When the smile broke forth every shutter was
flung wide to the pouring sunlight, and every window full of flowers
and laughing children. Then instantly and without warning the house
was blank, lifeless, and shuttered once more, leaving you helplessly
apologetic that you had ever been guilty of the fatuity of associating
anything but death and gloom with its appearance.
To young Mr. Dunn it was extremely disconcerting to discover himself
smiling genially into a face of the severest gravity, and eyes that
rebuked him for his untimely levity. "Oh, I beg pardon," exclaimed Mr.
Dunn hastily, "I thought--"
"Not at all, Sir," replied Mr. Rae. "As I was saying, I have observed
from time to time the distinctions you have achieved in the realm of
athletics. And that reminds me of my business with you to-day,--a sad
business, a serious business, I fear." The solemn impressiveness of
Mr. Rae's manner awakened in Mr. Dunn an awe amounting to dread. "It is
young Cameron, a friend of yours, I believe, Sir."
"Cameron, Sir!" echoed Dunn.
"Yes, Cameron. Does he, or did he not have a place on your team?"
Dunn sat upright and alert. "Yes, Sir. What's the matter, Sir?"
"First of all, do you know where he is? I have tried his lodgings. He is
not there. It is important that I find him to-day, extremely important;
in fact, it is necessary; in short, Mr.
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