The door of the office opened, and the two gentlemen were passing
out together, when Teddy started up,--
"If you please, sir, might I speak with you by yourself?"
"Oh, yes! Teddy has been very anxious for an interview with you all
the week. I will go on, and expect you down there presently," said
Mr. Barlow.
"Yes, in two minutes. Come in here, Teddy, and let us hear what you
have to say."
Mr. Burroughs threw himself into the chair he had just quitted, and
stirred the fire, saying good-humoredly,--
"Out with it, my boy! What's amiss?"
Teddy, standing beside the table, one clammy hand grasping the edge
of it, seemed to feel the floor heave beneath his feet, and the
whole room to reel and swim before his eyes. His tongue seemed
paralyzed, his lips quivered, his voice came to his own ears strange
and hollow; but still he struggled on, resolute to reach the worst.
"It's about the little girl that was lost, sir, your little cousin
Antoinette."
"'Toinette Legrange, cried Mr. Burroughs, his face suddenly growing
earnest as he turned it upon the boy, and asked,--
"What is it? Have you heard of her?"
"Yes, sir. I found her in the street the night she was lost. She was
dressed in poor clothes, and her hair was cut off.
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