In a short time her husband went out with the invitation in his pocket and a look of unusual benevolence in his eyes.
Dr. Tuggle and lady read the invitation together over their breakfast-table, and fell to quarrelling so dreadfully about the purport of Mr. Grapewine's singular request, that the doctor rushed from the house, threatening to pull Mr. Grapewine's nose, and to divorce himself forever from his hateful spouse.
On this same morning Mr. Grapewine's bell was rung five times, at very short intervals, in the most tremendously violent manner, and five loud altercations took place in the hall between the servant and the five callers.
"Where is he?"
"Bring him down, or I'll go up after him!"
"What does he mean by it?"
"Insult a respectable lady!"
"Let me catch him, that's all!"
"Where has he gone?"
"I'll send him a challenge by Fobbs!"