There was considerable whispering from the heart of the bunch till one of the maids was pushed by her companions out into the open with ejaculations of "Go on, stoopid."
"Thee needst not let on to be so backward." "Thee wast forthy enough behind the kitchen door yester'een." "Eh! bustle thyself, great gowk," and others of like freedom of opinion.
The maid selected for Mr. Clare was blooming indeed.
"Cream and claret," murmured Charles.
"Gad! a Venus by a Dutch master truly," commented Vernon.
"She's no g-ghost," stammered little Peter Wingfield.
| "Farewell and adieu to you, gay Spanish ladies, |
| Farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Spain." |
sang or rather bellowed Mr. Blewforth, slapping his thigh with a nautical zest.
| "Our Blewforth, careening far nearer than Cadiz |
| Will give to green fields what was meant for the Main." |