Dandy put the glass of grog to his mouth, and having emptied it, sprung
to his feet, commenced an Irish jig through the kitchen, in a spirit so
outrageously whimsical--buoyant, mad, hugging the box all the time in
his arms, that poor Nancy looked at him with a degree of alarm and then
of jealousy which she could not conceal.

"In the name of all that's wonderful," she exclaimed, "what's
wrong--what's the matter? What's the value of that blackguard box that
you make the mistake about in huggin' it that way? Upon my conscience,
one would think you're in a desolate island. Remember, man alive, that
you're among flesh and blood like your own, and that you have friends,
although the acquaintance isn't very long, I grant, that wishes you
betther than to see you makin' a sweetheart of a tallow-box. What the
sorra is that worth?"

"A hundred pounds, my darlin'--a hundred pounds--bravo, Dandy--well
done, brave Dulcimer--wealthy Nancy. Faith, you may swear upon the
frying-pan there that I've the cash, and sure 'tis yourself I was
lookin' out for."

"I don't think, then, that ever I resembled a candle-box in my life,"
she replied, rather annoyed that the article in question came in for
such a prodigality of his hugs, kisses, and embraces, of all shapes and
characters.

"Well, Nancy," said he, "charming Nancy, you're my fancy, but in the
meantime I have the honor and pleasure to bid you a good day."

"Why, where are you goin'?" asked the woman. "Won't you wait for the
rasher?"

"Keep it hot, charming Nancy, till I come back; I'm just goin' to take
a constitutional walk." So saying, Dandy, with the candle-box under
his arm, darted out of the kitchen, and without waiting to know whether
there was an answer to be brought back or not, mounted his jarvey, and
desiring the man to drive as if the devil and all his imps were at their
heels, set off at full speed for the city.

"Bad luck to you for a scamp," exclaimed the indignant cook, shouting
after him; "is that the way you trate a decent woman after gettin' your
skinful of the best? Wait till you put your nose in this kitchen again,
an' it'a different fare you'll get."

On reaching his master's hotel, Dandy went upstairs, where he found him
preparing to go out. He had just sealed a note, and leaning himself back
on the chair, looked at his servant with a good deal of surprise, in
consequence of the singularity of Ms manner. Dandy, on the other hand,
took the candle-box from u