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He seemed to think it beneath his notice; for, he only said "Thank you, Lorton!" and dropped back behind us again with Bessie Dasher, while Seraphine joined company with little Miss Pimpernell Min and I being still together in front. By-and-by our talk was resumed in the same strain from which the curate's interpellation had diverted it. I had just spoken of Gay the fabulist.
I had met Miss Pimpernell out the very morning of the day on which it took place; yet sly old lady that she was she hardly gave me a hint of her social intent. She certainly said that she had a little surprise in store for me; but when I pressed her to learn what that "something" was, she preserved a provoking reticence, declining to enlighten me any further.
Of course this state of affairs is not ordinary; still, Government clerks are not idlers as a body: on the contrary, you will find them thorough working-men." "Working-men!" ejaculated little Miss Pimpernell, raising her beady black eyes in astonishment to her brother, "why, I thought all working- men, properly so-called, were mechanics!"
Young and old, rich and poor, alike considered her as one of their best friends as indeed she was a good Samaritan to whom they might always confide their griefs and ailments, their sufferings and privations, with the assurance that they would certainly meet with a kindly sympathy and a word of comfort, in addition to as much practical assistance in their adversity and physical consolation in their need as "little" Miss Pimpernell that was the fond title she was always known by could compass or give.
"Yes," I said, "that was her ostensible reason; but, I think, she objects to me personally in addition to having other and grander designs for Min." "Ah, well," said Miss Pimpernell, "we haven't got to consider those other motives now; she rejected your offer, at all events, on the plea of your want of fortune?" "Yes," said I, mechanically, again.
Each of us was made to feel that his or her absence would have detracted from the happiness of the rest; and that is the true art of treating one's guests an art which both the vicar and Miss Pimpernell had apparently studied to perfection, although it really proceeded from their natural good-heartedness.
Dear little Miss Pimpernell, our vicar's maiden sister and good right hand, presided, also, to preserve order and set an example for industrious souls to follow, just as she had been in the habit of presiding as far back as I could recollect. She was not there merely as a chaperon. Oh no!
"Proximus ille deo est qui scit ratione tacere!" said the vicar, putting on his hat and moving towards the door. "And what does that mean, brother?" asked Miss Pimpernell.
"I did not mention anybody, Miss Pimpernell," I said, in confusion; for, her keen black eyes seemed to penetrate into my very heart, and search out my secret fears. She looked very sagacious. "Ah! Frank, you did not say anything; but your looks betrayed you. So that's the reason why the report of the curate's marriage affected you so, is it? But you needn't blush, my dear boy! You need not blush!
"Well, I dare say you are quite right, Frank," said the kindly voice of my usual ally little Miss Pimpernell, interposing just at the right time as she always did, indeed to throw oil on the troubled waters. "But, still, I like Dickens the best.
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