for Mr. Edward Delaney. He was informed by
the aged man who answered his knock, that Mr. Edward Delaney had
gone to Boston the day before, but that Mr. Jonas Delaney was
within. This information did not appear satisfactory to the
stranger, who inquired if Mr. Edward Delaney had left any message
for Mr. John Flemming. There was a letter for Mr. Flemming if he
were that person. After a brief absence the aged man reappeared
with a Letter.
XVI.
EDWARD DELANEY TO JOHN FLEMMING.
September 1, 1872.
I am horror-stricken at what I have done! When I began this
correspondence I had no other purpose than to relieve the tedium of
your sick-chamber. Dillon told me to cheer you up. I tried to. I
thought that you entered into the spirit of the thing. I had no
idea, until within a few days, that you were taking matters au
grand serieux.
What can I say? I am in sackcloth and ashes. I am a pariah, a dog
of an outcast. I tried to make a little romance to interest you,
something soothing and idyllic, and, by Jove! I have done it only
too well! My father doesn't know a word of this, so don't jar the
old gentleman any more than you can help. I fly from the wrath to
come--when you arrive! For oh, dear Jack, there isn't any piazza,
there isn't any hammock--there isn't any Marjorie Daw!
Project Gutenberg Etext of Marjorie Daw by Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Pages:
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143