His
fellow cronies of the Mermaid would have thought him stark, staring
mad."
There was reason in what he was saying. I decided not to mention my
idea of altering the chimneys and fixing up imitation gables,
especially as young Bute seemed pleased with the house, which by this
time we had reached.
"Now, that is a good house," said young Bute. "That is a house where
a man in a frock-coat and trousers can sit down and not feel himself
a stranger from another age. It was built for a man who wore a
frock-coat and trousers--on weekdays, maybe, gaiters and a shooting-
coat. You can enjoy a game of billiards in that house without the
feeling that comes to you when playing tennis in the shadow of the
Pyramids."
We entered, and I put before him my notions--such of them as I felt
he would approve. We were some time about the business, and when we
looked at our watches young Bute's last train to town had gone.
There still remained much to talk about, and I suggested he should
return with me to the cottage and take his luck. I could sleep with
Dick and he could have my room. I told him about the cow, but he
said he was a practised sleeper and would be delighted, if I could
lend him a night-shirt, and if I thought Miss Robina would not be put
out. I assured him that it would be a good thing for Robina; the
unexpected guest would be a useful lesson to her in housekeeping.
Besides, as I pointed out to him, it didn't really matter even if
Robina were put out.
Pages:
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95