"How provoking it must be to Gatty," says Prue, "to know he is here, and yet be kept in attendance on my Lady!"
"Tush, Child, she'd rather know he was here than not.... Well, Mr. Heavitree," (when our Visitor returned,) "have you considered where you are to get a Bed to-night?"
"Why, no, Sir, really I have not."
"Then I'll tell you! You may take your Choice of all the Beds in this House except Lady Betty's; for we are all going to sit up!"
"Why, then, Sir, with your Leave, I'll sit up too!"
"Do so, young Gentleman, and welcome. You see, we have quality Lodgers in the House, who keep late Hours; and as they require a good Deal of waiting on, we think it best to sit up—'Tis but for one Night."
"Besides which," put in my Mother, "though we are not ourselves apprehensive of an Earthquake this Night any more than any other, yet having such a fresh Recollection of the Terror we experienced during the last Shock, and knowing that so many Thousands of People are in distressing Apprehension of a similar and more terrible Occurrence, it seems unfeeling to think of sleeping and taking one's natural Rest, instead of watching with others, and sympathising with them."
"I think precisely as you do, Madam," said Mr. Heavitree; "I assure you that though I am not of those who expect the Earthquake, I am disposed for Anything but Levity, and feel this to be an impressive Occasion."
So, this being his acknowledged Feeling, we sate about the Fire and fell into a somewhat graver Strain of Conversation than usual; and I was glad to find that the young Man could talk seriously as well as pleasantly. Though he had not let fall a Word about want of Refreshment, I knew he must have been fasting for some Time, and therefore helped him plentifully to cold Beef with his Tea and Bread and Butter, which he pronounced very acceptable. While he was eating, Gatty returned, all Smiles, and said, "I am glad to see you doing so well, Mr. Heavitree!" but just as he had made Room for her beside him, tinkle went the Bell, and away she was obliged to run again.
"Can't we muffle that Bell?" says he, somewhat impatiently.