Sergeant! Colonel Lukyn will now join his party.
[_Boiling with indignation._] What, sir? What?
Lukyn, I think we both have engagements--will you excuse me?
Posket! You've gone too far! If you went down on your knees, which you appear to have been recently doing, and begged the names of these two ladies, you shouldn't have 'em! No sir, by George, you shouldn't.
You've lectured me, pooh-poohed me, snubbed me--a soldier, sir--a soldier! But when I think of your dinner-party to-night, with my empty chair, like Banquo, by George, sir--and the chief dish composed of a well-browned, well-basted, family skeleton, served up under the best silver cover, I pity you, Posket! Good morning!
Ah! Thank goodness that ordeal is passed. Now, Wormington, I think I am ready to face the duties of the day! Shall we go into Court?
[_MR. WORMINGTON gathers up papers from the table. MR. POSKET with a shaking hand pours out water from carafe and drinks._
My breakfast. [_To MR. WORMINGTON._] I hope I defended the sanctity of the Englishman's hearth, Wormington?
You did, indeed. As a married man, I thank you.
Give me your arm, Wormington! I am not very well this morning, and this interview with Colonel Lukyn has shaken me. I think your coat-collar is turned up, Wormington.
[_They turn their collars down; MR. POSKET takes MR. WORMINGTON'S arm. They are going towards the curtains when WYKE enters hurriedly at the door._
Hush! hush! Mr. Posket is just going into Court.
Lady Jenkins has sent me back to tell you that she hasn't seen the missis for the last week or more.
Mrs. Posket went to Campden Hill with Miss Verrinder last night!
No sir--and even a slow four-wheeler won't account for that.
Wormington! there's something wrong! Mrs. Posket quitted a fairly happy home last night and has not been seen or heard of since!
Pray don't be anxious, sir, the Court is waiting.
But I am anxious! Tell Sergeant Lugg to look over the Accident-Book, this morning's Hospital Returns, List of Missing Children, Suspicious Pledges People left Chargeable to the Parish, Attend to your Window Fastenings----! I--I--Wormington, Mrs. Posket and I disagreed last night.
Don't think of it, sir! you should hear me and Mrs. Wormington! Pray do come into Court.