The Amateur Gentleman

"Love," exclaimed the Viscount again, and frowning this time;

"now, who the devil should she be in love with!"

"That, my Lord, I can't say, not having yet observed. But now, by

your leave, I'll pass the word for breakfast."

Hereupon the landlord of "The Spotted Cow" opened the lattice, and

sent a deep-lunged hail across the yard.

"Ahoy!" he roared, "Oliver, Penelope, Bess--breakfast ho!--breakfast

for the Viscount--and friend. They be all watching of that theer

imp--axing his pardon--that theer groom o' yours, what theer be of

him, which though small ain't by no means to be despised, him being

equally ready wi' his tongue as his fist."

Here entered two maids, both somewhat flushed with haste but both

equally bright of eye, neat of person, and light of foot, who very

soon had laid a snowy cloth and duly set out thereon the beef, the

bread and cheese, and a mighty ham, before which the Viscount seated

himself forthwith, while their sailor host, more jovial than ever,

pointed out its many beauties with an eloquent thumb. And so, having

seen his guests seated opposite each other, he pulled his forelock

at them, made a leg to them, and left them to their breakfast.