Tom was not particularly gratified by his father's unlooked-for appearance on the scene, thinking, perhaps, his own importance might be diminished.
“What the deuce has brought the guv'nor down here?” he remarked to Netterville. “We could have done very well without him.”
“He's come to look after you, I've no doubt, Tom,” observed Netterville, laughing.
“No; it's Higgins!” cried Tom. “He can't live without Higgins. Where Higgins goes, Tankard must go too. I believe if Higgins set off for Jerusalem by next train, if there is a railway to Jerusalem, Tankard would set off after him. But I must shut up! Here come the guv'nor and Higgins. I hope they didn't overhear my remarks.”
But it seemed they did, for they both shook their hands at him.
XII. LORD COURLAND ARRIVES AT OUSELCROFT.
|When Lord Courland and Scrope Danvers arrived later in the day, a very pretty picture was presented to them.
On the lawn, which was charmingly kept, the whole party now staying in the house were assembled, and, judging from the lively sounds that reached the ear, they were all amusing themselves very well.