第69章

There was a great clapping of hands and stamping of feet, at this proposition;the subject whereof, gently inclined her head several times, in acknowledgment of the reception.

`You know,' said Miss Petowker, reproachfully, `that I dislike doing anything professional in private parties.'

`Oh, but not here!' said Mrs Kenwigs. `We are all so very friendly and pleasant, that you might as well be going through it in your own room;besides, the occasion--'

`I can't resist that,' interrupted Miss Petowker; `anything in my humble power I shall be delighted to do.'

Mrs Kenwigs and Miss Petowker had arranged a small programme of the entertainments between them, of which this was the prescribed order, but they had settled to have a little pressing on both sides, because it looked more natural. The company being all ready, Miss Petowker hummed a tune, and Morleena danced a dance; having previously had the soles of her shoes chalked, with as much care as if she were going on the tight-rope.

It was a very beautiful figure, comprising a great deal of work for the arms, and was received with unbounded applause.

`If I was blessed with a--a child--' said Miss Petowker, blushing, `of such genius as that, I would have her out at the Opera instantly.'

Mrs Kenwigs sighed, and looked at Mr Kenwigs, who shook his head, and observed that he was doubtful about it.

`Kenwigs is afraid,' said Mrs K.

`What of?' inquired Miss Petowker, `not of her failing?'

`Oh no,' replied Mrs Kenwigs, `but if she grew up what she is now,--only think of the young dukes and marquises.'

`Very right,' said the collector.

`Still,' submitted Miss Petowker, `if she took a proper pride in herself, you know--'

`There's a good deal in that,' observed Mrs Kenwigs, looking at her husband.

`I only know--' faltered Miss Petowker,--`it may be no rule to be sure--but I have never found any inconvenience or unpleasantness of that sort.'

Mr Kenwigs, with becoming gallantry, said that settled the question at once, and that he would take the subject into his serious consideration.

This being resolved upon, Miss Petowker was entreated to begin the Blood-Drinker's Burial; to which end, that young lady let down her back hair, and taking up her position at the other end of the room, with the bachelor friend posted in a corner, to rush out at the cue `in death expire,' and catch her in his arms when she died raving mad, went through the performance with extraordinary spirit, and to the great terror of the little Kenwigses, who were all but frightened into fits.

The ecstasies consequent upon the effort had not yet subsided, and Newman (who had not been thoroughly sober at so late an hour for a long long time,)had not yet been able to put in a word of announcement, that the punch was ready, when a hasty knock was heard at the room-door, which elicited a shriek from Mrs Kenwigs, who immediately divined that the baby had fallen out of bed.

`Who is that?' demanded Mr Kenwigs, sharply.

`Don't be alarmed, it's only me,' said Crowl, looking in, in his nightcap.

`The baby is very comfortable, for I peeped into the room as I came down, and it's fast asleep, and so is the girl; and I don't think the candle will set fire to the bed-curtain, unless a draught was to get into the room--it's Mr Noggs that's wanted.'

`Me!' cried Newman, much astonished.

`Why, it is a queer hour, isn't it?' replied Crowl, who was not best pleased at the prospect of losing his fire; `and they are queer-looking people, too, all covered with rain and mud. Shall I tell them to go away?'

`No,' said Newman, rising. `People? How many?'

`Two,' rejoined Crowl.

`Want me? By name?' asked Newman.

`By name,' replied Crowl. `Mr Newman Noggs, as pat as need be.'

Newman reflected for a few seconds, and then hurried away, muttering that he would be back directly. He was as good as his word; for, in an exceedingly short time, he burst into the room, and seizing, without a word of apology or explanation, a lighted candle and tumbler of hot punch from the table, darted away like a madman.

`What the deuce is the matter with him?' exclaimed Crowl, throwing the door open. `Hark! Is there any noise above?'

The guests rose in great confusion, and, looking in each other's faces with much perplexity and some fear, stretched their necks forward, and listened attentively.