“It was 'a chaise and pair' I heard, and you were well laughed at for your demand. The baker offered you a seat, which you rejected with dismay; and, to tell the truth, it was half in the hope of witnessing another outburst of your indignation that I went across and said, 'Would you accept a place beside me, sir?'”
“And was I not overwhelmed with joy? Was it not in a transport of gratitude that I embraced your offer?”
“I know you very nearly embraced my maid as you lifted her off the car.”
“And, by the way, where is Patience?” asked Mrs. Trafford.
“She's coming on, some fashion, with the swell's luggage,” added she, dropping her voice to a whisper,—“eight trunks, eleven carpet-bags, and four dressing-boxes, besides what I thought was a show-box, but is only a shower-bath.”
“My people will take every care of her,” said Maitland.
“Is Fenton still with you?” asked Mark.
“Yes; he had some thoughts of leaving me lately. He said he thought he 'd like to retire,—that he 'd take a consulate or a barrack-mastership; but I laughed him out of it.”
Sir Arthur and Lady Lyle had now come down to welcome the new arrivals; and greetings and welcomes and felicitations resounded on all sides.
“Come along with me, Maitland,” said Mark, hurrying his friend away. “Let me show you your quarters;” and as he moved off, he added, “What a piece of ill-luck it was that you should have chanced upon the greatest bores of our acquaintance!—people so detestable to me that if I had n't been expecting your visit I 'd have left the house this morning.”