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Chapter 6 FATE IN A LAURELLED POST-CHAISE

Word Count: 2449    |    Released on: 30/11/2017

ment had been a success, and Endymion Westcote received many

it to see their gratitude. They behaved admirably. You see, two- thirds of them are gentlemen, after a fashion; not, perhaps, quite in the sen

s de Tocqueville and Rochambeau t

say so. I feared, perhaps, the way

inking rather of your

nce. What does

the Westcotes' gift. I am not-ah-aware that I consulted Milliton. On such questions I re

my kno

yet farther in the direction and granting permission for a small reunion on Sunday evenings at 'The Dogs,' when selections of purely sacred music will be performed. I shall, of course, deprecate the

ed not to go too far. Endymion, who had an exquisite flair for the approval of his own class, soon learned to take an honest pride in his liberalism and to enjoy its discreet display. 'The entertainment at Bayfield' was nothing-a private experiment only; the unfamiliar must be handled gently; a good rule to try it on your own household be

e), and their solemn taking of seats in the two front rows, thereafter became a feature of these entertainments. On the first occasion t

mateur myself," he explained,

nted themselves, General Rochambeau for one. Indeed, the General had taken to declining all invitations, and rarely appear

e Dogs," waiting to see the horses changed and the bags unloaded. But a second hung around the Post Office, where the Commissary received and distributed the prisoners' letters, while lesser groups shifted and moved about at t

ned to acknowledge a bow from the Vicomte de Tocqueville. The Vicomte, with an air of amused contempt, was choosing a steak for hi

and at picquet with the Admiral less fatiguing f

. They tell me he has never been wel

few Spring days have done wonders for his rheumatism

with me, instead of hurrying off to the Post Office

been telling yo

hea b

ak of it, at one of

oor old Damon and Pythias-while he holds the skeins; with a smile for poor old Pythias' pigtail, and a tremor of the voic

General. An audience of

n answer to this on his

cane. All Axcester laughed at his long blue surtout, his pigtail and little round hat. But Dorothea always found him formidable, and wanted to run away. "Admiral, I was just about to tell Miss Westcote that the time is com

n why no less than eight of them have broken t

ral, they grow less pa

Groups scattered, market carts were hastily backed alongside the pavement, and down the mid-thor

p by "The Dogs," and turned to note that the Admiral's f

e to-day, if Miss Wes

ifted his hat and hu

the last moment his friend must go for the letter which never came. She cast about to say somet

eet her eyes with an ef

should pity himself. Beware how you teac

e Tocqueville's tired smile; he was using his cane to prod the butcher and recall hi

ute," said the Vicomte, negligently; at

se in a hoarse crescendo. The mail coach was evidently not the centre of disturbance, though Dorothea could see its driver waving his arm and gesticulating

ever it is," said the Vicomte, gl

fe enough," Dorothea assured him. "The folks i

will return and report prompt

h her riding-switch was guarding the half-cut steak from a pre

onveying a young naval officer from Plymouth, with despatches and (I regret to tell it) a flag. His Britannic Majesty has captured another of our frigates; and the high spirited young gentleman was making the most o

hea caught her br

bat. Theatrically, and apart from the taste of it (I report only from hearsay), the coup must have been immensely successful. When I arrived, your brother was restoring peace, the young Brito

en sanglotant, Se prosternent

tol, shake hands,

anguor, and burlesqued t

owever, was

t 'The Dogs,' Monsieur?

ow me, then,

r countrymen will not suspect me o

e insisted, and w

ut war was war, and surely Britons had a right to raise three cheers for a victory. Besides he had begged pardon at once, and offered to shake hands like a gentleman-that is, as soon as he discovered whose feelings were hurt; for naturally the fisticuffs had come first, and in these Master Raoul had taken as good as he brought. As the Vicomte cleared a pat

with white and gilt-buttoned, white breeches and waistcoat, and broad black sword-belt; a youngster of the sort that loves a scrimmage or a jest, but is better in

a trying situation h

n a small misunderstanding, my dear Dorothea; not the slightest cause for al

ith a bow, passed into the dark passag

ce bowed upon his arms. His fingers convulsively twisted a

doorway and spoke his n

ped towa

Ra

ead, on the dark wave of hair above his strong, shapel

Ra

swam with tears, but behind the tears blazed a light whic

rot

dow she heard the noise of starting hoofs, of wheels, of the English crowd hurrahing as the chaise rolled away.

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