Richard was in the parlour in a cloud of smoke, and began to do the honours.
‘Our acknowledgments are truly due to Sir Jasper. Mr. White, we are much honoured. Pray be seated, please to excuse—’
They paid little attention to him, while Sir Jasper told as much to his sister as could well be explained as to the fate of her envelope, and added—
‘You will not be wanted at Avoncester, as the case will not come on. I shall go and see all safe, then on to town, but I mean to see your brother’s commanding officer, and you may tell your mother that I have no doubt that he will be allowed a furlough.’
‘But, Sir Jasper’ broke in Richard, ‘I beg your pardon; but there is a family from Leeds at Bellevue, the Nortons, and imagine what it would be if they reported me as connected with a common private soldier, just out of prison too!’
‘Let him come to me then,’ exclaimed Mr. White.
In spite of appearances of disgust, Richard took the invitation to himself, and looked amiable and gratified.
‘Thank you, Mr. White, that will obviate the difficulty. When shall I move up?’
‘You, sir? Did you think I meant you?’ said Mr. White contemptuously. ‘No; I prefer a fool to a knave!’
‘Mr. White,’ interposed Sir Jasper, ‘whatever you may have to say to Richard White, consider his sister. Or had you not better report our success to your mother, my dear?’