'Drive us to Twickenham House, St. James's Square. Now, Fitz, in you jump.'
'Look here. I don't know what your game is, you're beyond me altogether, but don't you go kicking me out when we get there.'
'No, my Lord Marquis; out of your palatial abode. Because, if you do, this time there'll be trouble.'
'Fitz, would you do me the favour to step into that cab, and don't talk as if you had been let out of a lunatic asylum before your time?'
Thus adjured, Mr. FitzHoward did as he was requested. As the cab bowled along he continued to regard his companion with glances which were brimful of curiosity. But nothing was said. The cab reached Twickenham House. When Mr. Merrett got out he looked the building up and down.
'Don't look extra lively, does it? As if they kept a funeral on the premises. Nodding plumes out of every window would give a finishing touch. A bit too much in the big bow-wow style to suit me.'
'It does take a big man to properly fill it, as perhaps you found.'
'I found? Fitz, you're a fair treat. You'd better take something for it before it goes too far.'
Mr. Merrett sounded a salute on the knocker and the bell. The door flew open. A powdered footman stood within.
'His lordship is----' the footman began, then stopped to stare. 'I beg pardon, I----' The man stopped again.
'Well? Get it out! You thought what! For pains in the back try Jujah!'
'I beg your lordship's pardon. I thought your lordship was engaged. I wasn't aware your lordship was out.'
Mr. Merrett looked the man very straight in the face; as if he suspected him of an intention to be humorous.
'Not so much "your lordship" about it, if you please. Is it the old complaint? Try a bushel of pills before breakfast and a scuttleful at lunch. A young man with a pair of legs like yours ought to have more sense. He did really. For goodness gracious sake don't be a fool just because you look it. Try to behave as if you'd left your face at home. Did you hear me ask if the Marquis of Twickenham is at home, or are you deaf both back and front?'
The footman plainly did not know what to make of the position.
Mr. Merrett sprang up the steps. 'Look here, you perambulating cauliflower, if you give me any more of "your lordship" I'll dot you upon the frontispiece. Are you the only fool about the place? Or isn't there any one who can give a civil answer to a civil question?'