Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art
Various, Robert William Chambers, William Chambers
eBook
(Unknow, Aug. 25, 2014)
Example in this ebookTHE LAST OF THE HADDONS.By Mrs NEWMAN, Author of 'Too Late,' &c.CHAPTER I.—'INCONGRUOUS MATERIALS.''No. 81. Yes; this must certainly be the house,' I murmured, turning my eyes somewhat disappointedly towards it again, after consulting an address in my hand. A large, gloomy, dilapidated-looking house, in a respectably dull street in Westminster, its lower windows facing a dead-wall, and its upper ones overlooking venerable ecclesiastical grounds. The lower rooms appeared to be the only portion of the house which was occupied; and, to judge by the shabbiness of the blinds, they were kept but in a mean condition. None the less dreary was the present aspect of the house for the suggestions of by-gone prosperity in the noble proportions of the entrance, with its link-extinguishers on either side, and great massive doors opening from the centre. It would require a vivid imagination to picture those doors flung hospitably open, and light and warmth from within streaming down upon a gay party of the present generation, alighting before the broad steps.'Not very promising,' was my mental comment, as I gathered courage to ascend the steps and lift the heavy iron wreath of flowers, which used to be considered high-art in the way of knockers. Nor was I certain that the house was inhabited at all, until I heard footsteps within, and presently one of the doors was opened a few inches and a bony hand thrust out.'A pretty time this to be bringing coffee that was wanted for breakfast!''Does Mr Wentworth live here?'A tall, thin, grim-visaged woman looked out, and shortly replied: 'Yes; he does.''Is he at home? Can I see him?''He's at home,' she slowly and reluctantly admitted: adding, as she determinedly blocked up the doorway: 'But he can't see anybody; he's engaged.''Please give this card to Mr Wentworth, and say'——'If it's the advertisement, you should have come before. Ten to twelve was the time.''Please give this card to Mr Wentworth, and'——'It won't be any use.''And say I shall be greatly obliged if he will see me for five minutes.'Evidently this was a woman accustomed to have her way, at anyrate with such callers as came there. The very novelty of my persistence seemed for the moment to disconcert her, as she eyed me from beneath her bent brows before replying: 'Haven't I just told you?'To be continue in this ebook..................................................................................