"
And Mrs. Zachariah, with a smile and unwonted wit, wondered whether
Mr. Bosanquet would not be prosecuted for such treasonable
sentiments. Zachariah hardly knew what to make of his wife's gaiety,
but he was glad. He thought that perhaps he was answerable for her
silence and coldness, and he determined at all costs to try and
amend, and, however weary he might be when he came home at night,
that he would speak and get her to speak too.
The eventful evening arrived. Zachariah was to get away as early as
he could; the Major was to call at about six. After Zachariah had
washed and dressed, they were to take a hackney coach together. At
the appointed hour the Major appeared, and found Mrs. Zachariah
already in her best clothes and tea ready. She was charming--
finished from the uttermost hair on her head to the sole of her
slipper--and the dove-coloured, somewhat Quakerish tint of her
wedding-gown suited her admirably. Quarter-past six came, but there
was no Zachariah, and she thought she would make the tea, as he was
never long over his meals. Half-past six, and he was not there. The
two now sat down, and began to listen to every sound.
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