CHAPTER V.
IN WHICH SIR ASINUS MAKES AS IGNOMINIOUS RETREAT.
Sir Asinus was apparently in high spirits, and smoothed the nap of his cocked hat with his sleeve—the said sleeve being of Mecklenburg silk—in a way which indicated the summit of felicity.
He seemed to inhale the May morning joyously after his late imprisonment; and he betook himself immediately to paying assiduous court to Miss Belle-bouche, who, the sooth to say, did not seem ill-disposed to get rid of Jacques.
Poor Jacques, therefore, made an unsuccessful attempt to engage Philippa in conversation. This failing—for Philippa was watching Mowbray disappearing toward Williamsburg—the melancholy Jacques made friends with the lap-dog, who at first was propitious, but ended by snapping at his fingers.
"A delightful day, my dear madam," he said to Philippa, once more endeavoring to open an account current of conversation.
Philippa, with bent brows, made no reply.
"The birds are having a charming time, it seems."
Poor Jacques! Philippa is buried in thought, and with her eyes fixed on the receding horseman, does not hear him.
"You seem preoccupied, madam," he said.