|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 56
"I do not think so," replied the voice.
"Who are you then?" stammered she.
"Sleep quietly, you shall not be disturbed."
Mistress Ulrica continued to feel for the bell cord. "I believe," said
she, "he wishes to murder me when I am asleep."
"Sleep quietly, I neither wish to steal nor to murder. I only wish to--"
The unfortunate cramp, which at her first terror had attacked Mrs.
Ulrica's throat, now suddenly disappeared, and she emitted a long and
loud scream; but no sooner had this been accomplished, than a large
brawny hand was placed roughly over her mouth.
"Please do that no more," said the voice, "or I shall be forced to be
troublesome, and do not look for the bell-rope, it would only be
disagreeable for you if the servants should enter the room now."
"What do you want then, fearful man?"
"To remain where I am. At present I want nothing further."
Suddenly a new light dawned in Mrs. Ulrica's brain. What if he should be
an unfortunate suitor for her love.
"How?" said she, forcing all her pride and dignity into her words, "how?
remain here? Sir, this is my bed-room."
"I am aware of the fact."
"And here no man has a right to enter except my husband."
"And myself," added the voice.
At this unexpected reply, the lady summoned courage to examine the
unabashed visitor more closely. He was an elegantly formed man, and as
he gazed at her with his expressive eyes, interest and repugnance were
both created within her heart. The repugnance was caused by the fact
that the man wore a blue frieze coat, which unfortunate garment at once
dispelled her romantic dreams.
"Will you explain the cause of this unheard of impertinence?"
"That cause will very soon arrive."
"Very soon? You did not seek me then?"
"Not precisely."
"Then probably you wish to see my husband?"
"Yes."
"Am I at all concerned, then?"
"Slightly."
"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Ulrica, who now remembered her strange visitor's
first observation, "there must be a mystery about this which I do not
understand. You remarked that you were the husband of another."
"True."
"And furthermore you said you had a right to seek my husband in this
room?"
"You certainly know your alphabet."
"Then you have--O, what will become of us!--you have--a demand to make
of my husband."
"No, he has a claim on me, and this I will pay back, principal and
interest."
"O, the monster! The crocodile! He has been untrue to me."
"Yes, both in heart and desire; but my wife is not one who cries out, or
attempts to pull the bell-rope. She commands respect without so much
trouble."
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|