At the appointed time, Mr. and Mrs. Burton arrived. Being, as yet, ignorant of the purpose for which their presence was desired, they were full of conjectures. Miss Jemima received them in the dining-room, downstairs. The first question they asked related to “Cobbler” Horn’s health. “Was he worse?”
“No,” said Miss Jemima; “he is much better. But he wishes to consult you about a matter of great importance.”
Then, upon their protesting that they were in no immediate need of refreshment, Miss Jemima conducted her visitors upstairs to her brother’s room.
Though “Cobbler” Horn had not been to sleep since the morning, he was greatly refreshed by the quiet hours he had passed. He turned to greet Mr. and Mrs. Burton, as they came in.
“This is very good of you,” he said, putting out his hand.
Miss Jemima placed chairs for the visitors, and they took their seats near the bed.
“I think I must sit up,” said “Cobbler” Horn.
Miss Jemima helped him to raise himself upon his pillows, and then sat down on a chair at the opposite side of the bed.
“There now,” said “the Golden Shoemaker,” “we shall do finely. But, Jemima, how about our friend, Tommy?”
“He’ll be here directly” was the concise reply.