Page 246 - A Jacobite Exile
P. 246
kissed his hands, and in other ways tried to show their gratitude for his
rescue of their master and mistress.
"Come along," the count said, taking his arm and leading him into the
house. "The poor fellows mean well, and you must not be vexed with
them."
The countess's first question had been for her child, and with an
exclamation of thankfulness, when she heard that it was better, she had at
once hurried into the house. As soon as they had entered, the count left
Charlie in charge of his brother, and also hurried away. He was not long
before he returned.
"The child is doing well," he said, "and now that it has got its mother again,
it will, I think, improve rapidly. The doctor said this morning that he
considered it out of danger, but that it needed its mother sorely, to cheer
and pet it."
In a very short time the tables were laid. The count, his brother, and Charlie
sat at an upper table, and the hall was filled with the various officers and
retainers. The count's arrival was expected, for a horseman had been sent
forward on their arrival at the inn the evening before. The dinner had
therefore been cooked in readiness, and Charlie was astonished at the
profusion with which it was served. Fish, joints, great pies, and game of
many kinds were placed on the table in unlimited quantities; the drink
being a species of beer, although excellent wine was served at the high
table. He could now understand how often the Polish nobles impoverished
themselves by their unbounded hospitality and love of display.
"I suppose, for tomorrow, you will like to remain quiet," the count said,
"but after that we will try to amuse you. There is game of all sorts to be
shot, or if you have had enough sport, lately, there will be a sledge and
horses at your disposal, whenever you choose to ride or drive, and in a few
days we will give an entertainment, in honour at once of our return, your
visit, and the child's restoration to health. Then you will have an
opportunity of seeing our national dances."
