Richard Carvel — Volume 05 by Winston Churchill
page 67 of 104 (64%)
page 67 of 104 (64%)
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Mall. But to be taken there by Charles Fox was an honour falling to few.
I made sure that Dolly was at the bottom of it. Promptly at four I climbed the stairs and knocked at Mr. Fox's door. The Swiss who opened it shook his head dubiously when I asked for his master, and said he had not been at home that day. "But I had an appointment to meet him," I said, thinking it very strange. The man's expression changed. "An appointment, sir! Ah, sir, then you are to step in here." And to my vast astonishment he admitted me into a small room at one side of the entrance. It was bare as poverty, and furnished with benches, and nothing more. On one of these was seated a person with an unmistakable nose and an odour of St. Giles's, who sprang to his feet and then sat down again dejectedly. I also sat down, wondering what it could mean, and debating whether to go or stay. "Exguse me, your honour," said the person, "but haf you seen Mister Fox?" I said that I, too, was waiting for him, whereat he cast at me a cunning look beyond my comprehension. Surely, I thought, a man of Fox's inherited wealth and position could not be living in such a place! Before the truth and humour of the situation had dawned upon me, I heard a ringing voice without, swearing in most forcible English, and the door was thrown open, admitting a tall young gentleman, as striking as I have ever seen. He paid not the smallest attention to the Jew, who was bowing and muttering behind me. |
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