one. He knocked, but no answer came. He knocked again, and soon he heard a sash thrown up in the second story, and an astonished voice inquired who was there?
'It is Pierre Glendinning, and he desires an instant interview with the Reverend Mr. Falsgrave.'
'Do I hear right?—in heaven's name, what is the matter, young gentleman?'
'Everything is the matter; the whole world is the matter. Will you admit me, sir?'
'Certainly—but I beseech thee—nay, stay, I will admit thee.'
In quicker time than could have been anticipated, the door was opened to Pierre by Mr. Falsgrave in person, holding a candle, and invested in his very becoming student's wrapper of Scotch plaid.
'For heaven's sake, what is the matter, Mr. Glendinning?
'Heaven and earth is the matter, sir! shall we go up to the study?'
'Certainly, but—but——'
'Well, let us proceed, then.'
They went upstairs, and soon found themselves in the clergyman's retreat, and both sat down; the amazed host still holding the candle in his hand, and intently eyeing Pierre, with an apprehensive aspect.
'Thou art a man of God, sir, I believe.'
'I? I? I? upon my word, Mr. Glendinning!'
'Yes, sir, the world calls thee a man of God. Now, what hast thou, the man of God, decided, with my mother, concerning Delly Ulver?'
'Delly Ulver! why, why—what can this madness mean?'
'It means, sir, what have thou and my mother decided concerning Delly Ulver.'
'She?—Delly Ulver? She is to depart the neighbourhood; why, her own parents want her not.'
