I think that young man understood the fixed look with which I regarded him for the space of about half a minute! I was quite sure his companion did.
By this time, the dessert was on the table.
"Where're you going, Fred? you ain't done?" shouted the Hoosier, or whatever he was.
"I have an engagement—I'll see you again," replied the gentleman thus addressed, springing up, and eluding the detaining grasp of his persecutor, quickly made good his escape.
No sooner were we seated in one of the parlors, than Ida's pent-up merriment burst forth.
"Did you hear what that poor young man said, when the other commenced reading the bill of fare, uncle," said she, "just before he darted out of the room?"
"What, in particular, do you refer to, my dear? I heard a great deal more than I wished."
"O, I mean when the speaking-trumpet, as Governor S—— called him, shouted out—'fricandeau de veau!—What's he, Fred? Do tell a fellow.' He was picking his teeth at the time, with a large goose-quill, with all the feathers on!"
"Well, what was the answer?"
"The poor martyr was, by that time, reduced to the calmness of despair," replied your cousin, laughing; "he answered, with a meaning air, I thought, 'A calf's head!—one of the entrées!' Corné, I hope you did not lose the full effect of the great green and orange-colored peaches sprinkled over the vest of your admirer. Love at first sight, my dear! Never saw a more unmistakable smitation! What a triumph! Your first conquest since your arrival in New York, I believe, Miss Lunettes!" lisping affectedly, and bowing with mock deference.