Walter reflected for a few minutes.
The proposition had taken him by surprise. The notion of becoming a flunky amused him vastly, and he could hardly entertain it seriously. However, there seemed to be no difficulty in assuming the part.
The result of his cogitations was that he felt inclined to adopt the expedient, and he told Mr. Tankard so.
“But I cannot offer myself under any false pretence,” he said. “Lady Thicknesse must be made aware that I have never served in this capacity before.”
All his auditors, except Hartley, laughed loudly at his scruples.
“Bless you, my dear fellow, you needn't be so diffident,” cried Mr. Tankard. “If Lady Thicknesse is satisfied, that's all you need mind. I'll set about the business to-morrow. In a week I expect you'll thank me for my pains.”
“You'll have a first-rate situation, if you get it, I promise you,” remarked Pledger Dapp.
“Very handsome livery and powder,” observed Larkins.
“Powder!” exclaimed Walter, in dismay. “Is it necessary to wear powder?”
“Indispensable,” replied Tankard. “But you'll find it very becoming,” he added, with a laugh. “Powder will suit your hair. You're above six feet in height, eh?”