Page:Cerise, a tale of the last century (IA cerisetaleoflast00whytrich).pdf/382

 Slap-Jack was becoming a little confused, remembering the part played by Beaudésir on the last occasion of their meeting.

"Sir George does not expect me," answered Florian, returning the seaman's greeting with cordial warmth; "but unless he is very much altered, I think his welcome will be no less hearty than your own."

"That I'll swear it will—that I'll swear he doesn't," protested Slap-Jack, taking upon himself the character of confidential domestic more and more. "Sir George never ordered so much as a third place to be laid at dinner; but we'll make that all ship-shape with a round turn in no time; an' if you don't drink 'Sweethearts and Wives' to-*day in a flagon of the best, why, say I'm a Dutchman! When I see them towing your nag into harbour, and our old purser's steward, butler, as we calls him ashore, he hails me and sings out as there's a visitor between decks, I knowed as something out of the common was aboard. I can't tell you for why; but I knowed it as sure as the compass. I haven't been pleased since I was paid off. If it wasn't that my lady's in the room above this, and it's not discipline to disturb her, blowed if I wouldn't give three such cheers as should shake the acorns down at the far end of the west avenue. But I'll do it to-night after quarters, see if I won't, Lieutenant Bo askin' your pardon, your honour's reverence."

Thus conversing, and occupying himself the whole time with the guest's comforts, for Slap-Jack, sailor-like, had not forgotten to be two-handed, he showed Florian into a handsome bed-chamber, and unpacked with ready skill the traveller's valise, taken off his horse's croup, that contained the modest wardrobe, which in those days of equestrian journeys was considered sufficient for a gentleman's requirements. He then assured him that Sir George's arrival could not be long delayed, as dinner would be served in half an hour, and the waiting-woman had already gone up-*stairs to dress her ladyship; also, that there was a sirloin of beef on the spit and ale in the cellar brewed thirty-five years ago next October; with which pertinent information he left the visitor to his toilet and his reflections.

The former was soon concluded; the latter lasted him