After-Clap

Accustomed to much adulation, the After-Clap was, in general, coolly supercilious to strangers, but he seemed much pleased with Beverley's appearance, and called him "Bruvver," as he had called Broussard, who had been long since forgotten by the After-Clap.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

Next to Kettle in his affections was Mrs. McGillicuddy, the six-foot-two wife of Sergeant McGillicuddy, who had eight children, of assorted sizes, and still found time to do a great deal for the After-Clap.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

At this Broussard would laugh and agree with Kettle that the After-Clap was the knowingest baby in the world, and Anita would blush beautifully.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

Mrs. Fortescue took Anita in her lap, as if the girl were indeed the age of the After-Clap.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

Then Mrs. Fortescue raised the After-Clap and put him in Beverley's arms.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

"You go 'way!" screamed the After-Clap, raising a copper-toed foot, and kicking Broussard's shins.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

"It's Missis McGillicuddy as 'll do for ye," said the Sergeant with a grin, going up to Kettle, holding the delighted After-Clap in his arms.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

And Beverley was to see, for the first time, the After-Clap, who was so much like Beverley that the Colonel and Mrs. Fortescue could hardly persuade themselves he was their last born, and not their first born.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

It was seven o'clock in the evening, and Mrs. McGillicuddy had already put the After-Clap to bed when she started for Mrs. Lawrence's quarters.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888

This produced another attack on Broussard's shins by the After-Clap.

Betty at Fort Blizzard Molly Elliot Seawell 1888