s, walking arm-in-arm and slowly to and fro, in the path in which
I now was. "These," said I, "are daughters of the family. Graceful,
well-dressed, fashionable girls they seem at this distance. May they be
deserving of the good tidings which I bring!" Seeing them turn towards
the house, I mended my pace, that I might overtake them and request
their introduction of me to their mother.

As I more nearly approached, they again turned; and, perceiving me, they
stood as if in expectation of my message. I went up to them.

A single glance, cast at each, made me suspect that they were not
sisters; but, somewhat to my disappointment, there was nothing highly
prepossessing in the countenance of either. They were what is every day
met with, though less embellished by brilliant drapery and turban, in
markets and streets. An air somewhat haughty, somewhat supercilious,
lessened still more their attractions. These defects, however, were
nothing to me.

I inquired, of her that seemed to be the elder of the two, for Mrs.
Maurice.

"She is indisposed," was the cold reply.

"That is unfortunate. Is it not possible to see her?"

"No;" with still more gravity.

I was somewhat at a loss how to proceed. A pause ensued. At length the
same lady resumed, "What's your business? You can leave your message
with me."

"With nobody but her. If she be not _very_ indisposed----"

"She is very indisposed," interrupted she, peevishly. "If you cannot
leave your message, you may take it back again, for she must not be
disturbed."

This was a singular reception. I was disconcerted and silent. I knew not
what to say. "Perhaps," I at last observed, "some other time----"

"No," (with increasing heat,) "no other time. She is more likely to be
worse than better. Come, Betsy," said she, taking hold of her
companion's arm; and, hieing into the house, shut the door after her,
and disappeared. I stood, at the bottom of the steps, confounded at such
strange and unexpected treatment. I could not withdraw till my purpose
was accomplished. After a moment's pause, I stepped to the door, and
pulled the bell. A negro came, of a very unpropitious aspect, and,
opening the door, looked at me in silence. To my question, Was Mrs.
Maurice to be seen? he made some answer, in a jargon which I could not
understand; but his words were immediately followed by an unseen person
within the house:--"Mrs. Maurice can't be seen by anybody. Come in,
Cato, and shut the door."