CHAPTER LVIII.
IN WHICH ONE OF LITTLE BOPEEP'S SHEEP COMES HOME AGAIN, AND VARIOUS
THEORIES ARE ENTERTAINED RESPECTING CHARLES NUTTER AND LIEUTENANT
PUDDOCK.
And just on Monday morning, in the midst of this hurly-burly of
conjecture, who should arrive, of all the people in the world, and
re-establish himself in his old quarters, but Dick Devereux. The gallant
captain was more splendid and handsome than ever. But both his spirits
and his habits had suffered. He had quarrelled with his aunt, and she
was his bread and butter--ay, buttered on both sides. How lightly these
young fellows quarrel with the foolish old worshippers who lay their
gold, frankincense, and myrrh, at the feet of the handsome thankless
idols. They think it all independence and high spirit, whereas we know
it is nothing but a little egotistical tyranny, that unconsciously
calculates even in the heyday of its indulgence upon the punctual return
of the penitent old worshipper, with his or her votive offerings.
Perhaps the gipsy had thought better of it, and was already sorry he had
not kept the peace. At all events, though his toilet and wardrobe were
splendid--for fine fellows in his plight deny themselves nothing--yet
morally he was seedy, and in temper soured.
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