X. SUPPER.
|After a brief conference with Pledger Dapp, Mr. Tankard returned with Higgins to the company.
Presently, the gladsome announcement was made by the fine footman that supper was ready.
Mr. Tankard showed his guests the way by taking out Mrs. Tripp; Mrs. Sicklemore followed with Hartley, whose arm she took with some reluctance; then came Larkins with Mrs. Hartley; then Harry Netterville with Rose, by far the best-looking couple in the assemblage; then came the gallant Tom, with a young lady on either arm, singing to himself, like Captain Macheath, “How happy could I be with either;” and, lastly, came the hostess and Mr. Higgins.
Walter stood at the supper-room door as the company entered, and Flora and Clotilde made some complimentary remarks upon his appearance. Tom, however, would not allow them to stop for a moment, but took them to their seats, and placed himself between them.
The table was not very large, but it was well covered with dishes; for Pledger Dapp had been as good as his word, and had given a capital supper.
The chickens, hams, and tongues being ready carved, could be helped without delay; and the lobster salad was pronounced faultless by Mr. Higgins, who professed to be a judge.
The creams, jellies, and pâtisserie were equally good, and Tom took care the young ladies should have plenty.
Nor was Harry Netterville less attentive, though Rose was far more easily satisfied.
Claret-cup and sherry were the beverages, and the glasses were constantly replenished by Pledger Dapp.
Ever since the supper began, Walter had disappeared. At length, his absence was remarked by Flora and Clotilde.
“I don't see your fine footman, Mr. Tom,” said the former. “I suppose he won't wait at supper?”
“Can't say,” replied Tom. “He does pretty much as he likes.”
“Now, do tell me, Mr. Tom,” said Clotilde, “is he really a footman?”
“To be sure he is!” cried Tom. “What do you take him for?”
“I take him for a gentleman,” said Flora.
“And so do I,” added Clotilde.
“Well, he is a gentleman, in his way,” said Tom. “What wages do you suppose we give him? A hundred a year—quarter in advance—separate meals. He's gettin' his supper by himself at this moment; will have his pint of champagne, though the guv'nor only allows us claret-cup—ha! ha!”
“I don't believe all this stuff you're telling us about high wages and champagne, Mr. Tom,” said Flora. “But I'm certain there's something extraordinary about your new footman. You may as well let us into the secret.”
“Well, if you want to know his history, I must refer you to Miss Rose Hartley,” said Tom. “She can tell you about him.”
“Is this so, Rose?” said Harry Netterville, who overheard the remark.
“Don't ask me for any explanation just now, please Harry,” she replied; “I'd rather not give it.”
“Why not?” cried Netterville, who was rather of a jealous temper. “Have you known him long? I never heard of him before.”
“I have already said I shall not answer any questions concerning him just now.”
“Ah! yonder he is!” exclaimed Flora. “I can see him in the shop, through the open door. I declare, he has changed his dress! He doesn't look half so imposing now.”
“But he is much more like a gentleman,” said Clo-tilde, who also perceived Walter in the shop, now in his morning attire. “Do be good-natured, Mr. Tom, and tell us who he is!”
“I would rather stop both your mouths with a little of this trifle,” said Tom, helping them.
Harry Netterville's eyes had followed the same direction as those of the two girls.
He noticed the change that had taken place in Walter's exterior, and said, rather sharply:
“Clear up the mystery, Rose.”
“Not to-night,” she replied, quietly.
“I wish Mr. Liddel would come in and join us at supper,” said Mr. Tankard to Pledger Dapp. “Do go and ask him.”
“Yes; pray do, Mr. Dapp!” said Flora. “We can easily make room for him here.”
But Walter was prevented.
Just before the message was sent, a knock was heard; and, thinking it was a visitor, he went to open the street-door, and found himself face to face with Sir Bridgnorth Charlton and Mr. Carteret.
An instantaneous recognition took place on either side. Walter hastily retreated, but neglected to shut the door after him; and the two gentlemen followed him into the shop, where he checked their further progress.
“You must excuse this intrusion,” said Sir Bridgnorth, “and attribute it to my anxiety to find you. I have been searching for you everywhere, and rejoice that I am, at last, successful.”
“Not so loud, Sir Bridgnorth,” said the young man, pointing to the party in the adjoining room. “I am only known here as Walter Liddel.”
“What I have to say may be said very briefly; and it cannot matter who hears it,” rejoined Sir Bridgnorth. “Your friends wish you to return to them.”
“I have already given Mr. Carteret an answer,” said Walter. “I refuse.”
“But I would remonstrate with you on your folly.”
“It is useless. I beg there may not be a scene. It will produce no good effect, and may do mischief, by interfering with my plans.”
“But your plans cannot be carried out. Come to me at the Grosvenor Hotel to-morrow, and I will convince you of their utter absurdity.”
“No,” replied Walter; “I am inflexible in my purpose. The only favour I will ask of you and Mr. Carteret is not to reveal my name.”
“But, my good fellow, listen to reason. Don't take a step you will most assuredly repent. Hereafter you will thank me most heartily for giving you this advice. You won't want money. Carteret has got five hundred pounds, which he will pay over to you. You won't want friends, for we will all rally round you. Come, don't hesitate!”
It was clear that the worthy gentleman's earnestness had produced an impression. Walter seemed inclined to yield, but still hung back.
At this moment, Tankard, who had heard some conversation going on, came out of the supper-room, accompanied by Hartley and Higgins.
As they issued forth, they shut the door after them,
“I believe I have the honour of addressing Sir Bridgnorth Charlton,” said Tankard, bowing.
“Yes, I am Sir Bridgnorth,” replied the other; “and I feel persuaded you will assist me to restore this rather wrong-headed young gentleman to his friends.”
“Then I am right in my notion that he is Mr. Chetwynd Calverley?” remarked Tankard.
“It is useless to conceal his name, though he seems to desire it,” rejoined Sir Bridgnorth.
“Yes, I am Chetwynd Calverley,” said the young man. “I care not who knows it. I have been a great fool, and I suppose I shall continue one to the end.”
“No, don't!” cried Hartley, advancing towards him, and regarding him very earnestly. “Don't commit any more folly. Perhaps I have a right to advise you.”
“You have, Hartley. I fully recognise it,” replied Chetwynd, taking his hand “You saved my life. Whatever you advise me to do, I will do!”
“Then, go back to your friends,” said Hartley. “That's my advice.”
“And mine,” said Tankard.
“And mine, too,” added Higgins. “I shall be sorry to lose you; but that's of no consequence.”
“Hartley,” said Chetwynd, clapping him in a friendly manner on the shoulder, “you have decided me. I'll go back at once with Sir Bridgnorth.”
“That's right, sir—that's right!” replied the other.
“I owe you a large debt,” continued Chetwynd. “But I'll not fail to pay it.”
“You owe me nothing, sir,” rejoined Hartley.
“Yes, I do,” replied Chetwynd, earnestly; “more than I can ever pay.”
He then shook hands with the others, and, taking the hat and valise which Tankard brought for him, bade them all three farewell, and quitted the shop with Sir Bridgnorth and Mr. Carteret.