"Send for Guy," continued he, addressing the butler; "and help yourself to claret, we shall not have much time to spare."
Before I could express my surprise, Guy, the coachman, entered the room.
"Have the travelling-chariot with the four bays round in half-an-hour, and send the seats and imperial into my room to be packed. By the way," he proceeded, turning to me, "you will want some one to go and tell your servant to bring your clothes, we shall return in a week."
"Are you in earnest?" I inquired, somewhat taken aback at this hasty movement.
"Quite," he answered; "pass the bottle; and, John, take the small front imperial to Lord William's lodgings in Pall Mall, tell his servant to pack it up, and we will call for it on our way."
In half-an-hour the carriage was at the door; we took our seats, the faithful valet ascended the rumble, and the order was given,
"Make the best of your way to Dartford, call as you go by at No. 4, Pall Mall."
It was a lovely evening in July, and despite of having all the windows down we felt greatly oppressed with heat.
"What say you to riding?" inquired my companion; "pull up, boys."
"I am not in trim for riding," I replied, "with these thin white trousers, shoes, and silk stockings; my legs will be awfully chafed."