Esther was a
heavy sleeper, and she lay close to the wall, curled up. Taking no notice
of her, William went on dressing; then he said--
"Now then, Esther, get up. Teddy will be here presently to pack up my
clothes."
"Is it time to get up?"
"Yes, I should think it was. For God's sake, get up."
She had a new dress for the Derby. It had been bought in Tottenham Court
Road, and had only come home last night. A real summer dress! A lilac
pattern on a white ground, the sleeves and throat and the white hat
tastefully trimmed with lilac and white lace; a nice sunshade to match. At
that moment a knock came at the door.
"All right, Teddy, wait a moment, my wife's not dressed yet. Do make
haste, Esther."
Esther stepped into the skirt so as not to ruffle her hair, and she was
buttoning the bodice when little Mr. Blamy entered.
"Sorry to disturb you, ma'am, but there isn't no time to lose if the
governor don't want to lose his place on the 'ill."
"Now then, Teddy, make haste, get the toggery out; don't stand there
talking."
The little man spread the Gladstone bag upon the floor and took a suit of
checks from the chest of drawers, each square of black and white nearly as
large as a sixpence.
"You'll wear the green tie, sir?" William nodded. The green tie was a yard
of flowing sea-green silk.
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