HereMr.BacotwasinterruptedbythestentorianvoiceofthelandlordofthePigandWhistle(arabidConservative).
“ThreecheersforgoodoldTeddie!”
“That’sright,myboys,”repeatedMr.Bacot,foroncetakinganinterruptioningoodpart,“ThreecheersforgoodoldTeddy!”
Theaudienceopeneditsmightymouthandroared,thenburstagaininto,Forhe’sajollygoodfellow!ArthurBranderton,whenthetumultwassubsiding,rosefromhischairandcalledformorecheers.Theobjectofallthisenthusiasmsatcalmly,withawell-satisfiedlookonhisface,takingitallwithhisusualmodestcomplacency.Atlastthemeetingbrokeup,withcheers,andGodsavetheQueen,andHe’sajollygoodfellow.ThecommitteeandthepersonalfriendsoftheCraddocksretiredtotheside-roomforlightrefreshment.
TheladiesclusteredroundEdward,congratulatinghim.ArthurBrandertoncametoBertha.
“Rippingspeech,wasn’tit?”hesaid.“Ihadnoideahecouldjawlikethat.ByJove,itsimplystirredmerightthrough.”
BeforeBerthacouldanswer,Mrs.MaystonRylesailedin.
“Where’stheman?”shecried,inherloudtones.“Whereishe?Showhimtome....MydearMr.Craddock,yourspeechwasperfect.Isayit.”
“Andinsuchgoodtaste,”saidMissHancock,hereyesglowing.“Howproudyoumustbeofyourhusband,Mrs.Craddock!”
“There’snochancefortheRadicalsnow,”saidtheVicar,rubbinghishands.
“Oh,Mr.Craddock,letmecomenearyou,”criedMrs.Branderton.“I’vebeentryingtogetatyoufortwentyminutes....You’vesimplyextinguishedthehorridRadicalsIcouldn’thelpcrying,youweresopathetic.”
“Onemaysaywhatonelikes,”whisperedMissGlovertoherbrother,“butthere’snothingintheworldsobeautifulassentiment.Ifeltmyheartsimplybursting.”
“Mr.Craddock,”addedMrs.MaystonRyle,“you’vepleasedme!Where’syourwife,thatImaytellherso?”
“It’sthebestspeechwe’veeverhaddownhere,”criedMrs.Branderton.
“That’stheonlytruethingI’veheardyousayfortwentyyears,Mrs.Branderton,”repliedMrs.MaystonRyle,lookingveryhardatMr.AtthillBacot.