never was inebriated in my life, but I
should think a man that had been so, over night, would feel just as I do
this morning."
"Ah, I am sorry! But the fresh air will do you good, no doubt."
"No doubt. And really it is not worth speaking of. I see you have your
hat on. You have been taking a walk this fine morning, while I lay like
a sluggard, sleeping myself into a headache?"
"No, I have not been out. I put my hat on merely to be ready to start
the moment we had breakfasted. For I must go and see the principal of
the ladies' school this morning."
"Why, I hope you have not waited breakfast for me all this time!"
exclaimed Alden, in a tone of regret.
"I have not waited very long. And if I must confess the fault, I have
not been up very long myself."
"Ah!" laughed Alden Lytton. "So somebody else overslept herself!"
"Yes; ''tis true, 'tis pity, and pity 'tis 'tis true!'"
"You must be hungry, however. I will ring and order breakfast directly."
"No, please don't. It will take too much time. For once we will go down
in the dining-room and get our breakfast."
"As you please," said Alden Lytton, as he arose to attend her
down-stairs.
The guests had nearly all left the dining-room, so there were waiters
enough at leisure to attend to these late arrivals; and it followed, of
course, that they had not long to wait for their coffee and rolls.
They did not tarry over their meal. Both were in a hurry.
"I should have been at the law publisher's two hours ago," said Alden.
"And I should have been at the ladies' school about the same time,"
added Mary.
"I shall never forgive myself for sleeping so ridiculously long and
detaining you," said Alden.
"Say no more about it. We shall only have to hurry over our breakfast to
make up for lost time," answered the traitress.
And they soon finished and arose from the table.
"Will you be so good as to order a carriage for me while I run upstairs
and get my traveling-bag?" she inquired.
"Certainly," he answered, as he gave her his arm and led her to the foot
of the grand staircase.
And as she ran up, he turned and sent a hall porter for the carriage.
And then he waited at the foot of the stairs for her return.
The carriage was announced, and she reappeared about the same time.
She carried in her hand a leather bag and a small silk umbrella, both of
which she handed to a porter.
"This looks like a departure," said Alden Lytton, as he gave her his a
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