"Heigh-ho! my little hypocrite, you never can keep a secret, you say. Is that the truth?" And she held a card towards me.
"I never had any secrets to keep, Lizzy, so I don't know how much strength I possess."
"Well here, then—'Joseph Dushey, St. Louis, Mo.'"
"Upon my word, Lizzy, I know no more about this gentleman than yourself. Does he wish to see me?"
"That he does, and is waiting your ladyship's presence in the parlour."
"Some business relating to the school," I said. "I must not keep him waiting."
So to the parlour I went, and soon found myself in the presence of a gentleman upon whom nature had put her unmistakeable sign of nobility. His address and manner were those of one accustomed to refined society, and his ease and suavity quite overcame my own timidity. But, after a few minutes' general conversation, it was his turn to become embarrassed; and, after apologizing for interference in my private affairs, he said that, hearing that an engagement of marriage existed between myself and Dr. Vandorsen, he had felt it his duty to expose the character of the Doctor. It was painful, but it seemed to him an act of justice and mercy. He then related the history of this adventurer—a reckless swindler, ingratiating himself into the favour of others, and then repaying kindness with black ingratitude. "I have often," he said, "from regard to his father, helped him to money. He is owing me now; and, learning that I was in the vicinity, he invented the account of the sham robbery, which he says took place on Saturday evening." He then placed in my hands the papers containing proofs of that which he had asserted, and again, with much delicacy, apologized for his intrusion.
I thanked him most sincerely for what he had done, and assuring him that no such engagement existed between us, yet these papers were valuable as guarding against future trouble for others.
He allowed me to retain them. On going to my room I sat down and examined them carefully, and blessed God that I had it in my power to save Lizzy from a dreadful sacrifice. I laid them aside, determined to place them in the hands of Mr. Warner in the morning.