“I’m sure we could,” returned Peace.
“But the time is getting late, gentlemen,” said the captain. “The best of friends must part. Time is on the wing, and all that sort of thing.”
“Time was made for slaves,” cried one of the party. “Don’t go yet.”
“No—no; sit down, and make yourself as happy as possible,” said Peace, who on this occasion, as on many others of a similar nature, proved himself to be an excellent host and a most genial companion, so that the small hours of the morning had arrived before the party broke up.
There was the usual amount of leave-taking, shaking of hands, and protestations of friendship.
Peace saw his guests to the outer gate, and then, when all had taken their departure, he returned into the house with Bandy-legged Bill, who took up his quarters at No. 4 for the remainder of the night.
CHAPTER CXXXIV.
LORD ETHALWOOD’S RETURN HOME—REGRETS FOR THE PAST—NEWS FROM ABROAD.
Lord Reginald Ethalwood returned to England a sadder and in some respects a wiser man. He was no longer the gay and light-hearted nobleman whose merry pranks and jovial manner caused his associates to court his company.
A strange alteration in the mode of life and manner of the young earl had taken place. He was grave and thoughtful, and at times melancholy.