Swancourt was not able to receive him that evening, and gave the
reason why. Mr. Smith replied, in a voice boyish by nature and
manly by art, that he was very sorry to hear this news; but that
as far as his reception was concerned, it did not matter in the
least.
Stephen was shown up to his room. In his absence Elfride
stealthily glided into her father's.
'He's come, papa. Such a young man for a business man!'
'Oh, indeed!'
'His face is--well--PRETTY; just like mine.'
'H'm! what next?'
'Nothing; that's all I know of him yet. It is rather nice, is it
not?'
'Well, we shall see that when we know him better. Go down and
give the poor fellow something to eat and drink, for Heaven's
sake. And when he has done eating, say I should like to have a
few words with him, if he doesn't mind coming up here.'
The young lady glided downstairs again, and whilst she awaits
young Smith's entry, the letters referring to his visit had better
be given.
1.--MR. SWANCOURT TO MR. HEWBY.
'ENDELSTOW VICARAGE, Feb. 18, 18--.
'SIR,--We are thinking of restoring the tower and aisle of the
church in this parish; and Lord Luxellian, the patron of the
living, has mentioned your name as that of a trustworthy architect
whom it would be desirable to ask to superintend the work.
'I am exceedingly ignorant of the necessary preliminary steps.
Probably, however, the first is that (should you be, as Lord
Luxellian says you are, disposed to assist us) yourself or some
member of your staff come and see the building, and report
thereupon for the satisfaction of parishioners and others.
Pages:
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33