CHAPTER VI.
A DAY AT CHRISTIANSAND.
“But, madam, your steamer seems to be on the point of starting,” suggested Mr. Lowington, as the Orlando rang her bell, and whistled violently.
“I cannot help it,” replied the lady, apparently taking no notice of the steamer. “I came over here on a pleasure excursion, and now I feel as though I had lost my son.”
“Lost him, madam! We intend to save him,” laughed Mr. Lowington. “But we have no claim upon him. If you desire to leave in the steamer, the boatswain shall put the boy on board whether he is willing or not.”
“No, no; that would be very, very harsh. Let the steamer go. This matter is of vastly more consequence than going to Christiania. James,” she added, turning to the man in livery, “you will take the boat, get our baggage from the steamer, and take it to the hotel on shore.”
“Yes, mem,” replied James, as he very deliberately went over the side into the boat.
“This will be a sad day to me, sir,” continued Mrs. Blacklock, as she glanced at her son, who was whistling an air from the last opera, as indifferent as though his mother had been at peace in her own drawing-room.
“I beg to repeat, madam, that I have not the slightest wish to take your son into this institution.”