“Lorrequer, I am indeed rejoiced to see you, and when did you arrive.”
“This evening.”
“This evening! and how the deuce have you contrived already, eh? why you seem quite chez vous here?”
“You shall hear all,” said I hastily, “but is Lady Callonby here?”
“No. Kilkee only is with me, there he is figuranting away in a gallope. The ladies were too tired to come, particularly as they dine at court to-morrow, the fatigue would be rather much.”
“I have his majesty’s order to invite your Excellency to dinner to-morrow,” said the grand Mareschal coming up at this instant.
I bowed my acknowledgments, and turned again to Lord Callonby, whose surprise now seemed to have reached the climax.
“Why Lorrequer, I never heard of this? when did you adopt this new career?”
Not understanding the gist of the question, and conceiving that it applied to my success at court, I answered at random, something about “falling upon my legs, good luck, &c.,” and once more returned to the charge, enquiring most anxiously for Lady Callonby’s health.
“Ah! she is tolerably well. Jane is the only invalid, but then we hope Italy will restore her.” Just at this instant, Kilkee caught my eye, and rushing over from his place beside his partner, shook me by both hands, saying,