“I’ll go there at once. What a curst nuisance it is that my curricle is not yet arrived in Bath! Oh, well! I’ll take my chaise! Francis! Francis! Oh, there you are! Tell them to bring my chaise to the door, if you please! I shan’t need more than a pair, but the postilion must acquaint himself with the road to Priston. Gideon, do you come with me?”
“No, I thank you! I am going to promenade in the Pump Room. I think I shall drive out to dine at Cheyney later, to take dutiful leave of my parent.”
“Oh, no, must you? Do you go back to town so soon?”
“Tomorrow, if I am not to face a court-martial.”
“Well my uncle always dines early in the country, so you may join us at the Dress Ball later,” said the Duke.
“Yes, if I had provided myself with evening dress I might!” retorted his cousin.
“It is too bad: I shall miss you!” said the Duke absently.
“I hesitate to say it Adolphus, but you are a liar!”
The Duke laughed. “Oh, no!” he protested, and went off tocollect his hat and overcoat.
Nettlebed was assisting him to put on this garment when Francis came to his room with the news that his bailiff had arrived From Cheyney and respectfully begged to see his Grace: