Major Mahon is standing at one of the front windows of his house waiting for his dinner to be served, when he sees a fiacre driven up to the door, and inside it the face of a friend.
He does not stay for the bell to be rung, but with genuine Irish impulsiveness rushes forth, himself opening the door.
“Captain Ryecroft!” he exclaims, grasping the new arrival by the hand, and hauling him out of the hackney. “Glad to see you back in Boulogne.” Then adding, as he observes a young man leap down from the box where he has had seat beside the driver, “Part of your belongings, isn’t he?”
“Yes, Major; my old Wye waterman, Jack Wingate, of whom I spoke to you. And if it be convenient to you to quarter both of us for a day or two—”
“Don’t talk about convenience, and bar all mention of time. The longer you stay with me you’ll be conferring the greater favour. Your old room is gaping to receive you; and Murtagh will rig up a berth for your boatman. Murt!” to the ex-Royal Irish, who, hearing the fracas, has also come forth, “take charge of Captain Ryecroft’s traps, along with Mr Wingate here, and see all safety bestowed. Now, old fellow, step inside. They’ll look after the things. You’re just in time to do dinner with me. I was about sitting down to it solus, awfully lamenting my loneliness. Well; one never knows what luck’s in the wind. Rather hard lines for you, however. If I mistake not, my pot’s of the poorest this blessed day. But I know you’re neither gourmand nor gourmet; and that’s some consolation. In!”
In go they, leaving the old soldier to settle the fiacre fare, look after the luggage, and extend the hospitalities of the kitchen to Jack Wingate.
Soon as Captain Ryecroft has performed some slight ablutions—necessary after a sea voyage however short—his host hurries him down to the dining-room.
When seated at the table, the Major asks—
“What on earth has delayed you, Vivian? You promised to be back in a week at most. Its months now! Despairing of your return, I had some thought of advertising the luggage you left with me, ‘if not claimed within a certain time, to be sold for the payment of expenses.’ Ha! ha!”