And in fine, devote ourselves as we will, a term
approaches when the enthusiasm for serving as your wife's playfellow all
day, running round tables and flying along corridors before a knotted
handkerchief, is mightily relaxed. Yet the dread of a separation from her
has kept me at these pastimes for a considerable period beyond my relish
of them. Not that I acknowledge fatigue. I have, it seems, a taste for
reflection; I am now much disposed to read and meditate, which cannot be
done without repose. I settle myself, and I receive a worsted ball in my
face, and I am expected to return it. I comply; and then you would say a
nursery in arms. It would else be the deplorable spectacle of a beautiful
young woman yawning.'
'Earthquake and saltpetre threaten us less terribly,' said Mr. Beamish.
'In fine, she has extracted a promise that 'this summer she shall visit
the Wells for a month, and I fear I cannot break my pledge of my word; I
fear I cannot.'
'Very certainly I would not,' said Mr. Beamish.
The duke heaved a sigh.
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