The household tranquillity, however, is not entirely
uninterrupted. Across the picture, of which Vance and the
luncheon-table form the foreground, and the garden with Mrs. Joyce and
the young ladies the middle-distance and background, there flits from
time to time an unquiet figure. This personage is always greeted by
Leo, the Newfoundland dog, with an extra wag of the tail; and is
apostrophized laughingly by the young ladies, under the appellation of
"funny Mr. Blyth."
Valentine has in truth let nobody have any rest, either in the house or
the garden, since the first thing in the morning. The rector having
some letters to write, has bolted himself into his study in despair,
and defies his excitable friend from that stronghold, until the arrival
of Mrs. Peckover with the deaf and dumb child has quieted the painter's
fidgety impatience for the striking of twelve o'clock, and the presence
of the visitors from the circus. As for the miserable Vance, Mr. Blyth
has discomposed, worried, and put him out, till he looks suffocated
with suppressed indignation. Mr. Blyth has invaded his sanctuary to ask
whether the hall clock is right, and has caught him "cleaning himself"
in his shirt sleeves. Mr. Blyth has broken one of his tumblers, and has
mutinously insisted on showing him how to draw the cork of the cowslip
wine bottle.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113