"The Crown," he said, "the County, and the Town will be represented."
"What, are you going, Hedger?" asked the Alderman, with an incredulous laugh.
"The Squire and Mrs. Delane are so good as to make a point of me and Mrs. Hedger attendin'—in state, Johnstone."
"My!" said Mrs. Johnstone, moving a step within the door. "That'll be a day for Susan."
"His Lordship gives Susan his arm," said the Mayor.
"Aint there any more going from the town?" asked Mrs. Johnstone, while the Alderman ostentatiously occupied himself with one of his posters.
"The Squire," replied the Mayor, "did want another,—there's no room but for two,—but he thinks there's no one of sufficient standin'—not as would go."
"Well, I'm sure!" said Mrs. Johnstone.
"You see, ma'am," pursued the Mayor, "we must consider the lady. The lady must be asked. Now would you ask Mrs. Maggs, or Mrs. Jenks, or Mrs. Capper, or any o' that lot, ma'am?"
"Sakes, no!" said Mrs. Johnstone scornfully.