"Oh, papa!" said Kate, reddening with disgust.
But if dulness reigned around the lady of the house, it was not so everywhere: loud bursts of merriment were heard at the bottom of the table. Kate glanced that way in some surprise, and found it was Griffith making the company merry; Griffith of all people.
The laughter broke out at short intervals, and by-and-by became uproarious and constant. At last she looked at Neville inquiringly.
"Our worthy host is setting us an example of conviviality," said he. "He is getting drunk."
"Oh, I hope not," said Kate. "Has he no friend to tell him not to make a fool of himself?"
"You take a great interest in him," said Neville, bitterly.
"Of course I do. Pray do you desert your friends when ill luck falls on them?"
"Nay, Mistress Kate, I hope not."
"You only triumph over the misfortunes of your enemies, eh?" said the stinging beauty.
"Not even that. And, as for Mr. Gaunt, I am not his enemy."