A mere glance at this simple fare reminded me how
extraordinary was my hunger which I was greatly tempted to satisfy
then and there, but checked the impulse resolutely and sat down to
wait for Anthony. Nevertheless my gaze must needs wander from crusty
loaf to mellow cheese and thence to juicy beef so that I was greatly
tempted to begin there and then but schooled my appetite to patience.
At last in strode Anthony who, seizing my hand, shook it heartily.
"Peregrine," said he, staring very hard at the beef, "what perfectly
glorious hair--"
"Hair?" said I.
"So silky, Peregrine, and--ripply."
"Ah!" said I, glancing from the beef to his ecstatic face. "You
mean--"
"To be sure I do!" said he, and shook my hand again.
"And her eyes--you must have observed her eyes?"
"Somewhat red and swollen--"
"Tush!" said he, and catching my hand again, led me to a small and
dingy mirror against the wall.
"An ill-looking scoundrel!" he exclaimed, pointing to his reflection.
"A miserable wretch, a friendless dog, and Peregrine, I tell you she
stooped to trust this scoundrel, to touch this wretch's hand, to speak
gentle words to this homeless dog. She's a saint, begad--a positive
angel and--oh, stab my vitals--she's hungry and I forgot it--"
"So am I, Anthony--so are you--and here's supper--"
"Where?" he enquired, still lost in contemplation of his villainous
reflection.
"On the table, of course."
"Dammit, what a repulsive object I look!" he groaned.
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