Richard Carvel — Volume 05

Produced by David Widger
By Winston Churchill
XXVI. The Part Horatio played XXVII. In which I am sore tempted XXVIII. Arlington Street XXIX. I meet a very Great Young Man XXX. A Conspiracy XXXI. Upstairs into the World XXXII. Lady Tankerville's Drum-major XXXIII. Drury Lane
The bailiff's business was quickly settled. I heard the heavy doors close at our backs, and drew a deep draught of the air God has made for all His creatures alike. Both the captain and I turned to the windows to wave a farewell to the sad ones we were leaving behind, who gathered about the bars for a last view of us, for strange as it may seem, the mere sight of happiness is often a pleasure for those who are sad. A coach in private arms and livery was in waiting, surrounded by a crowd. They made a lane for us to pass, and stared at the young lady of queenly beauty coming out of the sponging-house until the coachman snapped his whip in their faces and the footman jostled them back. When we were got in, Dolly and I on the back seat, Comyn told the man to go to Mr. Manners's.
Oh, no! I cried, scarce knowing what I said; no, not there! For the thought of entering the house in Arlington Street was unbearable.
Both Comyn and Dorothy gazed at me in astonishment.
And pray, Richard, why not'? she asked. Have not your old friends the right to receive you.
It was my Lord who saved me, for I was in agony what to say.
He is still proud, and won't go to Arlington Street dressed like a bargeman. He must needs plume, Miss Manners.
I glanced anxiously at Dorothy, and saw that she was neither satisfied nor appeased. Well I remembered every turn of her head, and every curve of her lip! In the meantime we were off through Cursitor Street at a gallop, nearly causing the death of a ragged urchin at the corner of Chancery Lane. I had forgotten my eagerness to know whence they had heard of my plight, when some words from Comyn aroused me.
The carriage is Mr. Horace Walpole's, Richard. He has taken a great fancy to you.