“No,” said Franklin, sighing.
“But stay,” said Corkscrew, “what I am thinking of is, that if mistress will let you go, I’ll treat you myself, rather than that you should he disappointed.”
Delight, surprise and gratitude appeared in Franklin’s face at these words. Corkscrew rejoiced to see that now, at least, he had found a most powerful temptation. “Well then, I’ll go just now and ask her. In the meantime, lend me the key of the house door for a minute or two.”
“The key!” answered Franklin, starting; “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that, for I’ve promised my mistress never to let it out of my own hands.”
“But how will she know anything of the matter? Run, run, and get it for us.”
“No, I cannot,” replied Franklin, resisting the push which the butler gave his shoulder.
“You can’t?” cried Corkscrew, changing his tone; “then, sir, I can’t take you to the play.”
“Very well, sir,” said Franklin, sorrowfully, but with steadiness.
“Very well, sir,” said Felix, mimicking him, “you need not look so important, nor fancy yourself such a great man, because you’re master of a key.”
“Say no more to him,” interrupted Corkscrew: “let him alone to take his own way. Felix, you would have no objection, I suppose, to going to the play with me?”