SHAKSPEARE.

It was the afternoon of the same day, as Dr. Vaudelier was reclining upon a rustic seat near the landing, he was surprised by the appearance of a canoe coming down the creek.  The canoe contained an elderly gentleman, and a negro, who, after several unsuccessful attempts, succeeded in landing the passenger upon the little pier.  He was about fifty years of age, apparently.  His hair and whiskers were a mixture of gray and black; his countenance was full, and his complexion florid, which contrasted oddly with the green spectacles that rested upon his nose.

“Do I have the honor of addressing Dr. Vaudelier?” said, the stranger, in a tone so soft and silky that the doctor could hardly persuade himself it did not proceed from a woman.

“That is my name, sir; and to whom am I indebted for this unexpected pleasure?”

“De Guy, sir,—­Antoine De Guy, at your service,” squeaked the visitor, with whom the reader is already acquainted.

“Well, sir, may I inquire the object of your visit?”

“Certainly, sir.  I am informed there is a lady at present residing with you, one of the unfortunate persons who were on board the Chalmetta at the time of her late disaster.  A Miss Dumont.”

“Who informed you, sir?”

De Guy hesitated a little, and then said he heard a number of gentlemen discuss the late disaster at the hotel in Vicksburg; that one of them had mentioned this fact—­he really could not tell the gentleman’s name.

“What is your business with the lady?” asked the doctor, to whom the idea of a new enemy of Emily had already presented itself.

“That, sir, I can best disclose to the lady in person,” squeaked the street-lawyer, with a low bow.

“This way then,” and the doctor led him to the library, into which he soon after conducted Emily.

“Miss Dumont?” said De Guy, rising and making a profound obeisance as she entered.  “My name is De Guy.”

Emily bowed slightly, but made no reply.

“May I beg that our interview may be private?” said the attorney, glancing at Dr. Vaudelier.

“This gentleman is my friend and confidant; it is not necessary that he should retire,” replied Emily, as Dr. Vaudelier was moving towards the door.

“Very well, madam; though I think, from the nature of my business, you would wish it to be confidential.”

“Perhaps I had better withdraw,” suggested the physician.

“By no means, my dear sir; if this gentleman’s visit relates to business matters, I must beg the favor of your counsel.”

“As you please, Miss Dumont; I come charged with a message from your uncle, my respected client, Mr. Dumont.”

“Indeed, sir!” replied Emily, a slight tremor creeping through her frame; “pray deliver it at once.”

“It is simply to say your immediate presence at your late residence is necessary.”

“Where did you see my uncle?” asked she.