Page:The Berkeleys and their neighbors.djvu/81

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exchanged glances oftener than master and man usually do. As the clergyman became more free in his talk, Ahlberg looked at Pembroke with a foxy smile, but received only a cool stare in return. Pembroke was a jolly companion enough, but this deliberately making a gentleman, weak as he might be, but still a gentleman, drunk in a woman's house struck him as not the most amusing thing in the world. Ahlberg, however, seemed to enjoy the state of affairs, and though he had no sympathy from Pembroke or young Peyton, Mr. Hibbs and one or two others appreciated it highly.

"Ah, Mr. Cole," he cried, "you know how to dine, I see you do. You would not discredit the Trois Frères itself. Hans, more Chablis."

Poor Cole's eyes twinkled. He loved to be thought a man of the world.

"Couldn't you give us a song, Mr. Cole?" continued Ahlberg, laughing, "English and American fashion, you know. Something about wine and mirth."

Mr. Cole smiled coquettishly, and cleared his throat.

"Perhaps I might try 'The Heart Bowed Down With Weight of Woe,'" said he.

"Yes—yes—"

"Or, 'Then You'll Remember Me.' That's more sentimental—more suited for the occasion."

"'Then You'll Remember Me,' by all means. Gentlemen, a chorus."

Mr. Cole, placing his hand upon his heart, after