The Marquis had the first intimation of the change that was taking place in his household at four in the afternoon, when Fletcher, his face like a mask, presented him with a bowl of thin gruel. He had received it from Miss Challoner, and meeting Mr Timms upon the stairs, had said with great presence of mind: ‘You may take this to his lordship, Horace.’ Mr Timms, after one glance at the tray, declined the office. ‘And if I was you, Mr Fletcher, I would send it by one of these Frenchies,’ he recommended. The suggestion offended Mr Fletcher’s dignity, and he said stiffly: ‘And why, my lad, can
...more
