" And again
he laughed, as he told me this sly news, and he bowed meekly his gentle
old head as we entered the dining-room.
That apartment was occupied by little Boy already seated in his high
chair, and by the Campaigner only, who stood at the mantelpiece in a
majestic attitude. On parting with her, before we adjourned to Clive's
studio, I had made my bow and taken my leave in form, not supposing that
I was about to enjoy her hospitality yet once again. My return did not
seem to please her. "Does Mr. Pendennis favour us with his company to
dinner again, Clive?" she said, turning to her son-in-law. Clive curtly
said, Yes, he had asked Mr. Pendennis to stay.
"You might at least have been so kind as to give me notice," says the
Campaigner, still majestic, but ironical. "You will have but a poor meal,
Mr. Pendennis; and one such as I'm not accustomed to give my guests."
"Cold beef! what the deuce does it matter;" says Clive, beginning to
carve the joint, which, hot, had served our yesterday's Christmas table.
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