the bell and quietly looped back the heavy
crimson curtains.

"What is that for? Have you sent for John or old Nellie to carry me
upstairs, like other bad boys sent to bed in disgrace without even the cold
comfort of supper?"

"Hush, Hugh! hush."

Turning to John, who opened the door and looked in, she said--

"Tell William to make some strong coffee as soon as possible. Mas' Hugh has
a headache, and wants some before he leaves."

"Thank you, my angel! my unapproachable Peri! Ugh! how cold it is. Pardon
me, but I really must warm my feet."

He threw them carelessly on the fender of the grate.

"Shall I get you a pair of slippers?"

"Could not afford the luxury; positively have not the time to indulge
myself."

With a prolonged yawn he laid his head back and closed his eyes. An
expression of disgust was discernible in his companion's countenance, but
it passed like the shadow of a summer cloud, and she sat down at the
opposite side of the fireplace, with her eyes bent upon the hearth, and the
long silky lashes sweeping her cheeks. A silence of some minutes ensued;
finally she exclaimed--

"Here comes your coffee. Put the waiter on the table, John, and tell Andrew
to take Mas' Hugh's buggy."

"Do nothing of the kind! but send somebody to open that everlasting gate,
which would not have disgraced ancient Thebes. Are you classical, John? Be
off, and see about it; I must start in five minutes."

"Hugh, be reasonable for once in your life; you are not in a proper
condition to drive that horse. For my sake, at least, be persuaded to wait
till morning. Will you not remain, to oblige me?"

"Oh, hang my condition! I tell you I must and I will go, if all the stars
fall and judgment day overtakes me on the road. What splendid coffee you
always have! The most fastidious of bashaws could not find it in his
Moorish heart to complain."

He put on his hat, buttoned his costly fur coat, and, flourishing his whip,
came close to his cousin.

"Good-bye, beauty. I hate to leave you; upon my word I do; but duty before
pleasure, my heavenly-eyed monitress. I have not had my Christmas present
yet, and have it I will."

"On one condition, Hugh; that you drive cautiously and moderately, instead
of thundering down hills and over bridges like some express train behind
time. Will you promise?"

"To be sure I will! everything in the world; and am ready to swear it, if
you are sceptical."

"Well, then, good-bye, Hugh, and take