Several of the listeners wished to hear another story from the
sentimental member after this, but he said that he could recall
nothing else at the moment, and that it seemed to him as if his
friend on the other side of the fireplace had something to say from
the look of his face.
The member alluded to was a respectable churchwarden, with a sly
chink to one eyelid--possibly the result of an accident--and a
regular attendant at the Club meetings. He replied that his looks
had been mainly caused by his interest in the two ladies of the last
story, apparently women of strong motherly instincts, even though
they were not genuinely staunch in their tenderness. The tale had
brought to his mind an instance of a firmer affection of that sort
on the paternal side, in a nature otherwise culpable. As for
telling the story, his manner was much against him, he feared; but
he would do his best, if they wished.
Here the President interposed with a suggestion that as it was
getting late in the afternoon it would be as well to adjourn to
their respective inns and lodgings for dinner, after which those who
cared to do so could return and resume these curious domestic
traditions for the remainder of the evening, which might otherwise
prove irksome enough. The curator had told him that the room was at
their service. The churchwarden, who was beginning to feel hungry
himself, readily acquiesced, and the Club separated for an hour and
a half.
Pages:
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171