“They shall be made welcome, for I cannot doubt that they have brought the third volume with them,” said Mr. Crisp, rising to receive his visitors.
In this way the reading was interrupted, and indeed Fanny was rather glad of a respite. She had not risen from her chair since nine o'clock. A chance of stretching her limbs was very acceptable.
Mrs. Burney and the girls had scarcely settled down to their cakes and sweet wine, after explaining that Dr. Burney had insisted on their taking this drive into the country, the day promised to be so fine, when Mr. Crisp turned to Susy, saying:
“You wicked girl! What did you mean by sending us the two volumes of that vile novel to upset us poor country folk? And I hope you have not neglected to bring with you the third.” Poor Susy reddened and glanced at Fanny without trying to make any reply.
“Eh, what is this?” cried the old man. “Do you mean to disclaim all responsibility for the act? Ah, 'tis too late for you to make such an attempt. The evil has been done. The poison has begun to work in our blood; and its effects can only be neutralized by the contents of the third volume. Say at once, I pray, if you have brought it.”
“Do not trouble poor Susy with your tropes, sir,” said Fanny. “She cannot grasp your meaning, and only trusts that we have not gone mad. I suppose the road was as usual—half of it muddy and the rest dusty?”
“I insist on hearing if the third volume is in the chaise,” said Mr. Crisp, firmly. “If it be not, then you may drive straight back to St. Martin's Street and return hither with it in time for Fannikin to read it to-night.”
“Pray what book is it that you refer to, Mr. Crisp?” inquired Mrs. Burney.
“What book, madam! As if there were more books than one printed this year! Why, Mrs. Burney, where have you been living all this time, that you have never heard of 'Evelina '?” cried he.
“I have heard of little else save this 'Evelina' for some time past; but I have no time for reading novels, nor has any member of my family,” replied the lady.