"Yes; having nothing to do, and not knowing a soul after my long absence, I advanced my breakfast about two hours, that I might find you at home; and now I'm at your service."
"Say rather I am at yours. I presume you will walk. In ten minutes I shall be ready. Either take up the paper, or whistle an air or two, or anything else you like, just to kill ten minutes—and I shall be at your command."
Chapter XXI
I come out under a first-rate chaperon, and at once am established into the regions of fashion—Prove that I am deserving of my promotion.
"I beg your pardon, Newland," said the Major, returning from his dressing-room, resplendent with chains and bijouterie; "but I must have your Christian name."
"It's rather a strange one," replied I; "it is Japhet."
"Japhet! by the immortal powers, I'd bring an action against my godfathers and godmothers; you ought to recover heavy damages."
"Then I presume you would not have the name," replied I, with a knowing look, "for a clear ten thousand a year."
"Whew! that alters the case—it's astonishing how well any name looks in large gold letters. Well, as the old gentleman, whoever he might have been, made you compensation, you must forgive and forget. Now where shall we go?"