For the first time, within fifteen years, he realized
the folly and imprudence of the course he had pursued. The evening
previous he had lost a thousand dollars, for which he had given his
I O U. Where to raise this money, he did not know. He bathed his
aching head, and cursed his ill luck, in no measured terms. After
making his toilet, he rang the bell, and ordered breakfast.
For this he had but scanty appetite. Scarcely had he finished, and
directed the removal of the dishes, than the servant entered to
announce a visitor.
"Is it a gentleman?" he inquired, hastily, fearing it might be a
creditor. He occasionally had such visitors.
"No, sir."
"A lady?"
"No, sir."
"A child? But what could a child want of me?"
"If it's neither a gentleman, lady, nor child," said Somerville,
somewhat surprised, "will you have the goodness to inform me who it
is?"
"It's a woman, sir," said the servant, grinning.
"Why didn't you say so when I asked you?" said his employer,
irritably.
"Because you asked if it was a lady, and this isn't--at least she
don't look like one."
"You can send her up, whoever she is," said Mr. Somerville.
A moment afterwards Peg entered the apartment.
John Somerville looked at her without much interest, supposing that
she might be a seamstress, or laundress, or some applicant for
charity.
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