'Well, well, my dear Emmeline—we will set out directly, and you will not meet him.—I will order the chaise.'
He went out for that purpose as soon as their breakfast ended; but a few paces from the door was accosted by Elkerton, who feeling himself in point of figure equal to speak to any man, addressed him with all the confident familiarity of an old acquaintance.
'Sir, your most obedient humble servant.'
'Your servant, Sir;' replied Delamere, brushing by him.
'Sir, I hope you, and my Lord and Lady Montreville, have been well since I had last the honour of seeing you?'
'Since you oblige me, Sir, to acknowledge the acquaintance, I must remind you that our last meeting was attended with some circumstances which should make you not very desirous of recollecting it.'
'Oh, dear! very far from not wishing to remember it, I am always pleased with such agreeable badinage from my friends, and some how or other contrive to be even with them. Prithee, dear boy, whither are you going?—perhaps we are travelling the same road?'
'I hope not,' said Delamere, turning from him, and advancing towards the bar.
Elkerton, unabashed, followed him.
'If we are,' continued he, 'I think you shall take me into your post-chaise. I am going to pass a month with a friend in Hampshire; and Jackman, who loves driving, tho' he knows nothing of the matter, persuaded me to use an open carriage; but it is so cold, that I believe I shall let him enjoy it alone the rest of the way. Suppose we go together, if your destination is the Winchester road?'