Sponge
occupied the post of honour by our host.
In accordance with the usual tactics of these sort of gentlemen, Spraggon
and Sponge essayed to be two--if not exactly strangers, at all events
gentlemen with very little acquaintance. Spraggon took advantage of a dead
silence to call up the table to _Mister_ Sponge to take wine; a compliment
that Sponge acknowledged the accordance of by a very low bow into his
plate, and by-and-by Mister Sponge 'Mistered' Mr. Spraggon to return the
compliment.
'Do you know much of that--that--that--_chap_?' (he would have said snob if
he'd thought it would be safe) asked Pacey, as Sponge returned to still
life after the first wine ceremony.
'No,' replied Spraggon, 'nor do I wish.'
'Great snob,' observed Pacey.
'Shocking,' assented Spraggon.
'He's got a good horse or two, though,' observed Pacey; 'I saw them on the
road coming here the other day.' Pacey, like many youngsters, professed to
be a judge of horses, and thought himself rather sharp at a deal.
'They are _good_ horses,' replied Jack, with an emphasis on the good,
adding, 'I'd be very glad to have one of them.
Pages:
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581