"Thank you, Miss Dumont," said Vernon. "You are too generous; but, be assured, your confidence shall not be abused."
It was determined that Vernon should immediately depart for Vicksburg, whither Maxwell had gone.
CHAPTER XXII.
"He gives me leave to attend you,
And is impatient till he sees you."
SHAKSPEARE.
It was the afternoon of the same day, as Dr. Vaudelier was reclining upon a rustic seat near the landing, he was surprised by the appearance of a canoe coming down the creek. The canoe contained an elderly gentleman, and a negro, who, after several unsuccessful attempts, succeeded in landing the passenger upon the little pier. He was about fifty years of age, apparently. His hair and whiskers were a mixture of gray and black; his countenance was full, and his complexion florid, which contrasted oddly with the green spectacles that rested upon his nose.
"Do I have the honor of addressing Dr. Vaudelier?" said, the stranger, in a tone so soft and silky that the doctor could hardly persuade himself it did not proceed from a woman.
"That is my name, sir; and to whom am I indebted for this unexpected pleasure?"
"De Guy, sir,—Antoine De Guy, at your service," squeaked the visitor, with whom the reader is already acquainted.
"Well, sir, may I inquire the object of your visit?"