"Miss Ossulton, the aunt of
this young lady."
Mrs Lascelles purposely did not introduce _his lordship_ in return, that
she might mystify the old spinster.
"I feel highly honoured in finding myself in the company of Miss
Ossulton," said Pickersgill. "Ladies, we wait but for you to sit down.
Ossulton, take the head of the table and serve the soup."
Miss Ossulton was astonished; she looked at the smugglers, and perceived
two well-dressed gentlemanly men, one of whom was apparently a lord, and
the other having the same family name.
"It must be all a hoax," thought she; and she very quietly took to her
soup.
The dinner passed off very pleasantly; Pickersgill was agreeable,
Corbett funny, and Miss Ossulton so far recovered herself as to drink
wine with his lordship, and to ask Corbett what branch of their family
he belonged to.
"I presume it's the Irish branch," said Mrs Lascelles, prompting him.
"Exactly, madam," replied Corbett.
"Have you ever been to Torquay, ladies?" inquired Pickersgill.
"No, my lord," answered Mrs Lascelles.
"We shall anchor there in the course of an hour, and probably remain
there till to-morrow. Steward, bring coffee. Tell the cook these cutlets
were remarkably well dressed."
The ladies retired to the cabin. Miss Ossulton was now convinced that it
was all a hoax; but said she, "I shall tell Lord B. my opinion of their
practical jokes when he returns. What is his lordship's name who is on
board?"
"He won't tell us," replied Mrs Lascelles; "but I think I know; it is
Lord Blarney.
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