It was Mr. Elderfield, the oldest
tenant on the estate, and he was saying in a slow deliberate tone
that he was told he was to propose his lordship's health. It was a
great honour for the like of him, and his lordship must excuse him if
he did not make a fine speech. All he could say was, that he had
lived eighty-three years on the estate, and held his farm nearly
sixty years; he had seen three marquises of Rotherwood besides his
present lordship, and he had always found them very good landlords.
He hoped and believed his lordship was like his fathers, and he was
sure he could do no better than tread in their steps. He proposed
the health of Lord Rotherwood, and many happy returns of the day to
him.
The simplicity and earnestness of the old man's tones were
appreciated by all, and the tremendous cheer, which almost terrified
Phyllis, was a fit assent to the hearty good wishes of the old
farmer.
'Now comes the trial!' whispered Claude to Lilias, after he had
vehemently contributed his proportion to the noise. Lilias saw that
his colour had risen, as much as if he had to make a speech himself,
and he earnestly examined the coronet on his fork, while every other
eye was fixed on the Marquis.
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