“We are indebted to that good woman for our prosperity,” replied Joey. “Do you know, Mary, that your money has multiplied so fast that I almost wish that you would take it away, lest by some accident it should be lost? I have brought you an account.”
“Let me have an account of yourself, my dear brother,” replied Mary; “I have no want of money; I am here well and happy.”
“So you must have been, for you look as young and handsome as when I last saw you, Mary. How is your mistress?”
“She is well, and would, I think, be happy, if it were not for the strange disease of Mr Austin, who secludes himself entirely, and will not even go outside of the park gates. He has become more overbearing and haughty than ever, and several of the servants have quitted within the last few months.”
“I have no wish to meet him, dear Mary, after what passed when I was here before? I will not put up with insolence from any man, even in his own house,” replied our hero.
“Do not speak so loud, his study is next to us, and that door leads to it,” replied Mary; “he would not say anything to you, but he would find fault with me.”
“Then you had better come to see me at the Austin Arms, where I am stopping.”
“I will come this evening,” replied Mary.
At this moment the door which led to the study was opened, and a voice was heard—
“Mary, I wish you would take your sweethearts to a more convenient distance.”