"
XIX.
WEDDING ARRANGEMENTS.
"I had recognized his step," continued Mohun, "but I did not move or
turn my head, for I had not recovered from my feeling of ill humor
toward the faithful retainer. I allowed him to approach me, and then
said coldly, without looking at him--
"'Who is that?'
"'I, sir,' said Nighthawk, in a trembling voice.
"'What do you want?'
"'I wish to speak to you, sir.'
"'I am not at leisure.'
"'I _must_ speak to you, sir.'
"I wheeled round in my chair, and looked at him. His pallor was
frightful.
"'What does all this mean?' I said, coldly, 'this is a singular
intrusion.'
"'I would not intrude upon you, if it was not necessary sir,' he said,
in an agitated voice, 'but I must speak to you to-night!'
"There was something in his accent which frightened me, I knew not why.
"'Well speak!' I said, austerely, 'but be brief!'
"'As brief as I can, sir; but I must tell you all. If you strike me
dead at your feet, I must tell you all, sir!'
"In spite of myself I shuddered.
"'Speak!' I said, 'what does this mean, Nighthawk?' Why do you look
like a ghost at me?'
"He came up close to me.
"'What I have to tell you concerns your honor and your life, sir!' he
said, in a low tone.
"I gazed at him in speechless astonishment.
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