'My dear Adolphus,' said the mother, 'this is so nice of you.'
'I think it is rather nice,' said Dolly, submitting himself to be kissed.
'Oh Dolly, whoever would have thought of seeing you?' said Sophia.
'Give him some tea,' said his mother. Lady Pomona was always having tea from four o'clock till she was taken away to dress for dinner.
'I'd sooner have soda and brandy,' said Dolly.
'My darling boy!'
'I didn't ask for it, and I don't expect to get it; indeed I don't want it. I only said I'd sooner have it than tea. Where's the governor?' They all looked at him with wondering eyes. There must be something going on more than they had dreamed of, when Dolly asked to see his father.
'Papa went out in the brougham immediately after lunch,' said Sophia gravely.
'I'll wait a little for him,' said Dolly, taking out his watch.
'Do stay and dine with us,' said Lady Pomona.
'I could not do that, because I've got to go and dine with some fellow.'
'Some fellow! I believe you don't know where you're going,' said Georgiana.
'My fellow knows. At least he's a fool if he don't.'
'Adolphus,' began Lady Pomona very seriously, 'I've got a plan and I want you to help me.'
'I hope there isn't very much to do in it, mother.'
'We're all going to Caversham, just for Whitsuntide, and we particularly want you to come.'
'By George! no; I couldn't do that.'
'You haven't heard half. Madame Melmotte and her daughter are coming.'
'The d---- they are!' ejaculated Dolly.
'Dolly!' said Sophia, 'do remember where you are.'
'Yes I will;--and I'll remember too where I won't be. I won't go to Caversham to meet old mother Melmotte.'
'My dear boy,' continued the mother, 'do you know that Miss Melmotte will have twenty thousand a year the day she marries; and that in all probability her husband will some day be the richest man in Europe?'
'Half the fellows in London are after her,' said Dolly.
'Why shouldn't you be one of them? She isn't going to stay in the same house with half the fellows in London,' suggested Georgiana. 'If you've a mind to try it you'll have a chance which nobody else can have just at present.'
'But I haven't any mind to try it. Good gracious me;--oh dear! it isn't at all in my way, mother.'
'I knew he wouldn't,' said Georgiana.