THE SCARLET CHAMBER.
Having once more resumed the attire of Leo the Tenth,—scarlet robe, cap, with nodding plumes and cross with golden chain; Dr. Bulgin was hurrying along a dark passage on his way to the Scarlet Chamber, where his nephew awaited him. The Scarlet Chamber was at the end of the passage; as he drew near it, the Doctor's reflections grew more pleasant and comfortable. It may be as well to make record, that after he had left the Bridal Chamber, he had refreshed himself with a fresh bottle of champagne.
"Odd scene that in the room of Tarleton's daughter! Very dramatic,—wish I knew what it all meant. However my 'nephew;'" a rich chuckle resounded from the depths of his chest—"'my nephew' awaits me, and after another bottle in the Scarlet Chamber, I must see her safely home. It is not such a bad world after all."
Thus soliloquizing he arrived at the end of the passage, and his head was laid against the door of the Scarlet Chamber.
"Cozy place,—bottle of wine,—good company—"
"Hush!" whispered a voice.
"That you Julia? What are you doing out here in the dark?" he wound his arms about his nephew's waist. "Waiting for me?"
"Do not,—do not," she gasped, struggling to free herself from his arms,—"Do not enter,—"
"Tush, child! you're nervous,—" and despite the struggles, he gathered his arm closer around her waist, pushed open the door and entered the Scarlet Room.
A quiet little apartment, lighted by a hanging lamp, whose mild beams softened the glare of the rich scarlet hangings. There was a sofa covered with red velvet, a table, on which stood a bottle, with two long necked glasses, and from an interval in the hangings, gleamed the vision of a snow-white couch. Altogether, a place worthy the private devotions of Leo the Tenth, or of any gentleman of his exquisite taste, and eccentric piety.