Consequences of the masquerade, not uncommon nor surprizing.
The lady, getting first out of her chair, ran hastily up into the nursery to the children; for such was Amelia's constant method at her return home, at whatever hour. Booth then walked into the dining-room, where he had not been long before Amelia came down to him, and, with a most chearful countenance, said, "My dear, I fancy we have neither of us supped; shall I go down and see whether there is any cold meat in the house?"
"For yourself, if you please," answered Booth; "but I shall eat nothing."
"How, my dear!" said Amelia; "I hope you have not lost your appetite at the masquerade!" for supper was a meal at which he generally eat very heartily.
"I know not well what I have lost," said Booth; "I find myself disordered.—My head aches. I know not what is the matter with me."
"Indeed, my dear, you frighten me," said Amelia; "you look, indeed, disordered. I wish the masquerade had been far enough before you had gone thither."
"Would to Heaven it had!" cries Booth; "but that is over now. But pray, Amelia, answer me one question—Who was that gentleman with you when I came up to you?"
"The gentleman! my dear," said Amelia; "what gentleman?"
"The gentleman—the nobleman—when I came up; sure I speak plain."
"Upon my word, my dear, I don't understand you," answered she; "I did not know one person at the masquerade."