The Miser's Sister Read Free Page B

the embrace of this pythoninic garment.”
    Chin in hand, he studied the situation.
    “I fear this will be an engineering problem of no small complexity,” he confessed. “I cannot find an end. Will you step into my chamber? The light is better and there is slightly more space.”
    “I’ll wager you say that to all the girls, and not many refuse you, eh? Good-looking young fellow, though a trifle oversized. I always fancied a blond.”
    In spite of himself, Oliver blushed.
    “My father calls me a galumphing clodhopper,” he offered, “and at Cambridge I was known as ‘Elephant.’”
    “And what does your sweetheart call you, dear boy? Well? Are you going to deliver me from durance vile?”
    With considerable difficulty, he extricated the old lady from her wrappings.
    “That’s better,” she said, eyeing the blue monster with dislike. “I think I shall give it to Martha. It will make her a gown and a cloak to match, I daresay. Wherever did I come by it? Shall we have breakfast? I declare I am quite famished after that struggle.”
    Oliver admitted to a certain emptiness in his middle region, and in perfect amity they descended the narrow stair.
    A folding table had taken its place in the centre of the small, square room, and delightful odours were issuing from the minute kitchen to the rear. Martha had arrived, it seemed. Kedgeree, fresh baps, and homemade marmalade made their appearance, and silence reigned as three hearty appetites set to.
    Bob Polgarth finished first, having less bulk to keep up. A small taciturn man, he had greeted his friend and his aunt with a nod; now he spoke.
    “Don’t want to rush you, Oliver, but ye’ve a long way to go. ‘Tis a full day’s drive to Camborne though ‘tis only thirty-five miles by balloon. And after yesterday, you know our Cornish lanes.”
    “I do indeed,” said Oliver, grinning, “and I am not at all surprised that you are a flying enthusiast. I think myself that Mr Macadam’s improved roads are the answer, though ballooning is certainly more exciting. My father does not object to investing in it to a small extent. I’ll discuss that with you and look over your equipment on my return. There is no hurry, is there? The voyage is planned for the spring? Trevithick expects me today, you know.”
    “Nay, no hurry. How did you come to meet Richard?”
    “It was at Manchester, shortly after you left. Sooner or later one meets everyone at Dalton’s lectures, if not at Davy’s. My father has asked me whether he should put his money on Trevithick’s engines or Stephenson’s, and he is in a hurry, so I am sent down to your western wilds to consult the great man at home. Very convenient since I am able to visit you and to make the acquaintance of your charming Auntie.” He winked at her, and she lowered her lashes coquettishly behind an imaginary fan.
    “You said you’re going to visit Penderric Castle?” asked Bob. “I’m amazed you have acquaintance there.”
    “I’ve none, indeed. The maternal uncle of the present earl is a good friend of my father, and having received no news in some time, he begged me to call and report on the well-being of his nieces. He is not much concerned, I think, with his lordship.”
    “And a good thing, too,” declared Auntie roundly. “A miserly rogue, as bad as his papa or worse. Fit for Bedlam, some say. The elder girl is a little brown thing, engaged to that funny little curate from Camelford. I believe the younger is a pretty child, though she is seldom seen.”
    “Castle’s said to be crumbling away,” added Bob. “Don’t go near it if you are not obliged to.”
    “I daresay I should drop by, for Sir John particularly requested it and informed Lord Penderric of my itinerary. In fact, he apologised to me for using my father’s wealth as an inducement to his lordship to receive me! However, it can wait until I come back. Auntie, I must be on my way. You’ll give me a kiss to wish me safe journey and safe