Page:Cerise, a tale of the last century (IA cerisetaleoflast00whytrich).pdf/513

 confederates. A brace of pistols were now to be loaded and disposed in the large pockets of his riding-coat, the trusty rapier to be buckled on, hat, gloves, and cloak to be placed on the hall-table, Slap Jack summoned to be in readiness with the luggage, and Sir George was prepared for his journey.

Not till these arrangements were made did he seek Lady Hamilton's withdrawing-room, where, perhaps to his disappointment, he found the Marquise alone.

His wife, however, soon entered, and accosted him with a very wife-like inquiry—

"Have you had no dinner, George? and before travelling, too? We would have waited, but the servants said you had given orders not to be disturbed."

"Sleep is food," observed the Marquise. "I believe you have been preparing for your journey with a siesta?"

How homelike and comfortable looked the pretty room, with its blazing fire and its beautiful occupants! And perhaps he was never to see it again; was certainly never again to hear the voice he loved in that endearing and familiar tone.

But he would not pain his wife even now. As far as he could spare her she should be spared. They must not part on any terms but those of kindness and good-will. He drew her towards his chair and called her by her Christian name.

"I would have dined with you, indeed, but I had not a moment to bestow," said he, "and the Marquise will excuse ceremony in such a family party as ours. You will take care of Cerise, madame, when I am gone? I know I can trust her safely with you."

The tears were standing in Lady Hamilton's eyes, and she bent her face towards her husband.

"You will come back soon, George?" said she in a broken voice. "London is not so far. Promise me you will only be a week away."

He drew her down and kissed her, once, twice, fondly, passionately, but answered not a word. Then he took leave of the Marquise with something less than his usual composure, which she did not fail to remark, and notwithstanding a certain delay in the hall, of which Cerise tried