Mr Benden’s face said that he had come to talk about something of more moment than autumn evenings. He sat down opposite the Justice, buttoned his long gown up to the neck, as if to gird himself for action, and cleared his throat with an air of importance.
“Master Roberts, I am come on a grave matter and a sad.”
“Can’t deal with grave matters after supper,” said the Justice. “Come again in the morning. Take a pear.”
“Sir, this is a serious business.”
“Business hours are over. I never do business out of hours.”
“To-night, Master Roberts, and to-night only, shall serve for this business.”
“I do no business out of hours!” solemnly repeated the officer of the law. “Take a pear—take two pears, and come again in the morning.”
Mr Benden shook his head in a tragic manner, and let the pears alone.
“They are good pears,” said the Justice. “If you love no pears, put one in your pocket with my commendations to good Mistress Benden. How doth she?—well, I hope.”
“Were I able, Sir,” replied the visitor impressively, “to bear your commendations to good Mistress Benden, I were the happier man. But, alas! I am not at that pass.”