CHAPTER XXIII.
_Ferdinand Receives the Most Interesting Invitation to Dinner Ever Offered to Him_.
IS NOT it wonderful?' said Ferdinand, when he had finished his historyto Count Mirabel.
'Not the least,' said the Count, 'I never knew anything less surprising.'Tis exactly what I said, 'tis the most natural termination in theworld.'
'Ah, my dear Mirabel, you are a prophet! What a lucky fellow I am tohave such a friend as you!'
'To be sure you are. Take some more coffee. What are you going to dowith yourself?'
'I do not know what to do with myself. I really do not like to goanywhere until I have heard from Montfort. I think I shall go to myhotel' 'I will drive you. It is now three o'clock.' But just at thismoment, Mr. Bevil called on the Count, and another hour disappeared.When they were fairly in the cabriolet, there were so many places tocall at, and so many persons to see, that it was nearly six o'clock whenthey reached the hotel. Ferdinand ran up stairs to see if there were anyletter from Lord Montfort. He found his lordship's card, and also Mr.Temple's; they had called about half an hour ago; there was also a note.These were its contents:--
'Grosvenor-square, Thursday.
'My Dear Captain Armine,
'I have prepared myself with this note, as I fear I shall hardly be sofortunate as to find you at home. It is only very recently that I havelearnt from Henrietta that you were in London, and I much regret to hearthat you have been so great an invalid. It is so long since we met thatI hope you will dine with us to-day; and indeed I am so anxious to seeyou, that I trust, if you have unfortunately made any other engagement,you may yet contrive to gratify my request. It is merely a family party;you will only meet our friends from St. James'-square, and your owncircle in Brook-street. I have asked no one else, save old Lady Bellair,and your friend Count Mirabel; and Henrietta is so anxious to securehis presence, that I shall be greatly obliged by your exerting yourinfluence to induce him to accompany you, as I fear there is little hopeof finding him free.
'Henrietta joins with me in kindest regards; and I beg you to believeme,
'My dear Captain Armine,
'Most cordially yours,
'Pelham Temple.'
'Well, what is the matter?' said the Count, when Ferdinand returned tothe cabriolet, with the note in his hand, and looking very agitated.
'The strangest note!' said Ferdinand.
'Give it me,' said the Count. 'Do you call that strange? Tis the mostregular epistle I ever read; I expected it. 'Tis an excellent fellow,that Mr. Temple; I will certainly dine with him, and send an excuse tothat old Castlefyshe. A family party, all right; and he asks me, thatis proper. I should not wonder if it ended by my being your trustee, oryour executor, or your first child's godfather. Ah, that good Templeis a sensible man. I told you I would settle this business for you.You should hear me talk to that good Temple. I open his mind. A familyparty; it will be amusing! I would not miss it for a thousand pounds.Besides, I must go to take care of you, for you will be committing allsorts of _betises_. I will give you one turn in the park. Jump in, _monenfant_. Good Armine, excellent fellow, jump in! You see, I was right;I am always right. But I will confess to you a secret: I never was soright as I have been in the present case. 'Tis the best business thatever was!'