“This intellectual obsession is sad,” said Toddles. “Dimsdale has decided to propose to Grace, who we have reason to believe is a connection of yours. We are now forming ourselves into a committee that has for its object the protection of Dimsdale. The problem we are called upon to settle at this stage is, whether it would be safer for him to prosecute his addresses in a suit of mail, or is she likely to be sufficiently overawed if he goes armed with a six-shooter only. Archie, the committee would be glad to have your views.”
“Dimsdale,” said that oracle, turning to me, “I don’t know who’s put you up to this, but whoever they are they’re not humane.”
“They ought to be kicked,” said George.
“He’s in a big enough funk already, without you men doing your little bit,” said the Optimist.
Everybody, with one exception, was enjoying the fun immensely. I was the exception. It is not nice to be at the mercy of one’s intimates. But now by some mysterious means I was delivered into their hands. One can scarcely expect the average man to join in the laugh against himself in such circumstances. They were so delicate. Indeed, only rude coarse men would be capable of creating them. And to a person of sensibility, they were aggravated by the presence of Grace’s arrogant male relations. Never a doubt that they were arrogant. They, in common with the conspirators, seemed quite unable to treat me with respect. And at least I thought that that justice should be granted to me, for a man who has been awake all night feels entitled to some little consideration.
“Sir Knight,” said the little parson, “I would fain remind thee that ’tis now nine-forty by this my good chronometer. Twenty minutes hence the divinity retireth.”
This specific mention seemed to lend additional flavour to their chaff. They were getting up my blood. And when that is thoroughly aroused, I enjoy the character of being a somewhat headstrong person. Therefore when at a quarter to ten I discarded my cigar, finished my coffee, and quietly announced that I was going to face the music, they ought not to have been as staggered as they were.
“What now?” they shouted.
“Oui, oui,” said I, stepping to the door.
“Look here,” said the alarmed Archie, “this is beyond a joke.”