Roxy Hastings — page 175: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

166 ROXY HASTINGS. | — and knocked at the-door of her guest, who, after a little delay, came to the keyhole and inquired who was there. “It is I, Mr. Hartley,” said the widow, “you are sick, I know, for we have heard you up a good while.” “'Y-yes, I have been worse, and I have been opening the windows, front and back, to get a little air. I’m better now, thank you.” ‘‘T shall certainly call on one of the girls and send for my doctor, Mr. Hartley. I know you ought to have him.” “By no means, mum. I’m much obliged—but V’m very much better, and I should not see him if he came. I don’t believe in doctors.” After a little further colloquy, Mrs. Lee retired satisfied that she had done her whole duty, and her lodger resumed his work with increased caution and silence. | The interruption had occurred almost at the moment that the trunk had been forced open, and the inquisitive man now began hastily to explore the interior. One of the first objects which met his view was an oblong metallic box, about a foot long and eight or ten inches in width and depth, locked and rather heavy. : It was the depository of Charles’ bonds, and the burglar placed it carefully upon a chair, while he looked further, and fished up from the bottom of the trunk an old disabled - watch, and a few trinkets, which he slipped into his pockets without close inspection. He then wrapped the tin box up in his pocket handkerchief, for he did not dare to force it open, and retiring to his room on tiptoe, he remained per- fectly quiet for two full hours, after which he descended and let himself out at the front door without difficulty. The widow’s slumbers were peaceful for the remainder of the night, and so were Laura’s, who was upin good season the next morning, superintending the breakfast preparations, for her brother’s friend and rescuer, for whose appearance below stairs they waited long in vain. One of the servants had found the front door unlocked in the morning, but not doubting that it was the result of her own remissness on the preceding night, she was care- ful not to mention so trifling a circumstance. Breakfast waited long for Louis Hartley—so long that Laura became impatient, but still the mother refused to have him disturbed. | | “ He has been awake half the night,” she said. “ Pray let him sleep a little now. It is better than medicine.” | “ But it is after nine and everything will be spoiled,” comicbooks.com