When Lydia was alone, she considered whether she was justified in
keeping Mrs. Byron apart from her son. It seemed plain that at
present Cashel was a disgrace to his mother, and had better remain
hidden from her. But if he should for any reason abandon his
ruffianly pursuits, as she had urged him to do, then she could bring
about a meeting between them; and the truant's mother might take
better care of him in the future, besides making him pecuniarily
independent of prize-fighting. This led Lydia to ask what new
profession Cashel could adopt, and what likelihood there was of his
getting on with his mother any better than formerly. No satisfactory
answer was forthcoming. So she went back to the likelihood of his
reforming himself for her sake. On this theme her imagination
carried her so far from all reasonable probability, that she was
shaking her head at her own folly when Bashville appeared and
announced Lord Worthington, who came into the room with Alice. Lydia
had not seen him since her discovery of the true position of the
tenant he had introduced to her, and he was consequently a little
afraid to meet her. To cover his embarrassment, he began to talk
quickly on a number of commonplace topics. But when some time had
elapsed, he began to show signs of fresh uneasiness. He looked at
his watch, and said, "I don't wish to hurry you, ladies; but this affair commences at
three."
"What affair?" said Lydia, who had been privately wondering why he
had come.
"The assault-at-arms. King What's-his-name's affair. Webber told me
he had arranged that you should come with me."
"Oh, you have come to take us there. I had forgotten. Did I promise
to go?"
"Webber said so. He was to have taken you himself; but, failing
that, he promised to do a good thing for me and put me in his place.
He said you particularly wanted to go, hang him!"
Lydia then rose promptly and sent for her carriage. "There is no
hurry," bhe said. "We can drive to St. James's Hall in twelve
minutes."
"Hut we have to go to Islington, to the Agricultural Hall. There
will be cavalry charges, and all sorts of fun."
"Bless me!" said Lydia. "Will there be any boxing?"
"Yes," said Lord Worthington, reddening, but unabashed. "Lots of it.
It will be by gentlemen, though, except perhaps one bout to show the
old king our professional form."
"Then excuse me while I go for my hat," said Lydia, leaving the
room. Alice had gone some time before to make a complete change in
her dress, as the occasion was one for display of that kind.