driven to "The Pines." On arriving at the
gate of a modest farm-house, a few miles from the station, the young man
descended with difficulty from the carriage, and, casting a hasty
glance across the road, seemed much impressed by some peculiarity in
the landscape. Again leaning on the shoulder of the person Watkins,
he walked to the door of the farm-house and inquired 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!

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