Читать книгу The Peacock Feather. A Romance онлайн

42 страница из 53

A little pile of letters lay on the table beside him, also a small silver paper-knife. Ten minutes [Pg 53]previously he had cut the envelopes with careful precision and glanced through the contents. Apparently he had found in them little of interest, and now his attention was entirely absorbed by a couple of frizzled rolls of bacon on the plate before him.

The door opened noiselessly and the butler entered. He carried a tray on which was a plate, and on the plate was a small brown egg in a silver egg-cup. General Carden was somewhat particular as to the size and colour of the eggs of which he partook. The butler placed the plate on the table, then stood in an attitude suggestive of military attention.

“Any orders for the car, sir? Alcott is here, sir.”

“The car at eleven,” said General Carden, still busy with the bacon. “And, Goring, see that those library books are put in.”

“Very good, sir. Is that all, sir?”

“Yes; nothing else.”

The butler withdrew, and General Carden continued his breakfast. Marmalade and a second cup of coffee followed the egg. General Carden made a good deal of the fact that he [Pg 54]enjoyed his breakfast. It was to him a sign that old age was not yet encroaching.