Young man, he said, you have done me one favor. Will you now promise to do me another?
Certainly, my Lord, if it is consistent, replied Walter.
Then accompany me to my house, to the end that we may become better acquainted.
Yes, on one condition—that my mess-mates can accompany me.
Certainly, the whole ship’s crew if you desire.
A conveyance was procured, and in a few moments Walter and his friends were being driven through the streets of London.
This was both new and novel for Walter. He had read something of London fog, London life and London women; but on London noise and London cold he was not posted, especially as to the latter. Both himself and grand-father were wet to the skin in consequence of their late immersion in the Thames, and long before they reached the residence of Lord Wallace they both chattered with the cold. At length the residence is reached and the parties alighted.
Take these gentlemen into the green room, and furnish them with dry clothes and a good fire, said Lord Wallace to his servants.
The servants beckoned them to follow, which they did.