"I have a minute of it I took down
immed'ately after the intervoo."
He lugged out his large pocket-book with the strap going all round it,
and took from it a slip of paper which confirmed his statement.
"Besides," he added, slyly, "I presoom you have received a liberal
pecooniary compensation from Squire Venner for nussin' his daughter."
Helen was looking over the bill while he was speaking.
"Board and lodging for ten days, Mr. Peckham,--whose board and lodging,
pray?"
The door opened before Silas Peckham could answer, and Mr. Bernard walked
into the parlor. Helen was holding the bill in her hand, looking as any
woman ought to look who has been at once wronged and insulted.
"The last turn of the thumbscrew!" said Mr. Bernard to himself.
"What is it, Helen? You look troubled."
She handed him the account.
He looked at the footing of it. Then he looked at the items. Then he
looked at Silas Peckham.
At this moment Silas was sublime. He was so transcendently unconscious
of the emotions going on in Mr.
Pages:
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688