So far our profligate had written to his brother profligate, when
a tap was heard at the entrance of his chamber. Thrusting the
written papers into his portfolio, he rose, and opening the door
discovered his hostess at the entrance.

"I came, Brother Stevens," said the old lady, "if you not too busy
in your studies, to have a little talk with you, and to get your
counsel upon a subject that a little distresses me. But you look
as if you were busy now--"

"Not too busy, Mrs. Hinkley, to oblige you in this or in any other
respect," replied the guest with suitable suavity of expression--"shall
I attend you down stairs."

"Oh! no! it won't need," said she. "I'll take a seat with you
awhile. We shall be less liable to interruption here."

Stevens scarcely repressed his smile, but the seniority of the old
lady made her proceedings very innocent, however much they might
have been adverse to the rules. He threw wide the door, and without
more hesitation she followed him at once into the chamber.






CHAPTER X.