CHAPTER XXXI.
| "I do beseech you, send for the lady, And let her speak." Othello. |
"Send the girl, Minny, to me," said Mr. Delancey to Della, as she was about leaving the breakfast-table, to go to her own room, the morning after Wilkins' visit to her father.
Mr. Delancey, as was usual with him, had said not a word with regard to his interview with Wilkins, but he had thought of it deeply, and was now prepared to act.
Della flew to her room.
"Minny, dear Minny, papa wants you. He sent me for you, and I am certain something terrible is about to happen, his eyes look so strangely. I know Bernard must have come last night, as he said he would, and that is what has made papa seem so silent and angry. He wants to ask you about everything. Oh, Minny, tell him what you choose, but don't give up my precious letters—don't!"
Della sank sobbing upon a chair, and Minny, pale as a
ghost, glided away, and entered the apartment where Mr. Delancey awaited her.
"So, girl, you have chosen to play the go-between for your mistress and a worthless fellow?"