Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
"Its Precepts Are Eternal;" Or , The Practice Of A Freemason's Daughter.
The following day passed off without any marked event ; but at noon , on the next , when he presented himself at the banker ' s house of business , he was civilly told by Herr Griit ' s head clerk , that his master was " extremely sorry to break his appointment with the English gentleman , but that he had been compelled to go into the country , and that his return was uncertain . "
"Ho ! ho ! " thought the visitor , "this is tantamount to a _ declaration of hostilities , or , at all events , is a broad hint that compromise is at an end . What may be the next move ?" That he was not long in ascertaining . In the
entrancehall _ of her dwelling stood Frau Pfeffer : her features impassive and apathetic as usual . The tidings she announced were startling enough : but to do that worthy lady justice , she detailed them with the same frigid indifference as she would have said , " Your dinner is waiting , " or , " Your coffee will be cold . "
Addressing Maurice specially , she said slowly , deliberately , and distinctly , " The emissaries of government have visited your apartment . The strictest search has been made . Your papers are seized . " "Why ?" The Frau shook her headbut spoke not .
, " On what grounds ? For what object ?" Another shake of the head , accompanied by the same silence , and the same hard , passionless expression of countenance .
" What have I done ? Of what am I accused ?" " I have no idea . " " You never have on any point , " said Maurice , peevishly . His heart smote him as he spoke ; and still more severely on gaining the door of his apartment , at which the Frau intercepted him , and accosting him in faultless English , and with earnestness
an and vivacity of which he had believed her incapable , exclaimed , — " See your ambassador without delay . Place yourself at once under his protection . You are a suspected person . Here , —wrap yourself in this disguise which I have provided . My son will conduct you to his Excellency ' s hotel . Stay not to parley , but away . Let the peasant ' s hat slouch more over your brow . So , —better . And now away . Delay not , or you are lost . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
"Its Precepts Are Eternal;" Or , The Practice Of A Freemason's Daughter.
The following day passed off without any marked event ; but at noon , on the next , when he presented himself at the banker ' s house of business , he was civilly told by Herr Griit ' s head clerk , that his master was " extremely sorry to break his appointment with the English gentleman , but that he had been compelled to go into the country , and that his return was uncertain . "
"Ho ! ho ! " thought the visitor , "this is tantamount to a _ declaration of hostilities , or , at all events , is a broad hint that compromise is at an end . What may be the next move ?" That he was not long in ascertaining . In the
entrancehall _ of her dwelling stood Frau Pfeffer : her features impassive and apathetic as usual . The tidings she announced were startling enough : but to do that worthy lady justice , she detailed them with the same frigid indifference as she would have said , " Your dinner is waiting , " or , " Your coffee will be cold . "
Addressing Maurice specially , she said slowly , deliberately , and distinctly , " The emissaries of government have visited your apartment . The strictest search has been made . Your papers are seized . " "Why ?" The Frau shook her headbut spoke not .
, " On what grounds ? For what object ?" Another shake of the head , accompanied by the same silence , and the same hard , passionless expression of countenance .
" What have I done ? Of what am I accused ?" " I have no idea . " " You never have on any point , " said Maurice , peevishly . His heart smote him as he spoke ; and still more severely on gaining the door of his apartment , at which the Frau intercepted him , and accosting him in faultless English , and with earnestness
an and vivacity of which he had believed her incapable , exclaimed , — " See your ambassador without delay . Place yourself at once under his protection . You are a suspected person . Here , —wrap yourself in this disguise which I have provided . My son will conduct you to his Excellency ' s hotel . Stay not to parley , but away . Let the peasant ' s hat slouch more over your brow . So , —better . And now away . Delay not , or you are lost . "