"Well, I suppose it is for want of my supper," he returned. "Is—is there no meat to-night, Miss Deb?"
"Not any," she answered decisively. She had the pleasure of knowing Master Cheese well.
Master Cheese paused. "There was nearly the whole joint left at dinner," said he in a tone of remonstrance.
"There was a good deal of it left, and that's the reason it's not coming in," replied Miss Deb. "It will be sufficient for to-morrow's dinner with a pudding, I'm sure it will not hurt you to sup upon cheese for one night."
With all his propensity for bonne chère, Master Cheese was really of a modest nature, and would not go the length of demanding luxuries, if denied them by Miss Deb. He was fain to content himself with the cheese and celery, eating so much of it that it may be a question whether the withholding of the cold pork had been a gain in point of economy.
Laying down his knife at length, he put back his chair to return to the surgery. Generally he was not in so much haste; he liked to wait until the things were removed, even to the cloth, lest by a speedy departure he might miss some nice little dainty or other, coming in at the tail of the repast. It is true such impromptu arrivals were not common at Miss West's table, but Master Cheese liked to be on the sure side.
"You are in a hurry," remarked Miss Amilly, surprised at the unwonted withdrawal.
"Jan's out," returned Master Cheese. "Folks may be coming in to the surgery."
"I wonder if Mr. Jan will be late to-night?" cried Miss Deb.
"Of course he will," confidently replied Master Cheese. "Who ever heard of a wedding-party breaking up before morning?"