That lady was Mrs.Gashleigh.From that day the miserable Fitzroy was in her power;and she resumed a sway over his house,to shake off which had been the object of his life,and the result of many battles.And for a mere freak--(for,on going into Fubsby's a week afterwards he found the Peris drinking tea out of blue cups,and eating stale bread and butter,when his absurd passion instantly vanished)--I say,for a mere freak,the most intolerable burden of his life was put on his shoulders again--his mother-in-law.
On the day before the little dinner took place--and I promise you we shall come to it in the very next chapter--a tall and elegant middle-aged gentleman,who might have passed for an earl but that there was a slight incompleteness about his hands and feet,the former being uncommonly red,and the latter large and irregular,was introduced to Mrs.Timmins by the page,who announced him as Mr.Truncheon.
"I'm Truncheon,Ma'am,"he said,with a low bow.
"Indeed!"said Rosa.
"About the dinner M'm,from Fubsby's,M'm.As you have no butler,M'm,I presume you will wish me to act as sich.I shall bring two persons as haids to-morrow;both answers to the name of John.I'd best,if you please,inspect the premisis,and will think you to allow your young man to show me the pantry and kitching."Truncheon spoke in a low voice,and with the deepest and most respectful melancholy.There is not much expression in his eyes,but from what there is,you would fancy that he was oppressed by a secret sorrow.Rosa trembled as she surveyed this gentleman's size,his splendid appearance,and gravity."I am sure,"she said,"I never shall dare to ask him to hand a glass of water."Even Mrs.Gashleigh,when she came on the morning of the actual dinner-party,to superintend matters,was cowed,and retreated from the kitchen before the calm majesty of Truncheon.