Clive said it was not the will, but the power that was deficient. He succeeded with men, but the ladies were too much for him as yet.
“Those you’ve done up at Albany Street Barracks are famous: I’ve seen ’em,” said Mr. Sherrick; and remarking that his guest looked rather surprised at the idea of his being in such company, Sherrick said, “What, you think they are too great swells for me? Law bless you, I often go there. I’ve business with several of ’em; had with Captain Belsize, with the Earl of Kew, who’s every inch the gentleman—one of nature’s aristocracy, and paid up like a man. The Earl and me has had many dealings together:”
Honeyman smiled faintly, and nobody complying with Mr. Sherrick’s boisterous entreaties to drink more, the gentlemen quitted the dinner-table, which had been served in a style of prodigious splendour, and went to the drawing-room for a little music.
This was all of the gravest and best kind; so grave indeed, that James Binnie might be heard in a corner giving an accompaniment of little snores to the singers and the piano. But Rosey was delighted with the performance, and Sherrick remarked to Clive, “That’s a good gal, that is; I like that gal; she ain’t jealous of Julia cutting her out in the music, but listens as pleased as any one. She’s a sweet little pipe of her own, too. Miss Mackenzie, if ever you like to go to the opera, send a word either to my West End or my City office. I’ve boxes every week, and you’re welcome to anything I can give you.”
So all agreed that the evening had been a very pleasant one; and they of Fitzroy Square returned home talking in a most comfortable friendly way—that is, two of them, for Uncle James fell asleep again, taking possession of the back seat; and Clive and Rosey prattled together. He had offered to try and take all the young ladies’ likenesses. “You know what a failure the last was, Rosey?”—he had very nearly said “dear Rosey.”
“Yes, but Miss Sherrick is so handsome, that you will succeed better with her than with my round face, Mr. Newcome.”
“Mr. What?” cries Clive.
“Well, Clive, then,” says Rosey, in a little voice.
He sought for a little hand which was not very far away. “You know we are like brother and sister, dear Rosey?” he said this time.
“Yes,” said she, and gave a little pressure of the hand. And then Uncle James woke up; and it seemed as if the whole drive didn’t occupy a minute, and they shook hands very very kindly at the door of Fitzroy Square.