Twelfth Scene: Inside the House
The scene in the drawing-room represented the ideal of domestic comfort. The
fire of wood and coal mixed burned brightly; the lamps shed a soft glow of light;
the solid shutters and the thick red curtains kept the cold night air on the outer
side of two long windows, which opened on the back garden. Snug arm-chairs
were placed in every part of the room. In one of them Sir Joseph reclined, fast
asleep; in another, Miss Lavinia sat knitting; a third chair, apart from the rest,
near a round table in one corner of the room, was occupied by Natalie. Her head
was resting on her hand, an unread book lay open on her lap. She looked pale
and harassed; anxiety and suspense had worn her down to the shadow of her
former self. On entering the room, Turlington purposely closed the door with a
bang. Natalie started. Miss Lavinia looked up reproachfully. The object was
achieved--Sir Joseph was roused from his sleep.
"If you are going to the vicar's to-night. Graybrooke," said Turlington, "it's time
Sir Joseph rubbed his eyes, and looked at the clock on the mantel-piece. "Yes,
yes, Richard," he answered, drowsily, "I suppose I must go. Where is my hat?"
His sister and his daughter both joined in trying to persuade him to send an
excuse instead of groping his way to the vicarage in the dark. Sir Joseph
hesitated, as usual. He and the vicar had run up a sudden friendship, on the
strength of their common enthusiasm for the old-fashioned game of
backgammon. Victorious over his opponent on the previous evening at
Turlington's house, Sir Joseph had promised to pass that evening at the
vicarage, and give the vicar his revenge. Observing his indecision, Turlington
cunningly irritated him by affecting to believe that he was really unwilling to
venture out in the dark. "I'll see you safe across the churchyard," he said; "and
the vicar's servant will see you safe back." The tone in which he spoke instantly
roused Sir Joseph. "I am not in my second childhood yet, Richard," he replied,
testily. "I can find my way by myself." He kissed his daughter on the forehead.
"No fear, Natalie. I shall be back in time for the mulled claret. No, Richard, I won't
