“Yes, yes, that is very likely,” said Eliphalet, ironically; but he was none the less pleased by these nosegays of speech.
So the whole cast of “The Night Cry” were entrained for Chester, where in due course they arrived. Mr. Knight was waiting on the platform, and sprang to open the door of Eliphalet’s compartment.
“Here’s The Boy,” cried Mornice. “Now, Spud, be polite, and shake hands with Mr. Cardomay.”
Ronald Knight was naturally polite, and did as he was bid, with “It’s a very great pleasure to meet you, sir.” While Mornice, in the background, gratuitously supplied, “I call him Daddy fatherums, and sometimes Pummy.”
Eliphalet frowned a little. An old man does not care to have his pet name hung on the line for all to behold.
“Oh, she’s boasting,” said Ronald, with some neatness, who, reversely, as a young man, was charmed to have been called “Spud” in public.
“Mornice tells me she has asked you to find us some accommodations,” said Eliphalet.
“Oh! I forgot to,” gasped Mornice, in instant contrition. Then: “Hold out your hand, Morny!”
Ronald laughed as she inflicted punishment upon herself.
“I know a few addresses, Mr. Cardomay. Or perhaps you will stay at the hotel?”