No one had sufficient spirit left to reply.
At last the concertinists went home, and the reading drew to a close.
Conolly, again accompanied by Marian, sang "Tom Bowling." The audience awoke, cheered the singer heartily, and made him sing again.

On his return to the green-room, Miss McQuinch, much affected at the fate of Bowling, and indignant with herself for being so, stared defiantly at Conolly through a film of tears.

When Marmaduke went out, the people also were so moved that they were ripe for laughter, and with roars of merriment forced him to sing three songs, in the choruses of which they joined.

Eventually the clergyman had to bid them go home, as Mr.Lind had given them all the songs he knew.
"I suppose you will not come with us, Duke," said Marian, when all was over, and they were preparing to leave.

"We can drop you at your chambers if you like; but you will have to sit on the box.