"There! he has thrown the poker at the mirror again, I do believe," said another voice in the hall, and I recognized the housekeeper.
Staid Mrs. Ordilinier came in to greet me, with the uniform greeting of her lifetime. I verily believe that she has but one way of receiving. Electricity and bread-and-butter would meet the same recognitory reception.
"Did you hear that noise, Miss Anna?" she said, as another sound came, that was vastly like the shivering of glass.
"What was it, Mrs. Ordilinier?"
I gave her the question to gain information. I sought it,—but she, not disposed to gratify me at the moment, slowly ascended to ascertain the state of mirrors above. She met my father's silver hairs coming down. He did not say one word to her. He met me in the hall, took me back to the room, and, reseating me in my olden place, put his hand upon my head, and said,—
"This must help me, Anna."
"It will, papa; what is it?"
"I've a crazy man up-stairs. He can't do very much harm, for he is badly injured."
"How?" I asked.
"Railroad accident. Four days ago, locomotive and two passenger-cars off the track, down forty feet upon the rocks and stones, and all there was of a river," my father replied, with evident regret that the company had been so unfortunate, as well as his individual self.