Hugh was about to reply, to the effect that it was useless, in such circumstances, to attempt teaching them at all, some utterance of which sort was watched for as the occasion for his instant dismission; but at that very moment a carriage and pair pulled sharply up at the door, with more than the usual amount of quadrupedation, and mother and sons darted simultaneously to the window.
“My!” cried Johnnie, “what a rum go! Isn’t that a jolly carriage, Peetie?”
“Papa’s bought a carriage!” shouted Peetie.
“Be quiet, children,” said their mother, as she saw a footman get down and approach the door.
“Look at that buffer,” said Johnnie. “Do come and see this grand footman, Mr. Sutherland. He’s such a gentleman!”
A box on the ear from his mother silenced him. The servant entering with some perturbation a moment after, addressed her mistress, for she dared not address any one else while she was in the room:
“Please ‘m, the carriage is astin’ after Mr. Sutherland.”
“Mr. Sutherland?”
“Yes ‘m.”
The lady turned to Mr. Sutherland, who, although surprised as well, was not inclined to show his surprise to Mrs. Appleditch.