 play as if he had been the most ignorant lounger there. Fred observed
that Lydgate was losing fast, and found himself in the new situation of puzzling
his brains to think of some device by which, without being offensive, he could
withdraw Lydgate's attention, and perhaps suggest to him a reason for quitting
the room. He saw that others were observing Lydgate's strange unlikeness to
himself, and it occurred to him that merely to touch his elbow and call him
aside for a moment might rouse him from his absorption. He could think of
nothing cleverer than the daring improbability of saying that he wanted to see
Rosy, and wished to know if she were at home this evening; and he was going
desperately to carry out this weak device, when a waiter came up to him with a
message, saying that Mr. Farebrother was below, and begged to speak with him.
    Fred was surprised, not quite comfortably, but sending word that he would be
down immediately, he went with a new impulse up to Lydgate, said, »Can I speak
to you a moment?« and drew him aside.
    »Farebrother has just sent up a message to say that he wants to speak to me.
He is below. I thought you might like to know he was there, if you had anything
to say to him.«
    Fred had simply snatched up this pretext for speaking, because he could not
say, »You are losing confoundedly, and are making everybody stare at you; you
had better come away.« But inspiration could hardly have served him better.
Lydgate had not before seen that Fred was present, and his sudden appearance
with an announcement of Mr. Farebrother had the effect of a sharp concussion.
    »No, no,« said Lydgate; »I have nothing particular to say to him. But - the
game is up - I must be going - I came in just to see Bambridge.«
    »Bambridge is over there, but he is making a row - I don't think he's ready
for business. Come down with me to Farebrother. I expect he is going to blow me
up, and you will shield me,« said Fred, with some adroitness.
    Lydgate felt shame, but could not bear to act as if he felt it, by refusing
to see Mr. Farebrother; and he went down. They merely shook hands, however, and
spoke of the frost; and when all three had turned into the street, the Vicar
seemed quite willing to say good-bye to Lydgate. His present purpose was clearly
