Rose would have preferred Walter remaining a little longer, but as he promised to come round in the course of the afternoon, she felt quite reconciled to his departure.
Mr. Tankard first took his companion to the shop of Mr. Pledger Dapp, in the York Road. Mr. Dapp, as we have said, was a pastrycook and confectioner, and the numerous good things on the counter looked very tempting at that hour.
Mr. Dapp was delighted to see them, insisted on serving each with a basin of mock-turtle soup, and stood beside them while they discussed it at a small table at the further end of the room.
“Well, is all satisfactorily settled, may I inquire, Mr. Liddel?” he said.
“Yes; all's settled, Dapp,” said Tankard, answering for his friend. “The very livery is ready!”
“Indeed!” cried Walter, looking up in surprise. “Has it appeared by magic?”
“I've not yet had time to enter into details,” rejoined Tankard; “but when I saw Higgins this morning, he told me Lady Thicknesse had left the arrangements entirely to him, so we had only to talk them over together; and it was then agreed that he should come to my house this evening, where he could have an opportunity of meeting you, and judge for himself, though he entertained no doubt, from description, that you would suit.”
“So far good,” remarked Walter. “But about the livery?”
“You shall hear,” replied the other. “It seems that Charles Brownlow, the late footman, who was as near as possible your height and figure, was discharged at a moment's notice for impertinence. His livery, no doubt, will fit you.”
“No; it has not been delivered. Higgins will order the suit to be sent to me, so that you can try it in the evening, and we can judge of the effect.”
“A dress rehearsal, in fact,” said Walter. “Well, it may be useful.”
“No doubt you'll play your part to perfection,” said Tankard.
“I shall see how I like it myself,” rejoined Walter. “This is why you've invited the party to supper, I conclude?”
“Exactly,” replied Tankard, laughing. “You've divined my purpose. By-the-by, Dapp, you must send me a good supper to-night--a very good supper, mind!”
“A dozen; and make one of them yourself. That'll keep you up to the mark.
“I'll give you a supper worthy of the 'Silver Tankard,'” replied Dapp. “At what hour shall it be?