Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/229

Rh "Now then, my lads, what say you to a regular jollification?"

Milicent glanced at me with a half reproachful look, as if I could hinder it; but her countenance changed when she heard Hattersley's voice shouting through door and wall.

"I'm your man! Send for more wine: here isn't half enough!"

We had scarcely entered the drawing-room before we were joined by Lord Lowborough.

"What can induce you to come so soon?" exclaimed his lady, with a most ungracious air of dissatisfaction.

"You know I never drink, Annabella," replied he, seriously.

"Well, but you might stay with them a little: it looks so silly to be always dangling after the women—I wonder you can!"

He reproached her with a look of mingled bitterness and surprise, and sinking into a chair, suppressed a heavy sigh, bit his pale lips, and fixed his eyes upon the floor.