“Well,” returned the headsman, “though filled with alarm, I never took my eyes from it, but watched it glide slowly round the scaffold, and finally return to the porch, where it disappeared.”
“Did you address it?” asked Winwike.
“Not I,” replied Mauger. “My tongue clove to the roof of my mouth. I could not have spoken to save my life.”
“Strange!” exclaimed Sorrocold. “Did you ever see it again?”
“Yes, on the night before Catherine Howard’s execution,” replied Mauger; “and I have no doubt it will appear to-night.”
“Do you think so?” cried Sorrocold. “I will watch for it.”
“I shall visit the scaffold myself, an hour after midnight,” returned Mauger—“you can accompany me if you think proper.”
“Agreed!” exclaimed the chirurgeon.
They were here interrupted by a boisterous roar of merriment from the other guests. While their sombre talk was going on, Ribald, who had made considerable progress in the good graces of Lady Le Grand, had related a merry tale, and at its close, which was attended with shouts of laughter, Sir Narcissus ordered a fresh supply of wine, and the vast measures were promptly replenished by the pantier. Several pleasant hours were thus consumed, until at last Sir Narcissus arose, or rather attempted to rise, for his limbs refused their office, and his gaze was rather unsteady, and addressed his friends as follows:—“Farewell, my merry gossips,” he hiccupped—“farewell! As I am now a married man, I must keep go-o-o-d hours.” (At this moment the clock struck twelve). “I have already trespassed too much on Lady Le Grand’s good nature. She is getting sleepy. So, to speak truth, am! I shall often visit you again—as often, at least, as my dignities and duties will permit. Do not stand in awe of my presence. I shall always unbend with you—always. The truly great are never proud—at least to their inferiors. With their superiors it is a different matter. This alone would convince you of my illustrious origin.”
“True,” cried Gog, “no one would suspect you of being the son of a groom of the pantry, for instance.”