“No,” replied Nicholas.  “We shall set out in an hour—­or it may be sooner.”

“Aw shan be ready,” said Peter.  And he added to himself, as Nicholas moved away, “Ey’st tak care Tum Lomax gies an egg to Merlin, an that’ll may aw fair, if they chance to try their osses’ mettle.”

As Nicholas returned to the house, he perceived to his dismay Sir Ralph and Parson Dewhurst standing upon the steps; and convinced, from their grave looks, that they were prepared to lecture him, he endeavoured to nerve himself for the infliction.

“Two to one are awkward odds,” said the squire to himself, “especially when they have the ’vantage ground.  But I must face them, and make the best fight circumstances will allow.  I shall never be able to explain that mad dance with Isole de Heton.  No one but Dick will believe me, and the chances are he will not support my story.  But I must put on an air of penitence, and sooth to say, in my present state, it is not very difficult to assume.”

Thus pondering, with slow step, affectedly humble demeanour, and surprisingly-lengthened visage, he approached the pair who were waiting for him, and regarding him with severe looks.

Thinking it the best plan to open the fire himself, Nicholas saluted them, and said—­

“Give you good-day, Sir Ralph, and you too, worthy Master Dewhurst.  I scarcely expected to see you so early astir, good sirs; but the morning is too beautiful to allow us to be sluggards.  For my own part I have been awake for hours, and have passed the time wholly in self-reproaches for my folly and sinfulness last night, as well as in forming resolutions for self-amendment, and better governance in future.”

“I hope you will adhere to those resolutions, then, Nicholas,” rejoined Sir Ralph, sternly; “for change of conduct is absolutely necessary, if you would maintain your character as a gentleman.  I can make allowance for high animal spirits, and can excuse some licence, though I do not approve of it; But I will not permit decorum to be outraged in my house, and suffer so ill an example to be set to my tenantry.”

“Fortunately I was not present at the exhibition,” said Dewhurst; “but I am told you conducted yourself like one possessed, and committed such freaks as are rarely, if ever, acted by a rational being.”

“I can offer no defence, worthy sir, and you my respected relative,” returned Nicholas, with a contrite air; “neither can you reprove me more strongly than I deserve, nor than I upbraid myself.  I allowed myself to be overcome by wine, and in that condition was undoubtedly guilty of follies I must ever regret.”

“Amongst others, I believe you stood upon your head,” remarked Dewhurst.

“I am not aware of the circumstance, reverend sir,” replied Nicholas, with difficulty repressing a smile; “but as I certainly lost my head, I may have stood upon it unconsciously.  But I do recollect enough to make me heartily ashamed of myself, and determine to avoid all such excesses in future.”