“Thank you; your compliments are not of a particularly ‘sweet’ nature,” she answered, scornfully.
“Your uncle says he shall follow his letter immediately; he may arrive at any hour. What shall we do with him?” asked Mr. Richards, taking no notice of her sarcasm.
“I don’t know—I don’t care. Tell him that the house is full of company—anything you please; only mind, I will not be burdened with a half blind, decrepit old man;” and the excited woman flounced angrily from the room, leaving her husband sitting alone in sad and troubled thought.
CHAPTER X.
THE UNWELCOME GUEST.
On the very evening of the day of that spirited discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Richards regarding the coming of the latter’s uncle, a railway carriage stopped before the door of their mansion, and an old man alighted.
He was dusty and travel-stained; his hair and beard were white as snow; his clothing—a common business suit—considerably the worse for the wear; while he wore a dark-green visor or shade over his eyes, and appeared both weary and feeble.
He inquired of the servant who answered his ring for Mrs. Richards, and was told in an indifferent, almost impudent, manner that she was “engaged.”
“Humph!” ejaculated the visitor, lifting the green shade and giving the man a keen look; “where is your master?”
“In the library,” was the rather more respectful answer.
“Show me the way there,” commanded the stranger, authoritatively; and the servant turned with a subdued air to obey him, recognizing at once his superior in spite of the travel-stained, shabby clothing.