In quicker time than could have been anticipated, the door was opened to Pierre by Mr. Falsgrave in person, holding a candle, and invested in his very becoming student’s wrapper of Scotch plaid.
“For heaven’s sake, what is the matter, Mr. Glendinning?”
“Heaven and earth is the matter, sir! shall we go up to the study?”
“Certainly, but—but—”
“Well, let us proceed, then.”
They went up-stairs, and soon found themselves in the clergyman’s retreat, and both sat down; the amazed host still holding the candle in his hand, and intently eying Pierre, with an apprehensive aspect.
“Thou art a man of God, sir, I believe.”
“I? I? I? upon my word, Mr. Glendinning!”
“Yes, sir, the world calls thee a man of God. Now, what hast thou, the man of God, decided, with my mother, concerning Delly Ulver?”
“Delly Ulver! why, why—what can this madness mean?”