No!"
thought James, with a touch of spite, "we shall see how they will all
look." He argued also, that, at sight of his beautiful wife, his master
must come to his senses, and the Colander faction be defeated; and
perhaps, by the mercy of Providence, Colander himself turned off.
While thus ruminating, a thundering knock at the door almost knocked him
off his legs. "There ye go again," said he, and he went angrily to the
door. This time it was Hunsdon, who was in a desperate hurry to see his
master.
"Where is Sir Charles Pomander, my honest fellow?" said he.
"In the garden, my Jack-a-dandy!" said Burdock, furiously.
(" Honest fellow," among servants, implies some moral inferiority.)
In the garden went Hunsdon. His master--all whose senses were playing
sentinel--saw him, and left the company to meet him.
"She is in the house, sir."
"Good! Go--vanish!"
Sir Charles looked into the banquet-room; the haunch was being placed on
the table. He returned with the information. He burned to bring husband
and wife together; he counted each second lost that postponed this (to
him) thrilling joy. Oh, how happy he was!--happier than the serpent when
he saw Eve's white teeth really strike into the apple!
"Shall we pay respect to this haunch, Mr. Quin?" said Vane, gayly.
"If you please, sir," said Quin, gravely. Colander ran down a by-path
with an immense bouquet, which he arranged for Mrs.
Pages:
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146