Presently, taking advantage of the general uproar, Sir John hasted to retire, followed by the Captain, still breathless but eager.
“Ha’ ye any other bears to bait, Jack?” he inquired as they descended to the street.
“Not at present, Tom.”
“So much the worse,” the Captain sighed. “Howbeit, I’ll not part with thee; we’ll see the night out together. First, dinner at the Piazza, and then——”
“Thank’ee no, Tom! I’ve affairs——”
“Aha—is she very fair?”
“I’m a man o’ business, Tom, and am in town for but a short time.”
“Why, then, where are ye living, Jack?”
“At High Dering.”
“Good Ged—the country!” exclaimed Captain Armitage, visibly shocked. “And y’ are going back again to rusticate—you, of all men!”