voyages. It is proof, my good woman, that he has something in him. And
if he should bring home a fortune, you know. Oh, he'd have so many
friends. Don't weep, my good woman, don't weep. He'll be such a joy to
you when he comes home. And I will encourage Mattie to think of nobody
else."




CHAPTER XII.

A STRANGE GENTLEMAN.


Angeline had just recovered from her grief, and was setting strawberries
and cream before her visitors, when a loud knock was heard at the door,
which Hanz proceeded to open; when a tall, well-dressed man, with dark,
well kept hair, piercing black eyes, features of great regularity, and
having the manners of a gentleman, entered and introduced himself as Mr.
Luke Topman, just from New York. "I am a stranger to you all here," he
said, in a deep, clear voice, "and I owe you an apology for calling at
this seemingly late hour. I said I was a stranger," he repeated, "but
the business I am on may make us acquaintances." The stranger stood for
a moment, with his eyes fixed on Chapman. Still no recognition passed,
and their manner was that of strangers who had never met before.

The figures here grouped together were of the most opposite kind, and
presented a picture at once striking and effective. A table stood in the
centre of the little room, and on it burned a candle, casting a pale and
shadowy light over and giving clearer outline to each figure. There was