She has
arranged to travel by the afternoon train, as I recommended. Mrs.
Merridew has insisted on accompanying her. The note hints that the old
lady's generally excellent temper is a little ruffled, and requests all
due indulgence for her, in consideration of her age and her habits.
I will endeavour, in my relations with Mrs. Merridew, to emulate the
moderation which Betteredge displays in his relations with me. He
received us to-day, portentously arrayed in his best black suit, and
his stiffest white cravat. Whenever he looks my way, he remembers that
I have not read ROBINSON CRUSOE since I was a child, and he respectfully
pities me.
Yesterday, also, Mr. Blake had the lawyer's answer. Mr. Bruff accepts
the invitation--under protest. It is, he thinks, clearly necessary that
a gentleman possessed of the average allowance of common sense, should
accompany Miss Verinder to the scene of, what we will venture to call,
the proposed exhibition. For want of a better escort, Mr. Bruff himself
will be that gentleman.--So here is poor Miss Verinder provided with two
"chaperones." It is a relief to think that the opinion of the world must
surely be satisfied with this!
Nothing has been heard of Sergeant Cuff.
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