A worse, or more sinister aspect, I have seldom, during the course of my life, beheld.
In answer to her inquiry, I informed her that Mr.Moncton was at home, but particularly engaged; and had given orders for no one to be admitted to his study before noon.
With a look of bitter disappointment, she then asked to speak to Mr.
Theophilus.
"He has just left for France, and will not return for several years." "Gone!--and I am too late," she muttered to herself.

"If I cannot see the son, I _must_ and _will_ speak to the father." "Your business, then, was with Mr.Theophilus ?" said I, no longer able to restrain my curiosity; for I was dying to learn something of the strange being whose presence had given my friend Harrison's nerves such a sudden shock.
"Impertinent boy!" said she with evident displeasure.

"Who taught you to catechise your elders?
Go, and tell your employer that _Dinah North_ is here; and _must_ see him immediately." As I passed the dark nook in which Harrison was playing at hide and seek, he laid his hand upon my arm, and whispered in French, a language he spoke fluently, and in which he had been giving me lessons for some time, "My happiness is deeply concerned in yon hag's commission.

Read well Moncton's countenance, and note down his words, while you deliver her message, and report your observations to me." I looked up in his face with astonishment.

His countenance was livid with excitement and agitation, and his whole frame trembled.