Volume I Part 26 (1/2)

My little Lily, I have lost your mother.

_Lily_.

Oh!

[_Beginning to weep_.]

She was so pretty, Somebody has stolen her.

_Julian_.

Will you go with me, And help me look for her?

_Lily_.

O yes, I will.

[_Clasping him round the neck_.]

But my head aches so! Will you carry me?

_Julian_.

Yes, my own darling. Come, we'll get your bonnet.

_Lily_.

Oh! you've been crying, father. You're so white!

[_Putting her finger to his cheek_.]

SCENE XI.--_A table in a club-room. Several_ Gentlemen _seated round it. To them enter another_.

_1st Gentleman_.

Why, Bernard, you look heated! what's the matter?

_Bernard_.

Hot work, as looked at; cool enough, as done.

_2nd G_.

A good ant.i.thesis, as usual, Bernard, But a sh.e.l.l too hard for the vulgar teeth Of our impatient curiosity.

_Bernard_.

Most unexpectedly I found myself Spectator of a scene in a home-drama Worth all stage-tragedies I ever saw.

_All_.

What was it? Tell us then. Here, take this seat.

[_He sits at the table, and pours out a gla.s.s of wine_.]

_Bernard_.

I went to call on Seaford, and was told He had gone to town. So I, as privileged, Went to his cabinet to write a note; Which finished, I came down, and called his valet.

Just as I crossed the hall I heard a voice-- ”The Countess Lamballa--is she here to-day?”

And looking toward the door, I caught a glimpse Of a tall figure, gaunt and stooping, drest In a blue shabby frock down to his knees, And on his left arm sat a little child.

The porter gave short answer, with the door For period to the same; when, like a flash, It flew wide open, and the serving man Went reeling, staggering backward to the stairs, 'Gainst which he fell, and, rolling down, lay stunned.