‘You certainly could not find any one more accomplished in teaching dunces to read,’ said Albinia.
‘When their mammas have taught them already!’ added Ulick, laughing. ‘Thank you; but you know I can’t sleep out; Hyder Ali and I are responsible for a big chest of sovereigns, and all the rest of it.’
‘Nor could I lodge you at present; so we are agreed. My proposition is that you should drive my sister over on Sunday morning. My wife is wearying for a sight of her; and she has not been at Fairmead on a Sunday since she left it, eh, Albinia?’
‘I suppose for such a purpose it is not wrong to use the horse,’ she said, her eyes sparkling.
‘And you might put my friend Maurice between you, if you can’t go out pleasuring without him.’
‘I scorn you, sir; Maurice is as good as gold; I shall leave him at home, I think, to prove that I can—’
‘That’s the reward of merit!’ exclaimed Sophy.
‘She expects my children to corrupt him!’ quoth Mr. Ferrars.
‘For shame, Maurice; that’s on purpose to make me bring him. Well, we’ll see what papa says, and if he thinks the new black horse strong enough, or to be trusted with Mr. O’More.’
‘I only wish ‘twas a jaunting car!’ cried Ulick.