When Random appeared at the door, she was just leaving
the desk to greet him, and no one would have taken the smiling,
plump, well-preserved woman for the creature who lately had
looked so haggard and careworn.
"I am glad to see you, Sir Frank," said Mrs. Jasher, nodding in a
familiar manner. "Sit down in this very comfortable chair, and
Jane shall bring you some coffee and kummel."
"No, thank you," said Random in his usual stiff way, but very
politely. "I have just left the mess, where I had a good
dinner."
Mrs. Jasher nodded, and sank again on the couch, which was
opposite the chair which she had selected for her visitor.
"I see you are in mess kit," she said gayly; "quite a glorified
creature to appear in my poor little parlor. Why are you not
with Donna Inez? I have heard all about your engagement from
Lucy. She was here to-day with Senorita De Gayangos."
"So I believe," said Random, still stiffly; "but you see I was
anxious to come and see you."
"Ah!" said Mrs. Jasher equably, "you heard that I was ill. Yes;
I have been in bed ever since yesterday afternoon, until a couple
of hours ago. But I am now better. My dinner has done me good.
Pass me that fan, please. The fire is so hot.
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