The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
“Never, if I can possibly help it. Our coachbuilders are terribly behind the age. Why
cannot they invent steps that would fold up outside?"
“Why do not you set your mighty intellect to work and bring out the patent yourself?"
retorted she. "But I am going in your sedan, Mr. Brummel: pray help me in."
In another moment she was seated among the white satin cushions, and amid a general
outcry the chairmen prepared to start
[340]
“Stop, Stop!" cried the umpire. “It was understood that Brummel was to be earned in his
own chair. He must be as heavy again as Miss Charnock."
“Rachel!" screamed Lady Susan, with her head out of the coach window, “come here
instantly! I'll not stand this piece of buffoonery. What have you to do with Mr.
Brummel's chair?"
"Why, I mean to sit in it, that's all!" said Rachel with a saucy nod and wave of the hand.
“Deuce take me if it's fair though!" cried Lincoln Stanhope.
“Stanhope, my boy, I am surprised at such unseemly agitation," remarked Brummel. "I
beg to observe, Cranley, that till now there has been no stipulation made as to the
person who is to occupy the chair. Surely, if Miss Charnock wishes it, she is entitled to
do so"
"I do wish it," asserted Rachel, and, leaning forward, she smiled upon the by-standers
with magical effect. There was another murmur, but this time of approval and applause.
"Come," cried Lady Susan impatiently, "I for one cannot stay here all night. If that
obstinate little cat refuses to accompany me you had better come, Mr. Brummel, and
you too, Tommy. At least I shall be able to keep my eye upon you and see that you do
not bribe my coachman."
She had already recovered her good-humour, and her ringing laugh was heard as Lord
Cranley climbed into the vehicle, followed by Mr. Brummel, who uttered a groan of
disgust as the steps were drawn up after him. Cranley, removing his toothpick, leaned
solemnly out of the window:—
"Are you ready, men?" he cried. "Get the chair into position, and start as soon as I
whistle."