He perused and re-perused it; then opened, one after another, the remainder that lay scattered before him.

Their contents seemed to agitate him exceedingly; as he walked up and down the room with hasty strides, muttering angrily to himself, and occasionally returning to the desk to re-peruse the letters which had so strangely excited him.
Whilst thus engaged, the door was opened by no less a personage than Mr.
Morton, who walked in and seated himself in a familiar manner.
"Oh, how are you, Morton.

You entered with such a ghostly tread, that I scarcely heard you," said Mr.Stevens, with a start; "what has procured me the honour of a visit from you this morning ?" "I was strolling by, and thought I would just step in and inquire how that matter respecting the Tenth-street property has succeeded." "Not at all--the old fellow is as obstinate as a mule; he won't sell except on his own terms, which are entirely out of all reason.

I am afraid you will be compelled to abandon your building speculation in that quarter until his demise--he is old and feeble, and can't last many years; in the event of his death you may be able to effect some more favourable arrangement with his heirs." "And perhaps have ten or fifteen years to wait--no, that won't do.

I'd better sell out myself.