United States or Suriname ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"There is no use, in any case, to disturb the harmony of a festive evening, my son; all complaints may well be deferred until the morning, when I shall be ready to hear them," replied Mr. Middleton, smiling, and never suspecting how serious the offense of Alfred Burghe had been. "And now," he continued, turning towards the band, "strike up the music, professor!
"You mistake, Miss Merlin," retorted Burghe, with a hot flush upon his brow, "I do not refer to that boyish frolic, for it was no more! I refer to "
John and James, being generous rivals, saw this well-merited advancement without "envy, hatred or malice"; but to Alfred ind Benjamin Burghe it was as gall and wormwood. Walter was, of course, as yet much in advance of Ishmael; but, in placing the boys together, Mr. Middleton had said: "Now, Walter, you are about to be put upon your very best mettle.
Passing near the hall where the footmen waited, she spoke to one of them, saying: "Powers, attend that gentleman to the front door." All this was done so quietly that Alfred Burghe was able to slink from the room, unobserved by anyone except the little group around the sofa, whom he had been entertaining with his calumnies.
He went upstairs and found seated in his office a beardless youth in uniform, who arose and saluted him, saying, as he handed a folded note: "I have the honor to be the bearer of a challenge, sir, from my friend and superior officer, Captain Burghe."
Ishmael who was partly concealed by his stooping position behind the horse, now raised his head, and saw two young gentlemen of about twelve and fourteen years of age, whom he recognized as the sons of Commodore Burghe, by having seen them often at church in the commodore's pew.
While they were all standing, grouped in this way, to receive all comers, Judge Merlin approached, smiling, and accompanied by an officer in the uniform of the United States army, whom he presented in these words: "Claudia, my love, I bring you an old acquaintance a very old acquaintance Captain Burghe."
"Then I will confer it upon you!" said Claudia very gravely. "Mr. Worth, I hope you will permit me to present to you Captain Burghe. Captain Burghe, Mr. Worth, of the Washington bar." Ishmael bowed with courtesy; but Alfred Burghe grew violently red in the face, and with a short nod turned away. "Captain Burghe has a bad memory, my lord!" said Claudia, turning to the viscount.
She could not positively say that she was glad to see Alfred Burghe; but she could give him her hand and say: "I hope you are well, Mr. Burghe." "Captain! Captain, my dear! he commands a company now! Lord Vincent permit me Captain Burghe." A haughty bow from the viscount and a reverential one from the captain acknowledged this presentation. Then Mrs.
"That is enough; indeed the finding of the articles upon Alfred's person was enough," said Mr. Middleton. "I think this poor boy's word ought to have been enough!" said Claudia. "And now, sir!" continued Mr. Middleton, turning to Master Burghe; "you have been convicted of theft, falsehood, and cowardice yes, and of the meanest falsehood and the basest cowardice I ever heard of.
Word Of The Day