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Here Willie explained in a very elaborate manner that a note had arrived that forenoon from Miss Tippet, inviting Mr Tippet to tea the following evening, and expressing a hope that he would bring with him his clerk, "Mister" Willders, the brother of the brave fireman who had saved Loo's life, and that Miss Louisa Auberly was to be there, and that Mr Tippet had written a note accepting the same.
She had been Miss Tippet's confidential servant before entering the service of Mr Auberly, and her extremely short stay in Beverly Square had not altered that condition. She had come to feel that she had a right to know all Miss Tippet's affairs, and so waited for information. Yes, well ." "Boy," said Miss Tippet, turning suddenly to Willie, "your name is William Willders, I believe?"
It is true that Beverly Square was not exactly the "West End," but there are many degrees of West-endiness, so to speak, in the western neighbourhood of London, and this square was, in the opinion of Miss Tippet, the West-endiest place she knew, because there dwelt in it, not only a very genteel and uncommonly rich portion of the community, but several of her own aristocratic, though distant, relations, among whom was Mr Auberly.
Miss Tippet here interrupted with, "No, no;" but her stern friend imposing silence, with an eagle look, continued: "All burned to ashes, and also your sweet Loo. By way of putting an extremely fine point on her sarcasm, Miss Deemas turned to Willie, with a very condescending air, and said: "Pray, when did your sister marry Mr Frederick Auberly?"
"Well no," said he, "that is if fact, I have not brought my prayer-book with me; but but I will read to you if you wish it." Sympathy was gone now; the fairy felt that, and, not clearly understanding why, wondered at it. She thanked her visitor, however, and shut her eyes, while Mr Auberly opened the Bible and cleared his voice.
He was also a director of several other companies, which, fortunately for them, did not appear to require much direction in the conduct of their affairs. Mr Auberly was also leader of the fashion, in his own circle, and an oracle among his own parasites; but, strange to say, he was nobody whatever in any other sphere.
Meanwhile, the fire-engine held on its way, until it turned into Beverly Square, and pulled short up in front of the blazing mansion of James Auberly, Esquire. Another engine was already at work there. It had come from a nearer station, of the existence of which Hopkins had been ignorant when he set out on his wild race for help.
"It is," replied Mr Auberly, looking down in surprise at the boldness of his small guide. "Good for the country, sir," observed Willie. Mr Auberly, being utterly ignorant of rural matters, thought it best to say nothing to this. There was silence after this for some time. "D'you know Mr Tippet well, sir?" inquired Willie suddenly. "Ye yes; oh yes, I know him pretty well."
When he had finished, Frederick Auberly shook hands with him and said: "Now, Willie, go and deliver your note. If the application is successful, well; but if it fails, or you don't like your work, just call upon me, and I'll see what can be done for you." "Yes, sir, and thankee," said Willie; "where did you say I was to call, sir?"
"Tut, tut, child!" exclaimed Mr Auberly, endeavouring to re-arrange the stiff collar and cravat, which had been sadly disordered; "you must really try to get over these there, don't be cast down," he added, in a kinder tone, patting Loo's head. "Good-night, dear; run away to bed now, and be a good girl."
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