|After a brief conference with Pledger Dapp, Mr. Tankard returned with
Higgins to the company.
Presently, the gladsome announcement was made by the fine footman that
supper was ready.
Mr. Tankard showed his guests the way by taking out Mrs. Tripp;
Mrs. Sicklemore followed with Hartley, whose arm she took with some
reluctance; then came Larkins with Mrs. Hartley; then Harry Netterville
with Rose, by far the best-looking couple in the assemblage; then came
the gallant Tom, with a young lady on either arm, singing to himself,
like Captain Macheath, “How happy could I be with either;” and, lastly,
came the hostess and Mr. Higgins.
Walter stood at the supper-room door as the company entered, and Flora
and Clotilde made some complimentary remarks upon his appearance. Tom,
however, would not allow them to stop for a moment, but took them to
their seats, and placed himself between them.
The table was not very large, but it was well covered with dishes;
for Pledger Dapp had been as good as his word, and had given a capital
supper.
The chickens, hams, and tongues being ready carved, could be helped
without delay; and the lobster salad was pronounced faultless by Mr.
Higgins, who professed to be a judge.
The creams, jellies, and _pâtisserie_ were equally good, and Tom took
care the young ladies should have plenty.
Nor was Harry Netterville less attentive, though Rose was far more
easily satisfied.
Claret-cup and sherry were the beverages, and the glasses were
constantly replenished by Pledger Dapp.
Ever since the supper began, Walter had disappeared. At length, his
absence was remarked by Flora and Clotilde.
“I don't see your fine footman, Mr. Tom,” said the former. “I suppose he
won't wait at supper?”
“Can't say,” replied Tom. “He does pretty much as he likes.”
“Now, do tell me, Mr. Tom,” said Clotilde, “is he _really_ a footman?”
“To be sure he is!” cried Tom. “What do you take him for?”
“_I_ take him for a gentleman,” said Flora.
“And so do I,” added Clotilde.
“Well, he _is_ a gentleman, in his way,” said Tom. “What wages do you
suppose we give him? A hundred a year--quarter in advance--separate
meals. He's gettin' his supper by himself at this moment; will have his
pint of champagne, though the guv'nor only allows _us_ claret-cup--ha!
ha!”
“I don't believe all this stuff you're telling us about high wages and
champagne, Mr. Tom,” said Flora. “But I'm certain there's something
extraordinary about your new footman. You may as well let us into the
secret.”
“Well, if you want to know his history, I must refer you to Miss Rose
Hartley,” said Tom. “She can tell you about him.”
“Is this so, Rose?” said Harry Netterville, who overheard the remark.
“Don't ask me for any explanation just now, please Harry,” she replied;
“I'd rather not give it.”
“Why not?” cried Netterville, who was rather of a jealous temper. “Have
you known him long? I never heard of him before.”
“I have already said I shall not answer any questions concerning him
just now.”
“Ah! yonder he is!” exclaimed Flora. “I can see him in the shop, through
the open door. I declare, he has changed his dress! He doesn't look half
so imposing now.”
“But he is much more like a gentleman,” said Clo-tilde, who also
perceived Walter in the shop, now in his morning attire. “Do be
good-natured, Mr. Tom, and tell us who he is!”
“I would rather stop both your mouths with a little of this trifle,”
said Tom, helping them.
Harry Netterville's eyes had followed the same direction as those of the
two girls.
He noticed the change that had taken place in Walter's exterior, and
said, rather sharply:
“Clear up the mystery, Rose.”
“Not to-night,” she replied, quietly.
“I wish Mr. Liddel would come in and join us at supper,” said Mr.
Tankard to Pledger Dapp. “Do go and ask him.”
“Yes; pray do, Mr. Dapp!” said Flora. “We can easily make room for him
here.”
But Walter was prevented.
Just before the message was sent, a knock was heard; and, thinking it
was a visitor, he went to open the street-door, and found himself face
to face with Sir Bridgnorth Charlton and Mr. Carteret.
An instantaneous recognition took place on either side. Walter hastily
retreated, but neglected to shut the door after him; and the two
gentlemen followed him into the shop, where he checked their further
progress.
“You must excuse this intrusion,” said Sir Bridgnorth, “and attribute it
to my anxiety to find you. I have been searching for you everywhere, and
rejoice that I am, at last, successful.”
“Not so loud, Sir Bridgnorth,” said the young man, pointing to the party
in the adjoining room. “I am only known here as Walter Liddel.”
“What I have to say may be said very briefly; and it cannot matter who
hears it,” rejoined Sir Bridgnorth. “Your friends wish you to return to
them.”
“I have already given Mr. Carteret an answer,” said Walter. “I refuse.”
“But I would remonstrate with you on your folly.”
“It is useless. I beg there may not be a scene. It will produce no good
effect, and may do mischief, by interfering with my plans.”
“But your plans cannot be carried out. Come to me at the Grosvenor Hotel
to-morrow, and I will convince you of their utter absurdity.”
“No,” replied Walter; “I am inflexible in my purpose. The only favour I
will ask of you and Mr. Carteret is not to reveal my name.”
“But, my good fellow, listen to reason. Don't take a step you will most
assuredly repent. Hereafter you will thank me most heartily for giving
you this advice. You won't want money. Carteret has got five hundred
pounds, which he will pay over to you. You won't want friends, for we
will all rally round you. Come, don't hesitate!”
It was clear that the worthy gentleman's earnestness had produced an
impression. Walter seemed inclined to yield, but still hung back.
At this moment, Tankard, who had heard some conversation going on, came
out of the supper-room, accompanied by Hartley and Higgins.
As they issued forth, they shut the door after them,
“I believe I have the honour of addressing Sir Bridgnorth Charlton,” said
Tankard, bowing.
“Yes, I am Sir Bridgnorth,” replied the other; “and I feel persuaded you
will assist me to restore this rather wrong-headed young gentleman to
his friends.”
“Then I am right in my notion that he is Mr. Chetwynd Calverley?”
remarked Tankard.
“It is useless to conceal his name, though he seems to desire
it,” rejoined Sir Bridgnorth.
“Yes, I _am_ Chetwynd Calverley,” said the young man. “I care not who
knows it. I have been a great fool, and I suppose I shall continue one
to the end.”
“No, don't!” cried Hartley, advancing towards him, and regarding him
very earnestly. “Don't commit any more folly. Perhaps I have a right to
advise you.”
“You have, Hartley. I fully recognise it,” replied Chetwynd, taking his
hand “You saved my life. Whatever you advise me to do, I will do!”
“Then, go back to your friends,” said Hartley. “That's my advice.”
“And mine,” said Tankard.
“And mine, too,” added Higgins. “I shall be sorry to lose you; but
that's of no consequence.”
“Hartley,” said Chetwynd, clapping him in a friendly manner on
the shoulder, “you have decided me. I'll go back at once with Sir
Bridgnorth.”
“That's right, sir--that's right!” replied the other.
“I owe you a large debt,” continued Chetwynd. “But I'll not fail to pay
it.”
“You owe me nothing, sir,” rejoined Hartley.
“Yes, I do,” replied Chetwynd, earnestly; “more than I can ever pay.”
He then shook hands with the others, and, taking the hat and valise
which Tankard brought for him, bade them all three farewell, and quitted
the shop with Sir Bridgnorth and Mr. Carteret.