“Why, my good fellow, I hope you are not so green as not to know whether a theatrical performance was good or the contrary!” said the old bachelor, staring at him, whereupon the young gentleman felt himself necessitated to be somewhat less abstracted.
After breakfast he took up his hat with unexpressed intention to visit the scene of his discovery, and half formed hopes, and his uncle, having observed that in a stroll through the city he might see some books, or other such matters, which he would like to possess, kindly proffered him funds to purchase them.
Julius thanked him, and answered that he was provided with a sum, naming it, amply sufficient for the expenses of the three or four weeks he had proposed for the length of his visit.
“Don’t forget to be back again at twelve,” said Mr. Holcroft; “against that time I shall want you to go with me to see your cousin Etty.”
“Hang my cousin Etty!” thought Julius, but he said nothing, and, with a bow, he departed. On reaching the place where his thoughts had been all the morning, he examined the door, but could find no name, nor could he see a child or a servant within half a square, of whom he might have obtained information. But, crossing the street in his disappointment, he noticed on the first house before him, a large brass door-plate, inscribed “Boarding,” and actuated by the first suggestion of his fancy, he rang the bell, and inquired if he could obtain lodgings for a short time.
“My rooms are all taken, sir,—that is, all the best apartments,” replied the mistress of the mansion, presuming, from his appearance, that none but good accommodations would answer.
Julius paused a moment, but having gone so far, he concluded not to draw back. “I would be willing to put up with an inferior one, provided it is in the front of the house,” said he.
“The small room, in the third story, over the entrance, is vacant,” said the lady, hesitating to offer it.
“I’ll take it, madam,” he returned, and without further question or examination, he hastened to have his baggage brought. This he executed without the knowledge of his uncle, the old gentleman having rode out after breakfast.
He felt half ashamed of his precipitancy, when he saw his trunks deposited in a chamber, so filled up by a narrow bed, a washstand and a single chair, that there was hardly space enough for them, but on approaching the window, he beheld the blue mantilla descending from the steps of the house opposite, and he regarded himself as fully compensated for the sacrifice.