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OK HIS WAY THROUGH THE WORLD 167
Philip's feast was richly provided. " A supper, I love a supper of
all things ! And in order that I might enjoy yours, I only took a
single mutton-chop for dinner !" cried Mr. Twysden, as he greeted
Philip. Indeed, we found him, as we arrived from Hall, already
in the chambers, and eating the young barrister's dessert. " He's
been here ever so long," says Mr. Brice, who officiated as butler,
" pegging away at the olives and macaroons. Shouldn't wonder if
he has pocketed some." There was small respect on the part of
Brice for Mr. Twysden, whom the worthy butler frankly pronounced
to be a stingy 'umbug. Meanwhile, Talbot believed that the old
man respected him, and always conversed with Brice, and treated
him with a cheerful cordiality.
The outer Philistines quickly arrived, and but that the wine
and men were older, one might have fancied oneself at a college
wine-party. Mr. Twysden talked for the whole company. He
was radiant. He felt himself in high spirits. He did the honours
of Philip's table. Indeed, no man was more hospitable with other
folks' wine. Philip himself was silent and nervous. I asked him
if the awful ceremony, which he had just undergone, was weighing
on his mind 1
He was looking rather anxiously towards the door; and,
knowing somewhat of the state of affairs at home, I thought that
probably he and his father had had one of the disputes which of
late days had become so frequent between them.
The company were nearly all assembled and busy with their
talk, and drinking the Doctor's excellent claret, when Brice entering,
announced Dr. Firmin and Mr. Tufton Hunt.
" Hang Mr. Tufton Hunt !" Philip was going to say ; but he
started up, went forward to his father, and greeted him very
respectfully. He then gave a bow to the gentleman introduced
as Mr. Hunt; and they found places at the table, the Doctor
taking his with his usual handsome grace.
The conversation, which had been pretty brisk until Dr. Firmin
came, drooped a little after his appearance. "We had an awful
row two days ago," Philip whispered to me. "We shook hands
and are reconciled, as you see. He won't stay long. He will be
sent for in half-an-hour or so. He will say he has been sent for
by a duchess, and go and have tea at the club."
Dr. Firmin bowed, and smiled sadly at me, as Philip was speaking.
I daresay I blushed somewhat, and felt as if the Doctor knew
what his son was saying to me. He presently engaged in conversation
with Lord Eghain; he hoped his good father was well ?
" You keep him so, Doctor.' You don't give a fellow a chance,"
says the young lord.