" May Surry flits
through the old doorway and disappears.
As she goes the sun sinks behind the forest. But it will rise, as she
will, to-morrow!
The smiling Colonel Beverly meets me on the threshold, with a note in
his hand.
"A servant has just brought this," he says, "it is from your friend,
Mordaunt."
I opened the note and read the following words:--
"_My dear Surry_:--
"I send this note to await your appearance at the Oaks. Come and see
me. Some old friends will give you a cordial greeting, in addition to
"Your comrade,
"Mordaunt."
I had intended visiting Mordaunt in a day or two after my arrival. On
the very next morning I mounted my horse, and set out for the house in
the mountain, anxious to ascertain who the "old friends" were, to whom
he alluded.
In an hour I had come within sight of Mordaunt's mansion. Passing
through the great gate, I rode on between the two rows of magnificent
trees; approached the low mansion with its extensive wings,
overshadowed by the huge black oaks; dismounted; raised the heavy
bronze knocker, carved like the frowning mask of the old tragedians;
and letting it fall sent a peal of low thunder through the mansion.
Mordaunt appeared in a few moments; and behind him came dear Violet
Grafton, as I will still call her, smiling.
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