Publisher's Synopsis
OVER, AND SAFE. "I am gathering myself together for a great leap, Jack." "Don't look so sad about it, then. Take it as you would one of your Berkshire fences, Harry, with a firm seat and a cool hand." "If I only knew what was on the other side, Jack-that bothers me." "By the way, did you hear of the dinner at old Thornhill's on Tuesday? I declare everybody was drunk but the dogs; and they were turned out at night to find their way home by themselves. The Squire got very, very bad-port and brandy alternately-tumbled twice off his horse before he got out of the gate; and then, half an hour after, when the rest of us rode home, we found him sitting in the middle of the road, in the dark, trying to ward off the dogs that had gathered round him and were for licking his face, while he hiccuped to them 'G-go away, my good people-g-go away-I've really nothing for you; 'pon my soul, I've forgot my p-purse.' But what's the matter, Harry? You haven't heard a word of my story; and you're looking as glum as a parson." "Jack, I'm going to marry." "Don't be a fool." "I am, though. It's all over with me, Jack. I told you I was gathering myself together for a great leap." "Who is it, Harry?" "Annie Napier." There was an interval of dead silence. Mr. John Palk was too prudent a man to hazard a hasty witticism, knowing as he did the somewhat fiery temperament of Harry Ormond, Marquis of Knottingley.
