion to the table, saying:
“Come, eat, dear Eudora; nature must be sustained, even through the direst afflictions.”
She drank a cup of coffee, and ate an egg and a small piece of bread. When breakfast was over, Malcolm said:
“You will stop and rest here for an hour, dearest, while I take a walk in search of suitable lodgings for you. You will not be anxious or frightened to be left alone?”
“I will try not to be so,” she answered.
He pressed her hand and left the parlor.
As he passed through the coffee-room on his way out, he heard the visitors and loungers discussing the news in that morning’s Times. Some topic of unusual interest seemed to occupy them. Malcolm’s heart stood still as he caught some detached portions of their conversation.