He must certainly have a
little plain talk with the child this morning, and, well, he could cry
"Ebenezer!" on his departure. With this conclusion, he softly rose, taking
care not to disturb his placidly sleeping wife, who never dreamed of waking
till nine.
Ruth generally waited for him for breakfast, but not seeing her around, he
went in and took a solitary meal. Sauntering out afterward toward the
hotel porch, his hat on, his stick under his are, and busily lighting a
cigar, he was met at the door of the billiard-room by one of the clerks.
"Dr. Kemp left this for you this morning," said he, holding out a small
envelope. A flush rose to the old gentleman's sallow cheek as he took it.
"Thank you," he said; "I believe I shall come in here for a few minutes."
He passed by the clerk and seated himself in a deep, cane-bottomed chair
near the window. He fumbled for the cord of his glasses in a slightly
nervous manner, and adjusted them hastily. The missive was addressed to
him, certainly; and with no little wonder he tore it open and read:--
BEACHAM'S Friday morning.
MR. LEVICE:
MY DEAR SIR,--Pardon the hurried nature of this communication, but I must
leave shortly on the in-coming train, having an important operation to
undertake this morning; otherwise I should have liked to prepare you more
fully, but time presses.
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