When it does so, we can talk the matter over again; only
be well assured that the offer will be always open to you, and that
I shall be glad indeed to have you with me."
A few days after Lionel left him Geoffrey was passing along
Chepe, when he stopped suddenly, stared hard at a gentleman who
was approaching him, and then rushed towards him with outstretched
hand.
"My dear Gerald!" he exclaimed, "I am glad to see you."
The gentleman started back with an expression of the profoundest
astonishment.
"Is it possible?" he cried. "Is it really Geoffrey Vickars?"
"Myself, and no other, Gerald."
"The saints be praised! Why, I have been thinking of you all these
years as either dead or labouring at an oar in the Moorish galleys.
By what good fortune did you escape? and how is it I find you here,
looking for all the world like a merchant of the city?"
"It is too long a story to tell now, Gerald. Where are you staying?"
"I have lodgings at Westminster, being at present a suitor at
court."
"Is your wife with you?"
"She is. I have left my four children at home in Ireland."
"Then bring her to sup with me this evening. I have a wife to
introduce to yours, and as she is also a Spaniard it will doubtless
be a pleasure to them both."
"You astound me, Geoffrey. However, you shall tell me all about it
this evening, for be assured that we shall come.
Pages:
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459