“Is this the fellow,” he thought, as he eyed our forester, “that I took for the ‘bush flunky,’ I suppose though they have their servants in to dinner in these parts; at least he’s had the decency to change his things, and put on a collar.”
CHAPTER XVII.
English Society v. Colonial—Music—The “new chum’s” letter—“Two’s company and three’s none”—Unpleasant reflections—Parson Tabor’s advice—Mrs. Bell shows that she has a “down” on our hero—The “Spider”—The “new chum” proves that he is “not such a fool as he looks”—Tim returns home.
The conversation at supper turned upon station matters, varied by a discussion concerning a concert which had just taken place in Sydney; and here Fulrake, who had a good knowledge of music, and who had been present at the concert, was both interesting and amusing, at all events to the ladies of the party; but he spoilt this favourable impression which he had created, a little later on by making sarcastic remarks upon the society of Sydney, this called forth a mild reproach from Parson Tabor, as he found that no one else took up the cudgels in the case of Colonial versus English society.
“I think, Mr. Fulrake,” he said, “that you have only been a few days in the colony, and whilst I fancy you have very fairly criticized the music, I hardly think so young a man as yourself would be a proper judge of any society in that time.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Tabor, it’s true that I have not been very long amongst you, but I’m considered at home to be a very quick judge of characters,—as a matter of fact always keep my eyes and ears open, always on the qui-vive, don’t you know.”
“Oh, how nice you speak French,” cried Mrs. Bell, unable to restrain herself. “Etes-vous”—but at this point the squire brought his fist on the table, making the glasses ring again, as in angry tones he said,—
“For goodness’ sake, Mrs. B., don’t let’s have all that over again, or I’ll get Rayon back and chain him in your sitting-room.”
This threat was so dreadful, that Mrs. Bell said not another word, but afterwards whispered to Fulrake,—
“You must excuse my ’usband, but he can’t ‘abide’ French.”