“Well, I hope so; for he deserves it. And now, Hardy, to change the subject, I am going to give my first wine next Thursday; and here's the first card which has gone out for it. You'll promise me to come now, won't you?”
“What a hurry you're in.” said Hardy, taking the card which he put on his mantel-piece, after examining it.
“But you'll promise to come, now?”
“I'm very hard at work; I can't be sure.”
“You needn't stay above half an hour. I've brought back some famous wine from the governor's cellar; and I want so to get you and Jervis together. He is sure to come.”
“Why, that's the bell for chapel beginning already,” said Hardy; “I had no notion it was so late. I must be off, to put the new servitor up to his work. Will you come in after hall?”
“Yes if you will come to me next Thursday.”
“We'll talk about it. But mind you come to-night; for you'll find me working Grey in the Punic wars, and you'll see how the pins act. I'm very proud of my show.”
And so Hardy went off to chapel, and Tom to Drysdale's rooms, not at all satisfied that he had made Hardy safe. He found Drysdale lolling on his sofa, as usual, and fondling Jack. He had just arrived, and his servant and the scout were unpacking his portmanteaus. He seemed pleased to see Tom, but looked languid and used up.
“Where have you been this vacation?” said Tom; “you look seedy.”