“Michael, I have had nothing to eat since early morning, and I have had a long hard walk.”
“Bless my soul! And bless you, too, Master Percy! You couldn’t have come at a more fortunate time. When the old lord is alone with no company, he likes his dinner early; and we’re just after carrying it in. So come along to my room and eat with me—unless you prefer to try the upper table.”
“What! with the earl?”
“To be sure.”
“Mercy, no! What should put such an idea into your head?”
“Why, it wouldn’t be the first time, not by a number; and, besides, I have a fancy that the old lord rather likes it.”
“But never when Lord Oakleigh is at the castle.”
“Oho, he isn’t here! Thank fortune he’s gone.”
“Gone! Are you sure?”
“Aye, that I am—bag and baggage—he and his rascally valet with him.”