“No!” said Anna Maria, in a voice of thunder, holding up her finger, at the same moment, in token of reproof.
The captain became mute on the instant, and the very word he was about to utter stuck in his throat, and he stood with his mouth open, like one in enchantment.
“You said a little weak tea, I think,” said Miss Bubbleton, turning towards the doctor.
“Yes; and some dry toast, if he liked it; and, in a day or two; a half glass of wine and water.”
“Some of that tokay old Pippo Esterhazy sent us.”
“No,” said the lady again, in the same tone of menace.
“And perhaps, after a week, the open air and a little exercise in a carriage.”
“The barouche and the four ponies,” interrupted Bubbleton.
“No!” repeated Miss Anna Maria, but in such a voice of imperious meaning that the poor captain actually fell back, and only muttered to himself, “What would be the use of wealth, if one could n't contribute to the enjoyment of one's friends?”
“There's the drum for parade,” cried the doctor; “you'll be late, and so shall I.”