"Well, my Lady, I think it would be a Tempting of Providence to incur any Risk needlessly."
Just then, in came Mr. Caryl. "A thousand Excuses," says he. "I was coming along the Five Fields, when a couple of crazy old Houses tumbled down and blocked up the Way, so I was obliged to come round."
"A lucky Escape for you, Paul," says Mr. Sandys, "it might have been as bad for you as an Earthquake."
"Why, yes," says Mr. Caryl, "though not easily fluttered, it did give me a Qualm, I confess. Besides, it might have been a premonitory Quake that brought the Houses down."
"My Salts, Gatty!" cries Lady Betty.
"Any Casualties?" says the Doctor carelessly.
"To tell you the Truth," says Mr. Caryl, "I was so rejoiced to save my own Bones that I did not stop to inquire whether anyone else had theirs broken." And lightly laughed.
"Feeling!" mutters Mr. Sandys.
"Quack!" responds Mr. Caryl softly.