The enemy having retreated, Ben sat down in an arm-chair, and, picking up a paper, began to read.
He had not long to wait. Five minutes had scarcely passed when a man of middle age entered the office. His manner showed that he belonged there.
"If you're Mr. Sampson," said Ben, approaching him, "here is a letter for you."
"That is my name," said the gentleman, opening the note at once.
"You come from Mrs. Abercrombie," he said, glancing at Ben, as he finished reading it.
"Yes, sir," said Ben.
"How did she happen to select you as her messenger?"
"I went up there this morning to carry a valise."
"I have a great mind to send you back to her with an answer; but I hesitate on one account."
"What is that?" asked Ben.