Kenelm Chillingly — Volume 02 by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
page 27 of 140 (19%)
page 27 of 140 (19%)
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"Protector."
Mr. Compton again eyed the messenger, and this time fully realizing the gladiatorial development of that dark stranger's physical form, he grew many shades paler, and involuntarily retreated towards the bell-pull. After a short pause, he said, "I am requested to call on the writer. If I do so, may I understand that the interview will be strictly private?" "So far as I am concerned, yes: on the condition that no attempt be made to withdraw the writer from the house." "Certainly not, certainly not; quite the contrary," exclaimed Mr. Compton, with genuine animation. "Say I will call in half an hour." "I will give your message," said Kenelm, with a polite inclination of his head; "and pray pardon me if I remind you that I styled myself the protector of your correspondent, and if the slightest advantage be taken of that correspondent's youth and inexperience or the smallest encouragement be given to plans of abduction from home and friends, the stage will lose an ornament and Herbert Compton vanish from the scene." With these words Kenelm left the player standing aghast. Gaining the street-door, a lad with a band-box ran against him and was nearly upset. "Stupid," cried the lad, "can't you see where you are going? Give this to Mrs. Compton." |
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