Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/245

 disappointment and mortification, for which she felt herself in a measure responsible. She had brought down the letter of introduction which the soi-disant Larkington had brought her, and it was read by each and every one of the friends who had come to "talk it over." Now that she looked at it in this new light, the letter was a very guarded one, and the writer, an Englishman of more illustrious name than character, asked leave to present to Mrs. Fallow-Deer Mr. Cuthbert Larkington, whose acquaintance he had had the great pleasure of making on board the Servia.

Count Clawski, who had befriended the Englishman because he liked him, had brought the last news of him. Going down to the steamer to send off some important despatches, he had encountered Larkington on the gang-plank. The man had been too much overcome to speak, and had grasped the Count by the hand, and then staggered into the boat, accompanied by his servant