"The same, sir."
"And what brings you to my house to-night?"
"That which has never brought me here before, sir, and never will again—business of a strictly private nature."
Mr. Delancey looked somewhat disturbed, but drew a chair beside a large writing-desk, and motioning his visitor to be seated, placed himself in front of him.
"Nothing wrong about the last load of goods? No trouble with the boats, is there, Wilkins?"
"Nothing of the kind, sir; my business, as I told you, is of a strictly private nature."
"Proceed, I am ready to listen."
"And will you, sir, listen to me calmly; and make no sudden outbreaks or disturbance? I hate scenes, even with women, but with men, Heaven defend me!"
"I know of nothing you could say, sir, that would call forth any such ebullitions as you speak of; I am not a man of unnecessary words, as you well know."