"
"She seems a little person likely to give herself airs. Well, then, in
that case, though as you say I am no doubt raising Mr. Dodd to a false
importance, still--"
"Say no more; we should indulge the whims of our friends, not attack
them with reasons. You will see the Dodds no more in my house."
"Oh, as to that, just as you please. Perhaps they would be as well out
of it," said Talboys, with a sudden affectation of carelessness. I
must not take you too far. Good-night."
"Go-o-d night!"
Poor David. He was to learn how little real hold upon society has the
man who can only instruct and delight it.
Mr. Fountain bustled home, rubbing his hands with delight. "Aha!"
thought he; "jealous! actually jealous! absurdly jealous! That is a
good sign. Who would have thought so proud a man could be jealous of a
sailor? I have found out your vulnerable point, my friend. I'll tell
Lucy; how she will laugh. David Dodd! Now we know how to manage him,
Lucy and I. If he freezes back again, we have but to send for David
Dodd and his fiddle." He bustled home, and up into the drawing-room to
tell Lucy Mr. Talboys had at last declared himself. His heart felt
warm. He would settle six thousand pounds on Mrs. Talboys during his
life and his whole fortune after his death.
He found the drawing-room empty. He rang the bell. "Where is Miss
Fountain?" John didn't know, but supposed she had gone to her room.
"You don't know? You never know anything. Send her maid to me.
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