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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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854 ‘Madeline, who is this? What does anybody want here? Who told a stranger we could be seen? What is it?’ ‘I believe--’ the young lady began, as she inclined her head with an air of some confusion, in reply to the salutation of Nicholas. ‘You always believe,’ returned her father, petulantly. ‘What is it?’ By this time Nicholas had recovered sufficient presence of mind to speak for himself, so he said (as it had been agreed he should say) that he had called about a pair of hand-screens, and some painted velvet for an ottoman, both of which were required to be of the most elegant design possible, neither time nor expense being of the smallest consideration. He had also to pay for the two drawings, with many thanks, and, advancing to the little table, he laid upon it a bank note, folded in an envelope and sealed. ‘See that the money is right, Madeline,’ said the father. ‘Open the paper, my dear.’ ‘It’s quite right, papa, I’m sure.’ ‘Here!’ said Mr Bray, putting out his hand, and opening and shutting his bony fingers with irritable impatience. ‘Let me see. What are you talking about, Madeline? You’re sure? How can you be sure of any such thing? Five pounds--well, is that right?’ ‘Quite,’ said Madeline, bending over him. She was so busily employed in arranging the pillows that Nicholas could not see her face, but as she stooped he thought he saw a tear fall. ‘Ring the bell, ring the bell,’ said the sick man, with the same nervous eagerness, and motioning towards it with such a quivering hand that the bank note rustled in the air. ‘Tell her to get it changed, to get me a newspaper, to buy me some grapes, |
