It was inevitable that Plattville (already gaping to the
uttermost) would buzz voluminously over it before night, but Judge Briscoe
volunteered to prevent the buzz from reaching Rouen. He undertook to
interview whatever citizens should visit Harkless, or write to him--when
his illness permitted visits and letters--and forewarn them of the
incumbent's desires. To-day, the judge stayed at home with his daughter,
who trilled about the house for happiness, and, in their place, the
"Herald" deputation of two had repaired to the station to act as a
reception committee.
Far away the whistle of the express was heard, muffled to sweetness in the
damp, and the drivers, whip in hand, came out upon the platform, and the
loafers issued, also, to stand under the eaves and lean their backs
against the drier boards, preparing to eye the travellers with languid
raillery.
Mr. Parker, very nervous himself, felt the old man's elbow trembling
against his own as the great engine, reeking in the mist, and sending
great clouds of white vapor up to the sky, rushed by them, and came to a
standstill beyond the platform.
Fisbee and the foreman made haste to the nearest vestibule, and were
gazing blankly at its barred approaches when they heard a tremulous laugh
behind them and an exclamation.
"Upstairs and downstairs and in my lady's chamber! Just behind you, dear.
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