coadjutors and counsellors, could not agree how the butcher-meat--the
most substantial part, or, as it were, the main body of the
entertainment--was to be supplied. The house-steward threatened the
sacrifice of a fine yoke of young bullocks, which the bailiff, who
pleaded the necessity of their agricultural services, tenaciously
resisted; and Lady Peveril's good and dutiful nature did not prevent
her from making some impatient reflections on the want of
consideration of her absent Knight, who had thus thoughtlessly placed
her in so embarrassing a situation.

These reflections were scarcely just, if a man is only responsible for
such resolutions as he adopts when he is fully master of himself. Sir
Geoffrey's loyalty, like that of many persons in his situation, had,
by dint of hopes and fears, victories and defeats, struggles and
sufferings, all arising out of the same moving cause, and turning, as
it were, on the same pivot, acquired the character of an intense and
enthusiastic passion; and the singular and surprising change of
fortune, by which his highest wishes were not only gratified, but far
exceeded, occasioned for some time a kind of intoxication of loyal
rapture which seemed to pervade the whole kingdom. Sir Geoffrey had
seen Charles and his brothers, and had been received by the merry
monarch with that graceful, and at the same time frank urbanity, by
which he conciliated all who approached him; the Knight's services and
merits had been fully acknowledged, and recompense had been hinted at,
if not expressly promised. Was it for Peveril of the Peak, in the
jubilee of his spirits, to consider how his wife was to find beef and
mutton to feast his neighbours?

Luckily, however, for the embarrassed lady, there existed some one who
had composure of mind sufficient to foresee this difficulty. Just as