'When their mammas have taught them already!' added Ulick, laughing.
'Thank you; but you know I can't sleep out; Hyder Ali and I are
responsible for a big chest of sovereigns, and all the rest of it.'
'Nor could I lodge you at present; so we are agreed. My proposition
is that you should drive my sister over on Sunday morning. My wife
is wearying for a sight of her; and she has not been at Fairmead on a
Sunday since she left it, eh, Albinia?'
'I suppose for such a purpose it is not wrong to use the horse,' she
said, her eyes sparkling.
'And you might put my friend Maurice between you, if you can't go out
pleasuring without him.'
'I scorn you, sir; Maurice is as good as gold; I shall leave him at
home, I think, to prove that I can--'
'That's the reward of merit!' exclaimed Sophy.
'She expects my children to corrupt him!' quoth Mr. Ferrars.
'For shame, Maurice; that's on purpose to make me bring him. Well,
we'll see what papa says, and if he thinks the new black horse strong
enough, or to be trusted with Mr. O'More.'
'I only wish 'twas a jaunting car!' cried Ulick.
'And what's the boy's name to be? Not Belraven, I conclude, like my
unfortunate grandson--Maurice, I hope.'
'No; the precedent of his namesake would be too dangerous. I believe
he is to be Edmund Ulick. Don't take it as too personal, Ulick, for
it was the name of our mutual connexion.'
'I take the personal part though, Maurice; and thank you, said
Albinia, and Mr.
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