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Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 680
Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 680 / January 6, 1877
THE LAST OF THE HADDONS
By Mrs NEWMAN, Author of 'Too Late,' &c
CHAPTER I. – 'INCONGRUOUS MATERIALS.'
'No. 81. Yes; this must certainly be the house,' I murmured, turning my eyes somewhat disappointedly towards it again, after consulting an address in my hand. A large, gloomy, dilapidated-looking house, in a respectably dull street in Westminster, its lower windows facing a dead-wall, and its upper ones overlooking venerable ecclesiastical grounds. The lower rooms appeared to be the only portion of the house which was occupied; and, to judge by the shabbiness of the blinds, they were kept but in a mean condition. None the less dreary was the present aspect of the house for the suggestions of by-gone prosperity in the noble proportions of the entrance, with its link-extinguishers on either side, and great massive doors opening from the centre. It would require a vivid imagination to picture those doors flung hospitably open, and light and warmth from within streaming down upon a gay party of the present generation, alighting before the broad steps.
'Not very promising,' was my mental comment, as I gathered courage to ascend the steps and lift the heavy iron wreath of flowers, which used to be considered high-art in the way of knockers. Nor was I certain that the house was inhabited at all, until I heard footsteps within, and presently one of the doors was opened a few inches and a bony hand thrust out.
'A pretty time this to be bringing coffee that was wanted for breakfast!'
'Does Mr Wentworth live here?'
A tall, thin, grim-visaged woman looked out, and shortly replied: 'Yes; he does.'
'Is he at home? Can I see him?'
'He's at home,' she slowly and reluctantly admitted: adding, as she determinedly blocked up the doorway: 'But he can't see anybody; he's engaged.'
'Please give this card to Mr Wentworth, and say' —
'If it's the advertisement, you should have come before. Ten to twelve was the time.'