“For the Lord’s sake, Mr. William, what is the matter? What has happened? Have you received bad news?”
“Yes, Annie, very bad news. The very worst that could have come to me. I have received this telegram, summoning me immediately to my mother’s sick bed. Ah! her deathbed, I have every reason to fear,” said the young man.
But he did not read this telegram to her, as he had read the first because this one was written and directed as follows to the address he had left with the Wynthrops:
“Lone Lodge, Logwood, Md., May 1, 187—.
“To Mr. William Harcourt, care of Mr. William Williams, 110 Drouse Street, New York City: Come without delay. Your mother is very ill.
“Margaret Wynthrop.”
No, he could not read that telegram to Annie.
“Oh, Mr. William, I am so very sorry. When shall you start?” she inquired, full of interest and sympathy.
“The last train for to-night would be gone before I could reach Jersey City. By the first train to-morrow I must leave.”
“And the child, Mr. William? You will leave her with me, I hope. I will take good care of her.”