The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 121: what you’re looking at

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104 REYNOLDS’ WORKS girl could searcely be said to have increased, for it had already reached the point at which it had become the purest and sincerest love. But he saw that some mystery enveloped her, and he was curious to fathom it. On returning to his lodging, between five and six o’cloek in the evening, aiter receiving his salary from Baron Farthen- less, he found a well-dressed but by no means agreeable- looking man knocking at the door of Mr. Chubb’s house. The summons was not immediately answered, and Christian accordingly waited on the steps with this individual, who surveyed him, as he thought, in a rather suspicious manner. He was a person of about forty years of age, by no means good-looking, clothed in black, and exhibiting great neatness and carefulness of toilet. Presently the door opened, and the servant-girl, evidently recognizing the visitor, conducted him into the parlour, while Christian repaired to his own room. About half an hour afterward, Mrs. Chubb made her ap- pearance before her youthful lodger, and he at once saw by her countenance that something had troubled her. ‘This countenance of hers was never the sweetest in its expression, and therefore when anything did transpire to put her out - it was vixenish and disagreeable to a degree. ““T am come, Mr. Ashton,” she said, “‘ to beg that you will suit yourself with other apartments as soon as possible — this very evening, if so be you can; and in course, 1f you insist upon it, I sha’n’t claim the week’s rent which is due, because I am not giving you a week’s notice.”’ “But what is the meaning of this?’ inquired Christian, perfectly astonished as well as hurt by the suddenness of the proceeding. ‘Never mind, sir. I have got no explanations to give — leastways there is no call to have any words about it; but as a gentleman I trust you will do me this faviour at once.” “Mrs. Chubb,’’? answered Christian, half-indignant and half-remonstrating, ‘‘it is impossible you can treat me in such a manner without explaining your conduct. Ii my own behaviour has been improper or discourteous to yourself or any one beneath your roof — ”’ ‘“ Well, sir,” interrupted Mrs. Chubb, softening somewhat, ‘“there’s no fault to find with your conduct: you're a gen- tleman, and you behaved as sich. But I do beg this faviour CONNIE OO KS (E(0) m