Vanity Fair - Page 559/573

"It is number 92, up four pair of stairs," Jos said, perhaps not very

willing to ascend the steps again; but he placed himself in the window

of his drawing-room, which commands the place on which the Elephant

stands, and saw the pair marching through the market.

It was as well that Becky saw them too from her garret, for she and the

two students were chattering and laughing there; they had been joking

about the appearance of Becky's grandpapa--whose arrival and departure

they had witnessed--but she had time to dismiss them, and have her

little room clear before the landlord of the Elephant, who knew that

Mrs. Osborne was a great favourite at the Serene Court, and respected

her accordingly, led the way up the stairs to the roof story,

encouraging Miladi and the Herr Major as they achieved the ascent.

"Gracious lady, gracious lady!" said the landlord, knocking at Becky's

door; he had called her Madame the day before, and was by no means

courteous to her.

"Who is it?" Becky said, putting out her head, and she gave a little

scream. There stood Emmy in a tremble, and Dobbin, the tall Major,

with his cane.

He stood still watching, and very much interested at the scene; but

Emmy sprang forward with open arms towards Rebecca, and forgave her at

that moment, and embraced her and kissed her with all her heart. Ah,

poor wretch, when was your lip pressed before by such pure kisses?