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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 38703 ***
+
+THE BLACK MOTH
+
+A ROMANCE OF THE XVIII CENTURY
+
+BY
+
+GEORGETTE HEYER
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+  PROLOGUE         CHAPTER XVI
+  CHAPTER I        CHAPTER XVII
+  CHAPTER II       CHAPTER XVIII
+  CHAPTER III      CHAPTER XIX
+  CHAPTER IV       CHAPTER XX
+  CHAPTER V        CHAPTER XXI
+  CHAPTER VI       CHAPTER XXII
+  CHAPTER VII      CHAPTER XXIII
+  CHAPTER VIII     CHAPTER XXIV
+  CHAPTER IX       CHAPTER XXV
+  CHAPTER X        CHAPTER XXVI
+  CHAPTER XI       CHAPTER XXVII
+  CHAPTER XII      CHAPTER XXVIII
+  CHAPTER XIII     CHAPTER XXIX
+  CHAPTER XIV      EPILOGUE
+  CHAPTER XV
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+
+Clad in his customary black and silver, with raven hair unpowdered and
+elaborately dressed, diamonds on his fingers and in his cravat, Hugh
+Tracy Clare Belmanoir, Duke of Andover, sat at the escritoire in the
+library of his town house, writing.
+
+He wore no rouge on his face, the almost unnatural pallor of which
+seemed designedly enhanced by a patch set beneath his right eye. Brows
+and lashes were black, the former slanting slightly up at the corners,
+but his narrow, heavy-lidded eyes were green and strangely piercing. The
+thin lips curled a little, sneering, as one dead-white hand travelled to
+and fro across the paper.
+
+... but it seems that the Fair Lady has a Brother, who, finding Me
+Enamoured, threw down the Gauntlet. I soundly whipt the presumptuous
+Child, and so the Affair ends. Now, as you, My dear Frank, also took
+some Interest in the Lady, I write for the Express Purpose of informing
+You that at my Hands she has received no Hurt, nor is not like to. This
+I in part tell You that You shall not imagine Yr self in Honor bound
+again to call Me out, which Purpose, an I mistake not, I yesterday read
+in Yr Eyes. I should be Exceeding loth to meet You in a Second Time,
+when I should consider it my Duty to teach You an even severer Lesson
+than Before. This I am not Wishful of doing for the Liking I bear You.
+
+"So in all Friendship believe me, Frank,
+
+"Your most Obedient, Humble
+
+"DEVIL."
+
+His Grace of Andover paused, pen held in mid-air. A mocking smile dawned
+in his eyes, and he wrote again.
+
+"In the event of any Desire on Yr Part to hazard Yr Luck with my late
+Paramour, Permit Me to warn You 'gainst the Bantam Brother, who is in
+Very Truth a Fire-Eater, and would wish to make of You, as of Me, one
+Mouthfull. I shall hope to see You at the Queensberry Rout on Thursday,
+when You may Once More strive to direct mine Erring Footsteps on to the
+Thorny Path of Virtue."
+
+His Grace read the postscript through with another satisfied, sardonic
+smile. Then he folded the letter, and affixing a wafer, peremptorily
+struck the hand-bell at his side.
+
+And the Honourable Frank Fortescue, reading the postscript half-an-hour
+later, smiled too, but differently. Also he sighed and put the letter
+into the fire.
+
+"And so ends another _affaire_. ... I wonder if you'll go insolently to
+the very end?" he said softly, watching the paper shrivel and flare up.
+"I would to God you might fall honestly in love--and that the lady might
+save you from yourself--my poor Devil!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+AT THE CHEQUERS INN, FALLOWFIELD
+
+
+Chadber was the name of the host, florid of countenance, portly of
+person, and of manner pompous and urbane. Solely within the walls of the
+Chequers lay his world, that inn having been acquired by his
+great-grandfather as far back as the year 1667, when the jovial Stuart
+King sat on the English throne, and the Hanoverian Electors were not yet
+dreamed of.
+
+A Tory was Mr. Chadber to the backbone. None so bitter 'gainst the
+little German as he, and surely none had looked forward more eagerly to
+the advent of the gallant Charles Edward. If he confined his patriotism
+to drinking success to Prince Charlie's campaign, who shall blame him?
+And if, when sundry Whig gentlemen halted at the Chequers on their way
+to the coast, and, calling for a bottle of Rhenish, bade him toss down a
+glass himself with a health to his Majesty, again who shall blame Mr.
+Chadber for obeying? What was a health one way or another when you had
+rendered active service to two of his Stuart Highness's adherents?
+
+It was Mr. Chadber's boast, uttered only to his admiring Tory
+neighbours, that he had, at the risk of his own life, given shelter to
+two fugitives of the disastrous 'Forty-five, who had come so far out of
+their way as quiet Fallowfield. That no one had set eyes on either of
+the men was no reason for doubting an honest landlord's word. But no one
+would have thought of doubting any statement that Mr. Chadber might
+make. Mine host of the Chequers was a great personage in the town, being
+able both to read and to write, and having once, when young, travelled
+as far north as London town, staying there for ten days and setting
+eyes on no less a person than the great Duke of Marlborough himself when
+that gentleman was riding along the Strand on his way to St. James's.
+
+Also, it was a not-to-be-ignored fact that Mr. Chadber's home-brewed ale
+was far superior to that sold by the landlord of the rival inn at the
+other end of the village.
+
+Altogether he was a most important character, and no one was more aware
+of his importance than his worthy self.
+
+To "gentlemen born," whom, he protested, he could distinguish at a
+glance, he was almost obsequiously polite, but on clerks and underlings,
+and men who bore no signs of affluence about their persons, he wasted
+none of his deference.
+
+Thus it was that, when a little green-clad lawyer alighted one day from
+the mail coach and entered the coffee-room at the Chequers, he was
+received with pomposity and scarce-veiled condescension.
+
+He was nervous, it seemed, and more than a little worried. He offended
+Mr. Chadber at the outset, when he insinuated that he was come to meet a
+gentleman who might perhaps be rather shabbily clothed, rather short of
+purse, and even of rather unsavoury repute. Very severely did Mr.
+Chadber give him to understand that guests of that description were
+entirely unknown at the Chequers.
+
+There was an air of mystery about the lawyer, and it appeared almost as
+though he were striving to probe mine host. Mr. Chadber bridled, a
+little, and became aloof and haughty.
+
+When the lawyer dared openly to ask if he had had any dealings with
+highwaymen of late, he was properly and thoroughly affronted.
+
+The lawyer became suddenly more at ease. He eyed Mr. Chadber
+speculatively, holding a pinch of snuff to one thin nostril.
+
+"Perhaps you have staying here a certain--ah--Sir--Anthony--Ferndale?"
+he hazarded.
+
+The gentle air of injury fell from Mr. Chadber. Certainly he had, and
+come only yesterday a-purpose to meet his solicitor.
+
+The lawyer nodded.
+
+"I am he. Be so good as to apprise Sir Anthony of my arrival."
+
+Mr. Chadber bowed exceeding low, and implored the lawyer not to remain
+in the draughty coffee-room. Sir Anthony would never forgive him an he
+allowed his solicitor to await him there. Would he not come to Sir
+Anthony's private parlour?
+
+The very faintest of smiles creased the lawyer's thin face as he walked
+along the passage in Mr. Chadber's wake.
+
+He was ushered into a low-ceilinged, pleasant chamber looking out on to
+the quiet street, and left alone what time Mr. Chadber went in search of
+Sir Anthony.
+
+The room was panelled and ceilinged in oak, with blue curtains to the
+windows and blue cushions on the high-backed settle by the fire. A table
+stood in the centre of the floor, with a white table-cloth thereon and
+places laid for two. Another smaller table stood by the fireplace,
+together with a chair and a stool.
+
+The lawyer took silent stock of his surroundings, and reflected grimly
+on the landlord's sudden change of front. It would appear that Sir
+Anthony was a gentleman of some standing at the Chequers.
+
+Yet the little man was plainly unhappy, and fell to pacing to and fro,
+his chin sunk low on his breast, and his hands clasped behind his back.
+He was come to seek the disgraced son of an Earl, and he was afraid of
+what he might find.
+
+Six years ago Lord John Carstares, eldest son of the Earl of Wyncham,
+had gone with his brother, the Hon. Richard, to a card party, and had
+returned a dishonoured man.
+
+That Jack Carstares should cheat was incredible, ridiculous, and at
+first no one had believed the tale that so quickly spread. But he had
+confirmed that tale himself, defiantly and without shame, before riding
+off, bound, men said, for France and the foreign parts. Brother Richard
+was left, so said the countryside, to marry the lady they were both in
+love with. Nothing further had been heard of Lord John, and the outraged
+Earl forbade his name to be mentioned at Wyncham, swearing to disinherit
+the prodigal. Richard espoused the fair Lady Lavinia and brought her to
+live at the great house, strangely forlorn now without Lord John's
+magnetic presence; but, far from being an elated bridegroom, he seemed
+to have brought gloom with him from the honeymoon, so silent and so
+unhappy was he.
+
+Six years drifted slowly by without bringing any news of Lord John, and
+then, two months ago, journeying from London to Wyncham, Richard's coach
+had been waylaid, and by a highwayman who proved to be none other than
+the scapegrace peer.
+
+Richard's feelings may be imagined. Lord John had been singularly
+unimpressed by anything beyond the humour of the situation. That,
+however, had struck him most forcibly, and he had burst out into a fit
+of laughter that had brought a lump into Richard's throat, and a fresh
+ache into his heart.
+
+Upon pressure John had given his brother the address of the inn, "in
+case of accidents," and told him to ask for "Sir Anthony Ferndale" if
+ever he should need him. Then with one hearty handshake, he had galloped
+off into the darkness....
+
+The lawyer stopped his restless pacing to listen. Down the passage was
+coming the tap-tap of high heels on the wooden floor, accompanied by a
+slight rustle as of stiff silks.
+
+The little man tugged suddenly at his cravat. Supposing--supposing
+debonair Lord John was no longer debonair? Supposing--he dared not
+suppose anything. Nervously he drew a roll of parchment from his pocket
+and stood fingering it.
+
+A firm hand was laid on the door-handle, turning it cleanly round. The
+door opened to admit a veritable apparition, and was closed again with a
+snap.
+
+The lawyer found himself gazing at a slight, rather tall gentleman who
+swept him a profound bow, gracefully flourishing his smart
+three-cornered hat with one hand and delicately clasping cane and
+perfumed handkerchief with the other. He was dressed in the height of
+the Versailles fashion, with full-skirted coat of palest lilac laced
+with silver, small-clothes and stockings of white, and waistcoat of
+flowered satin. On his feet he wore shoes with high red heels and silver
+buckles, while a wig of the latest mode, marvellously powdered and
+curled and smacking greatly of Paris, adorned his shapely head. In the
+foaming lace of his cravat reposed a diamond pin, and on the slim hand,
+half covered by drooping laces, glowed and flashed a huge emerald.
+
+The lawyer stared and stared again, and it was not until a pair of deep
+blue, rather wistful eyes met his in a quizzical glance, that he found
+his tongue. Then a look of astonishment came into his face, and he took
+a half step forward.
+
+"Master Jack!" he gasped. "Master--_Jack_!"
+
+The elegant gentleman came forward and held up a reproving hand. The
+patch at the corner of his mouth quivered, and the blue eyes danced.
+
+"I perceive that you are not acquainted with me, Mr. Warburton," he
+said, amusement in his pleasant, slightly drawling voice. "Allow me to
+present myself: Sir Anthony Ferndale, _a vous servir_!"
+
+A gleam of humour appeared in the lawyer's own eyes as he clasped the
+outstretched hand.
+
+"I think you are perhaps not acquainted with yourself, my lord," he
+remarked drily.
+
+Lord John laid his hat and cane on the small table, and looked faintly
+intrigued.
+
+"What's your meaning, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"I am come, my lord, to inform you that the Earl, your father, died a
+month since."
+
+The blue eyes widened, grew of a sudden hard, and narrowed again.
+
+"Is that really so? Well, well! Apoplexy, I make no doubt?"
+
+The lawyer's lips twitched uncontrollably.
+
+"No, Master Jack; my lord died of heart failure."
+
+"Say you so? Dear me! But will you not be seated, sir? In a moment my
+servant will have induced the _chef_ to serve dinner. You will honour
+me, I trust?"
+
+The lawyer murmured his thanks and sat down on the settle, watching the
+other with puzzled eyes.
+
+The Earl drew up a chair for himself and stretched his foot to the fire.
+
+"Six years, eh? I protest 'tis prodigious good to see your face again,
+Mr. Warburton.... And I'm the Earl? Earl and High Toby, by Gad!" He
+laughed softly.
+
+"I have here the documents, my lord...."
+
+Carstares eyed the roll through his quizzing glass.
+
+"I perceive them. Pray return them to your pocket, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"But there are certain legal formalities, my lord--"
+
+"Exactly. Pray do not let us mention them!"
+
+"But, sir!"
+
+Then the Earl smiled, and his smile was singularly sweet and winning.
+
+"At least, not until after dinner, Warburton! Instead, you shall tell me
+how you found me?"
+
+"Mr. Richard directed me where to come, sir."
+
+"Ah, of course! I had forgot that I told him my--_pied-à-terre_ when I
+waylaid him."
+
+The lawyer nearly shuddered at this cheerful, barefaced mention of his
+lordship's disreputable profession.
+
+"Er--indeed, sir. Mr. Richard is eager for you to return."
+
+The handsome young face clouded over. My lord shook his head.
+
+"Impossible, my dear Warburton. I am convinced Dick never voiced so
+foolish a suggestion. Come now, confess! 'tis your own fabrication?"
+
+Warburton ignored the bantering tone and spoke very deliberately.
+
+"At all events, my lord, I believe him anxious to make--amends."
+
+Carstares shot an alert, suspicious glance at him.
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"Yes, sir. Amends."
+
+My lord studied his emerald with half-closed eyelids.
+
+"But why--amends, Warburton?" he asked.
+
+"Is not that the word, sir?"
+
+"I confess it strikes me as inapt. Doubtless I am dull of
+comprehension."
+
+"You were not wont to be, my lord."
+
+"No? But six years changes a man, Warburton. Pray, is Mr. Carstares
+well?"
+
+"I believe so, sir," replied the lawyer, frowning at the deft change of
+subject.
+
+"And Lady Lavinia?"
+
+"Ay." Mr. Warburton looked searchingly across at him, seeing which, my
+lord's eyes danced afresh, brim full with mischief.
+
+"I am delighted to hear it. Pray present my compliments to Mr. Carstares
+and beg him to use Wyncham as he wills."
+
+"Sir! Master Jack! I implore you!" burst from the lawyer, and he sprang
+up, moving excitedly away, his hands twitching, his face haggard.
+
+My lord stiffened in his chair. He watched the other's jerky movements
+anxiously, but his voice when he spoke was even and cold.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+Mr. Warburton wheeled and came back to the fireplace, looking hungrily
+down at my lord's impassive countenance. With an effort he seemed to
+control himself.
+
+"Master Jack, I had better tell you what you have already guessed. I
+know."
+
+Up went one haughty eyebrow.
+
+"You know what, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"That you are innocent!"
+
+"Of what, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"Of cheating at cards, sir!"
+
+My lord relaxed, and flicked a speck of dust from his great cuff.
+
+"I regret the necessity of having to disillusion you, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"My lord, do not fence with me, I beg! You can trust me, surely?"
+
+"Certainly, sir."
+
+"Then do not keep up this pretence with me; no, nor look so hard
+neither! I've watched you grow up right from the cradle, and Master Dick
+too, and I know you both through and through. I _know_ you never cheated
+at Colonel Dare's nor anywhere else! I could have sworn it at the
+time--ay, when I saw Master Dick's face, I knew at once that he it was
+who had played foul, and you had but taken the blame!"
+
+"No!"
+
+"I know better! Can you, Master Jack, look me in the face and truthfully
+deny what I have said? Can you? Can you?" My lord sat silent.
+
+With a sigh, Warburton sank on to the settle once more. He was flushed,
+and his eyes shone, but he spoke calmly again.
+
+"Of course you cannot. I have never known you lie. You need not fear I
+shall betray you. I kept silence all these years for my lord's sake, and
+I will not speak now until you give me leave."
+
+"Which I never shall."
+
+"Master Jack, think better of it, I beg of you! Now that my lord is
+dead--"
+
+"It makes no difference."
+
+"No difference? 'Twas not for his sake? 'Twas not because you knew how
+he loved Master Dick?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then 'tis Lady Lavinia--"
+
+"No."
+
+"But--"
+
+My lord smiled sadly.
+
+"Ah, Warburton! And you averred you knew us through and through! For
+whose sake should it be but his own?"
+
+"I feared it!" The lawyer made a hopeless gesture with his hands. "You
+will not come back?"
+
+"No, Warburton, I will not; Dick may manage my estates. I remain on the
+road."
+
+Warburton made one last effort.
+
+"My lord!" he cried despairingly, "Will you not at least think of the
+disgrace to the name an you be caught?"
+
+The shadows vanished from my lord's eyes.
+
+"Mr. Warburton, I protest you are of a morbid turn of mind! Do you know,
+I had not thought of so unpleasant a contingency? I swear I was not born
+to be hanged!"
+
+The lawyer would have said more, had not the entrance of a servant,
+carrying a loaded tray, put an end to all private conversation. The man
+placed dishes upon the table, lighted candles, and arranged two chairs.
+
+"Dinner is served, sir," he said.
+
+My lord nodded, and made a slight gesture toward the windows. Instantly
+the man went over to them and drew the heavy curtains across.
+
+My lord turned to Mr. Warburton.
+
+"What say you, sir? Shall it be burgundy or claret, or do you prefer
+sack?"
+
+Warburton decided in favour of claret.
+
+"Claret, Jim," ordered Carstares, and rose to his feet.
+
+"I trust the drive has whetted your appetite, Warburton, for honest
+Chadber will be monstrous hurt an you do not justice to his capons."
+
+"I shall endeavour to spare his feelings," replied the lawyer with a
+twinkle, and seated himself at the table.
+
+Whatever might be Mr. Chadber's failings, he possessed an excellent
+cook. Mr. Warburton dined very well, beginning on a fat duck, and
+continuing through the many courses that constituted the meal.
+
+When the table was cleared, the servant gone, and the port before them,
+he endeavoured to guide the conversation back into the previous
+channels. But he reckoned without my lord, and presently found himself
+discussing the Pretender's late rebellion. He sat up suddenly.
+
+"There were rumours that you were with the Prince, sir."
+
+Carstares set down his glass in genuine amazement.
+
+"I?"
+
+"Indeed, yes. I do not know whence the rumour came, but it reached
+Wyncham. My lord said nought, but I think Mr. Richard hardly credited
+it."
+
+"I should hope not! Why should they think me turned rebel, pray?"
+
+Mr. Warburton frowned.
+
+"Rebel, sir?"
+
+"Rebel, Mr. Warburton. I have served under his Majesty."
+
+"The Carstares were ever Tories, Master Jack, true to their rightful
+king."
+
+"My dear Warburton, I owe nought to the Stuart princes. I was born in
+King George the First's reign, and I protest I am a good Whig."
+
+Warburton shook his head disapprovingly.
+
+"There has never been a Whig in the Wyncham family, sir."
+
+"And you hope there never will be again, eh? What of Dick? Is he
+faithful to the Pretender?"
+
+"I think Mr. Richard does not interest himself in politics, sir."
+
+Carstares raised his eyebrows, and there fell a silence.
+
+After a minute or two Mr. Warburton cleared his throat.
+
+"I--I suppose, sir--you have no idea of--er--discontinuing
+your--er--profession?"
+
+My lord gave an irrepressible little laugh.
+
+"Faith, Mr. Warburton, I've only just begun!"
+
+"Only--But a year ago, Mr. Richard--"
+
+"I held him up? Ay, but to tell the truth, sir, I've not done much since
+then!"
+
+"Then, sir, you are not--er--notorious?"
+
+"Good gad, no! Notorious, forsooth! Confess, Warburton, you thought me
+some heroic figure? 'Gentleman Harry', perhaps?"
+
+Warburton blushed.
+
+"Well, sir--I--er--wondered."
+
+"I shall have to disappoint you, I perceive. I doubt Bow Street has
+never heard of me--and--to tell the truth--'tis not an occupation which
+appeals vastly to my senses."
+
+"Then why, my lord, do you continue?"
+
+"I must have some excuse for roaming the country," pleaded Jack. "I
+could not be idle."
+
+"You are not--compelled to--er--rob, my lord?"
+
+Carstares wrinkled his brow inquiringly.
+
+"Compelled? Ah--I take your meaning. No, Warburton, I have enough for my
+wants--now; time was--but that is past. I rob for amusement's sake."
+
+Warburton looked steadily across at him.
+
+"I am surprised, my lord, that you, a Carstares, should find
+it--amusing."
+
+John was silent for a moment, and when he at length spoke it was
+defiantly and with a bitterness most unusual in him.
+
+"The world, Mr. Warburton, has not treated me so kindly that I should
+feel any qualms of conscience. But, an it gives you any satisfaction to
+know it, I will tell you that my robberies are few and far between. You
+spoke a little while ago of my probable--ah--fate--on Tyburn Tree. I
+think you need not fear to hear of that."
+
+"I--It gives me great satisfaction, my lord, I confess," stammered the
+lawyer, and found nothing more to say. After a long pause he again
+produced the bulky roll of parchment and laid it down before the Earl
+with the apologetic murmur of:
+
+"Business, my lord!"
+
+Carstares descended from the clouds and eyed the packet with evident
+distaste. He proceeded to fill his and his companion's glass very
+leisurely. That done, he heaved a lugubrious sigh, caught Mr.
+Warburton's eye, laughed in answer to its quizzical gleam, and broke the
+seal.
+
+"Since you _will_ have it, sir--business!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Warburton stayed the night at the Chequers and travelled back to
+Wyncham next day by the two o'clock coach. He played piquet and ecarte
+with my lord all the evening, and then retired to bed, not having found
+an opportunity to argue his mission as he had hoped to do. Whenever he
+had tried to turn the conversation that way he had been gently but
+firmly led into safer channels, and somehow had found it impossible to
+get back. My lord was the gayest and most charming of companions, but
+talk "business" he would not. He regaled the lawyer with spicy anecdotes
+and tales of abroad, but never once allowed Mr. Warburton to speak of
+his home or of his brother.
+
+The lawyer retired to rest in a measure reassured by the other's good
+spirits, but at the same time dispirited by his failure to induce
+Carstares to return to Wyncham.
+
+Next morning, although he was not up until twelve, he was before my
+lord, who only appeared in time for lunch, which was served as before in
+the oak parlour.
+
+He entered the room in his usual leisurely yet decided fashion and made
+Mr. Warburton a marvellous leg. Then he bore him off to inspect his
+mare, Jenny, of whom he was inordinately proud. By the time they
+returned to the parlour luncheon was served, and Mr. Warburton realised
+that he had scarcely any time left in which to plead his cause.
+
+My lord's servant hovered continually about the room, waiting on them,
+until his master bade him go to attend to the lawyer's valise. When the
+door had closed on his retreating form, Carstares leaned back in his
+chair, and, with a rather dreary little smile, turned to his companion.
+
+"You want to reason with me, I know, Mr. Warburton, and, indeed, I will
+listen an I must. But I would so much rather that you left the subject
+alone, believe me."
+
+Warburton sensed the finality in his voice, and wisely threw away his
+last chance.
+
+"I understand 'tis painful, my lord, and I will say no more. Only
+remember--and think on it, I beg!"
+
+The concern in his face touched my lord.
+
+"You are too good to me, Mr. Warburton, I vow. I can only say that I
+appreciate your kindness--and your forbearance. And I trust that you
+will forgive my seeming churlishness and believe that I am indeed
+grateful to you."
+
+"I wish I might do more for you, Master Jack!" stammered Warburton, made
+miserable by the wistful note in his favourite's voice. There was no
+time for more; the coach already awaited him, and his valise had been
+hoisted up. As they stood together in the porch, he could only grip my
+lord's hand tightly and say good-bye. Then he got hurriedly into the
+coach, and the door was slammed behind him.
+
+My lord made his leg, and watched the heavy vehicle move forward and
+roll away down the street. Then with a stifled sigh he turned and walked
+towards the stables. His servant saw him coming and went at once to meet
+him.
+
+"The mare, sir?"
+
+"As you say, Jim--the mare. In an hour."
+
+He turned and would have strolled back.
+
+"Sir--your honour!"
+
+He paused, looking over his shoulder.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"They're on the look-out, sir. Best be careful."
+
+"They always are, Jim. But thanks."
+
+"Ye--ye wouldn't take me with ye, sir?" pleadingly.
+
+"Take you? Faith, no! I've no mind to lead you into danger. And you
+serve me best by remaining to carry out my orders."
+
+The man fell back.
+
+"Ay, sir; but--but--"
+
+"There are none, Jim."
+
+"No, sir--but ye _will_ have a care?"
+
+"I will be the most cautious of men." He walked away on the word, and
+passed into the house.
+
+In an hour he was a very different being. Gone was the emerald ring, the
+foppish cane; the languid air, too, had disappeared, leaving him brisk
+and businesslike. He was dressed for riding, with buff coat and buckskin
+breeches, and shining top boots. A sober brown wig replaced the powdered
+creation, and a black tricorne was set rakishly atop.
+
+He stood in the deserted porch, watching Jim strap his baggage to the
+saddle, occasionally giving a curt direction. Presently Mr. Chadber
+appeared with the stirrup-cup, which he drained and handed back with a
+word of thanks and a guinea at the bottom.
+
+Someone called lustily from within, and the landlord, bowing very low,
+murmured apologies and vanished.
+
+Jim cast a last glance at the saddle-girths, and, leaving the mare
+quietly standing in the road, came up to his master with gloves and
+whip.
+
+Carstares took them silently and fell to tapping his boot, his eyes
+thoughtfully on the man's face.
+
+"You will hire a coach, as usual," he said at length, "and take my
+baggage to--" (He paused, frowning)--"Lewes. You will engage a room at
+the White Hart and order dinner. I shall wear--apricot and--h'm!"
+
+"Blue, sir?" ventured Jim, with an idea of being helpful.
+
+His master's eyes crinkled at the corners.
+
+"You are a humorist, Salter. Apricot and cream. Cream? Yes, 'tis a
+pleasing thought--cream. That is all--Jenny!"
+
+The mare turned her head, whinnying as he came towards her.
+
+"Good lass!" He mounted lightly and patted her glossy neck. Then he
+leaned sideways in the saddle to speak again to Salter, who stood beside
+him, one hand on the bridle.
+
+"The cloak?"
+
+"Behind you, sir."
+
+"My wig?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Pistols?"
+
+"Ready primed, sir."
+
+"Good. I shall be in Lewes in time for dinner--with luck."
+
+"Yes, sir. Ye--ye will have a care?" anxiously.
+
+"Have I not told you?" He straightened in the saddle, touched the mare
+with his heel, and bestowing a quick smile and a nod on his man, trotted
+easily away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+MY LORD AT THE WHITE HART
+
+
+"Sir Anthony Ferndale" sat before the dressing-table in his room at the
+White Hart, idly polishing his nails. A gorgeous silk dressing gown lay
+over the back of his chair, and, behind him, Jim was attending to his
+wig, at the same time hovering anxiously over the coat and waistcoat
+that were waiting to be donned.
+
+Carstares left off polishing his nails, yawned, and leaned back in his
+chair, a slim, graceful figure in cambric shirt and apricot satin
+breeches. He studied his cravat for some moments in the mirror, and
+lifted a hand to it. Salter held his breath. With extreme deliberation
+the hand moved a diamond and emerald pin the fraction of an inch to one
+side, and fell to his side again. Salter drew a relieved breath, which
+brought his master's eyes round to himself.
+
+"No trouble, Jim?"
+
+"None at all, sir."
+
+"Neither had I. 'Twas most surprisingly easy. The birds had no more
+fight in them than sparrows. Two men in a coach--one a bullying rascal
+of a merchant, the other his clerk. Gad! but I was sorry for that little
+man!" He paused, his hand on the rouge pot.
+
+Salter looked an inquiry.
+
+"Yes," nodded Carstares. "Very sorry. The fat man would appear to bully
+and browbeat him after the manner of his kind; he even blamed him for my
+advent, the greasy coward! Yes, Jim, you are right--he did not appeal to
+me, _ce M. Fudby_. So--" ingenuously, "I relieved him of his cash-box
+and two hundred guineas. A present for the poor of Lewes."
+
+Jim jerked his shoulder, frowning.
+
+"If ye give away all ye get, sir, why do ye rob at all?" he asked
+bluntly.
+
+His whimsical little smile played about my lord's mouth.
+
+"'Tis an object for my life, Jim: a noble object. And I believe it
+amuses me to play Robin Hood--take from the rich to give to the poor,"
+he added, for Salter's benefit. "But to return to my victims--you would
+have laughed had you but seen my little man come tumbling out of the
+coach when I opened the door!"
+
+"Tumble, sir? Why should he do that?"
+
+"He was at pains to explain the reason. It seems he had been commanded
+to hold the door to prevent my entering--so when I jerked it open,
+sooner than loose his hold, he fell out on to the road. Of course, I
+apologised most abjectly--and we had some conversation. Quite a nice
+little man.... It made me laugh to see him sprawling on the road,
+though!"
+
+"Wish I could have seen it, your honour. I would ha' liked fine to ha'
+been beside ye." He looked down at the lithe form with some pride. "I'd
+give something to see ye hold up a coach, sir!"
+
+Haresfoot in hand, Jack met his admiring eyes in the glass, and laughed.
+
+"I make no doubt you would.... I have cultivated a superb voice, a
+trifle thick and beery, a little loud, perhaps--ah, something to dream
+of o' nights! I doubt they do, too," he added reflectively, and affixed
+the patch at the corner of his mouth.
+
+"So? A little low, you think? But 'twill suffice--What's toward?"
+
+Down below in the street there was a great stirring and bustling:
+horses' hoofs, shouts from the ostlers, and the sound of wheels on the
+cobble-stones. Jim went to the window and looked down, craning his neck
+to see over the balcony.
+
+"'Tis a coach arrived, sir."
+
+"That much had I gathered," replied my lord, busy with the powder.
+
+"Yes, sir. O lord, sir!" He was shaken with laughter.
+
+"What now?"
+
+"'Tis the curiousest sight, sir! Two gentlemen, one fat and t'other
+small! One's all shrivelled-looking, like a spider, while t'other--"
+
+"Resembles a hippopotamus--particularly in the face?"
+
+"Well yes, sir. He do rather. And he be wearing purple."
+
+"Heavens, yes! Purple, and an orange waistcoat!"
+
+Jim peered afresh.
+
+"So it is, sir! But how did you know?" Even as he put the question,
+understanding flashed into Jim's eyes.
+
+"I rather think that I have had the honour of meeting these gentlemen,"
+replied my lord placidly. "My buckle, Jim.... Is't a prodigious great
+coach with wheels picked out in yellow?"
+
+"Ay, your honour. The gentlemen seem a bit put out, too."
+
+"That is quite probable. Does the smaller gentleman wear
+somewhat--ah--muddied garments?"
+
+"I can't see, sir; he stands behind the fat gentleman."
+
+"Mr. Bumble Bee.... Jim!"
+
+"Sir!" Jim turned quickly at the sound of the sharp voice.
+
+He found that my lord had risen, and was holding up a waistcoat of
+pea-green pattern on a bilious yellow ground, between a disgusted finger
+and thumb. Before his severe frown Jim dropped his eyes and stood
+looking for all the world like a schoolboy detected in some crime.
+
+"You put this--this monstrosity--out for _me_ to wear?" in awful tones.
+
+Jim eyed the waistcoat gloomily and nodded.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Did I not specify cream ground?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I thought--I thought that 'twas cream!"
+
+"My good friend, it is--it is--I cannot say what it is. And pea-green!"
+he shuddered. "Remove it."
+
+Jim hurried forward and disposed of the offending garment.
+
+"And bring me the broidered satin. Yes, that is it. It is particularly
+pleasing to the eye."
+
+"Yes, sir," agreed the abashed Jim.
+
+"You are excused this time," added my lord, with a twinkle in his eye.
+"What are our two friends doing?"
+
+Salter went back to the window
+
+"They've gone into the house, sir. No, here's the spider gentleman! He
+do seem in a hurry, your honour!"
+
+"Ah!" murmured his lordship. "You may assist me into this coat. Thanks."
+
+With no little difficulty, my lord managed to enter into the fine satin
+garment, which, when on, seemed moulded to his back, so excellently did
+it fit. He shook out his ruffles and slipped the emerald ring on to his
+finger with a slight frown.
+
+"I believe I shall remain here some few days," he remarked presently.
+"To--ah--allay suspicion." He looked across at his man as he spoke,
+through his lashes.
+
+It was not in Jim's nature to inquire into his master's affairs, much
+less to be surprised at anything he might do or say. He was content to
+receive and promptly execute his orders, and to worship Carstares with a
+dog-like devotion, following blindly in his wake, happy as long as he
+might serve him.
+
+Carstares had found him in France, very down upon his luck, having been
+discharged from the service of his late master owing to the penniless
+condition of that gentleman's pocket. He had engaged him as his own
+personal servant, and the man had remained with him ever since, proving
+an invaluable acquisition to my Lord John. Despite a singularly wooden
+countenance, he was by no means a fool, and he had helped Carstares out
+of more than one tight corner during his inglorious and foolhardy career
+as highwayman. He probably understood his somewhat erratic master better
+than anyone else, and he now divined what was in his mind. He returned
+that glance with a significant wink.
+
+"'Twas them gentlemen ye held up to-day, sir?" he asked, jerking an
+expressive thumb towards the window.
+
+"M'm. Mr. Bumble Bee and friend. It would almost appear so. I think I do
+not fully appreciate Mr. Bumble Bee. I find his conduct rather tiresome.
+But it is just possible that he thinks the same of me. I will further my
+acquaintance with him."
+
+Jim grunted scornfully, and an inquiring eye was cocked at him.
+
+"You do not admire our friend? Pray, do not judge him by his exterior.
+He may possess a beautiful mind. But I do not think so. N-no, I really
+do not think so." He chuckled a little. "Do you know, Jim, I believe I
+am going to enjoy myself to-night!"
+
+"I don't doubt it, your honour. 'Twere child's play to trick the fat
+gentleman."
+
+"Probably. But it is not with the fat gentleman that I shall have to
+deal. 'Tis with all the officials of this charming town, an I mistake
+not. Do I hear the small spider returning?"
+
+Salter stepped back to the window.
+
+"Ay, sir--with three others."
+
+"Pre-cisely. Be so good as to hand me my snuff-box. And my cane. Thank
+you. I feel the time has now come for me to put in an appearance. Pray,
+bear in mind that I am new come from France and journey by easy stages
+to London. And cultivate a stupid expression. Yes, that will do
+excellently."
+
+Jim grinned delightedly; he had assumed no expression of stupidity, and
+was consequently much pleased with this pleasantry. He swung open the
+door with an air, and watched "Sir Anthony" mince along the passage to
+the stairs.
+
+In the coffee-room the city merchant, Mr. Fudby by name, was relating
+the story of his wrongs, with many an impressive pause, and much
+emphasis, to the mayor, town-clerk, and beadle of Lewes. All three had
+been fetched by Mr. Chilter, his clerk, in obedience to his orders, for
+the bigger the audience the better pleased was Mr. Fudby. He was now
+enjoying himself quite considerably, despite the loss of his precious
+cash-box.
+
+So was not Mr. Hedges, the mayor. He was a fussy little man who suffered
+from dyspepsia; he was not interested in the affair, and he did not see
+what was to be done for Mr. Fudby. Further, he had been haled from his
+dinner, and he was hungry; and, above all, he found Mr. Fudby very
+unattractive. Still, a highroad robbery was serious matter enough, and
+some course of action must be thought out; so he listened to the story
+with an assumption of interest, looking exceedingly wise, and, at the
+proper moments, uttering sounds betokening concern.
+
+The more he saw and heard of Mr. Fudby, the less he liked him. Neither
+did the town-clerk care for him. There was that about Mr. Fudby that did
+not endear him to his fellow-men, especially when they chanced to be his
+inferiors in the social scale. The beadle did not think much about
+anything. Having decided (and rightly) that the affair had nothing
+whatever to do with him, he leaned back in his chair and stared stolidly
+up at the ceiling.
+
+The tale Mr. Fudby was telling bore surprisingly little resemblance to
+the truth. It was a much embellished version, in which he himself had
+behaved with quite remarkable gallantry. It had been gradually concocted
+during the journey to Lewes.
+
+He was still holding forth when my lord entered the room. Carstares
+raised his glass languidly to survey the assembled company, bowed
+slightly, and walked over to the fire. He seated himself in an armchair
+and took no further notice of anybody.
+
+Mr. Hedges had recognised at a glance that here was some _grand
+seigneur_ and wished that Mr. Fudby would not speak in so loud a voice.
+But that individual, delighted at having a new auditor, continued his
+tale with much relish and in a still louder tone.
+
+My lord yawned delicately and took a pinch of snuff.
+
+"Yes, yes," fussed Mr. Hedges. "But, short of sending to London for the
+Runners, I do not see what I can do. If I send to London, it must, of
+course, be at your expense, sir."
+
+Mr. Fudby bristled.
+
+"At _my_ expense, sir? Do ye say at _my_ expense? I am surprised! I
+repeat--I am surprised!"
+
+"Indeed, sir? I can order the town-crier out, describing the horse,
+and--er--offering a reward for the capture of any man on such an
+animal. But--" he shrugged and looked across at the town-clerk--"I do
+not imagine that 'twould be of much use--eh, Mr. Brand?"
+
+The clerk pursed his lips and spread out his hands.
+
+"I fear not; I very much fear not. I would advise Mr. Fudby to have a
+proclamation posted up round the country." He sat back with the air of
+one who has contributed his share to the work, and does not intend to
+offer any more help.
+
+"Ho!" growled Mr. Fudby. He blew out his cheeks. "'Twill be a grievous
+expense, though I suppose it must be done, and I cannot but feel that if
+it had not been for your deplorably cowardly conduct, Chilter--yes,
+cowardly conduct, I say--I might never have been robbed of my two
+hundred!" He snuffled a little, and eyed the flushed but silent Chilter
+with mingled reproach and scorn. "However, my coachman assures me he
+could swear to the horse again, although he cannot remember much about
+the man himself. Chilter! How did he describe the horse?"
+
+"Oh--er--chestnut, Mr. Fudby--chestnut, with a half-moon of white on its
+forehead, and one white foreleg."
+
+Jack perceived that it was time he took a hand in the game. He half
+turned in his chair and levelled his quizzing-glass at Mr. Chilter.
+
+"I beg your pardon?" he drawled.
+
+Mr. Fudby's eye brightened. The fine gentleman was roused to an
+expression of interest at last. He launched forth into his story once
+more for my lord's benefit. Carstares eyed him coldly, seeing which, Mr.
+Hedges came hurriedly to the rescue.
+
+"Er--yes, Mr. Fudby--quite so! Your pardon, sir, I have not the honour
+of knowing your name?"
+
+"Ferndale," supplied Jack, "Sir Anthony Ferndale."
+
+"Er--yes--" Mr. Hedges bowed. "Pray pardon my importuning you with
+our--"
+
+"Not at all," said my lord.
+
+"No--quite so--The fact is, these--er--gentlemen have had
+the--er--misfortune to be waylaid on their journey here."
+
+Sir Anthony's glass was again levelled at the group. His expression
+betokened mild surprise.
+
+"_All_ these gentlemen?" he inquired blandly. "Dear, dear!"
+
+"Oh, no, no, no, sir! Not all--Only Mr.--er--"
+
+"Fudby," said that worthy, and discovered that Sir Anthony was bowing
+frigidly. At once he rose, and resting his knuckles on the table before
+him, bent his body slowly and painfully. Sir Anthony inclined his head.
+Whereupon, to the delight of all the rest, Mr. Fudby bowed again with
+even greater stateliness than before. Mr. Hedges observed Sir Anthony's
+lips to twitch convulsively. He waited for Mr. Fudby to subside, and
+then continued:
+
+"Yes--Mr. Fudby and Mr.--"
+
+"My clerk!" snapped Fudby.
+
+Sir Anthony favoured Mr. Chilter with his peculiarly sweet smile, and
+turned again to Mr. Hedges.
+
+"I see. A _daylight_ robbery, you say?"
+
+"Broad daylight!" boomed Mr. Fudby.
+
+"Er--yes, yes," interposed the mayor, fearing a fresh outbreak from that
+quarter. "I wonder if you have seen anything of such an animal as
+Mr.--er--Chilter--described?"
+
+"'Tis a most extraordinary thing," said Carstares slowly, "but I have
+just bought such an one." He glanced round with an inquiring smile and
+one eyebrow lifted.
+
+"Well!" ejaculated Mr. Fudby. "Well!"
+
+"Dear me, sir, what a strange coincidence! May I ask where you bought
+it, and from whom?"
+
+"She has not been in my possession over two hours. I bought her from an
+out-at-elbows ruffian, on my way hither. I thought at one time that
+'twas strange that the man should possess such a mare--pure bred, I
+vow--and wondered why he was so eager to be rid of her."
+
+"He was eager because he knew he would be recognised by her," explained
+Mr. Fudby kindly.
+
+"Without doubt. Perhaps you would like to see her? I will send my man--"
+
+"Oh no, no!" cried the mayor. "We would not dream of so inconveniencing
+you--"
+
+"'Twere a pleasure," bowed Jack, devoutly hoping that Mr. Fudby would
+not require to see Jenny, who, he felt sure, would betray him by her
+very evident affection.
+
+"No, no, Sir Anthony, 'tis quite unnecessary, I assure you, but I thank
+you for all that. Mr. Fudby, if you would describe the man himself, I
+will see to the proclamation."
+
+"Describe him, Chilter!" ordered Mr. Fudby, who was becoming rather
+grumpy.
+
+Mr. Chilter smiled suddenly.
+
+"Certainly, sir!" he said with alacrity. "'Twas a great ruffianly
+fellow, monstrous tall--"
+
+"How tall?" interrupted the town-clerk. "Six feet?"
+
+"Oh, quite!" lied Mr. Chilter. "And fat."
+
+Jack's shoulders shook.
+
+"Fat, you say?" he asked gently.
+
+"Very fat," affirmed Mr. Chilter. "And prodigious rough, swearing
+dreadfully in his speech."
+
+"You could not see his face, I suppose?"
+
+Mr. Chilter hesitated.
+
+"I could see his mouth and chin," he said, "and I remarked a long scar
+running from his under-lip to the--er--bottom of his face."
+
+Involuntarily Carstares' hand caressed his perfectly smooth chin. Either
+the little clerk was a born romancer, or for some reason or other he did
+not want the highwayman to be taken.
+
+"Well, Sir Anthony?" the mayor was saying. "Does that description fit
+your man?"
+
+My lord frowned thoughtfully.
+
+"Tall," he said slowly, "and fat--you said fat, I think, Mr. Chilter?"
+
+Rather anxiously Mr. Chilter reiterated this statement.
+
+"Ah! And with a long scar--yes, that is undoubtedly he. Furthermore," he
+added audaciously, "he has a squint in his left eye. 'Tis a most
+ill-favoured rogue in all."
+
+"It would appear so, Sir Anthony," remarked the mayor drily. He did not
+in the least believe the story of the squint, and imagined that the fine
+court gentleman was amusing himself at their expense. Nevertheless, he
+had no intention of remonstrating; the sooner he could withdraw from
+this very tiresome affair the better. So he gravely took down all the
+absurd particulars, remarked that the man should be easy to find, and
+made ready to depart.
+
+The town-clerk rose, and tapped the beadle on the shoulder, whereupon
+that worthy, with a grunt, abandoned his pose of masterly inactivity and
+followed the mayor out of the room.
+
+Mr. Fudby rose.
+
+"I doubt I shall never see my money again," he said pettishly. "If you,
+Chilter had not been so--"
+
+"Allow me to offer you some snuff, Mr. Chilter," interposed my lord
+gently, extending his jewelled box. "Doubtless, sir, you would wish to
+see my mare?"
+
+"I know nought of horses," snorted Mr. Fudby. "'Tis my clerk who appears
+to have remarked all the details." He sneered terrifically.
+
+"Then pray, do me the honour of walking as far as the stables, Mr.
+Chilter. 'Twere as well to be certain about the mare. Mr.-ah--Fudby,
+your servant."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"And now, Mr. Chilter, I have a grudge against you," said Carstares, as
+they walked across the little garden.
+
+"Me, sir? Oh--er--have you, Sir Anthony?"
+
+He looked up and perceived that the gentleman was laughing.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Chilter, a very serious grudge: you have described me as fat!"
+
+Chilter nearly fainted.
+
+"_You_, sir," he gasped, and stared in amazement.
+
+"Also that I swear dreadfully in my speech, and that I have a scar
+running from my mouth to my chin."
+
+Mr. Chilter stood stock-still in the middle of the path.
+
+"It was you, sir, all the time? _You_ held us up? Were _you_ the man who
+wrenched open the door?"
+
+"I was that infamous scoundrel. I beg leave once more to apologise for
+my carelessness in opening that same door. Now tell me, why did you
+take such pains to throw dust in their sleepy eyes?"
+
+They resumed their walk slowly. The little clerk flushed.
+
+"I scarce know, sir, save that I--that I liked you, and--and--"
+
+"I see. 'Twas prodigious good of you, Mr. Chilter. I wonder if there is
+anything that I can do to show my gratitude?"
+
+Again the clerk flushed and lifted his head proudly.
+
+"I thank you, sir, but there is nought."
+
+By now they had reached the stable. Carstares opened the door and they
+entered.
+
+"Then will you accept this in token of my regard, sir?"
+
+Mr. Chilter gazed at the emerald ring that glowed and winked at him from
+the palm of my lord's hand. He looked up into the blue eyes and
+stammered a little.
+
+"Indeed, sir--I--I--"
+
+"'Tis honestly come by!" pleadingly. "Come, Mr. Chilter, you'll not hurt
+my feelings by refusing? You will keep it in remembrance of a man--a fat
+man, Mr. Chilter--who rudely jerked you on to the road?"
+
+The clerk took it with unsteady fingers.
+
+"I thank you most--"
+
+"Nay, I beg of you. 'Tis I thank you for aiding me so kindly.... Come
+and see my Jenny! Well, lass?" For the mare at the first sound of his
+voice had turned in her loose-box, and was whinnying and pawing the
+ground eagerly.
+
+"I do not understand, sir, anything: how it is that you are a
+highwayman, or why you have honoured me with your confidence--why you
+should trust me. But--thank you."
+
+As he spoke, Mr. Chilter placed his hand in my lord's, and for the
+second time in his life, felt the pressure of those firm, kindly
+fingers.
+
+"Why, your honour! Ye've lost your emerald!"
+
+"No, Jim. I gave it away."
+
+"Ye--ye _gave_ it away, sir?"
+
+"M'm. To the small spider."
+
+"B-but--"
+
+"And he called me fat, too."
+
+"Called ye fat, sir?" asked the man, bewildered.
+
+"Yes. Very fat. By the way, let me tell you that I bought Jenny at
+Fittering to-day from the naughty ruffian who waylaid Mr. Bumble Bee."
+He proceeded to give Jim a sketch of what had transpired below. When he
+had finished the man shook his head severely.
+
+"I doubt ye'll never learn wisdom, sir," he scolded.
+
+"I? What have I done?"
+
+"What did ye want to tell it all to the spider man for, sir? 'Twas most
+incautious of ye. Like as not, he'll split to the fat gentleman, and
+we'll have the whole town at our heels."
+
+"Which just shows all you know of the small spider," replied his master
+calmly. "Hand me the powder."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+INTRODUCING THE HON. RICHARD CARSTARES
+
+
+Wyncham! A stately old house with mullioned windows, standing high on
+its stone terraces, half-covered by creepers; a house surrounded by
+lawns, rolling down on the one side to a river that rippled and murmured
+its way along beneath overhanging trees and a blue sky, over boulders
+and rocks, so clear and sparkling that the myriad pebbles could be seen
+deep down on its bed.
+
+In the other direction, the velvet lawns stretched away till they met
+the orchards and the quiet meadowland.
+
+On two sides the house had its terraces, very white in the sunshine,
+with stone steps leading down to a miniature lake where water-lilies
+grew, and where the tiny fish darted to and fro unconcernedly.
+
+Flagged walks there were, running between flower beds a riot of colour,
+and solemn old trees that had stood there through all the years. Cool
+woodland lay beyond the little river, carpeted with dark moss, where in
+spring the primroses grew. So thick was the foliage of the trees that
+the sun but penetrated in uneven patches.
+
+Up the terrace walls crept roses, yellow and red, pink and white, and
+tossed their trailing sprays across the parapet. Over the walls of the
+house they climbed, mingling with purple clematis, jasmine, and sickly
+honeysuckle. The air was heavy with their united perfumes, while, wafted
+from a bed below, came the smoky scent of lavender.
+
+The old house seemed half asleep, basking in the sunlight. Save for a
+peacock preening its feathers on the terrace steps, there was no sign of
+life....
+
+The old place had harboured generations of Carstares. Earl had succeeded
+Earl and reigned supreme, and it was only now that there was no Earl
+living there. No one knew where he was. Scarce a month ago one died, but
+the eldest son was not there to take his place. For six years he had
+been absent, and none dared breathe his name, for he disgraced that
+name, and the old Earl cast him off and forbade all mention of him. But
+the poor folk of the countryside remembered him. They would tell one
+another tales of his reckless courage; his sweet smile and his winning
+ways; his light-heartedness and his never-failing kindness and
+good-humour. What a rider he was! To see him sit his horse! What a
+swordsman! Do ye mind the time he fought young Mr. Welsh over yonder in
+the spinney with half the countryside watching? Ah, he was a one, was
+Master Jack! Do ye mind how he knocked the sword clean out o' Mr.
+Welsh's hand, and then stood waiting for him to pick it up? And do ye
+mind the way his eyes sparkled, and how he laughed, just for the sheer
+joy o' living?
+
+Endless anecdotes would they tell, and the old gaffers would shake their
+heads and sigh, and long for the sight of him again. And they would jerk
+their thumbs towards the Manor and shrug their old shoulders
+significantly. Who wanted Mr. Richard for squire? Not they, at least.
+They knew he was a good squire and a kindly man, but give them Master
+John, who would laugh and crack a joke and never wear the glum looks
+that Mr. Richard affected.
+
+In the house, Richard Carstares paced to and fro in his library, every
+now and again pausing to glance wretchedly up at the portrait of his
+brother hanging over his desk. The artist had managed to catch the
+expression of those blue eyes, and they smiled down at Richard in just
+the way that John was always wont to smile--so gaily, and withal so
+wistfully.
+
+Richard was twenty-nine, but already he looked twice his age. He was
+very thin, and there were deep lines on his good-looking countenance.
+His grey eyes bore a haunted, care-worn look, and his mouth, though
+well-shaped, was curiously lacking in determination. He was dressed
+soberly, and without that touch of smartness that had characterised him
+six years ago. He wore black in memory of his father, and it may have
+been that severity, only relieved by the lace at his throat, that made
+his face appear so prematurely aged. There was none of his brother's
+boyishness about him; even his smile seemed forced and tired, and his
+laughter rarely held merriment.
+
+He pulled out his chronometer, comparing it with the clock on the
+mantelpiece. His pacing took him to the door, and almost nervously he
+pulled it open, listening.
+
+No sound came to his ears. Back again, to and fro across the room,
+eagerly awaiting the clanging of a bell. It did not come, but presently
+a footfall sounded on the passage without, and someone knocked at the
+door.
+
+In two strides Richard was by it, and had flung it wide. Warburton stood
+there.
+
+Richard caught his hand.
+
+"Warburton! At last! I have been waiting this hour and more!"
+
+Mr. Warburton disengaged himself, bowing.
+
+"I regret I was not able to come before, sir," he said primly.
+
+"I make no doubt you travelled back as quickly as possible--come in,
+sir."
+
+He led the lawyer into the room and shut the door.
+
+"Sit down, Warburton--sit down. You--you found my brother?"
+
+Again Warburton bowed.
+
+"I had the felicity of seeing his lordship, sir."
+
+"He was well? In good spirits? You thought him changed--yes? Aged
+perhaps, or--"
+
+"His lordship was not greatly changed, sir."
+
+Richard almost stamped in his impatience.
+
+"Come, Warburton, come! Tell me everything. What did he say? Will he
+take the revenues? Will he--"
+
+"His lordship, sir, was reluctant to take anything, but upon maturer
+consideration, he--ah--consented to accept his elder son's portion. The
+revenues of the estate he begs you will make use of."
+
+"Ah! But you told him that I would touch nought belonging to him?"
+
+"I tried to persuade his lordship, sir. To no avail. He desires you to
+use Wyncham as you will."
+
+"I'll not touch his money!"
+
+Warburton gave the faintest of shrugs.
+
+"That is as you please, sir."
+
+Something in the suave voice made Richard, from his stand by the desk,
+glance sharply down at the lawyer. Suspicion flashed into his eyes. He
+seemed about to speak, when Warburton continued:
+
+"I believe I may set your mind at rest on one score, Mr. Carstares: his
+lordship's situation is tolerably comfortable. He has ample means."
+
+"But--but he lives by--robbery!"
+
+Warburton's thin lips curled a little.
+
+"Does he not?" persisted Carstares.
+
+"So he would have us believe, sir."
+
+"'Tis true! He--waylaid me!"
+
+"And robbed you, sir?"
+
+"Rob me? He could not rob his own brother, Warburton!"
+
+"Your pardon, Mr. Carstares--you are right: his lordship could not rob a
+brother. Yet have I known a man do such a thing."
+
+For a long minute there was no word spoken. The suspicion that had dwelt
+latent in Carstares' eyes sprang up again. Some of the colour drained
+from his cheeks, and twice he passed his tongue between his lips. The
+fingers of his hand, gripping a chair-back, opened and shut
+spasmodically. Rather feverishly his eyes searched the lawyer's face,
+questioning.
+
+"John told you--told you--" he started, and floundered hopelessly.
+
+"His lordship told me nothing, sir. He was singularly reticent. But
+there was nothing he could tell me that I did not already know."
+
+"What do you mean, Warburton? Why do you look at me like that? Why do
+you fence with me? In plain words, what do you mean?"
+
+Warburton rose, clenching his hands.
+
+"I know you, Master Richard, for what you are!"
+
+"Ah!" Carstares flung out his hand as if to ward off a blow.
+
+Another tense silence. With a great effort Warburton controlled himself,
+and once more the mask of impassivity seemed to descend upon him. After
+that one tortured cry Richard became calm again. He sat down; on his
+face a look almost of relief, coming after a great strain.
+
+"You learnt the truth ... from John. He ... will expose me?"
+
+"No, sir. I have not learnt it from him. And he will never expose you."
+
+Richard turned his head. His eyes, filled now with a species of dull
+pain, looked full into Warburton's.
+
+"Oh?" he said. "Then you...?"
+
+"Nor I, sir. I have pledged my word to his lordship. I would not speak
+all these years for your father's sake--now it is for his." He choked.
+
+"You ... are fond of John?" Still the apathetic, weary voice.
+
+"Fond of him--? Good God, Master Dick, I love him!"
+
+"And I," said Richard, very low.
+
+He received no reply, and looked up.
+
+"You don't believe me?"
+
+"Once, sir, I was certain of it. Now--!" he shrugged.
+
+"Yet 'tis true, Warburton. I would give all in my power to undo that
+night's work."
+
+"You cannot expect me to believe that, sir. It rests with you alone
+whether his name be cleared or not. And you remain silent."
+
+"Warburton, I--Oh, do you think it means nothing to me that John is
+outcast?"
+
+Before the misery in those grey eyes some of Warburton's severity fell
+away from him.
+
+"Master Richard, I want to think the best I can of you. Master Jack
+would tell me nothing. Will you not--can you not explain how it came
+that you allowed him to bear the blame of your cheat?"
+
+Richard shuddered.
+
+"There's no explanation--no excuse. I forced it on him! On Jack, my
+brother! Because I was mad for love of Lavinia--Oh, my God, the thought
+of it is driving me crazed! I thought I could forget; and then--and
+then--I met him! The sight of him brought it all back to me. Ever since
+that day I have not known how to live and not shriek the truth to
+everyone! And I never shall! I never shall!"
+
+"Tell me, sir," pleaded Warburton, touched in spite of himself.
+
+Richard's head sunk into his hands.
+
+"The whole scene is a nightmare.... I think I must have been mad.... I
+scarce knew what I was about. I--"
+
+"Gently, sir. Remember I know hardly anything. What induced you to mark
+the cards?"
+
+"That debt to Gundry. My father would not meet it; I had to find the
+money. I could not face the scandal--I tell you I was mad for Lavinia! I
+could think of nought else. I ceased to care for John because I thought
+him in love with her. I could not bear to think of the disgrace which
+would take her from me.... Then that night at Dare's. I was losing; I
+knew I could not pay. Gad! but I can see my notes of hand under
+Milward's elbow, growing... growing.
+
+"Jack had played Milward before me, and he had won. I remember they
+laughed at him, saying his luck had turned at last--for he always lost
+at cards. Milward and I played with the same pack that they had
+used.... There was another table, I think. Dare was dicing with
+Fitzgerald; someone was playing faro with Jack behind me. I heard Jack
+say his luck was out again--I heard them laugh.... And all the time I
+was losing ... losing.
+
+"The pin of my cravat fell out on to my knee. I think no one saw it. As
+I picked it up the thought that I should mark the cards seemed to flash
+into my mind--oh, it was despicable, I know! I held the ace of clubs in
+my hand: I scratched it with that pin--in one corner. It was easily
+done. By degrees I marked all four, and three of the kings.
+
+"No one noticed, but I was nervous--I dared do no more. I replaced that
+pin. Soon I began to win--not very much. Then Tracy Belmanoir came
+across the room to watch our play. From that moment everything seemed to
+go awry. It was the beginning of the trouble.
+
+"Tracy stood behind me watching.... I could feel him there, like some
+black moth, hovering.... I don't know how long he stayed like that--it
+seemed hours. I could feel his eyes.... I could have shrieked--I'll
+swear my hands were trembling.
+
+"Suddenly he moved. I had played the ace of hearts. He said: 'One
+moment!' in that soft, sinister voice of his.
+
+"Milward was surprised. I tried to tell myself that Devil had noticed
+nothing.... The mark on that card was so faint that I could scarce see
+it myself. I thought it impossible that he, a mere onlooker, should
+discover it. He stepped forward. I remember he brushed my shoulder. I
+remember how the light caught the diamonds he was wearing. I think my
+brain was numbed. I could only repeat to myself: 'Extravagant Devil!
+Extravagant Devil!' and stare at those winking jewels. Then I thought:
+'He is Lavinia's brother, but I do not like him; I do not like him...'
+--little foolish things like that--and my throat was dry--parched.
+
+"He bent over the table ... stretched out his white, white hand ...
+turned over the ace ... lifted his quizzing glass ... and stared down at
+the card. Then he dropped the glass and drew out his snuff-box.... It
+had Aphrodite enamelled on the lid. I remember it so distinctly.... I
+heard Tracy ask Milward to examine the ace. I wanted to spring up and
+strangle him.... I could scarce keep my hands still." Richard paused. He
+drew his hand across his eyes, shuddering.
+
+"Milward saw the scratch. He cried out that the cards were marked!
+Suddenly everyone seemed to be gathered about our table--all talking!
+Jack had his hand on my shoulder; he and Dare were running through the
+pack. But all the while I could look at no one but Tracy--Andover. He
+seemed so sinister, so threatening, in those black clothes of his. His
+eyes were almost shut--his face so white. And he was looking at me! He
+seemed to be reading my very soul.... For an instant I thought he knew!
+I wanted to shout out that he was wrong! I wanted to shriek to him to
+take his eyes away! Heaven knows what I should have done!... but he
+looked away--at Jack, with that sneering smile on his damned mask of a
+face! I could have killed him for that smile! I think Jack understood
+it--he dropped the cards, staring at Tracy.
+
+"Everyone was watching them ... no one looked at me. If they had they
+must surely have learnt the truth; but they were hanging on Andover's
+lips, looking from him to Jack and back again.... I remember Fitzgerald
+dropped his handkerchief--I was absurdly interested in that. I was
+wondering why he did not pick it up, when Andover spoke again.... 'And
+Carstares' luck turned...?' Like that, Warburton! With just that faint,
+questioning in his voice.
+
+"Before Jack could speak there was an outcry. Dare cried 'Shame!' to
+Andover. They laughed at him, as well they might. But I saw them
+exchange glances--they were wondering.... It was suspicious that Jack
+should have had that run of luck--and that he should lose as soon as he
+left that table.
+
+"Milward--poor, silly Milward--gaped at Tracy and stuttered that surely
+'twas another pack we had used. I could hardly breathe! Then Andover
+corrected him--How did he _know_? No one else remembered, or thought of
+noticing--only he!
+
+"I can see Jack now, standing there so stiffly, with his head thrown up,
+and those blue eyes of his flashing.
+
+"'Do I understand you to accuse me, Belmanoir?' he said. Oh, but he was
+furious!
+
+"Tracy never said a word. Only his eyes just flickered to my face and
+away again.
+
+"Jack's hand was gripping my shoulder hard. I could feel his anger....
+Dare called out that the suggestion was preposterous. That John should
+cheat!
+
+"Tracy asked him if the cards were his. Gad! I can hear his soft,
+mocking voice now!
+
+"Dare went purple--you know his way, Warburton.
+
+"'Opened in your presence on this table!' he cried.
+
+"'By Carstares!' smiled Tracy.
+
+"It was true. But why should Tracy remember it, and none other? They
+stared at him, amazed. Dare turned to Jack for corroboration. He nodded.
+I think he never looked haughtier....
+
+"You know how fond of Jack Dare was? He tried to bluster it off--tried
+to get control over the affair. It was to no avail. We were puppets,
+worked by that devil, Belmanoir! One man managing that ghastly scene....
+He pointed out that only three of us had used that pack: Jack, Milward
+and I.
+
+"Jack laughed.
+
+"'Next you will accuse Dick!' he snapped scornfully.
+
+"'One of you, certainly,' smiled Andover. 'Or Milward.'
+
+"Then everyone realised that one of us three must have marked the cards.
+Milward was upset, but no one suspected him. It was Jack--or me.
+
+"As long as I live I shall never forget the horror of those moments. If
+I were exposed it meant the end of everything between Lavinia and me. I
+tell you, Warburton, I would have committed any sin at that moment!
+Nothing would have been too black--I could not bear to lose her. You
+don't know what she meant to me!"
+
+"I can guess, sir," said the lawyer, gravely.
+
+"No, no! No one could imagine the depths of my love for her! I think not
+even Jack.... I felt his hand leave my shoulder.... The truth had dawned
+on him. I heard the way the breath hissed between his teeth as he
+realised.... Somehow I got to my feet, clutching at the table, facing
+him. I don't excuse myself--I know my conduct was beyond words
+dastardly. I looked across at him--just said his name, as though I could
+scarce believe my ears. So all those watching thought. But Jack knew
+better. He knew I was imploring him to save me. He understood all that I
+was trying to convey to him. For an instant he stared at me. I
+thought--I thought--God forgive me, I prayed that he might take the
+blame on himself. Then he smiled. Coward though I was, when I saw that
+hurt, wistful little smile on his lips, I nearly blurted out the whole
+truth. Not quite.... I suppose I was too mean-spirited for that.
+
+"Jack bowed to the room and again to Dare. He said: 'I owe you an
+apology, sir.'
+
+"Dare sprang forward, catching him by the shoulder--crying out that it
+could not be true! When Jack laughed--he fell away from him as from the
+plague. And all of them! My God, to see them drawing away--not looking
+at Jack! And Jack's face--growing paler and harder ... every moment....
+All his friends... turning their backs to him. Davenant--even Jim
+Davenant walked away to the fireplace with Evans.
+
+"I could not look at Jack. I dared not. I could not go to him--stand by
+him! I had not the right. I had to leave him there--in the middle of the
+room--alone. The awful hurt in his eyes made me writhe. The room was
+whirling round--I felt sick--I know I fell back into my chair, hiding my
+face. I hardly cared whether they suspected me or not. But they did not.
+They knew how great was the love between us, and they were not surprised
+that I broke down.
+
+"I heard Andover's soft voice ... he was telling some tale to Dare. Oh,
+they were well-bred those men! They skimmed over the unpleasant little
+episode--ignored Jack!
+
+"Jack spoke again. I could guess how bravely he was keeping a proud
+front. I know word for word what he said: 'Mr. Dare, your Grace,
+Gentlemen--my apologies for being the cause of so unpleasant an
+incident. Pray give me leave.'
+
+"They paid no heed. I heard him walk to the door--heard him open it. I
+could not look at him. He--he paused ... and said just one word: 'Dick!'
+quite softly. Heaven knows how I got to him! I know I overturned my
+chair. That drew Dare's attention. He said: 'You are not going, Dick?' I
+shouted 'Yes,' at him, and then Jack took my arm, leading me out.
+
+"And--and all he said was: 'Poor old Dick!'... He--he had no word of
+blame for me. He would not allow me to go back and tell the truth--as I
+would have done. Ay, Warburton, when Jack called me to him, I could have
+cried it aloud--but--he would not have it.... He said: 'For Lavinia's
+sake.'..."
+
+Warburton blew his nose violently. His fingers were trembling.
+
+"You know what happened afterwards. You know how my father turned Jack
+out penniless--you know how his friends shunned him--you know my poor
+mother's grief. And you know that he went away--that we could not find
+him when--my mother died.... His last words to me--were: 'Make
+Lavinia-happy--and try to forget--all this.' Forget it! Heavens! Try as
+I might, I could hear nothing further of him until two months ago, when
+he--waylaid me. Then I was half-dazed at the suddenness of it. He--he
+grasped my hand--and--laughed! It was so dark, I could scarce see him. I
+only had time to demand his address, and then--he was off--galloping
+away over the heath. I think--even then--he bore no malice."
+
+"He does not now!" said Warburton sharply. "But, Master Dick, if all
+this is true, why do you not even now clear him? Surely--"
+
+Richard turned his head slowly.
+
+"Now I may not drag my wife's name through the mud. By clearing him--I
+ruin her."
+
+Warburton could find nothing to say. Only after some time did he clear
+his throat and say that he was honoured by Carstares' confidence.
+
+"You--ah--you dwell on the part played by his Grace on that evening.
+Surely your--shall we say--overwrought imagination magnified that?"
+
+Richard was disinterested.
+
+"I suppose so. Mayhap 'twas his extraordinary personality dominating me.
+He cannot have pulled the wires as I thought he did. Not even Belmanoir
+could make me act as I did. But--but at the time I felt that he was
+pushing--pushing--compelling me to accuse Jack. Oh, doubtless I was
+mad!"
+
+Warburton eyed the dejected figure compassionately. Then he seemed to
+harden himself and to regain some of his lost primness of manner.
+
+"You--ah--you are determined not to accept the revenues, sir?"
+
+"I have not yet sunk so low, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"His lordship leaves Wyncham and all appertaining to it at your
+disposal. He would be grieved at your refusal."
+
+"I will not touch it."
+
+The lawyer nodded.
+
+"I confess, Mr. Carstares, I am relieved to hear you say that. It will
+not be necessary again to communicate with his lordship. I think he does
+not desire any intercourse with--his family. He finds it too painful.
+But he wished to be remembered to you, sir. Also to her ladyship."
+
+"Thank you.... You could--ascertain nothing of his situation? He did not
+confide in you?"
+
+"He was very reticent, sir. I think he is not unhappy."
+
+"And not--embittered?"
+
+"Certainly not that, sir."
+
+Mr. Warburton rose, plainly anxious to be gone.
+
+Reluctantly Richard followed his example.
+
+"You--have nothing further to tell me of him?"
+
+"I regret, sir--nothing."
+
+Richard went slowly to the door, and opened it.
+
+"You must allow me to thank you, sir, for your goodness in undertaking
+what I know must have been a painful task. I am very grateful."
+
+Mr. Warburton bowed low.
+
+"I beg you will not mention it, sir. Nothing I might do for the
+Carstares could be aught but a pleasure."
+
+Again he bowed, and the next instant was gone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+INTRODUCING THE LADY LAVINIA CARSTARES
+
+
+Richard went slowly back to his chair. After a moment he sat down,
+staring blankly out of the window, his hands loosely clasped on the desk
+before him. So he remained for a long while, immobile. At last, with the
+faintest of sighs, he moved and picked up a quill. He dipped it in the
+ink, and, with his other hand, drew towards him a sheaf of papers.
+Presently he was writing steadily.
+
+For perhaps twenty minutes the quill travelled to and fro across the
+pages; then it paused, and Richard looked up towards the door.
+
+It opened to admit Lady Lavinia. She came rustling into the room with
+her embroidery in her hand. She dropped her husband a mock curtsey and
+went over to a high-backed armchair, stretching out a dimpled hand to
+draw it forward. But even as her fingers touched it she had changed her
+mind, and fluttered over to the couch, there to seat herself with much
+swirling of brocades and arrangement of skirts. She then proceeded to
+occupy herself with her work, plying her needle hurriedly and jerkily.
+
+Richard watched her in silence, following each turn of the pretty hand
+and each movement of her fair head.
+
+The silence was evidently not to my lady's taste, for she presently
+began to beat an impatient tattoo on the floor with one slender foot.
+Still he said nothing, and she raised her pure china-blue eyes to his
+face.
+
+"Why so glum, Dick? Why do you not talk to me?" Her voice was rather
+high-pitched and childish, and she had a curious way of ending each
+sentence with an upward lilt and a long drawn-out accent, very
+fascinating to listen to.
+
+Richard smiled with an obvious effort.
+
+"Am I, my dear? I crave your pardon. Warburton has just been."
+
+Her face clouded over instantly, and the full-lipped mouth drooped
+petulantly.
+
+"He has seen him."
+
+"Oh?" She made the word twice its length, and filled it with
+disinterest.
+
+"Yes. Jack will have none of it. He asks me to be his steward and to use
+Wyncham as I will. He is very generous."
+
+"Yes, oh yes. And you will, Richard?"
+
+He ignored the question.
+
+"He--Warburton--says he is not much changed."
+
+"Oh?" Again the long-drawn monosyllable, accompanied by a tiny yawn.
+
+"He says he does not think--Jack--bears me ill-will--" He paused, as if
+expecting her to speak, but she was absorbed in arranging two
+flowers--culled from a bowl at her side--at her breast, and took no
+notice. Carstares turned his head away wearily.
+
+"If it were not for you, my dear, I would tell the truth. I believe I
+shall go crazed an I do not."
+
+"Dick!" ... She dropped the flowers on the floor and thought no more
+about them. "Dick!"
+
+"Oh, you need have no fear! I do not suppose," bitterly, "that I have
+the courage to face them all now--after six years."
+
+Lavinia moved restlessly, brushing her hand along the couch.
+
+"You will not do it, Richard? Promise! You _will_ not? I could not bear
+the disgrace of it; promise me you will never do it?"
+
+"No," he said slowly, not looking at her. "No, I cannot promise that."
+
+She sprang to her feet, flinging her broidery from her carelessly, and
+waved fierce, agitated little hands.
+
+"That means you will do it. You _want_ to disgrace me! You do not _care_
+how you hurt me by holding this threat over my head so cruelly! You--"
+
+"Lavinia, for heaven's sake!" he implored, pushing back his chair. "Calm
+yourself!" He knew she was about to fly into one of her sudden passions,
+and frowned with acute vexation.
+
+"I will not! Oh yes, yes! You think me a shrew! I know! I know! But you
+need not frown on me, sir, for you are worse! No, I will not hush. I am
+a horrid woman, yes, but you are a cheat--a cheat--a cheat!"
+
+Carstares strode over to her.
+
+"Lavinia!"
+
+"No--no! Leave me alone! You make me miserable! You refuse me everything
+that I want most, and then you threaten to disgrace me--"
+
+"That is untrue!" cried Richard, goaded into replying. "I will not
+promise, that is all. What have I refused you that was within my means
+to give you? God knows you try your best to ruin me--"
+
+"There! There! 'Tis _I_ who am to blame! Pray, did you not induce my
+lord to leave his money to John when you knew he would have willed it
+all to you an you had kept silence? You took no thought to me--"
+
+"For heaven's sake, Lavinia, be still! You do not know what you are
+saying!"
+
+She pressed her hands to her hot cheeks.
+
+"No--I am unreasonable! I know it, but don't _tell_ me so, for I cannot
+bear it! And don't look reproach at me, Richard! You drive me mad, I
+tell you!" She was sweeping up and down the room like some caged animal,
+lashing herself to a worse fury.
+
+"Say something, Richard! _Do_ something! Don't stand there so quietly!
+Oh, you should never have married me! I displease you, and you make me
+worse; and you do not see how 'tis that I cannot live without pleasure,
+and money! I am despicable? Yes, yes, but what are you? Oh, why did you
+tell me you cheated _after_ you had wedded me?" Angry sobs escaped her;
+her handkerchief was in shreds upon the floor.
+
+Carstares turned his back to her, that she might not see how she had
+contrived to hurt him, and the movement drove her to fresh fury.
+
+"Don't do that! Don't! Don't! You make me worse by your dreadful
+silence! Oh, if you really loved me!"
+
+"You cannot doubt that!" he cried out, wheeling suddenly round. "You
+know how I love you! Don't you?" He gripped her by the shoulders and
+swung her to face him.
+
+She trembled and gave a sobbing little laugh. As suddenly as it had
+come, her anger left her.
+
+"Oh, yes, yes! You do love me, Dicky?" She twined her arms about his
+neck and shrank closer.
+
+"God help me, yes!" he groaned, thrusting her away. "And you--you care
+for no one save yourself!"
+
+"No! No!" she cried, pressing up to him again. "Do not say that, Dick.
+Indeed, I love you, but I cannot live without gaiety--you know I
+cannot. Oh, I do not doubt but what I am very selfish, but 'tis the way
+I am fashioned, and I cannot change my nature. And now I have hurt you,
+and I did not mean to! I did not mean to!"
+
+"My dear, I know you did not; but try to be less a child, I beg of you!
+You are so uncontrolled, so--"
+
+"I knew you would say that," she answered in a dead voice. "You do not
+understand me. You expect me to be good, and patient, and forbearing,
+and I tell you 'tis not in my nature."
+
+"But, Lavinia, you can control your passions," he said gently.
+
+"No! I cannot! We Belmanoirs--as God made us, so we are--and He made us
+spendthrift, and pleasure-loving, and mad!" She walked slowly to the
+door. "But you do not understand, and you try to make me staid, and
+thoughtful, and a good mother, when I am dying for _life_, and
+excitement, and care not that for housewifery!" She opened the door
+slowly. "And now my head aches, and you look grave and say 'tis my
+wicked temper, when I want you to be sorry, and to be ready to do
+anything to comfort me. Why can you not take me to London, when you know
+how I long to be there, instead of in this gloomy house with nought to
+do, save mind my child and my needle? I am so tired of it all! So very
+tired of it all!"
+
+She would have left the room then, but he detained her.
+
+"Wait, Lavinia! You say you are unhappy?"
+
+She released the door handle and fluttered her hands expressively.
+
+"Unhappy? No, I am dull. I am ill-tempered. I am discontented. I am
+aught you please, so do not be sad, Richard. I cannot bear you to be
+solemn. Oh, why do we quarrel?" With one of her impulsive movements she
+was again at his side, with her beautiful face upturned. "Love me,
+Richard! Take me to London and never mind an I _do_ squander your money.
+Say you do not care! Say that nothing matters so long as I am happy! Why
+do you not say it? Does anything matter? Don't be prudent, Dicky! Be
+wild! Be reckless! Be anything rather than grave and old!" Her arms
+crept up to his coaxingly. "Take me to London!"
+
+Carstares smoothed the soft hair back from her forehead, very tenderly,
+but his eyes were worried.
+
+"My dear, I will take you, but not just yet. There is so much to be done
+here. If you will wait a little longer--"
+
+"Ah, if I will wait! If I will be patient and good! But I cannot! Oh,
+you don't understand, Dicky--you don't understand!"
+
+"I am sorry, dear. I promise I will take you as soon as possible, and we
+will stay as long as you please."
+
+Her arms fell away.
+
+"I want to go now!"
+
+"Dear--"
+
+"Very well--very well. We will go presently. Only don't reason with me."
+
+He looked at her concernedly.
+
+"You are overwrought, my love--and tired."
+
+"Yes," she agreed listlessly. "Oh yes; I will go now and rest. Forgive
+me, Dick!" She kissed her finger-tips and extended them to him. "I will
+be good one day." She turned and hurried out of the room and up the
+stairs, leaving the door open behind her.
+
+Richard stayed for a moment looking round at the signs of her late
+presence. Mechanically he stooped to pick up her embroidery and the
+pieces of her handkerchief. The two flowers were broken off short, and
+he threw them away. Then he left the room and went out on to the sunny
+terrace, gazing across the beautiful gardens into the blue distance.
+
+Across the lawn came a child of four or five, waving a grimy hand.
+
+"Father!"
+
+Richard looked down at him and smiled.
+
+"Well, John?"
+
+The boy climbed up the terrace steps, calling his news all the way.
+
+"'Tis Uncle Andrew, sir. He has rid over to see you, and is coming
+through the garden to find you."
+
+"Is he? Has he left his horse at the stables?"
+
+"Ay, sir. So I came to tell you."
+
+"Quite right. Will you come with me to meet him?"
+
+The little rosy face lighted up with pleasure.
+
+"Oh, may I?" he cried and slipped his hand in Richard's.
+
+Together they descended the steps and made their way across the lawn.
+
+"I have run away from Betty," announced John with some pride. "There's
+Uncle Andrew, sir!" He bounded away towards the approaching figure.
+
+Lord Andrew Belmanoir was Richard's brother-in-law, brother to the
+present Duke. He came up with John in his arms and tumbled him to the
+ground.
+
+"Good day, Dick! 'Tis a spoilt child you have here!"
+
+"Ay. He is but now escaped from his nurse."
+
+"Splendid! Come, John, you shall walk with us, and we'll confound fat
+Betty!" He slipped his arm through Richard's as he spoke. "Come, Dick!
+There's a deal I have to say to you." He grimaced ruefully.
+
+The child ran on ahead towards the woods, a great bull-mastiff at his
+heels.
+
+"What's to do now?" asked Richard, looking round into the mobile,
+dissipated countenance.
+
+"The devil's in it this time, and no mistake," answered his lordship
+with a rueful shake of his head.
+
+"Debts?"
+
+"Lord, yes! I was at Delaby's last night, and the stakes were high.
+Altogether I've lost about three thousand--counting what I owe Carew.
+And devil take me an I know where 'tis to come from! Here's Tracy turned
+saint and swears he'll see me damned before he hands me another penny. I
+doubt he means it, too."
+
+Tracy was the Duke. Richard smiled a little cynically; he had already
+had to lend his Grace a thousand guineas to pay off some "trifling
+debt."
+
+"He means it right enough. I believe it would puzzle him to find it."
+
+"Do you say so? Why, 'tis impossible man! Tracy was in town scarce a
+fortnight since, and he had a run of the devil's own luck. I tell you
+Dick, I saw him walk off with a cool five thousand one night! And then
+he denies me a paltry three! Lord, what a brother! And all with the air
+of an angel, as if _he_ had never lost at dice. And a homily thrown in!
+Anyone would think I had cheated, instead of--ahem!... Dick, I'm
+confoundedly sorry! Damned thoughtless of me--never thought about
+Jo--about what I was saying--I'm a fool!" For Richard had winced.
+
+"You cannot help that," he said, forcing a laugh. "Have done with your
+apologies, and continue."
+
+They had come to the stream by now, and crossed the little bridge into
+the wood.
+
+"Oh, there's not much more. 'Tis only that something must be done, for
+Carew won't wait, and stap me if I'd ask him, the lean-faced
+scarecrow!--so I came to you, Dick."
+
+He let go Richard's arm and flung himself down on a fallen tree-trunk,
+regardless of velvet and laces.
+
+"You're a good fellow, and you don't lecture a man as Tracy does, devil
+take him! And you play high yourself, or you did, though 'tis an age
+since I saw you win or lose enough to wink at. And, after all, you're
+Lavvy's husband, and--oh, damn it all, Dick, 'tis monstrous hard to ask
+you!"
+
+Carstares, leaning against a tree, surveyed the youthful rake amusedly.
+
+"'Tush, Andrew!" he reassured him. "You're welcome to ask, but the Lord
+knows where I'm to find it! Gad, what a life! Here's Lavinia keeps
+buying silks, and I don't know what all, and--"
+
+"She was ever a spendthrift jade," said Andrew with a mighty frown.
+
+Richard laughed at him.
+
+"You're a thrifty fellow yourself, of course!"
+
+Andrew looked round for something to throw at him, and finding nothing,
+relapsed once more into deepest despondency.
+
+"You're in the right of't. We're a worthless lot. 'Tis the old man's
+blood in us, I doubt not, with a smattering of her Grace. You never knew
+my mother, Richard. She was French--Lavvy's the spit of her. There's
+Tracy--stap me, but Tracy's the very devil! Have you ever seen a face
+like his? No, I'll swear you've not! What with his sneering mouth and
+his green eyes--oh, 'tis enough to make a fellow go to the dogs to have
+a brother like it, 'pon my soul it is! Ay, you laugh, but I tell you
+'tis serious!"
+
+"Ay, go on!"
+
+"Well next there's Bob--damn it all, but I'm sorry for Bob! 'Tis a
+beggarly pittance they give one in the army, and he was never one to
+pinch and scrape. Well, as I say, there's Bob, and I never see him, but
+what it's: 'Lend me a hundred, Andy!' or the like. And all to buy his
+mistress some gewgaw. That's what sickens me! Why, Bob's for ever in
+some scrape with a petticoat, and as for Tracy! Gad, how they can! Then
+there's Lavinia, but I should think you know her by now, and lastly,
+there's your humble servant. And I tell you, Dick, what with the racing,
+and the cards, and the bottle, I shall be a ruined man before you can
+turn round! And the pother is I'll never be any different. 'Tis in the
+blood, so where's the use in trying?" He made a rueful grimace, and
+rose. "Come on, young rip! We're going back."
+
+John, engaged in the task of hunting for tadpoles in the water some
+yards distant, nodded and ran on.
+
+"I fear my lady is indisposed," said Richard hesitatingly. "You wished
+to see her?"
+
+Andrew winked knowingly.
+
+"Tantrums, eh? Oh, I know her. No, I do not care an I do not see her;
+'tis little enough she cares for me, though she's as thick as thieves
+with Tracy--oh, ay, I'll be dumb."
+
+They walked slowly back to the house, Andrew, silent for once, twirling
+his gold-mounted cane.
+
+"You shall have the money, of course. When do you want it?" said Richard
+presently.
+
+"'Pon honour, you're a devilish good fellow, Dick! But if 'tis like to
+put you to any--"
+
+"Nonsense. When do you need it?"
+
+"I should pay Carew as soon as may be. Markham can wait over if--"
+
+"No, no! Wednesday?"
+
+"'Twill do excellently well. Dick, you're a--"
+
+"Oh, pshaw! 'Tis nought. I want your opinion on the bay mare I bought
+last week. You'll maybe think her a trifle long in the leg, but she's a
+fine animal."
+
+John had run indoors, and the two men proceeded to the stables alone,
+Andrew discoursing all the way, recounting for his brother-in-law's
+benefit the choicest morsels of scandal that were circulating town at
+the moment. That his auditor but attended with half an ear affected him
+not at all; he never paused for an answer, and, in any case, was far too
+good-natured to care if he received none.
+
+By the time they had duly inspected the mare and walked back to the
+house, it was nearly four o'clock, and, not altogether to Carstares'
+surprise, Lavinia was awaiting them on the terrace, clad in a totally
+different gown, and with her hair freshly arranged and curled.
+
+"'Twould appear that Lavinia has recovered," remarked Andrew as they
+mounted the steps. "She was ever thus--not two minutes the same. Well,
+Lavvy?"
+
+"Well, Andrew?" She gave him a careless hand to kiss, but smiled sweetly
+up at her husband. "My headache is so much better," she told him, "and
+they said that Andrew was come to see you. So I came downstairs." She
+turned eagerly to her brother. "Tell me, Andrew, is Tracy at home?"
+
+"Lord, yes! He arrived yesterday, devil take him! Do you want him?"
+
+"Oh, yes," she nodded. "I want to see him again. I've not set eyes on
+him for an age. I want you to take me back with you."
+
+"Surely, my dear, 'tis a trifle late in the day for such a drive?"
+demurred Richard, trying to conceal his annoyance. "Can you not wait
+until to-morrow?"
+
+"Faith, you'll have to, Lavvy, for I'll not take you to-day, that's
+certain. I'm riding to Fletcher's when I leave here. Tracy can visit you
+to-morrow an he chooses."
+
+"Will he?" she asked doubtfully.
+
+Andrew clapped his hand to his vest pocket. "If I had not forgot!" he
+exclaimed. "I've a letter from him for you. He intends waiting on you
+to-morrow, in any case. Lord, what it is to have a scatter brain like
+mine!" He pulled a handful of papers from his pocket and selected one,
+sealed, and addressed in a sloping Italian handwriting.
+
+Lavinia pounced upon it joyfully, and tore it open. Andrew restored the
+rest of the documents to his pocket with yet another rueful laugh.
+
+"Duns, Richard! Duns!"
+
+"Give them to me," answered the other, holding out his hand.
+
+"Oh, no! But many thanks, Dick. These are quite unimportant."
+
+"Why not pay them all, and start afresh?" urged Carstares.
+
+"Lord, no! Why, I should be so damned elated that before the day was out
+there'd be a score of fresh debts staring me in the face!"
+
+"Let me lend you a thousand to begin on? Could you not keep out of
+debt?"
+
+"I keep out of debt? Impossible! Don't look so solemn, Dick; I told you
+'twas in the blood. We never have a penny to bless ourselves with, but
+what's the odds? I shall have a run of luck soon--a man can't always
+lose. Then I shall be able to repay you, but, of course, I shan't.
+It'll all go at the next table. _I_ know!" He spoke so ingenuously that
+Richard could not be angry with him. There was a certain frankness about
+him that pleased, and though he might be spendthrift and heedless, and
+colossally selfish, Richard felt a genuine affection for him. He would
+have liked to argue the point further, but Lavinia came forward,
+refolding her letter.
+
+"Tracy is coming to-morrow afternoon," she told her husband. "'Twill be
+prodigiously agreeable, will it not?"
+
+He assented, but with a lack of warmth that did not fail to strike her
+ears.
+
+"And he will stay to dine with us!" she cried challengingly.
+
+"Certainly, my love."
+
+"Look pleased, Dicky, look pleased! Why don't you like Tracy? He is my
+own brother; you _must_ like him!"
+
+"Of course I like him, Lavinia. Pray, do not be foolish."
+
+"Oh, I am not! Don't be cross, Dicky dear!"
+
+"Well, if you like him, I'm surprised," broke in Andrew. "I can't bear
+him! Ay, flash your eyes at me, Lavvy; I don't mind."
+
+Lavinia opened her mouth to retaliate, but Richard hastily interposed.
+Their bickering was more than he could bear, and he never understood how
+Lavinia could stoop to quarrel with the boisterous youth, who tried so
+palpably to rouse her.
+
+He bore them both off to the house, feeling much like a nursemaid with
+two recalcitrant children.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER
+
+
+Lady Lavinia dressed herself with even more than her usual care next
+afternoon, and well-nigh drove her maid distracted by her flashes of
+temper and impatient, contradictory orders. So lengthy was the toilet
+that she was only just in her boudoir when his Grace of Andover was
+announced. She had no time to tell the footman that she would receive
+his Grace, for almost before the words were out of James' mouth, he
+stood bowing in the doorway, sure of his welcome.
+
+He was curiously like his sister, this man, and at the same time
+curiously unlike. Hers were the high cheek-bones and pinched,
+aristocratic nostrils, but the mouth with its thin lips, and the
+heavy-lidded green eyes, were totally different. His Grace's brows
+slanted up at the corners, and his eyes, though piercing and bright,
+were constantly veiled by the black-lashed lids. He wore his own black
+hair, unpowdered, and that, together with the black and silver garments
+that he always affected, greatly enhanced the natural pallor of his
+countenance. Altogether it was a very striking figure that stood just
+before the closed white door and bowed to my lady.
+
+Lavinia took an eager step towards him, swinging her pearl-grey
+brocades.
+
+"Oh, Tracy!" she cooed, holding out both hands.
+
+His Grace advanced into the room and bent low over them.
+
+"I rejoice to find you within, Lavinia," he said, a faint tinge of
+sarcasm running through his smooth tones. "As you perceive, I rode
+over." He made a gesture towards his high boots with their
+wicked-looking spurs. "No doubt Andrew forgot to give you my letter?"
+
+"No," she said, slipping her hand in his arm. "He remembered in time,
+and--oh, Tracy, I was so vastly delighted to have it!"
+
+"I am indeed honoured," he replied. "I am come on a sufficiently
+important matter."
+
+"Oh!" She pulled her hand away disappointedly. "Money!"
+
+"You are really wonderful, my dear. As you so crudely remark--money!
+Will you not be seated?"
+
+She sank down on the couch dejectedly and watched him take a chair
+opposite her.
+
+"Your most noble lord and master lent me a trifling sum the other day,
+but very trifling. I am, as usual, hard-pressed. And that young fool
+Andrew must needs fall into debt."
+
+My lady opened wide her eyes in surprise.
+
+"Do you tell me you need money from Richard to pay Andrew's debts?" she
+asked, frankly incredulous.
+
+"I do not. Is it likely? The remark was purely by the way."
+
+"Well, in any case, Andrew borrowed three thousand from poor Dick only
+yesterday. I know, because I heard him speak of it."
+
+His Grace raised his black brows in patient exasperation.
+
+"How unnecessary of Andrew! And how typical! So 'poor Dick' has been
+squeezed already?"
+
+"Don't speak like that, Tracy!" she cried. "Dicky is good to me!" She
+met his piercing look unflinchingly.
+
+"Now this becomes interesting," drawled the Duke. "Since when have you
+come to that conclusion? And why this sudden loyalty?"
+
+"I have _always_ been loyal to him, Tracy! You know I have! I worry
+him--and indeed he is very forbearing."
+
+"But how charming of him!"
+
+"No, do not sneer, Tracy! He has promised to take me to London for the
+whole winter--"
+
+His Grace leant back in his chair again.
+
+"Now I understand," he said placidly. "I was at a loss before."
+
+"'Tis not that, Tracy! Indeed I realise how kind he is to me. And we
+have quarrelled again. We are always quarrelling, and I know 'tis all my
+fault."
+
+"What a comfortable conviction, my dear!"
+
+"No, no! 'Tis not comfortable, Tracy! For somehow I cannot change my
+disposition, though I _mean_ to be patient and sweet. Tracy, I hate
+Wyncham!"
+
+"You hate Wyncham? There was a time--"
+
+"I know, I know! But I never meant to live here always like this! I want
+to go to London!"
+
+"I thought you said you were going?"
+
+"Yes, I am! But I want to go with someone who is gay-not--not--"
+
+"In fact, you want distraction, and not with the amiable Richard? Well,
+I can conceive that life with him might prove uninspiring. Safe, my
+dear, but not exciting."
+
+"I knew you would understand! You see, he does not like me to play at
+cards, because I cannot stop! And he cannot see how 'tis that I care
+nought for what he calls 'home-life' when there are routs, and the play,
+and _real_ life. He--he is so--so--so _staid,_ Tracy, and careful!"
+
+"A good trait in a husband, Lavinia," replied his Grace cynically. "'Tis
+because I do not possess it that I am single now."
+
+Her lips curled scornfully at this, for well she knew her brother.
+
+"No, Tracy, that is not so! It is because you are a devil! No woman
+would marry you!"
+
+"That is most interesting, my dear," purred his Grace. "But pray strive
+to be a little more original. Continue your analysis of Richard's
+sterling character."
+
+"'Tis only that we are so different," she sighed. "I always desire to do
+things quickly--if I think of something, I want it at once--at once! You
+know, Tracy! And he likes to wait and think on it, and--oh, 'tis so
+tiresome, and it puts me in a bad humour, and I behave like a hysterical
+bourgeoise!" She got up swiftly, clasping her nervous little hands.
+"When he speaks to me in that gentle, reasoning way, I could scream,
+Tracy! Do you think I am mad?" She laughed unmusically.
+
+"No," he replied, "but the next thing to it: a Belmanoir. Perhaps it was
+a pity you ever married Richard. But there is always the money."
+
+"There is not," she cried out sharply.
+
+"Not? What mean you?"
+
+"Tracy, 'tis of this that I wanted to speak! You think my lord left his
+money to Dick?"
+
+"Certainly. He should be stupendously wealthy."
+
+"He is not!"
+
+"But, my good girl, the revenue must be enormous. He has the land,
+surely?"
+
+"No! No! He has not the land! Oh, but I am angry whenever I think on it!
+He induced my lord to leave it to John. _He_ has but his younger son's
+portion!"
+
+"I still fail to understand. You informed me that the Earl left all to
+Richard?"
+
+"He changed his will, Tracy!"
+
+"He--changed--his--will! Then, my dear, must you have played your cards
+very badly!"
+
+"'Twas not my fault, Tracy--indeed 'twas not! I knew nought until the
+will was read. Richard never spoke a word to me about it! And now we are
+comparatively poor!" Her voice trembled with indignation, but his Grace
+only whistled beneath his breath.
+
+"I always knew, of course, that Dick was a fool, but I never guessed how
+much so till now!"
+
+At that she flared up.
+
+"He is not a fool! He is an honest man, and 'tis we_--we_, I tell
+you--who are mean and despicable and mercenary!"
+
+"Undoubtedly, Lavinia, but pray do not excite yourself over it. I
+suppose he is still devoted to that young hothead?"
+
+"Yes, yes--'tis all Jack, Jack, Jack, until I am sick to death of the
+sound of his name--and--" She broke off, biting her lip.
+
+"And what?"
+
+"Oh, nought! But 'tis all so disagreeable, Tracy!"
+
+"It certainly is slightly disturbing. You had better have chosen John,
+in spite of all, it seems."
+
+She stamped angrily.
+
+"Oh, where's the good in being flippant?"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, where's the good in being anything else? The situation
+strikes me as rather amusing. To think of the worthy Richard so neatly
+overturning all my plans!"
+
+"If it had not been for you, I might never have married him. Why did you
+throw them both in my way? Why did I ever set eyes on either?"
+
+"It should have been a good match, my dear, and, if I remember rightly,
+no one was more alive to that fact than yourself."
+
+She pouted angrily and turned her shoulder to him.
+
+"Still," he continued reflectively, "I admit that for the smart lot we
+are, we do seem rather to have bungled the affair."
+
+Lavinia swept round upon him.
+
+"Oh, do you care no more than that? How can you be so casual! Does it
+affect you not at all?"
+
+He wrinkled his thin nose expressively.
+
+"I shall not weep over it, Lavinia, but 'tis a plaguey nuisance. But we
+must see what can be done. And that brings me back to the original
+subject. Despite these upsetting revelations, I still require that
+money."
+
+"Oh, dear! How much must you have, Tracy?"
+
+"Five hundred might suffice."
+
+"Tracy, do not the estates bring in anything?" she asked petulantly.
+"And Andrew told us you had a run of marvellous luck not a fortnight
+since?"
+
+"Since then, my dear, I have had three runs of marvellous ill-luck. As
+to the estates, they are mortgaged up to the hilt, as you very well
+know. What little there is is between three. And Robert is extravagant."
+
+"I hate Robert!"
+
+"I am not partial to him myself, but it makes no odds."
+
+"I wish he might die!--oh no, no! Now I am become ill-natured again--I
+don't wish it--only I am so tired of everything. You shall have that
+money as soon as possible; but be careful, Tracy--please be careful!
+'Tis not easy to get money from Dick!"
+
+"No, I should imagine not. However, we have managed rather well up to
+the present, take it all in all."
+
+"Up to the present he has had all the money he wanted. My lord denied
+him nought!"
+
+"Well, 'tis unfortunate, as I said before, but it must be endured. Where
+is Dick?"
+
+"I know not. You will stay to dinner, Tracy?"
+
+"Thank you. I shall be charmed."
+
+"Yes, yes--oh, how prodigiously pleasant it is to see you again! Soon I
+shall come to Andover. Will you let me stay a few days?"
+
+"The question is, will Richard allow you to stay so long in my
+contaminating presence?"
+
+"Richard would never keep me away, Tracy!" she replied proudly. "He
+_could_ not. Oh, why is it that I don't love him more? Why do I not care
+for him as much as I care for you even?"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, like all Belmanoirs, you care first for yourself and
+secondly for the man who masters you. That, alas! Richard has not yet
+succeeded in doing."
+
+"But I _do_ love Richard. I do, I do, yet--"
+
+"Exactly. 'Yet!' The 'grand passion' has not yet touched you, my dear,
+and you are quite self-absorbed."
+
+"Self-absorbed! Those are hard words."
+
+"But not too hard for the case. You think solely of yourself, your own
+pleasure, your own character, your own feelings. If you could cast
+yourself into the background a little, you would be less excitable and
+considerably less discontented."
+
+"How dare you, Tracy! Pray, what of you? Are you so selfless?"
+
+"Not at all. I am precisely the same. I was merely suggesting that you
+might be happier an you could depose 'self.'"
+
+"You had best do the same yourself!"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, when I feel the need of greater happiness, I most
+undoubtedly shall. At present I am quite content."
+
+"You are unkind!" she protested. "And you sneer at me."
+
+"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies! You shall come to Andover if the
+worthy Richard permits."
+
+Her face cleared as by magic.
+
+"Oh, Tracy! Oh, I am so desirous to be gay once more! I cannot even
+receive now, on account of this mourning! But when I am at Andover--oh,
+we will not worry over anything, and I can be bad-tempered without
+feeling that someone is being hurt by me! Oh, come to Dicky at once--at
+once!"
+
+He rose leisurely.
+
+"I can imagine that you try Richard's patience somewhat," he remarked.
+"Happily, your impetuosity in no way disturbs me. We will go in search
+of Richard."
+
+Half-way down the great staircase she perceived her husband, and flew to
+meet him.
+
+"Richard, I was coming in search of you! Tracy has invited me to Andover
+for a week--he purposes to ask several people to stay, and there will be
+parties--and entertainment! You will let me go? Say yes, Dicky--say yes,
+quickly!"
+
+Carstares bowed to his Grace, who stood watching them from the stairs.
+The bow was returned with exaggerated flourish. Carstares looked down at
+his wife.
+
+"So soon, Lavinia?" he remonstrated, and indicated her mourning. She
+shook his hand off impatiently.
+
+"Oh, Dicky, does it matter? What can it signify? I do not ask you to
+come--"
+
+"No," he said half-sadly, half-amusedly. "I notice that, my dear."
+
+"No, no! I did not mean to be unkind--you must not think that! You
+_don't_ think it, do you, Dick?"
+
+"Oh, no," he sighed.
+
+"Good Dicky!" She patted his cheek coaxingly. "Then you will allow me to
+go--ah, but yes, yes, you must listen! You know how dull I am, and how
+silly--'tis because I need a change, and I _want_ to go to Andover. I
+_want_ to go!"
+
+"Yes, dear, I know. But my father is not yet dead six weeks, and I
+cannot think it seemly--"
+
+"Please, Dick, please! Please do not say no! 'Twill make me so unhappy!
+Oh, you will not be so unkind? You will not forbid me to go?"
+
+"I ask you not to, Lavinia. If you need a change, I will take you
+quietly to Bath, or where you will. Do not pain me by going to Andover
+just now."
+
+"Bath! Bath! What do I want with Bath at this time of the year? Oh, 'tis
+kind in you to offer, but I want to go to Andover! I want to see all the
+old friends again. And I want to get away from everything here--'tis all
+so gloomy--after--after my lord's death!"
+
+"Dearest, of course you shall go away--but if only you would remember
+that you are in mourning--"
+
+"But 'tis what I wish to forget! Oh, Dicky, don't, don't, don't be
+unkind."
+
+"Very well, dear. If you must go--go."
+
+She clapped her hands joyfully.
+
+"Oh thank you, Dicky! And you are not angry with me?"
+
+"No, dear, of course not."
+
+"Ah! Now I am happy! 'Tis sweet of you, Dicky, but confess you are
+secretly thankful to be rid of me for a week! Now are you not?" She
+spread out her fan in the highest good-humour and coquetted behind it.
+Richard was induced to smile.
+
+"I fear I shall miss you too sadly, dear."
+
+"Oh!" She dropped the fan. "But think how you will look forward to
+seeing me again, and I you. Why, I shall be so thankful to be back after
+a week away, that I shall be good for months!"
+
+His face lightened, and he caught her hands in his.
+
+"Darling, if I thought you would miss me--"
+
+"But of course I shall miss you, Dick--oh, _pray_, mind my frock! Shall
+I not miss him, Tracy?"
+
+Richard suddenly remembered his brother-in-law's presence. He turned and
+went to the foot of the stairs.
+
+"So you are determined to wrest my wife from me?" he smiled.
+
+Tracy descended leisurely, opening his snuff-box.
+
+"Yes, I require a hostess," he said. "And I have"--he paused--"induced
+her to honour Andover with her presence. Shall we have the felicity of
+seeing you at any time?"
+
+"I thank you, no. I am not, you will understand, in the mood for the
+gaiety for which my poor Lavinia craves."
+
+The Duke bowed slightly, and they all three went out on to the terrace,
+Lavinia laughing and talking as Richard had not heard her laugh or talk
+for days. She was the life and soul of the little dinner-party, flirting
+prettily with her husband and exerting herself to please him in every
+way. She had won her point; therefore she was in excellent spirits with
+all the world, and not even the spilling of some wine on her new silk
+served to discompose her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BATH: 29 QUEEN SQUARE
+
+
+The autumn and the winter passed smoothly, and April found the Carstares
+installed at Bath, whither Lady Lavinia had teased her husband into
+going, despite his desire to return to Wyncham and John. She herself did
+not care to be with the child, and was perfectly content that Richard
+should journey occasionally to Wyncham to see that all was well with
+him.
+
+On the whole, she had enjoyed the winter, for she had induced Richard to
+open Wyncham House, Mayfair, the Earl's town residence, where she had
+been able to hold several entirely successful routs, and many select
+little card-parties. Admirers she had a-many, and nothing so pleased her
+vain little heart as masculine adulation. Carstares never entered his
+home without stumbling against some fresh flame of hers, but as they
+mostly consisted of what he rudely termed the lap-dog type, he was
+conscious of no jealous qualms, and patiently submitted to their
+inundation of his house. He was satisfied that Lavinia was happy, and,
+as he assured himself at times when he was most tried, nothing else
+signified.
+
+The only flaw to Lavinia's content was the need of money. Not that she
+was stinted, or ever refused anything that he could in reason give her;
+but her wants were never reasonable. She would demand a new town
+chariot, upholstered in pale blue, not because her own was worn or
+shabby, but because she was tired of its crimson cushions. Or she would
+suddenly take a fancy to some new, and usually fabulously expensive toy,
+and having acquired it, weary of it in a week.
+
+Without a murmur, Richard gave her lap-dogs (of the real kind), black
+pages, jewels, and innumerable kickshaws, for which she rewarded him
+with her brightest smiles and tenderest caresses. But when she required
+him to refurnish Wyncham House in the style of the French Court,
+throwing away all the present Queen Anne furniture, the tapestries, and
+the countless old trappings that were one and all so beautiful and so
+valuable, he put his foot down with a firmness that surprised her. Not
+for any whim of hers was Jack's house to be spoiled. Neither her coaxing
+nor her tears had any effect upon Richard, and when she reverted to
+sulks, he scolded her so harshly that she was frightened, and in
+consequence silenced.
+
+For a week she thought and dreamt of nothing but gilded French chairs,
+and then abruptly, as all else, the fancy left her, and she forgot all
+about it. Her mantua-maker's bills were enormous, and caused Richard
+many a sleepless night, but she was always so charmingly penitent that
+he could not find it in his heart to be angry; and, after all, he
+reflected, he would rather have his money squandered on her adornment
+than on that of her brothers. She was by turns passionate and cold to
+him: one day enrapturing him by some pretty blandishment, the next
+snapping peevishly when he spoke to her.
+
+At the beginning of the season he dutifully conducted her to routs and
+_bals masqués_, but soon she began to go always with either Andrew or
+Robert, both of whom were in town, and whose casual chaperonage she much
+preferred to Richard's solicitous care. Tracy was rarely in London for
+more than a few days at a time, and the Carstares, greatly to Richard's
+relief, saw but little of him. Carstares disliked Colonel Lord Robert
+Belmanoir, but the Duke he detested, not only for his habitual sneer
+towards him, but for the influence that he undoubtedly held over
+Lavinia. Richard was intensely jealous of this, and could sometimes
+hardly bring himself to be civil when his Grace visited my lady. Whether
+justly or not, he inwardly blamed Tracy for all Lavinia's crazy whims
+and periodical fits of ill-temper. It did not take his astute Grace long
+to discover this, and with amused devilry he played upon it, encouraging
+Lavinia in her extravagance, and making a point of calling on her
+whenever he was in town.
+
+Carstares never knew when not to expect to find him there; he came and
+went to and from London with no warning whatsoever. No one ever knew
+where he was for more than a day at a time, and no one was in the least
+surprised if he happened to be seen in London when he should, according
+to all accounts, have been in Paris. They merely shrugged their
+shoulders, and exchanged glances, murmuring: "Devil Belmanoir!" and
+wondering what fresh intrigue he was in.
+
+So altogether Richard was not sorry when my lady grew suddenly sick of
+town and was seized with a longing for Bath. He had secretly hoped that
+she might return to Wyncham, but when she expressed no such wish, he
+stifled his own longing for home, shut up the London house, and took her
+and all her baggage to Bath, installing her in Queen Square in one of
+the most elegantly furnished houses in the place.
+
+Lady Lavinia was at first charmed to be there again; delighted with the
+house, and transported over the excellencies of the new French milliner
+she had discovered.
+
+But the milliner's bills proved monstrous, and the drawing-room of her
+house not large enough for the routs she contemplated giving. The air
+was too relaxing for her, and she was subject to constant attacks of the
+vapours that were as distressing to her household as they were to
+herself. The late hours made her head ache as it never ached in London,
+and the damp gave her a cold. Furthermore, the advent of an attractive
+and exceedingly wealthy little widow caused her many a bitter hour, to
+the considerable detriment of her good-temper.
+
+She was lying on a couch in her white and gilt drawing room one
+afternoon--alas! the craze for French furniture was o'er-smelling-bottle
+in hand and a _bona fide_ ache in her head, when the door opened and
+Tracy walked into the room.
+
+"Good heavens!" she said faintly, and uncorked her salts.
+
+It was his Grace's first appearance since she had come to Bath, and the
+fact that he had politely declined an invitation that she had sent to
+him still rankled in her mind. He bowed over the limp hand that she
+extended, and looked her up and down.
+
+"I regret to find you thus indisposed, my dear sister," he said
+smoothly.
+
+"'Tis nought. Only one of my stupid headaches. I am never well here, and
+this house is stuffy," she answered fretfully.
+
+"You should take the waters," he said, scrutinising, through his
+eyeglass, the chair to which she had waved him. "It has an unstable
+appearance, my dear; I believe I prefer the couch." He moved to a
+smaller sofa and sat down.
+
+"Pray, how long have you been in Bath?" she demanded.
+
+"I arrived last Tuesday week."
+
+Lady Lavinia started up.
+
+"Last Tuesday week? Then you have been here ten days and not visited me
+until now!"
+
+He appeared to be examining the whiteness of his hands through the folds
+of black lace that drooped over them.
+
+"I believe I had other things to do," he said coolly.
+
+A book of sermons that she had been trying to peruse slid to the ground
+as Lavinia jerked a cushion into place.
+
+"And you come to me when it suits you? How could you be so unkind as to
+refuse my invitation?"
+
+There was a rising, querulous note in her voice which gave warning of
+anger.
+
+"My dear Lavinia, if you exhibit your deplorable temper to me, I shall
+leave you, so have a care. I thought you would understand that your good
+husband's society, improving though it may be, would be altogether too
+oppressive for my taste. In fact, I was surprised at your letter."
+
+"You might have come for my sake," she answered peevishly, sinking back
+again. "I suppose you have been dancing attendance on the Molesly woman?
+Lud! but I think you men have gone crazed."
+
+Understanding came to his Grace, and he smiled provokingly.
+
+"Is that what upsets you? I wondered."
+
+"No, 'tis not!" she flashed. "And I do not see why you should think so!
+For my part, I cannot see that she is even tolerable, and the way the
+men rave about her is disgusting! Disgusting! But 'tis always the same
+when a woman is unattached and wealthy. Well! Well! Why do you not say
+something? Do you find her so lovely?"
+
+"To tell the truth, my dear, I have barely set eyes on the lady. I have
+been otherwise engaged, and I have done with all women, for the time,
+save one."
+
+"So I have heard you say before. Do you contemplate marriage? Lud! but I
+pity the girl." She gave a jeering little laugh, but it was evident that
+she was interested.
+
+His Grace was not in the least degree ruffled.
+
+"I do not contemplate marriage, Lavinia, so your sympathies are wasted.
+I have met a girl--a mere child, for sure--and I will not rest until I
+have her."
+
+"Lord! Another farmer's chit?"
+
+"No, my dear sister, not another farmer's chit. A lady."
+
+"God help her! Who is she? Where does she live?"
+
+"She lives in Sussex. Her name I shall not tell you."
+
+Her ladyship kicked an offending cushion on to the floor, and snapped at
+him.
+
+"Oh, as you please! I shall not die of curiosity!"
+
+"Ah!" The cynical lips curled annoyingly, and Lady Lavinia was seized
+with a mad desire to hurl her smelling-bottle at him. But she knew that
+it was worse than useless to be angry with Tracy, so she yawned
+ostentatiously, and hoped that she irritated him. If she did, she got no
+satisfaction from it, for he continued, quite imperturbably:
+
+"She is the daintiest piece ever a man saw, and I'll swear there's blood
+and fire beneath the ice!"
+
+"Is it possible the girl will have none of your Grace?" wondered Lavinia
+in mock amazement, and had the pleasure of seeing him frown.
+
+The thin brows met over his arched nose, and the eyes glinted a little,
+while she caught a glimpse of cruel white teeth closing on a sensual
+under-lip. She watched his hand clench on his snuff-box, and exulted
+silently at having roused him. It was a very brief joy, however, for the
+next moment the frown had disappeared, the hand unclenched, and he was
+smiling again.
+
+"At present she is cold," he admitted, "but I hope that in time she will
+become more plastic. I think, Lavinia, I have some experience with your
+charming, if capricious sex."
+
+"I don't doubt you have. Where did you meet this perverse beauty?"
+
+"In the Pump Room."
+
+"Lud! Pray, describe her."
+
+"I shall be delighted. She is taller than yourself, and dark. Her hair
+is like a dusky cloud of black, and it ripples off her brow and over her
+little ears in a most damnably alluring fashion. Her eyes are brown, but
+there are lights in them that are purest amber, and yet they are dark
+and velvety--"
+
+My lady had recourse to the smelling-bottle.
+
+"But I perceive I weary you. A man in love, my dear Lavinia--"
+
+She was up again at that.
+
+"In love? You? Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! You do not know what the
+word means. You are like a--like a fish, with no more of love in you
+than a fish, and no more heart than a fish, and--"
+
+"Spare me the rest, I beg. I am very clammy, I make no doubt, but you
+will at least accord me more brain than a fish?"
+
+"Oh, you have brain enough!" she raged. "Brain for evil! I grant you
+that!"
+
+"It is really very kind of you--"
+
+"The passion you feel now is not _love_. It is--it is--"
+
+"Your pardon, my dear, but at the present moment I am singularly devoid
+of all strenuous emotions, so your remark is--"
+
+"Oh, Tracy, Tracy, I am even quarrelling with you!" she cried
+wretchedly. "Oh, why?--why?"
+
+"You are entirely mistaken, my dear. This is but the interchange of
+compliments. Pray, do not let me hinder you in the contribution of your
+share!"
+
+Her lip trembled.
+
+"Go on, Tracy, go on."
+
+"Very well. I had described her eyes, I think?"
+
+"Very tediously."
+
+"I will strive to be brief. Her lips are the most kissable that I have
+ever seen--"
+
+"And, as you remarked, you have experience," she murmured. He bowed
+ironically.
+
+"Altogether she's as spirited a filly as you could wish for. All she
+needs is bringing to heel."
+
+"Does one bring a filly to heel? I rather thought--"
+
+"As usual, my dear Lavinia, you are right: one does not. One breaks in a
+filly. I beg leave to thank you for correcting my mixed metaphor."
+
+"Oh, pray do not mention it."
+
+"I will cease to do so. She needs breaking in. It should be amusing to
+tame her."
+
+"Should it?" She looked curiously at him.
+
+"Vastly. And I am persuaded it can be done. I will have her."
+
+"But what if she'll none of you?"
+
+Suddenly the heavy lids were raised.
+
+"She will have no choice."
+
+Lady Lavinia shivered and sat up.
+
+"La, Tracy! Will you have no sense of decency?" she cried. "I suppose,"
+she sneered, "you think to kidnap the girl?"
+
+"Exactly," he nodded.
+
+She gasped at the effrontery of it.
+
+"Heavens, are you mad? Kidnap a lady! This is no peasant girl, remember.
+Tracy, Tracy, pray do not be foolish! How _can_ you kidnap her?"
+
+"That, my dear, is a point which I have not yet decided. But I do not
+anticipate much trouble."
+
+"But goodness gracious me! has the child no protectors? No brothers? No
+father?"
+
+"There is a father," said Tracy slowly. "He was here at the beginning of
+their stay. He does not signify, and, which is important, he is of those
+that truckle. Were _I_ to make myself known to him, I believe I might
+marry the girl within an hour. But I do not want that. At least--not
+yet."
+
+"Good God, Tracy! do you think you are living in the Dark Ages? One
+cannot do these things now, I tell you! Will you not at least remember
+that you represent our house? 'Twill be a pretty thing an there is a
+scandal!" She broke off hopelessly and watched him flick a remnant of
+snuff from his cravat.
+
+"Oh, Tracy! 'Tis indeed a dangerous game you play. Pray consider!"
+
+"Really, Lavinia, you are most entertaining. I trust I am capable of
+caring for myself and mine own honour."
+
+"Oh, don't sneer--don't sneer!" she cried. "Sometimes I think I quite
+hate you!"
+
+"You would be the more amusing, my dear."
+
+She swept the back of her hand across her eyes in a characteristic
+movement.
+
+"How cross I am!" she said, and laughed waveringly. "You must bear with
+me, Tracy. Indeed, I am not well."
+
+"You should take the waters," he repeated.
+
+"Oh, I do!--I do! And that reminds me that I must look for your beauty."
+
+"She is not like to be there," he answered. "'Tis only very seldom that
+she appears."
+
+"What! Is she then _religieuse_?"
+
+"_Religieuse_! Why, in heaven's name?"
+
+"But not to walk in the Rooms--!"
+
+"She is staying here with her aunt, who has been ill. They do not mix
+much in society."
+
+"How very dreadful! Yet she used to walk in the Rooms, for you met her
+there?"
+
+"Yes," he admitted coolly. "'Tis for that reason that she now avoids
+them."
+
+"Oh, Tracy, the poor child!" exclaimed his sister in a sudden fit of
+pity. "How can you persecute her, if she dislikes you?"
+
+"She does not."
+
+"Not! Then--"
+
+"Rather, she fears me. But she is intrigued, for all that. I persecute
+her, as you call it, for her own (and my) ultimate good. But they quit
+Bath in a few days, and then, _nous verrons_!" He rose. "What of Honest
+Dick?"
+
+"Don't call him by that odious name! I will not have it!"
+
+"Odious, my dear? Odious? You would have reason an I called him
+_Dis_honest Dick."
+
+"Don't! Don't!" she cried, covering her ears. His Grace laughed softly.
+
+"Oh, Lavinia, you must get the better of these megrims of yours, for
+there is nought that sickens a man sooner, believe me."
+
+"Oh, go away!--go away!" she implored. "You tease me and tease me until
+I cannot bear it, and indeed I do not _mean_ to be shrewish! Please go!"
+
+"I am on the point of doing so, my dear. I trust you will have in a
+measure recovered when next I see you. Pray bear my respects to Hon--to
+the Honourable Richard."
+
+She stretched out her hand.
+
+"Come again soon!" she begged. "I shall be better to-morrow! 'Tis only
+to-day that my head aches till I could shriek with the worry and the
+pain of it! Come again!"
+
+"Unfortunately I anticipate leaving Bath within a day or two. But
+nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to comply with your
+wishes." He kissed her hand punctiliously, and took his leave. At the
+door he paused, and looked back mockingly. "By the way--her name
+is--Diana." He bowed again and swept out, as Lavinia buried her face in
+the cushions and burst into tears.
+
+It was thus that Richard found her, twenty minutes later, and his
+concern was so great that it in part restored her spirits, and she spent
+a quiet and, for him, blissful evening, playing at piquet.
+
+In the middle of a game she suddenly flung down her hand and caught at
+his wrist.
+
+"Dicky, Dicky--I will go home!"
+
+"Go home? What do you mean? Not--"
+
+"Yes, yes--Wyncham! Why not?"
+
+"My dear, do you mean it?" His voice quivered with joyful surprise, and
+the cards slipped from his hands.
+
+"Yes, I mean it! But take me quickly before I change my mind! I can
+sleep at Wyncham, and here I lie awake all night, and my head aches.
+Take me home and I will try to be a better wife! Oh, Dicky, have I been
+tiresome and exacting? I did not mean to be! Why do you let me?" She
+came quickly round the table and knelt at his side, giving no heed to
+the crumpling of her billowing silks. "I have been a wicked, selfish
+woman!" she said vehemently. "But indeed I will be better. You must not
+_let_ me be bad--you _must_ not, I tell you!"
+
+He flung his arm about her plump shoulders and drew her tightly to him.
+
+"When I get you home at Wyncham, I promise you I will finely hector you,
+sweetheart," he said, laughing to conceal his deeper feelings. "I shall
+make you into a capital housewife!"
+
+"And I will learn to make butter," she nodded. "Then I must wear a
+dimity gown with a muslin apron and cap. Oh, yes, yes-a dimity gown!"
+She sprang up and danced to the middle of the room. "Shall I not be
+charming, Richard?"
+
+"Very charming, Lavinia!"
+
+"Of course! Oh, we will go home at once--at once! But first I must
+procure some new gowns from Marguerite!"
+
+"To make butter in, dear?" he protested.
+
+She was not attending.
+
+"A dimity gown--or shall it be of tiffany with a quilted petticoat? Or
+both?" she chanted. "Dicky, I shall set a fashion in country toilettes!"
+
+Dicky sighed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+INTRODUCING SUNDRY NEW CHARACTERS
+
+
+Not twenty minutes' walk from Lady Lavinia's house in Queen Square
+resided a certain Madam Thompson--a widow--who had lived in Bath for
+nearly fifteen years. With her was staying Miss Elizabeth Beauleigh and
+her niece, Diana. Madam Thompson had been at a seminary with Miss
+Elizabeth when both were girls, and they had ever afterwards kept up
+their friendship, occasionally visiting one another, but more often
+contenting themselves with the writing of lengthy epistles, full of
+unimportant scraps of news and much gossip, amusing only on Miss
+Elizabeth's side, and on the widow's uninteresting and rambling.
+
+It was a great joy to Madam Thompson when she received a letter from
+Miss Beauleigh begging that she and her niece might be allowed to pay a
+visit to her house in Bath, and to stay at least three weeks. The good
+lady was delighted at having her standing invitation at last accepted,
+and straightway wrote back a glad assent. She prepared her very best
+bedchamber for Miss Beauleigh, who, she understood, was coming to Bath
+principally for a change of air and scene after a long and rather trying
+illness.
+
+In due course the two ladies arrived, the elder very small and thin, and
+birdlike in her movements; the younger moderately tall, and graceful as
+a willow tree, with great candid brown eyes that looked fearlessly out
+on to the world, and a tragic mouth that belied a usually cheerful
+disposition, and hinted at a tendency to look on the gloomy side of
+life.
+
+Madam Thompson, whose first meeting with Diana this was, remarked on the
+sad mouth to Miss Elizabeth, or Betty as she was more often called, as
+they sat over the fire on the first night, Diana herself having retired
+to her room.
+
+Miss Betty shook her head darkly and prophesied that her precious Di
+would one day love some man as no man in _her_ opinion deserved to be
+loved!
+
+"And she'll have love badly," she said, clicking her knitting-needles
+energetically. "_I_ know these temperamental children!"
+
+"She looks so melancholy," ventured the widow.
+
+"Well there you are wrong!" replied Miss Betty. "'Tis the
+sunniest-tempered child, and the sweetest-natured in the whole wide
+world, bless her! But I don't deny that she can be miserable. Far from
+it. Why, I've known her weep her pretty eyes out over a dead puppy even!
+But usually she is gay enough."
+
+"I fear this house will be dull and stupid for her," said Madam Thompson
+regretfully. "If only my dear son George were at home to entertain
+her--"
+
+"My love, pray do not put yourself out! I assure you Diana will not at
+all object to a little quiet after the life she has been leading in town
+this winter with her friend's family."
+
+Whatever Diana thought of the quiet, she at least made no complaint, and
+adapted herself to her surroundings quite contentedly.
+
+In the morning they would all walk as far as the Assembly Rooms, and
+Miss Betty would drink the waters in the old Pump Room, pacing sedately
+up and down with her friend on one side and her niece on the other.
+Madam Thompson had very few acquaintances in Bath, and the people she
+did know were all of her own age and habits, rarely venturing as far as
+the crowded fashionable quarter; so Diana had to be content with the
+society of the two old ladies, who gossiped happily enough together, but
+whose conversation she could not but find singularly uninteresting.
+
+She watched the _monde_ with concealed wistfulness, seeing Beau Nash
+strut about among the ladies, bowing with his extreme gallantry, always
+impeccably garbed, and in spite of his rapidly increasing age and bulk
+still absolute monarch of Bath. She saw fine painted madams in enormous
+hoops, and with their hair so extravagantly curled and powdered that it
+appeared quite grotesque, mincing along with their various cavaliers;
+elderly beaux with coats padded to hid their shrunken shoulders, and
+paint to fill the wrinkles on their faces; young rakes; stout dowagers
+with their demure daughters; old ladies who had come to Bath for their
+health's sake; titled folk of fashion, and plain gentry from the
+country--all parading before her eyes.
+
+One or two young bucks tried to ogle her, and received such indignant
+glances from those clear eyes, that they never dared annoy her again,
+but for the most part no one paid any heed to the unknown and plainly
+clad girl.
+
+Then came his Grace of Andover upon the stage.
+
+He drew Diana's attention from the first moment that he entered the Pump
+Room--a black moth amongst the gaily-hued butterflies. He had swept a
+comprehensive glance round the scene and at once perceived Diana.
+Somehow, exactly how she could never afterwards remember, he had
+introduced himself to her aunt and won that lady's good will by his
+smoothness of manner and polished air. Madam Thompson, who, left to
+herself, never visited the Assembly Rooms, could not be expected to
+recognise Devil Belmanoir in the simple Mr. Everard who presented
+himself.
+
+As he had told his sister, Diana was cold. There was something about his
+Grace that repelled her, even while his mesmeric personality fascinated.
+He was right when he said that she feared him; she was nervous, and the
+element of fear gave birth to curiosity. She was intrigued, and began to
+look forward to his daily appearance in the Pump Room with mingled
+excitement and apprehension. She liked his flattering attention, and his
+grand air. Often she would watch him stroll across the floor, bowing to
+right and left with that touch of insolence that characterised him, and
+rejoiced in the knowledge that he was coming straight to her, and that
+the painted beauties who so palpably ogled and invited him to their
+sides could not alter his course. She felt her power with a thrill of
+delight, and smiled upon Mr. Everard, giving him her hand to kiss, and
+graciously permitting him to sit with her beside her aunt. He would
+point out all the celebrities of town and Bath for her edification,
+recalling carefully chosen and still more carefully censured anecdotes
+of each one. She discovered that Mr. Everard was an entertaining and
+harmless enough companion, and even expanded a little, allowing him a
+glimpse of her whimsical nature with its laughter and its hint of tears.
+
+His Grace of Andover saw enough to guess at the unsounded depths in her
+soul, and he became lover-like. Diana recoiled instinctively, throwing
+up a barrier of reserve between them. It was not what he said that
+alarmed her, but it was the way in which he said it, and the vague
+something in the purring, faintly sinister voice that she could not
+quite define, that made her heart beat unpleasantly fast, and the blood
+rush to her temples. She began first to dread the morning promenade,
+and then to avoid it. One day she had a headache; the next her foot was
+sore; another time she wanted to work at her fancy stitchery, until her
+aunt, who knew how she disliked her needle, and how singularly free from
+headaches and all petty ailments she was wont to be, openly taxed her
+with no longer wishing to walk abroad.
+
+They were in the girl's bedroom at the time, Diana seated before her
+dressing-table, brushing out her hair for the night. When her aunt put
+the abrupt question she hesitated, caught a long strand in her comb, and
+pretended to be absorbed in its disentanglement. The clouds of rippling
+hair half hid her face, but Miss Betty observed how her fingers
+trembled, and repeated her question. Then came the confession. Mr.
+Everard was unbearable; his attentions were odious; his continued
+presence revolting to Mistress Di. She was afraid of him, afraid of his
+dreadful green eyes and of his soft voice. She wished they had never
+come to Bath, and still more that they had not met him. He looked at her
+as if--as if--oh, in short, he was hateful!
+
+Miss Betty was horrified.
+
+"You cannot mean it! Dear, dear, dear! Here was I thinking what a
+pleasant gentleman he was, and all the time he was persecuting my poor
+Di, the wretch! _I_ know the type, my love, and I feel inclined to give
+him a good piece of my mind!"
+
+"Oh, no--no!" implored Diana. "Indeed, you must do no such thing,
+Auntie! He has said nought that I could possibly be offended at--'tis
+but his _manner_, and the--and the way he looked at me. Indeed, indeed,
+you must not!"
+
+"Tut, child! Of course I shall say nought. But it makes me so monstrous
+angry to think of my poor lamb being tormented by such as he that I
+declare I could tear his eyes out! Yes, my dear, I could! Thank goodness
+we are leaving Bath next week!"
+
+"Yes," sighed Diana. "I cannot help being glad, though Madam Thompson is
+very amiable! 'Tis so very different when there is no man with one!"
+
+"You are quite right, my love. We should have insisted on your father's
+staying with us instead of allowing him to fly back to his fusty, musty
+old volumes. I shall not be so foolish another time, I can assure you.
+But we need not go to the Assembly Rooms again."
+
+"I need not go," corrected Diana gently. "Of course you and Madam
+Thompson will continue to."
+
+"To tell the truth, my love," confessed Miss Betty, "I shall not be
+sorry for an excuse to stay away. 'Tis doubtless most ill-natured of me,
+but I cannot but think that Hester has altered sadly since last I saw
+her. She is always talking of sermons and good works!"
+
+Diana twisted her luxuriant hair into a long plait, and gave a gurgling
+little laugh.
+
+"Oh, Auntie, is it not depressing? I wondered how you could tolerate it!
+She is so vastly solemn, poor dear thing!"
+
+"Well," said Miss Betty charitably, "she has seen trouble, has Hester
+Thompson, and I have my doubts about this George of hers. A worthless
+young man, I fear, from all accounts. But, unkind though it may be, I
+shall be glad to find myself at home again, and that's the truth!" She
+rose and picked up her candle. "In fact, I find Bath not half so amusing
+as I was told 'twould be."
+
+Diana walked with her to the door.
+
+"'Tis not amusing at all when one has no friends; but last year, when my
+cousins were with us and papa took a house for the season on the North
+Parade, 'twas most enjoyable. I wish you had been there, instead of with
+that disagreeable Aunt Jennifer!"
+
+She kissed her relative most affectionately and lighted her across the
+landing to her room. Then she returned to her room and shut the door,
+giving a tired little yawn.
+
+It was at about that moment that his Grace of Andover was ushered into
+the already crowded card-room of my Lord Avon's house in Catharine
+Place, and was greeted with ribald cries of "Oho, Belmanoir!", and
+"Where's the lady, Devil?"
+
+He walked coolly forward into the full light of a great pendant
+chandelier, standing directly beneath it, the diamond order on his
+breast burning and winking like a living thing. The diamonds in his
+cravat and on his fingers glittered every time he moved, until he seemed
+to be carelessly powdered with iridescent gems. As usual, he was clad in
+black, but it would have been difficult to find any other dress in the
+room more sumptuous or more magnificent than his sable satin with its
+heavy silver lacing, and shimmering waistcoat. Silver lace adorned his
+throat and fell in deep ruffles over his hands, and in defiance of
+Fashion, which decreed that black alone should be worn to tie the hair,
+he displayed long silver ribands, very striking against his unpowdered
+head.
+
+He raised his quizzing glass and looked round the room with an air of
+surprised hauteur. Lord Avon, leaning back in his chair at one of the
+tables, shook a reproving finger at him.
+
+"Belmanoir, Belmanoir, we have seen her and we protest she is too
+charming for you!"
+
+"In truth, we think we should be allowed a share in the lady'th
+thmileth," lisped one from behind him, and his Grace turned to face
+dainty, effeminate little Viscount Fotheringham, who stood at his elbow,
+resplendent in salmon-pink satin and primrose velvet, with skirts so
+full and stiffly whaleboned that they stood out from his person, and
+heels so high that instead of walking he could only mince.
+
+Tracy made a low leg.
+
+"Surely shall you have a share in her smiles an she wills it so," he
+purred, and a general laugh went up which caused the fop to flush to the
+ears, as he speedily effaced himself.
+
+He had been one of those who had tried to accost Diana, and
+gossip-loving Will Stapely, with him at the time, had related the story
+of his discomfiture to at least half-a-dozen men, who immediately told
+it to others, vastly amused at the pertinacious Viscount's rebuff.
+
+"What was it Selwyn said?" drawled Sir Gregory Markham, shuffling cards
+at Lord Avon's table.
+
+Davenant looked across at him inquiringly.
+
+"George? Of Belmanoir? When?"
+
+"Oh, at White's one night--I forget--Jack Cholmondely was there--he
+would know; and Horry Walpole. 'Twas of Devil and his light o'
+loves--quite apt, on the whole."
+
+Cholmondely looked up.
+
+"Did I hear my name?"
+
+"Ay. What was it George said of Belmanoir at White's the night Gilly
+made that absurd bet with Ffolliott?"
+
+"When Gilly--oh, yes, I remember. 'Twas but an old hexameter tag,
+playing on his name: '_Est bellum bellis bellum bellare puellis_.' He
+seemed to think it a fitting motto for a ducal house."
+
+There was another general laugh at this. Markham broke in on it:
+
+"Who is she, Tracy?"
+
+His Grace turned.
+
+"Who is who?" he asked languidly.
+
+Lord Avon burst out laughing.
+
+"Oh, come now, Belmanoir, that won't do! It really will not! Who is she,
+indeed!"
+
+"Ay, Belmanoir, who is the black-haired beauty, and where did you find
+her?" cried Tom Wilding, pressing forward with a glass in one hand and a
+bottle of port in the other. "I thought you were captivated by Cynthia
+Evans?"
+
+Tracy looked bewildered for the moment, and then a light dawned on him.
+
+"Evans! Ah, yes! The saucy widow who lived in Kensington, was it not? I
+remember."
+
+"He had forgotten!" cried Avon, and went off into another of the noisy
+laughs that had more than once caused Mr. Nash to shudder and to close
+his august eyes. "You'll be the death of me, Devil! Gad! but you will!"
+
+"Oh, I trust not. Thank you, Wilding." He accepted the glass that Tom
+offered, and sipped delicately.
+
+"But you've not answered!" reminded Fortescue from another table. He
+dealt the cards round expertly. "Is it hands off, perhaps?"
+
+"Certainly," replied his Grace. "It generally is, Frank, as you know."
+
+"To my cost!" was the laughing rejoinder, and Fortescue rubbed his sword
+arm as if in memory of some hurt. "You pinked me finely, Tracy!"
+
+"Clumsily, Frank, clumsily. It might have been quicker done."
+
+The Viscount, who had been a second at the meeting, tittered amiably.
+
+"Neatetht thing I ever thaw, 'pon my honour. All over in leth than a
+minute, Avon! Give you my word!"
+
+"Never knew you had fought Devil, Frank? What possessed you?"
+
+"I was more mad than usual, I suppose," replied Fortescue in his low,
+rather dreamy voice, "and I interfered between Tracy and his French
+singer. He objected most politely, and we fought it out in Hyde Park."
+
+"Gad, yes!" exclaimed his partner, Lord Falmouth. "Why, I was Devil's
+second! But it was ages ago!"
+
+"Two years," nodded Fortescue, "but I have not forgotten, you see!"
+
+"Lord, I had! And 'twas the funniest fight I ever saw, with you as
+furious as could be and Devil cool as a cucumber. You were never much of
+a swordsman, Frank, but that morning you thrust so wildly that stap me
+if I didn't think Devil would run you through. 'Stead of that he pinks
+you neatly through the sword-arm, and damme if you didn't burst out
+laughing fit to split! And then we all walked off to breakfast with you,
+Frank, as jolly as sandboys. Heavens, yes. That was a fight!"
+
+"It was amusing," admitted Tracy at Fortescue's elbow. "Don't play,
+Frank."
+
+Fortescue flung his cards face downwards on the table. "Curse you,
+Tracy, you've brought bad luck!" he said entirely without rancour. "I
+had quite tolerable hands before you came."
+
+"Belmanoir, I will thtake my chestnut mare 'gaintht your new grey,"
+lisped the Viscount, coming up to the table, dice-box in hand.
+
+"Stap me, but that is too bad!" cried Wilding. "Don't take him, Devil!
+Have you seen the brute?"
+
+The four players had finished their card-playing and were quite ready
+for the dice.
+
+"Trust in your luck, Belmanoir, and take him!" advised Pritchard, who
+loved hazarding other men's possessions, but kept a tight hold on his
+own.
+
+"Ay, take him!" echoed Falmouth.
+
+"Don't," said Fortescue.
+
+"Of course I shall take him," answered his Grace tranquilly. "My grey
+against your chestnut and the best of three. Will you throw?"
+
+The Viscount rattled his box with a flourish. Two threes and a one
+turned up.
+
+With a hand on Fortescue's shoulder, and one foot on the rung of his
+chair, Tracy leaned forward and cast his own dice on to the table. He
+had beaten the Viscount's throw by five. The next toss Fotheringham won,
+but the last fell to his Grace.
+
+"Damnathion!" said the Viscount cheerfully. "Will you thtake your grey
+againtht my Terror?"
+
+"Thunder and turf, Fotheringham! You'll lose him!" cried Nettlefold
+warningly. "Don't stake the Terror!"
+
+"Nonthenth! Do you take me, Belmanoir?"
+
+"Certainly," said the Duke, and threw.
+
+"Oh, an you are in a gaming mood, I will play you for the right to try
+my hand with the dark beauty!" called Markham across the room.
+
+"Against what?" asked Fortescue.
+
+"Oh, what he wills!"
+
+The Viscount had cast and lost, and his Grace won the second throw.
+
+"It appears my luck is in," he remarked. "I will stake my beauty against
+your estates, Markham."
+
+Sir Gregory shook his head, laughing.
+
+"No, no! Keep the lady!"
+
+"I intend to, my dear fellow. She is not your style. I begin to wonder
+whether she altogether suits my palate." He drew out his snuff-box and
+offered it to his host, and the other men finding that he was proof
+against their railing, allowed the subject to drop.
+
+In the course of the evening his Grace won three thousand guineas--two
+at ombre and one at dice--lost his coveted grey hunter and won him back
+again from Wilding, to whom he had fallen. He came away at three o'clock
+in company with Fortescue, both perfectly cool-headed, although his
+Grace, for his part, had imbibed a considerable quantity of burgundy,
+and more punch than any ordinary man could take without afterwards
+feeling very much the worse for wear.
+
+As my Lord Avon's door closed behind them, Tracy turned to his friend:
+
+"Shall we walk, Frank?"
+
+"Since our ways lie together, yes," replied Fortescue, linking his arm
+in the Duke's. "Down Brock Street and across the Circus is our quickest
+way."
+
+They strolled down the road for a few moments in silence, passing a
+linkman on the way. Fortescue bade him a cheery good-night, which was
+answered in a very beery voice, but the Duke said nothing. Frank looked
+into his dark-browed face thoughtfully.
+
+"You've had the luck, to-night, Tracy."
+
+"Moderately. I hoped entirely to repair last week's losses."
+
+"You are in debt, I suppose?"
+
+"I believe so."
+
+"To what extent, Tracy?"
+
+"My dear fellow, I neither have, nor wish to have, the vaguest notion.
+Pray do not treat me to a sermon!"
+
+"I shall not. I've said all I have to say on the subject."
+
+"Many times."
+
+"Yes--many times. And it has had no more effect upon you than if I had
+not spoken."
+
+"Less."
+
+"I daresay. I wish it were not so, for there's good in you somewhere,
+Tracy."
+
+"By what strange process of reasoning do you arrive at that?"
+
+"Well," said Fortescue laughing, "there's nearly always some good in the
+very worst of men. I count on that--and your kindness to me."
+
+"I should be interested to know when I have been kind to you--beyond the
+time when I was compelled to teach you to leave me and my affairs
+alone."
+
+"I was not referring to that occasion," was the dry answer. "I had not
+seen your act in that light. I meant well over the episode."
+
+"You could not damn yourself more effectually than by saying that," said
+his Grace calmly. "But we wander from the point. When have I done you an
+act of kindness?"
+
+"You know very well. When you extricated me from that cursed
+sponging-house."
+
+"I remember now. Yes, that _was_ good of me. I wonder why I did it?"
+
+"'Tis what I want to know."
+
+"I suppose I must have had some sort of an affection for you. I would
+certainly never have done such a thing for anyone else."
+
+"Not even for your own brother!" said Frank sharply.
+
+They had crossed the Circus and were walking down Gay Street now.
+
+"Least of all for them," came the placid response. "You are thinking of
+Andrew's tragic act? Most entertaining, was it not?"
+
+"You evidently found it so."
+
+"I did. I wanted to prolong the sensation, but my esteemed
+brother-in-law came to the young fool's rescue."
+
+"Would you have assisted him?"
+
+"In the end I fear I should have had to."
+
+"I believe there must be a kink in your brain!" cried Fortescue. "I
+cannot else account for your extraordinary conduct!"
+
+"We Belmanoirs are all half-mad," replied Tracy sweetly, "but I think
+that in my case it is merely concentrated evil."
+
+"I will not believe it! You have shown that you can behave differently!
+You do not try to strip me of all I possess--why all those unfortunate
+youths you play with?"
+
+"You see, you possess so little," the Duke excused himself.
+
+"Neither do you sneer at me in your loathsome fashion. Why?"
+
+"Because I have hardly ever any desire to. I like you."
+
+"Tare an' ouns! you must like someone else in the world besides me?"
+
+"I can think of no one. And I do not exactly worship the ground _you_
+tread on. The contemplation of my brothers appals me. I have loved
+various women, and shall no doubt love many more--"
+
+"No, Tracy," interposed Fortescue, "you have never loved a woman in your
+life. 'Tis that that might save you. I do not allude to the lustful
+passion you indulge in, but real love. For God's sake Belmanoir, live
+clean!"
+
+"Pray do not distress yourself, Frank. I am not worth it."
+
+"I choose to think that you are. I cannot but feel that if you had been
+loved as a boy--Your mother--"
+
+"Did you ever see my mother?" inquired his Grace lazily.
+
+"No--but--"
+
+"Have you ever seen my sister?"
+
+"Er--yes--"
+
+"In a rage?"
+
+"Really, I--"
+
+"Because, if you have, you have seen my mother. Only she was ten times
+more violent. In fact, we were a pleasant party when we were all at
+home."
+
+"I understand."
+
+"Good Gad! I believe you are sorry for me?" cried Tracy scornfully.
+
+"I am. Is it a presumption on my part?"
+
+"My dear Frank, when I am sorry for myself you may be sorry too. Until
+then--"
+
+"When that day comes I shall no longer pity you."
+
+"Very deep, Frank! You think I shall be on the road to recovery? A
+pretty conceit. Luckily, the happy moment has not yet come--and I do not
+think it is like to. We appear to have arrived."
+
+They were standing outside one of the tall houses where Fortescue
+lodged. He turned and grasped his friend's shoulders.
+
+"Tracy, give up this mad life you lead! Give up the women and the drink,
+and the excessive gaming; for one day, believe me, you will overstep
+yourself and be ruined!"
+
+The Duke disengaged himself.
+
+"I very much object to being man-handled in the street," he complained.
+"I suppose you still _mean_ well. You should strive to conquer the
+tendency."
+
+"I wonder if you know how insolent is your tone, Belmanoir?" asked
+Fortescue steadily.
+
+"Naturally. I should not have attained such perfection in the art else.
+But pray accept my thanks for your good advice. You will forgive me an I
+do not avail myself of it, I am sure. I prefer the crooked path."
+
+"Evidently," sighed the other. "If you will not try the straight and
+narrow way, I can only hope that you will fall very deeply and very
+honestly in love; and that the lady will save you from yourself."
+
+"I will inform you of it when it comes to pass," promised his Grace.
+"And now: good-night!"
+
+"Good-night!" Frank returned the low bow with a curt nod. "I shall see
+you to-morrow--that is, this morning--at the Baths?"
+
+"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," was the smiling
+rejoinder. "Sleep soundly, Frank!" He waved an ironic farewell and
+crossed the road to his own lodgings, which stood almost directly
+opposite.
+
+"And I suppose _you_ will sleep as soundly as if you had not a stain on
+your conscience--and had not tried your uttermost to alienate the regard
+of the only friend you possess," remarked Frank bitterly to the
+darkness. "Damn you, Tracy, for the villain you are!" He walked up the
+steps to his own front door and turned the key in the lock. He looked
+over his shoulder as a door slammed across the street. "Poor Devil!" he
+said. "Oh, you poor Devil!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE BITER BIT
+
+
+With John Carstares the winter had passed quite uneventfully. He
+continued his highway robbery, but he made two bad blunders--not from
+the point of view of a thief, but from that of the gentleman in him. The
+first was when he stopped an opulent-looking chariot, which he found to
+contain two ladies, their maid and their jewels, and the second when the
+occupant of a large travelling coach chanced to be an old gentleman who
+possessed far greater courage than physical strength. On the first
+occasion my lord's dismay had been ludicrous, and he had hastily retired
+after tendering a naive apology. The old gentleman in the second episode
+had defied him so gallantly that he had impulsively offered him the butt
+end of one of his pistols. The old man was so surprised that he allowed
+the weapon to fall to the ground, where it exploded quite harmlessly,
+sending up a cloud of dust and smoke. Carstares then begged his pardon
+most humbly, assisted him back into his coach, and rode off before the
+astonished Mr. Dunbar had time to collect his wits.
+
+The robbing was not carried out in a very scientific manner, for, as has
+been seen, Carstares could not bring himself to terrorise women or old
+men, and there only remained the young and the middle-aged gentlemen,
+one of whom Jack offered to fight for the possession of his jewels. His
+challenge was promptly accepted by the man, who happened to possess a
+strong sense of humour, and probably saw a chance of saving his
+belongings in the offer. He had been speedily worsted, but Carstares was
+so pleased with a particularly neat thrust which he had executed, that
+he forwent half the booty, and the pair of them divided the contents of
+the jewel-box by the roadside, the sporting gentleman keeping his most
+valued belongings and giving Jack the surplus. They parted on the very
+best of terms, and all Carstares got out of the episode was a little
+sword practice and a few trinkets.
+
+When day came he was patrolling the west side of Sussex, beyond
+Midhurst, not because he thought it a profitable part, but because he
+knew and loved the country. One late afternoon towards the end of the
+month he rode gaily into one of the small villages that nestle amongst
+the Downs, and made his way down the quaint main street to the George
+Inn, where he drew rein and dismounted. At his call an aged ostler
+hobbled out of a side door, chewing an inevitable straw, and after
+eyeing the newcomer and his steed for an appreciable length of time,
+evidently decided that they were worthy of his attention, for he came
+forward, remarking that it had been a pleasant day.
+
+Carstares agreed with him, and volunteered the information that it would
+be another fine day to-morrow, if the sunset were to be trusted. To this
+the ostler replied that he, for one, never trusted to no red sunsets,
+and added darkly that there warn't nothing so deceitful to his manner o'
+thinking. He'd known it be such a red sunset as never was, and yet be
+a-pouring with rain all next day.... Should he take the mare?
+
+Carstares shook his head.
+
+"No, I thank you. I remain here but a few moments. I doubt she's thirsty
+though--eh, Jenny?"
+
+"Water, sir?"
+
+"For her, yes. For myself I fancy a tankard of your home-brewed ale.
+Stand, Jenny!" He turned away and walked up the steps to the inn door.
+
+"Be you a-going to leave her there, sir--a-standing all by herself?"
+inquired the man, surprised.
+
+"Why, yes! She's docile enough."
+
+"Well! Seems to me a risky thing to leave a hoss--and a skittish hoss at
+that--a-standing loose in the road. Ye won't be tying her to a post,
+master?"
+
+Carstares leaned his arms on the balustrade and looked down at them.
+
+"I will not. She'd be very hurt at such treatment, wouldn't you, lass?"
+
+Jenny tossed her head playfully, as if in agreement, and the ostler
+scratched his head, looking from her to my lord:
+
+"A'most seems as if she understands what you be a-saying to her, sir!"
+
+"Of course she understands! Don't I tell you 'tis a clever little lady?
+If I call her now she'll come up these steps to me, and not all the
+ostlers in Christendom could stop her."
+
+"Don't'ee go for to do it, sir!" urged the old man, backing. "She must
+be uncommon fond o' ye?"
+
+"She'd be a deal fonder of you if you'd fetch her a drink," hinted Jack
+broadly.
+
+"Ay, sir! I be a-going this werry instant!" And with many an anxious
+glance over his shoulder at the perfectly quiet mare, he disappeared
+through an open doorway into the yard.
+
+When Carstares, tankard of ale in hand, emerged from the inn and sat
+himself down on one of the benches that stood against the wall, the
+mare was drinking thirstily from a bucket which the ancient one held for
+her.
+
+"'Tis a wunnerful fine mare, sir," he remarked at length, after a
+careful inspection of her points.
+
+Carstares nodded pleasantly, and surveyed Jenny through half-shut eyes.
+
+"I think so every time I look at her," he said.
+
+"I should think she could get a bit of a pace on her, sir? Mebbe ye've
+tried her racing?"
+
+"No, she wasn't brought up to that. But she's fast enough."
+
+"Ay, sir. No vices?"
+
+"Lord, no!"
+
+"Don't kick neither?"
+
+"Not with me."
+
+"Ah! they allus knows who'll stand it and who won't."
+
+Jack drained his tankard, and setting it down on the bench beside him,
+rose to his feet.
+
+"She'd not dream of kicking a friend. Jenny!"
+
+The ostler watched her pick her way towards her master, coquetting with
+her head, and sidling round him in the most playful manner possible. A
+slow smile dawned on the man's face.
+
+"Ah, it be a purty sight to watch her--so it be!" he said, and received
+a guinea from Jack, who never tired of listening to praise of his
+beloved Jenny.
+
+Carstares remounted, nodded farewell to the ostler and rode leisurely on
+down the street, soon branching off to the right into a typical Sussex
+lane, where he trotted between uneven hedges, sweet with blossom and
+with May, and placid fields rolling away on either side, upwards until
+they merged into the undulating hills, barely discernible in the gloom,
+that are the downs. It was a wonderfully calm evening, with only a
+gentle west wind blowing, and the moon already shining faintly in the
+dark sky. There was nothing beyond the sound of the mare's hoofs to
+break the beautiful stillness of it all.
+
+He rode for some way without meeting a soul, and when at the end of an
+hour someone did chance along the road it was only a labourer returning
+home to his supper after a long day in the fields. John bade him a
+cheery good evening and watched him pass on down the road humming.
+
+After that he met no one. He rode easily along for miles, into the
+fast-gathering darkness. He was frowning as he rode, thinking.
+
+Curiously enough, it was on his penniless days in France that his mind
+dwelt this evening. He had resolutely thrust that dark time behind him,
+determined to forget it, but there were still days when, try as he
+might, he could not prevent his thoughts flying back to it.
+
+With clenched teeth he recalled the days when he, the son of an Earl,
+had taught fencing in Paris for a living.... Suddenly he laughed
+harshly, and at the unusual sound the mare pricked up her ears and
+sidled uneasily across the road. For once no notice was taken of her,
+and she quickened her pace with a flighty toss of her head....
+
+He thought how he, the extravagant John, had pinched and scraped and
+saved rather than go under; how he had lived in one of the poorer
+_quartiers_ of the city, alone, without friends--nameless.
+
+Then, cynically now, he reviewed the time when he had taken to drinking,
+heavily and systematically, and had succeeded in pulling himself up at
+the very brink of the pit he saw yawning before him.
+
+Next the news of his mother's death.... John passed over that quickly.
+Even now the thought of it had the power of rousing in him all the old
+misery and impotent resentment.
+
+His mind sped on to his Italian days. On his savings he had travelled to
+Florence, and from there he went gradually south, picking up all the
+latest arts and subtleties of fence on the way.
+
+The change of scene and of people did much to restore his spirits. His
+devil-may-care ways peeped out again; he started to gamble on the little
+money he had left. For once Fortune proved kind; he doubled and trebled
+and quadrupled the contents of his purse. Then it was that he met Jim
+Salter, whom he engaged as his servant. This was the first friend since
+he had left England. Together they travelled about Europe, John gambling
+his way, Jim keeping a relentless hand on the exchequer. It was entirely
+owing to his watchfulness and care that John was not ruined, for his
+luck did not always hold good, and there were days when he lost with
+distressing steadiness. But Jim guarded the winnings jealously, and
+there was always something to fall back on.
+
+At last the longing for England and English people grew so acute that
+John made up his mind to return. But he found that things in England
+were very different from what they had been abroad. Here he was made to
+feel acutely that he was outcast. It was impossible to live in town
+under an assumed name, as he would like to have done, for too many
+people knew Jack Carstares, and would remember him. He saw that he must
+either live secluded, or--and the idea of becoming a highwayman occurred
+to him. A hermit's existence he knew to be totally unsuited to a man of
+his temperament, but the free, adventurous spirit of the road appealed
+to him. The finding of his mare--J. the Third, as he laughingly dubbed
+her--decided the point; he forthwith took on himself the role of
+quixotic highwayman, roaming his beloved South Country, happier than he
+had been since he first left England; bit by bit regaining his youth and
+spirits, which last, not all the trouble he had been through had
+succeeded in extinguishing....
+
+Clip-clap, clip-clop.... With a jerk he came back to earth and reined-in
+his mare, the better to listen.
+
+Along the road came the unmistakable sound of horses' hoofs, and the
+scrunch-scrunch of swiftly-revolving wheels on the sandy surface.
+
+By now the moon was right out, but owing to the fact that she was
+playing at hide-and-seek in and out of the clouds, it was fairly dark.
+Nevertheless, Jack fastened his mask over his face with quick, deft
+fingers, and pulled his hat well over his eyes. His ears told him that
+the vehicle, whatever it was, was coming towards him, so he drew into
+the side of the road, and taking a pistol from its holster, sat waiting,
+his eyes on the bend in the road.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the horses, until the leader swung round the
+corner. Carstares saw that it was an ordinary travelling chariot, and
+levelled his pistol.
+
+"Halt, or I fire!" He had to repeat the command before it was heard, and
+to ride out from the shadow of the hedge.
+
+The chariot drew up and the coachman leaned over the side to see who it
+was bidding them to stop in so peremptory a manner.
+
+"What d'ye want? Who are ye? Is there aught amiss?" he cried testily,
+and found himself staring at a long-nosed pistol.
+
+"Throw down your arms!"
+
+"I ain't got none, blast ye!"
+
+"On your honour?" Jack dismounted.
+
+"Ay! Wish I had, and I'd see ye damned afore I'd throw 'em down!"
+
+At this moment the door of the coach opened and a gentleman leapt
+lightly down on to the road. He was big and loose-limbed as far as
+Carstares could see, and carried himself with an easy grace.
+
+My lord presented his pistol.
+
+"Stand!" he ordered gruffly.
+
+The moon peeped coyly out from behind a cloud and shed her light upon
+the little group as if to see what all the fuss was about. The big man's
+face was in the shadow, but Jack's pistol was not. Into its muzzle the
+gentleman gazed, one hand deep in the pocket of his heavy cloak, the
+other holding a small pistol.
+
+"Me very dear friend," he said in a rich brogue, "perhaps ye are not
+aware that that same pistol ye are pointing at me is unloaded? Don't
+move; I have ye covered!"
+
+Jack's arm fell to his side, and the pistol he held clattered to the
+ground. But it was not surprise at Jim's defection that caused him that
+violent start. It was something far more overwhelming. For the voice
+that proceeded from the tall gentleman belonged to one whom, six years
+ago, he had counted, next to Richard, his greatest friend on earth.
+
+The man moved a little, and the moonlight shone full on his face,
+clearly outlining the large nose and good-humoured mouth, and above, the
+sleepy grey eyes. Miles! Miles O'Hara! For once Jack could find nothing
+amusing in the situation. It was too inconceivably hideous that he
+should meet his friend in this guise, and, further, be unable to reveal
+himself. A great longing to tear off his mask and to grasp Miles' hand
+assailed him. With an effort he choked it down and listened to what
+O'Hara was saying:
+
+"If ye will be so kind as to give me your word of honour ye'll not be
+afther trying to escape, I should be greatly obliged. But I tell ye
+first that if ye attempt to move, I shall shoot."
+
+Jack made a hopeless gesture with his hand. He felt dazed. The whole
+thing was ridiculous; how Miles would laugh afterwards. He went cold.
+There would be no "afterwards".... Miles would never know.... He would
+be given over to the authorities, and Miles would never know that he had
+helped Jack Carstares to the scaffold.... Perhaps, too, he would not
+mind so very much, now that he, Jack, was so disgraced. One could never
+tell; even if he risked everything now, and told his true identity,
+Miles might turn away from him in disgust; Miles, who could never stoop
+to a dishonourable act. Carstares felt that he would bear anything
+sooner than face this man's scorn....
+
+"Never tell me 'tis a dumb man ye are, for I heard ye shout meself! Do
+ye give me your word of honour, or must I have ye bound?"
+
+Carstares pulled himself together and set his teeth as he faced the
+inevitable. Escape was impossible; Miles would shoot, he felt sure, and
+then his disguise would be torn away and his friend would see that Jack
+Carstares was nothing but a common highwayman. Whatever happened, that
+must not be, for the sake of the name and Richard. So he quietly held
+out his hands.
+
+"Ay, I give my word, but ye can bind me if ye choose." It was his
+highwayman voice: raucous, and totally unlike his own.
+
+But O'Hara's eyes were fixed on the slender white hands held out to him.
+In his usual haphazard fashion, Jack had quite forgotten to grime his
+hands. They were shapely and white, and carefully manicured.
+
+Miles took either wrist in his large hands and turned them palm upwards
+in the moonlight.
+
+"Singularly white hands ye have, for one in your profession," he
+drawled, and tightened his hold as Jack tried to draw them away. "No, ye
+do not! Now be so good as to step within, me friend."
+
+Jack held back an instant.
+
+"My mare?" he asked, and O'Hara noted the anxiety in his voice.
+
+"Ye need not be after worrying about her," he said. "George!" The
+footman sprang forward.
+
+"Yessir?"
+
+"Ye see that mare? I want ye to ride her home. Can ye do it?"
+
+"Yessir!"
+
+"I doubt it," murmured Jack.
+
+So did Jenny. She refused point blank to allow this stranger to mount
+her. Her master had left her in one spot, and there she would stand
+until he chose to bid her move. In vain did the groom coax and coerce.
+She ran round him and seemed a transformed creature. She laid her ears
+flat and gnashed at the bit, ready to lash out furiously at the first
+opportunity.
+
+Jack watched the man's futile struggles with the ghost of a smile about
+his lips.
+
+"Jenny!" he said quietly, and O'Hara looked round at him sharply,
+frowning. Unconsciously, he had spoken naturally, and the voice was
+faintly familiar.
+
+Jenny twitched the bridle from the perspiring groom and minced up to the
+prisoner.
+
+"Would ye allow me to have a hand free--sir?" he asked. "Mebbe I can
+manage her."
+
+Without a word Miles released him, and he caught the bridle, murmuring
+something unintelligible to the now quiet animal.
+
+O'Hara watched the beautiful hand stroke her muzzle reassuringly, and
+frowned again. No ordinary highwayman this.
+
+"Mount her now, will 'ee?" Jack flung at the groom, and kept a warning
+hand on the rein as the man obeyed. With a final pat he turned away.
+"She'll do now, sir."
+
+O'Hara nodded.
+
+"Ye've trained her well. Get in, please."
+
+Jack obeyed, and in a minute or two O'Hara jumped in after him, and the
+coach began to move forward.
+
+For a while there was silence, Carstares keeping himself well under
+control. It was almost unbearable to think that after this brief drive
+he would never set eyes on his friend again, and he wanted so badly to
+turn and grasp that strong hand....
+
+Miles turned in his seat and tried to see the masked face in the
+darkness.
+
+"Ye are a gentleman?" he asked, going straight to the point.
+
+Jack was prepared for this.
+
+"Me, sir? Lor' no, sir!"
+
+"I do not believe ye. Don't be forgettin' I've seen your hands!"
+
+"Hands, sir?" in innocent bewilderment.
+
+"Sure, ye don't think I'd be believing ye an ordinary rogue, with hands
+like that?"
+
+"I don't rightly understand ye, sir?"
+
+"Bejabers then, ye'll be understanding me tomorrow!"
+
+"To-morrow, sir?"
+
+"Certainly. Ye may as well tell me now as then. I'm not such a daft fool
+as I look, and I know a gentleman when I see one, even an he does growl
+at me as you do!" he chuckled. "And I'd an odd feeling I knew ye when ye
+spoke to the mare. I'd be loth to send a friend to the gallows."
+
+How well Jack knew that soft, persuasive voice. His hands clenched as he
+forced himself to answer:
+
+"I don't think I've ever seen ye afore, sir."
+
+"Maybe ye have not. We shall see to-morrow."
+
+"What do ye mean by to-morrow, sir?" ventured Carstares uneasily.
+
+"Sure, ye will have the honour of appearing before me, me friend."
+
+"Before _you_, sir?"
+
+"Why not? I'm a Justice of the Peace, heaven save the mark!"
+
+There was a breathless pause, and then at last the funny side of it
+struck Jack, and his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. The
+exquisite irony of it was almost too much for him. He, the Earl of
+Wyncham, was to be formally questioned by his friend Sir Miles O'Hara,
+J.P.!
+
+"What ails ye now, man? Ye find it amusing?" asked Miles, surprised.
+
+"Oh, Lud, yes!" gasped Jack, and collapsed into his corner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+LADY O'HARA INTERVENES
+
+
+Lady O'Hara found that her big, indolent husband was unusually silent
+next morning at breakfast. She had not been married long enough to
+consent to being practically ignored, no matter what the time of day,
+but she had been married quite long enough to know that before she took
+any direct action against him, she must first allow him to assuage his
+appetite. Accordingly she plied him with coffee and eggs, and with a
+satisfied and slightly motherly air, watched him attack a sirloin of
+beef. She was a pretty, birdlike little lady, with big eyes, and soft
+brown curls escaping from under a demure but very becoming mob cap. She
+measured five foot nothing in her stockings, and was sometimes referred
+to by her large husband as the Midget. Needless to say, this flippant
+appellation was in no wise encouraged by the lady.
+
+She decided that Miles had come to the end of his repast, and, planting
+two dimpled elbows on the table, she rested her small chin in her hands
+and looked across at him with something of the air of an inquisitive
+kitten.
+
+"Miles!"
+
+O'Hara leaned back in his chair, and at the sight of her fresh
+prettiness his brow cleared and he smiled.
+
+"Well, asthore?"
+
+A reproachful finger was raised and a pair of red lips pouted adorably.
+
+"Now, Miles, confess you've been vastly disagreeable this morning. Twice
+have I spoken to you and you've not troubled to answer me--nay, let me
+finish! And once you growled at me like a nasty bear! Yes, sir, you
+did!"
+
+"Did I now, Molly? 'Tis a surly brute you're after thinking me, then?
+Troth, and I've been sore perplexed, me dear."
+
+Lady O'Hara got up and sidled round to him.
+
+"Have you so, Miles?"
+
+He flung an arm about her and drew her on to his knee.
+
+"Sure, yes, Molly."
+
+"Well then, Miles, had you not better tell me what it is that troubles
+you?" she coaxed, laying a persuasive hand on his shoulder.
+
+He smiled up at her.
+
+"'Tis just an inquisitive puss you are!"
+
+Again the pout.
+
+"And ye should not pout your pretty lips at me if ye are not wanting me
+to kiss them!" he added, suiting the action to the word.
+
+"But of course I do!" cried my lady, returning the kiss with fervour.
+"Nay, Miles, tell me."
+
+"I see ye mean to have the whole tale out of me, so--"
+
+"To be sure I do!" she nodded.
+
+He laid a warning finger on her lips and summoned up a mighty frown.
+
+"Now will ye be done interrupting, me lady?"
+
+Not a whit abashed, she bit the finger, pushed it away, and folding her
+hands in her lap, cast her eyes meekly heavenwards.
+
+With a twinkle in his own eyes the Irishman continued:
+
+"Well, alanna, ye must know that yesterday evening I was at Kilroy's on
+a matter of business--and that reminds me, Molly, we had a hand or two
+at faro and the like before I left, and I had very distressing luck--"
+
+On a sudden my lady's demure air vanished.
+
+"Is that so, Miles? I make no doubt the stakes were prodigious high?
+Pray, how much have you lost?"
+
+"Whisht, darlin', 'tis a mere thrifle, I assure you.... Well, as I was
+saying, on me way home, what should happen but that we be held up by one
+of these highwaymen--"
+
+My lady's eyes widened in horror, and two little hands clutched at his
+coat.
+
+"Oh, Miles!"
+
+His arm tightened round her waist.
+
+"Sure, asthore, I'm still alive to tell the tale, though 'tis not far
+I'll be getting with you interrupting at every moment!"
+
+"But, Miles, how terrible! You might have been killed! And you never
+told me! 'Twas monstrous wicked of you, darling!"
+
+"Faith, Molly, how should I be telling you when 'twas yourself that was
+fast asleep? Now will you whisht?"
+
+She nodded obediently, and dimpled.
+
+"Well, as I say, here was this man standing in the road, pointing his
+pistol at me. But will ye believe me, me love, when I tell you that that
+same pistol was as empty as--my own?" Here he was shaken with laughter.
+"Lud, Molly, 'twas the drollest thing! I had me pistol in me hand,
+knowing 'twas unloaded, and wondering what the devil, saving your
+presence, was to do next, when the idea struck me that I should try to
+bluff me fine sir. So I cried out that his pistol was unloaded, and
+completely took him by surprise! Sure he hadn't time to ask himself how
+the devil I should be knowing that! He dropped it on the road. Afther--"
+
+"Miles, you are becoming very Irish!"
+
+"Never say so, alanna. _After_ that 'twas simple enough, and me lord
+gave in. He held out his hands for me to bind--and here's where 'tis
+puzzling, Molly--I saw that they were a prodigious sight too white and
+fine for an ordinary highwayman. So I taxed him with it--"
+
+"'Twas a gentleman in disguise! How splendid, Miles!"
+
+"Will ye hold your tongue, asthore, and not be spoiling me story on me?"
+
+"Oh, indeed I am sorry! I will be good!"
+
+"--and he started and seemed monstrous put out. What's more, me dear, I
+heard him speak to his mare in an ordinary, gentleman's voice. Molly, ye
+never saw the like of that same mare! The sweetest--"
+
+"Pray, never mind the mare, dear! I am all agog to hear about the
+gentleman-highwayman!"
+
+"Very well, me love, though 'twas a prodigious fine mare--When I heard
+him speak, it flashed across me brain that I knew him--no, ye don't,
+Molly!" His hand was over her mouth as he spoke, and her eyes danced
+madly. "But I could not for the life of me think where I had heard that
+voice: 'twas but the one word I heard him speak, ye understand, and when
+I held his wrists I felt that 'twas no stranger. And yet 'tis
+impossible. When I got him within the coach--"
+
+"How imprudent! He might have--"
+
+"Whisht now! When I got him within the coach I tried to worm his
+identity out of him, but 'twas to no avail. But when I told him he would
+have to appear before me to-day, he went off into a fit of laughing,
+till I wondered what he was at, at all. And not another word could I get
+out of him after beyond 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir.' Still, I felt that
+'twas a gentleman all the same, so I--"
+
+He was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.
+
+"You dear Miles! You let him escape?"
+
+"Sure, alanna, is it meself that would be doing the like? And me a
+Justice of the Peace withal? I told them not to handcuff me lord."
+
+"Oh, I do so wish you had let him escape! But if 'tis really a
+gentleman, you will?"
+
+"I will not then, asthore. I'll be sending him to await the Assizes."
+
+"You are very cruel, then."
+
+"But, me darlin'--"
+
+"And I wish to get off your knee." He drew her close.
+
+"I'll see what can be done for your protege, Molly. But don't be
+forgetting he tried to kill the only husband you have!" He watched the
+effect of this with that humorous twinkle in his eye. But my lady was
+not to be put off.
+
+"With an empty pistol? Fie on you, Miles! And may I hide behind the
+screen while you question him?"
+
+"Ye may not."
+
+"But I wish so much to see him!"
+
+O'Hara shook his head with an air of finality she knew full well.
+However easy-going and good-natured her husband might be, there were
+times when he was impervious to all blandishments. So after darkly
+hinting that she would be nearer than he imagined, she gave up the
+contest to go and visit young Master David in his nursery.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For some time in lock-up Carstares had cudgelled his brain to think out
+a possible mode of escape next day, but try as he might he could light
+on nothing. If only Miles were not to question him! It was hardly likely
+that he would be allowed to retain his mask, yet therein lay his only
+chance of preserving his incognito. He prayed that by some merciful
+providence O'Hara would either fail to recognise him or would at least
+pretend that he did not. Having decided that there was nothing further
+to be done in the matter he lay down on his extremely hard pallet, and
+went to sleep as if he had not a care in the world.
+
+Next morning, after a long and wordy argument with the head gaoler on
+the subject of masks, he was haled in triumph to the house.
+
+As the little cavalcade was about to ascend the steps that led to the
+front door, my Lady O'Hara came gaily forth carrying a basket and a pair
+of scissors, and singing a snatch of song. At the sight of the
+highwayman the song broke off and her red lips formed a long-drawn "Oh!"
+She stood quite still on the top step, gazing down at my lord. The two
+gaolers stood aside to allow her to come down, just as a greyhound
+darted up the steps and flung itself against her in an exuberance of
+joy. My lady, none too securely balanced, reeled; the basket fell from
+her arm, her foot missed the next step, and she tumbled headlong down.
+But in the flash of an eyelid Carstares had sprung forward and received
+her in his arms. He lowered her gently to the ground. "I trust you are
+not hurt, madam?" he asked, and retrieved her basket, handing it to her.
+
+Molly took it with a smile.
+
+"I thank you sir, not at all; though I fear I should have injured myself
+quite considerably had you not been so swift in catching me. 'Twas most
+kind of you, I am sure!" She extended her small hand, and her eyes
+devoured him.
+
+For a moment my lord hesitated, and then, sweeping off his hat, he bowed
+low over the hand.
+
+"'Twas less than nothing, madam," he said in his own cultivated voice.
+"I beg you will dismiss it from your mind." He straightened himself as
+the gaolers came forward, and put on his hat again.
+
+Lady O'Hara stepped aside and watched them disappear into the house. Her
+cheeks were rather flushed, and her eyes suspiciously bright. Suddenly
+she nodded her head decisively, and throwing away her luckless basket,
+hurried across the lawn and entered the house through a long window.
+
+My lord was conducted to the library, where O'Hara sat awaiting him, and
+slouched forward with his hands thrust deep into his pockets and his hat
+still on his head.
+
+The head gaoler eyed him gloomily, and looked pained when Carstares with
+studied boorishness leaned carelessly against a fine carved table.
+
+"We 'ave refrained from 'andcuffin' pris'ner, sir, at your horders," he
+said, in a tone that warned O'Hara that should harm come of it, on his
+head be the blame.
+
+Miles nodded.
+
+"Quite right," he said pleasantly, and glanced at the cloaked and masked
+figure before him with more suspicion than ever.
+
+"But I regrets to 'ave to report very hobstinate be'aviour on part of
+pris'ner, sir," added the gaoler impressively.
+
+"Indeed?" said Miles gravely. "How so?"
+
+Jack controlled an insane desire to laugh, and listened to the gaoler's
+complaint.
+
+"You see the pris'ner, sir, with that great mask on 'is face? Afore we
+set out to come 'ere, I told 'im to take it hoff. And 'e refoosed, sir.
+Seeing as 'ow you gave no horders, I did not force 'im to hobey."
+
+"Ah! ... Your name, please?"
+
+"John Smith, sir," answered Carstares promptly and hoarsely. O'Hara
+wrote it down with a sceptical smile on his lips that Jack did not quite
+like.
+
+"Perhaps ye will have the goodness to unmask?"
+
+There was a momentary silence.
+
+"Why, sir, I thought ye might allow me to keep it on?"
+
+"Did ye now? I will not be allowing any such thing."
+
+"But, sir--"
+
+"'Tis impossible. Off with it!"
+
+"Sir--"
+
+"If ye don't take it off, I shall ask these men to assist ye," warned
+Miles.
+
+"May I not speak with ye alone, sir?" pleaded Jack. By now O'Hara was
+greatly intrigued.
+
+"Ye may not. Unmask!" He was leaning half across the table, his eyes
+fixed on Jack's face.
+
+With a quaint little laugh that made O'Hara's brows contract swiftly, my
+lord shrugged his shoulders French fashion and obeyed. The mask and hat
+were tossed lightly on to the table, and Miles found himself gazing into
+a pair of blue eyes that met his half defiantly, half imploringly. He
+drew in his breath sharply and the thin ivory rule he held snapped
+suddenly between his fingers. And at that crucial moment a door behind
+him that had stood ajar was pushed open, and my Lady O'Hara came
+tripping into the room.
+
+The two gaolers and her husband turned at once to see who it was, while
+Jack, who had recognised her, but had not the least idea who she was,
+fell to dusting his boots with his handkerchief.
+
+O'Hara rose, and for once looked severe.
+
+"What--" he began, and stopped, for without so much as a glance at him,
+my lady ran towards the prisoner, crying:
+
+"Harry! Oh, Harry!"
+
+Jack gathered that he was the person addressed, and instantly made her
+an elaborate leg.
+
+The next moment she was tugging at the lapels of his coat, with her face
+upturned to his.
+
+"Harry, you WICKED boy!" she cried, and added beneath her breath: "My
+name is Molly!"
+
+A laugh sprang to my lord's eyes and his beautiful smile appeared.
+
+In a stupefied fashion O'Hara watched him steal an arm about her waist,
+and place a hand beneath her chin. The next instant a kiss was planted
+full on the little lady's lips, and he heard Jack Carstares' voice
+exclaim:
+
+"Fie on you, Molly, for a spoil-sport! Here had I fooled Miles to the
+top of my bent--and 'pon rep.! he scarce knows me yet!"
+
+My lady disengaged herself, blushing.
+
+"Oh, Miles, you do know Harry--my cousin Harry?"
+
+O'Hara collected his scattered wits and rose nobly to the occasion.
+
+"Of course I do, me dear, though at first he gave me such a shock, I was
+near dumbfounded. Ye are a mad, scatter-brained fellow to play such a
+thrick upon us, devil take ye!" He laid his hands on Jack's shoulders.
+"Pray, what did ye do it for, boy?"
+
+Jack's brain worked swiftly.
+
+"Why, Miles, never tell me you've forgot our wager! Did I not swear I'd
+have you at a disadvantage--to be even with you for that night at
+Jasper's? But what must you do but see my pistol was unloaded and make
+me lose my wager! Still, 'twas worth that and a night in gaol to see
+your face when I unmasked!"
+
+O'Hara shook him slightly, laughing, and turned to the two amazed
+gaolers. The senior gaoler met his humorous glance with a cold and
+indignant stare, and gave a prodigious sniff.
+
+"Me good fellows," drawled Miles, "I'm mighty sorry ye've been worried
+over me young cousin here. He's fooled us all it appears, but now
+there's nought to be done in the matter, though I've a mind to send him
+to await the next sessions!" He slipped a guinea into each curiously
+ready palm, and replied to the head gaoler's haughty bow with a pleasant
+nod. In silence he watched them leave the room shaking their heads over
+the incomprehensible ways of the gentry. Then he turned and looked
+across at Carstares.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+LADY O'HARA RETIRES
+
+
+For a long minute silence reigned, all three actors in the little comedy
+listening to the heavy footsteps retreating down the passage, Carstares
+with one arm still around my lady's waist and a rather strained look on
+his face. Molly instinctively felt that something beyond her ken was in
+the air, and glanced fearfully up at the white face above her. The
+expression in the blue eyes fixed on her husband made her turn sharply
+to look at him. She found that he was staring at my lord as though he
+saw a ghost: She wanted to speak, to relieve the tension, but all words
+stuck in her throat, and she could only watch the _denouement_
+breathlessly. At last O'Hara moved, coming slowly towards them, reading
+John's countenance. Some of the wonder went out of his face, and, as if
+he sensed the other's agony of mind, he smiled suddenly and laid his
+hands once more on the straight, stiff shoulders.
+
+"Jack, ye rascal, what do ye mean by hugging and kissing me wife under
+me very eyes?"
+
+Molly all at once remembered the position of her "Cousin Harry's" arm,
+and gave a little gasp, whisking herself away.
+
+My lord put out his hands and strove to thrust his friend off.
+
+"Miles, don't forget--don't forget--what I am!"
+
+The words were forced out, but his head was held high.
+
+"Tare an' ouns, man! And is it meself that'll be caring what ye may or
+may not be? Oh, Jack, Jack, I'm so pleased to see ye, that I can scarce
+realise 'tis yourself I am looking at! When did ye come to England, and
+what-a-plague are you doing in that costume?" He jerked his head to
+where John's mask lay, and wrung the hand he held as though he would
+never stop.
+
+"I've been in England a year. As to the mask--!" He shrugged and
+laughed.
+
+Lady O'Hara pushed in between them.
+
+"But please I do not understand!" she said plaintively.
+
+Carstares bowed over her hand.
+
+"May I be permitted to thank you for your kindly intervention, my lady?
+And to congratulate Miles on his marriage?"
+
+She dimpled charmingly and curtsied. Her husband caught her round the
+waist.
+
+"Ay, the saucy minx! Oh, me cousin Harry, forsooth! If it had been
+anyone but Jack I should be angry with ye, asthore, for 'twas a wicked
+thrick to play entirely!"
+
+She patted his hand and smiled across at Jack.
+
+"Of course, I would never have done such a forward thing had I not known
+that he was indeed a gentleman--and had he not saved me from sudden
+death!" she added as an afterthought.
+
+Miles looked sharply round at her and then at Carstares.
+
+"What's this?"
+
+"My lady exaggerates," smiled my lord. "'Tis merely that I had the
+honour to catch her as she fell down the steps this morning."
+
+O'Hara looked relieved.
+
+"Ye are not hurt, alanna?"
+
+"Gracious, no! But I had to do something to show my gratitude--and I was
+sure that you would never expose _my_ fraud--so I--But," as a sudden
+thought struck her, "you seem to _know_ my highwayman!"
+
+"Sure an' I do, Molly. 'Tis none other than Jack Carstares of whom ye've
+often heard me speak!"
+
+She turned round eyes of wonderment upon my lord.
+
+"Can it be--is it possible that you are my husband's dearest
+friend--Lord John?"
+
+Jack flushed and bowed.
+
+"I was once--madam," he said stiffly.
+
+"Once!" she scoffed. "Oh, if you could but hear him speak of you! But
+I'll let you hear him speak _to_ you, which perhaps you'll enjoy more. I
+know you've a prodigious great deal to say to one another, so I shall
+run away and leave you alone." She smiled graciously upon him, blew an
+airy kiss to her husband and went quickly out of the room.
+
+Carstares closed the door behind her and came back to O'Hara, who had
+flung himself back into his chair, trying, manlike, to conceal the
+excitement he was feeling.
+
+"Come, sit ye down, Jack, and let me have the whole story!"
+
+My lord divested himself of his long cloak and shook out his hitherto
+tucked-up ruffles. From the pocket of his elegant scarlet riding coat he
+drew a snuff-box, which he opened languidly. With his eyes resting
+quizzically on O'Hara's face, he took a delicate pinch of snuff and
+minced across the room.
+
+Miles laughed.
+
+"What's this?"
+
+"This, my dear friend, is Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart.!" He bowed with
+great flourish.
+
+"Ye look it. But come over here, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart., and tell
+me everything."
+
+Jack perched on the edge of the desk and swung his leg.
+
+"Well really, I do not think there is much to tell that you do not
+already know, Miles. You know all about Dare's card-party, for instance,
+precisely six years ago?"
+
+"'Tis just exactly what I do not know!" retorted O'Hara.
+
+"You surprise me! I thought the tale was rife."
+
+"Now, Jack, will ye have done drawling at me? Don't be forgetting I'm
+your friend--"
+
+"But are you? If you know the truth about me, do you feel inclined to
+call me friend?"
+
+"There never was a time when I would not have been proud to call ye
+friend, as ye would very well have known, had ye been aught but a damned
+young hothead! I heard that crazy tale about the card-party, but do ye
+think I believed it?"
+
+"It was the obvious thing to do."
+
+"Maybe, but I fancy I know ye just a little too well to believe any
+cock-and-bull story I'm told about ye. And even if I had been fool
+enough to have believed it, do ye think I'd be going back on ye? Sure,
+'tis a poor friend I'd be!"
+
+Jack stared down at the toe of his right boot in silence.
+
+"I know something more than we guessed happened at that same party, and
+I have me suspicions, but 'tis your affair, and whatever ye did ye had
+your reasons for. But, Jack, why in the name of wonder must ye fly off
+to the devil alone knows where, without so much as a good-bye to
+anyone?"
+
+Carstares never raised his eyes from the contemplation of that boot. He
+spoke with difficulty.
+
+"Miles--in my place--would you not have done the same?"
+
+"Well--"
+
+"You know you would. Was it likely that I should inflict myself on you
+at such a time? What would you have thought of me had I done so?"
+
+O'Hara brought his hand down smartly on the other's knee.
+
+"I'd have thought ye less of a young fool! I would have gone away with
+ye, and nothing would have stopped me!"
+
+Jack looked up and met his eyes.
+
+"I know," he said. "'Twas the thought of that--and--and--I could not be
+sure. How should I know whether you would even receive me? Last
+night--last night--I was horribly afraid...."
+
+The hand on his knee tightened.
+
+"Ye foolish boy! Ye foolish boy!"
+
+Bit by bit he drew the story of the past six years out of Carstares, and
+though it was a very modified version, Miles understood his friend well
+enough to read between the lines.
+
+"And now," said Jack, when the recital was over, "tell me about
+yourself. When did you marry the attractive lady whom I have just been
+kissing?"
+
+"Ye rogue! I married Molly three years ago. 'Tis a real darling she is,
+isn't she? And upstairs there's a little chap--your godson."
+
+"You lucky fellow! My godson, you say? Could you not find anyone more
+worthy for that? I want to see him."
+
+"So ye shall presently. Have ye seen Richard?"
+
+"A year ago I held up his coach. 'Twas dark, and I could scarce see him,
+but I thought he seemed aged."
+
+"Aged! Ye wouldn't be afther knowing him! 'Tis an old man he is. Though
+I swear 'tis no wonder with that hussy about the house! Lord, Jack, you
+were well out of that affair with her ladyship!"
+
+Carstares nursed his foot reflectively.
+
+"Lavinia? What ails her?"
+
+"Nought that I know of, save it be her shrewish temper. 'Tis a dog's
+life she leads poor Dick."
+
+"Do you mean to say she does not love Dick?"
+
+"I cannot say--sometimes she's as affectionate as you please, but at
+others she treats him to a fine exhibition of rage. And the money she
+spends! Of course, she married him for what she could get. There was
+never anything else to count with her."
+
+Jack sat very still.
+
+"And anyone but a young fool like yourself would have seen that!"
+
+A gleam of amusement shot into the wistful blue eyes.
+
+"Probably. Yourself, for instance?"
+
+O'Hara chuckled.
+
+"Oh, ay, I knew! 'Twas the money she was after all along; and now
+there's not so much, it seems, as Dick won't touch a penny that belongs
+to you."
+
+"M'm. Warburton told me. Foolish of him."
+
+A grunt was the sole response.
+
+Jack's eyes narrowed a little as he gazed out of the window. "So Lavinia
+never cared? Lord, what a mix-up! And Dick?"
+
+"I'm afraid he still does."
+
+"Poor old Dick! Devil take the woman! Does she bully him? I know what he
+is--always ready to give in."
+
+"I am not so sure. Yet I'll swear if 'twere not for John his life would
+be a misery. He misses you, Jack."
+
+"Who is John?"
+
+"Did not Warburton tell you? John is the hope of the house. He's four
+and a half, and as spoilt a little rascal as you could wish for."
+
+"Dick's child? Good Lord!"
+
+"Ay, Dick's child and your nephew." He broke off and looked into the
+other's face. "Jack, cannot this mystery be cleared up? Couldn't ye go
+back?" He was clasping Jack's hand, but it was withdrawn, and the eyes
+looking down into his were suddenly bored and a little cold.
+
+"I know of no mystery," said Carstares.
+
+"Jack, old man, will ye be afther shutting me out of your confidence?"
+
+A faint, sweet smile curved the fine lips.
+
+"Let us talk of the weather, Miles, or my mare. Anything rather than
+this painful subject."
+
+With an impatient movement O'Hara flung back his chair and strode over
+to the window with his back to my lord. Jack's eyes followed him
+seriously.
+
+"If ye cannot trust me, sure I've no more to say, thin!" flashed O'Hara.
+"It seems ye do not value your friends too highly!"
+
+My lord said never a word. But the hand that rested on the desk clenched
+suddenly. O'Hara wheeled about and came back to his side.
+
+"Sure, Jack, I never meant that! Forgive me bad temper!"
+
+Carstares slipped off the table and straightened himself, linking his
+arm in the Irishman's.
+
+"Whisht, Miles, as you'd say yourself," he laughed, "I know that. 'Tis
+not that I don't trust you, but--"
+
+"I understand. I'll not ask ye any more about it at all. Instead, answer
+me this: what made ye come out with unloaded pistols?"
+
+The laugh died out of Carstares' face.
+
+"Oh, just carelessness!" he answered shortly, and he thought of the
+absent Jim with a tightening of the lips.
+
+"'Twas that very same reason with meself thin!" Jack stared at him.
+
+"Miles, don't tell me yours were unloaded, too?"
+
+"'Deed an' they were! Ecod, Jack! 'tis the best joke I've heard for a
+twelvemonth." They both started to laugh. "Sure 'twas bluff on my part,
+Jack, when I told ye yours was unloaded. And me lady was determined to
+set you free from the moment I told her all about it this morning. We
+were sure ye were no ordinary highwayman, though I was a fool not to
+have known ye right away. But now I have found ye out, ye'll stay with
+us--Cousin Harry?"
+
+"I cannot thank you enough, Miles, but I will not do that. I must get
+back to Jim."
+
+"And who the devil is Jim?"
+
+"My servant. He'll be worried nigh to death over me. Nay, do not press
+me, I could not stay here, Miles. You must see for yourself 'tis
+impossible--Jack Carstares does not exist; only Anthony Ferndale is
+left."
+
+"Jack, dear man, can I not--"
+
+"No, Miles, you can do nothing, though 'tis like you to want to help,
+and I do thank you. But--oh well! ... What about my mare?"
+
+"Plague take me if I'd not forgotten! Jack, that scoundrel of mine let
+her strain her fetlock. I'm demmed sorry."
+
+"Poor Jenny! I'll swear she gave him an exciting ride, though."
+
+"I'll be trying to buy her off ye, Jack, if I see much of her. 'Tis a
+little beauty she is."
+
+"I'm not selling, though I intended to ask you to keep her, if--"
+
+A quick pressure on his arm arrested him.
+
+"That will do! I'm too heavy for her anyway."
+
+"So was that devil of a groom you put on her."
+
+"Ay. I'm a fool."
+
+"I always knew that."
+
+"Whisht now, Jack! Ye'll have to take one of my nags while she heals, if
+ye won't stay with us. Can ye trust her to me for a week, do ye
+suppose?"
+
+"I don't know. It seems as though I must--oh, I retract, I retract. You
+are altogether too large, the day is too hot, and my cravat too nicely
+tied--Egad, Miles! I wish--oh, I _wish_ we were boys again, and--Yes.
+When may I see your son and heir?"
+
+"Sure, ye may come now and find Molly, who'll be aching for the sight of
+you. Afther you, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+MY LORD TURNS RESCUER AND COMES NIGH ENDING HIS LIFE
+
+
+Late that afternoon Carstares left Thurze House on one of his friend's
+horses. He waved a very regretful farewell to O'Hara and his lady,
+promising to let them know his whereabouts and to visit them again soon.
+O'Hara had extracted a solemn promise that if ever he got into
+difficulties he would let him know:
+
+"For I'm not letting ye drift gaily out of me life again, and that's
+flat."
+
+Jack had assented gladly enough--to have a friend once more was such
+bliss--and had given Miles the name of the inn and the village where he
+would find him, for O'Hara had insisted on bringing the mare over
+himself. So Carstares rode off to Trencham and to Jim, with the memory
+of a very hearty handshake in his mind. He smiled a little as he thought
+of his friend's words when he had shown himself reluctant to give the
+required promise:
+
+"Ye obstinate young devil, ye'll do as I say, and no nonsense, or ye
+don't leave this house!"
+
+For six years no one had ordered him to obey; it had been he who had
+done all the ordering. Somehow it was very pleasant to be told what to
+do, especially by Miles.
+
+He turned down a lane and wondered what Jim was thinking. That he was
+waiting at the Green Man, he was certain, for those had been his orders.
+He was annoyed with the man over the incident of the pistols, for he had
+inspected them and discovered that they were indeed unloaded. Had his
+captor been other than O'Hara, on whom he could not fire, such
+carelessness might have proved his undoing. Apart from that, culpable
+negligence always roused his wrath. A rather warm twenty minutes was in
+store for Salter.
+
+For quite an hour Carstares proceeded on his way with no mishaps nor
+adventures, and then, suddenly, as he rounded a corner of a deserted
+road--little more than a cart-track--an extraordinary sight met his
+eyes. In the middle of the road stood a coach, and by it, covering the
+men on the box with two large pistols, was a seedy-looking ruffian,
+while two others were engaged in what appeared to be a life-and-death
+struggle at the coach-door.
+
+Jacked reined-in his horse and rose in his stirrups to obtain a better
+view. Then his eyes flashed, and he whistled softly to himself. For the
+cause of all the turmoil was a slight, graceful girl of not more than
+nineteen or twenty. She was frenziedly resisting the efforts of her
+captors to drag her to another coach, further up the road. Jack could
+see that she was dark and very lovely.
+
+Another, elderly lady, was most valiantly impeding operations by clawing
+and striking at one of the men's arms, scolding and imploring all in one
+breath. Jack's gaze went from her to a still, silent figure at the side
+of the road in the shadow of the hedge, evidently the stage-manager. "It
+seems I must take a hand in this," he told himself, and laughed joyously
+as he fixed on his mask and dismounted. He tethered his mount to a young
+sapling, took a pistol from its holster, and ran softly and swiftly
+under the lea of the hedge up to the scene of disaster, just as the man
+who covered the unruly and vociferous pair on the box made ready to
+fire.
+
+Jack's bullet took him neatly in the neck, and without a sound he
+crumpled up, one of his pistols exploding harmlessly as it fell to
+earth.
+
+With an oath the silent onlooker wheeled round to face the point of my
+lord's gleaming blade.
+
+Carstares drew in his breath sharply in surprise as he saw the white
+face of his Grace of Andover.
+
+"Damn you!" said Tracy calmly, and sprang back, whipping out his own
+rapier.
+
+"Certainly," agreed Jack pleasantly. "On guard, M. le Duc!"
+
+Tracy's lips curled back in a snarl. His eyes were almost shut. Over his
+shoulder he ordered curtly:
+
+"Keep watch over the girl. I will attend to this young jackanapes."
+
+On the word the blades clashed.
+
+Jack's eyes danced with the sheer joy of battle, and his point snicked
+in and out wickedly. He knew Tracy of old for an expert swordsman, and
+he began warily.
+
+The girl's persecutors retained a firm hold on either arm, but all their
+thoughts were centred on the duel. The men on the box got out their
+blunderbuss, ready to fire should the need arise, and the girl herself
+watched breathlessly, red lips apart, and eyes aglow with fright,
+indignation, and excitement. As for the old lady, she positively bobbed
+up and down shrieking encouragement to Carstares.
+
+The blades hissed continuously against one another; time after time the
+Duke thrust viciously, and ever his point was skilfully parried. He was
+absolutely calm, and his lips sneered. Who it was that he was fighting,
+he had not the faintest idea; he only knew that his opponent had
+recognised him, and must be speedily silenced. Therefore he fought with
+deadly grimness and purpose. Carstares, on the other hand, had no
+intention of killing his Grace. He had never liked him in the old days,
+but he was far too good-natured to contemplate any serious bloodshed. He
+was so used to Tracy's little affairs that he had not been filled with
+surprise when he discovered who the silent figure was. He did not like
+interfering with Belmanoir, but, on the other hand, he could no more
+stand by and see a woman assaulted than he could fly. So he fought on
+with the idea of disarming his Grace, so as to have him at a
+disadvantage and to be able to command his withdrawal from the scene.
+Once he feinted cleverly, and lunged, and a little blood trickled down
+over the Duke's hand. No sign made Belmanoir, except that his eyelids
+flickered a moment and his play became more careful.
+
+Once the Duke thrust in tierce and Jack's sword arm wavered an instant,
+and a splash of crimson appeared on his sleeve. He, for the most part,
+remained on the defensive, waiting for the Duke to tire. Soon his
+Grace's breath began to come unevenly and fast, and beads of moisture
+started on his forehead. Yet never did the sneer fade nor his temper go;
+he had himself well in hand, and although his face was livid, and his
+brain on fire with fury, no trace of it showed itself in his sword-play.
+
+Then Carstares changed his tactics, and began to put into practice all
+the arts and subtleties of fence that he had learnt abroad. He seemed
+made of steel and set on wires, so agile and untireable was he. Time
+after time he leapt nimbly aside, evading some wicked thrust, and all
+the while he was driving his Grace back and back. He was not panting,
+and now and again he laughed softly and happily. The blood from the
+wound on his arm was dripping steadily on to the ground, yet it seemed
+to Tracy to affect him not at all. But Jack himself knew that he was
+losing strength rapidly, and must make an end.
+
+Suddenly he feinted, and fell back. Tracy saw his advantage and pressed
+forward within the wavering sword-point.
+
+The next instant his sword was whirled from his grasp, and he lay on the
+ground, unhurt but helpless, gazing up at the masked face and at the
+shortened rapier. How he had been thrown he did not know, but that his
+opponent was a past master in the art of fence he was perfectly sure.
+
+My lord gave a little chuckle and twisted a handkerchief about his
+wounded arm.
+
+"I am aware, m'sieur, that this is most unusual--and, in
+duels--forbidden. But I am sure that milor' will agree that the
+circumstances are also--most unusual--and the odds--almost
+overwhelming!" He turned his head to the two men, one of whom released
+his hold on the girl's arm and started forward.
+
+"Oh, no!" drawled my lord, shaking his head. "Another step and I spit
+your master where he lies."
+
+"Stand," said his Grace calmly.
+
+"_Bien_! Throw your arms down here at my feet, and--ah--release
+Mademoiselle!"
+
+They made no move to obey, and my lord shrugged deprecatingly, lowering
+his point to Tracy's throat.
+
+"_Eh bien!_"
+
+They still hesitated, casting anxious glances at their master. "Obey,"
+ordered the Duke.
+
+Each man threw down a pistol, eyeing Jack furtively, while the girl ran
+to her aunt, who began to soothe and fuss over her.
+
+Jack stifled a yawn.
+
+"It is not my intention to remain here all night. Neither am I a
+child--or a fool. _Dépêchez!_"
+
+Belmanoir saw that the coachman had his blunderbuss ready and was only
+too eager to fire it, and he knew that the game was up. He turned his
+head towards the reluctant bullies who looked to him for orders.
+
+"Throw down everything!" he advised.
+
+Two more pistols and two daggers joined their comrades.
+
+"A thousand thanks!" bowed my lord, running a quick eye over the men.
+"M. le Duc, I pray you be still. Now, you with the large nose--yes, _mon
+ami_, you--go pick up the pistol our defunct friend dropped."
+
+The man indicated slouched over to the dead body and flung another
+pistol on to the heap.
+
+My lord shook his head impatiently.
+
+"_Mais non_. Have I not said that I am not entirely a fool? The
+unexploded pistol, please. You will place it here, _doucement._ Very
+good."
+
+His eye travelled to the men on the box. The coachman touched his hat
+and cried:
+
+"I'm ready, sir!"
+
+"It is very well. Be so good as to keep these gentlemen covered, but do
+not fire until I give the order. And now, M. le Duc, have I your parole
+that you will return swiftly from whence you came, leaving this lady
+unmolested, an I permit you to rise?"
+
+Tracy moved his head impatiently.
+
+"I have no choice."
+
+"Monsieur, that is not an answer. Have I your parole?"
+
+"Yes, curse you!"
+
+"But certainly," said Jack politely. "Pray rise."
+
+He rested his sword-point on the ground, and watched Tracy struggle to
+his feet.
+
+For an instant the Duke stood staring at him, with face slightly
+out-thrust.
+
+"I almost think I know you," he said softly, caressingly.
+
+Jack's French accent became a shade more pronounced.
+
+"It is possible. I at least have the misfortune to know monsieur by
+sight."
+
+Tracy ignored the insult, and continued very, very silkily:
+
+"One thing is certain: I shall know you again--if I meet you!"
+
+Even as the words left his mouth Jack saw the pistol in his hand and
+sprang quickly to one side, just in time to escape a shot that would
+have gone straight through his head. As it was, it caught him in his
+left shoulder.
+
+"Do not fire!" he called sharply to the coachman, and bowed to his
+Grace. "As I was saying, m'sieu--do not let me detain you, I beg."
+
+The Duke's green eyes flashed venom for a minute, and then the heavy
+lids descended over them again, and he returned the bow exaggeratedly.
+
+"_Au revoir_, monsieur," he smiled, and bent to pick up his sword.
+
+"It will--not be necessary for--m'sieu to--take his sword," said Jack.
+"I have a--desire to keep--it as a--souvenir. Yes."
+
+"As you will, monsieur," replied Tracy carelessly, and walked away to
+his coach, his men following close on his heels.
+
+My lord stood leaning heavily on his sword, watching them go, and not
+until the coach had swung out of sight did he give way to the weakness
+that was overwhelming him. Then he reeled and would have fallen, had it
+not been for two cool hands that caught his, steadying him.
+
+A tremulous, husky voice sounded in his ears:
+
+"You are hurt! Ah, sir, you are hurt for my sake!"
+
+With a great effort Jack controlled the inclination to swoon, and lifted
+the girl's hand shakily to his lips.
+
+"It is a--pleasure--mademoiselle," he managed to gasp. "Now--you may--I
+think--proceed--in safety."
+
+Diana slipped an arm under his shoulder and cast an anxious glance at
+the footman, hurrying towards them.
+
+"Quick!" she commanded. "Sir, you are faint! You must allow my servant
+to assist you to the coach."
+
+Jack forced a smile.
+
+"It is--nothing--I assure you--pray do not--I--" and he fainted
+comfortably away into stout Thomas's arms.
+
+"Carry him into the coach, Thomas!" ordered the girl. "Mind his arm,
+and--oh! his poor shoulder. Aunt, have you something to bind his wounds
+with?"
+
+Miss Betty hurried forward.
+
+"My darling child, what an escape! The dear, brave gentleman! Do have a
+care, Thomas! Yes, lay him on the seat."
+
+My lord was lowered gently on to the cushions, and Miss Betty fluttered
+over to him like a distracted hen. Then Diana told Thomas to take charge
+of my lord's horse that they could see, quietly nibbling the grass
+further down the road, stooped and picked up his Grace of Andover's
+sword, with its curiously wrought hilt, and jumped into the coach to
+help Miss Betty to attend to Jack's wounds.
+
+The slash on the arm was not serious, but where the pistol had taken him
+was very ugly-looking. While she saw to that, Miss Betty loosened the
+cravat and removed my lord's mask.
+
+"Di, see what a handsome boy 'tis! The poor, brave gentleman! What a
+lucky thing he came up! If only this bleeding would stop!" So she ran
+on, hunting wildly for her salts.
+
+Diana looked up as her aunt finished, and studied the pale face lying
+against the dark cushions. She noted the firm, beautifully curved mouth,
+the aristocratic nose and delicately pencilled eyebrows, with a little
+thrill. The duel had set her every nerve tingling; she was filled with
+admiration for her preserver, and the sight of his sensitive, handsome
+countenance did nothing to dispel that admiration.
+
+She held the salts to his nostrils and watched eagerly for some sign of
+life. But none was forthcoming, and she had to be content with placing
+cushions beneath his injured shoulder, and guarding him as best she
+might from the jolts caused by the uneven surface of the road.
+
+Miss Betty bustled about and did all she could to stanch the bleeding,
+and when they had comfortably settled my lord, she sat down upon the
+seat opposite and nodded decisively.
+
+"We can do no more, my dear--but, yes--certainly bathe his forehead with
+your lavender water. Dear me, what an escape! I must say I would never
+have thought it of Mr. Everard! One would say we were living in the
+Stone Age! The wretch!"
+
+Diana shuddered.
+
+"I knew he was dreadful, but never _how_ dreadful! How can he have found
+out when we were to leave Bath--and why did he waylay us so near home?
+Oh, I shall never be safe again!"
+
+"Nonsense, my dear! Fiddlesticks! You saw how easily he was vanquished.
+Depend upon it, he will realise that he has made a bad mistake to try to
+abduct you, and we shall not be worried with him again."
+
+With this comfortable assurance, she nodded again and leant back against
+the cushions, watching her niece's ministrations with a professional and
+slightly amused air.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+MY LORD DICTATES A LETTER AND RECEIVES A VISITOR
+
+
+My lord came sighing back to life. He opened his eyes wearily, and
+turned his head. A faint feeling of surprise stole over him. He was in a
+room he had never been in before, and by the window, busy with some
+needlework, sat a little old lady who was somehow vaguely familiar.
+
+"Who--are--you?" he asked, and was annoyed to find his voice so weak.
+
+The little lady jumped, and came across to him.
+
+"Praise be to God!" she ejaculated. "Likewise, bless the boy! The fever
+is passed." She laid a thin hand on his brow, and smiled down into his
+wondering eyes.
+
+"As cool as a cucumber, dear boy. What a mercy!"
+
+It was a long time since anyone had called Jack dear, or boy. He
+returned the smile feebly and closed his eyes.
+
+"I--do not--understand--anything," he murmured drowsily.
+
+"Never trouble your head then. Just go to sleep."
+
+He considered this gravely for a moment. It seemed sensible enough, and
+he was so very, very tired. He shut his eyes with a little sigh.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When he awoke again it was morning of the next day, and the sun streamed
+in the window, making him blink.
+
+Someone rustled forward, and he saw it was the lady who had called him
+dear and bidden him go to sleep.
+
+He smiled, and a very thin hand came out of the bedclothes.
+
+"But who are you?" he demanded a little querulously.
+
+Miss Betty patted his hand gently.
+
+"Still worrying your poor head over that? I am Di's Aunt Betty--though,
+to be sure, you don't know who Di is!"
+
+Remembrance was coming back to my lord.
+
+"Why--why--you are the lady in the coach!--Tracy--I remember!"
+
+"Well, I know nought of Tracy, but I'm the lady in the coach."
+
+"And the other--"
+
+"That was Diana Beauleigh, my niece--the pet. You will see her when you
+are better."
+
+"But--but--where am I, madam?"
+
+"Now don't get excited, dear boy!"
+
+"I'm thirty!" protested Jack with a wicked twinkle.
+
+"I should not have thought it, but thirty's a boy to me, in any case!"
+retorted Miss Betty, making him laugh. "You are in Mr. Beauleigh's
+house--Di's father, and my brother. And here you will stay until you are
+quite recovered!"
+
+Jack raised himself on his elbow, grimacing at the pain the movement
+caused him.
+
+"Egad, madam! have I been here long?" he demanded.
+
+Very firmly was he pushed back on to his pillows.
+
+"Will you be still? A nice thing 'twould be if you were to aggravate
+that wound of yours! You will have been here a week to-morrow. Bless my
+heart, what ails the boy?" For Jack's face took on an expression of
+incredulous horror.
+
+"A _week_, madam? Never say so!"
+
+"'Tis as true as I stand here. And a nice fright you have given us, what
+with nearly dying, and raving about your Dicks and your Jims!"
+
+My lord glanced up sharply.
+
+"Oh! So I--talked?"
+
+"Talk? Well, yes, if you can call all that mixture of foreign jargon
+talking. Now you must be still and wait till the doctor comes again."
+
+For a while Carstares lay in silence. He thought of Jim and smiled a
+little. "I could not have thought of a better punishment had I tried,"
+he told himself, and then frowned. "Poor fellow! He'll be off his head
+with fright over me. Miss--er--Betty?"
+
+"Well, and are you not asleep yet?"
+
+"Asleep, Madam? Certainly not!" he said with dignity. "I must write a
+letter."
+
+"'Deed, an' you shall not!"
+
+"But I must! 'Tis monstrous important, madam."
+
+She shook her head resolutely.
+
+"Not until Mr. Jameson gives permission," she said firmly.
+
+Jack struggled up, biting his lip.
+
+"Then I shall get up!" he threatened.
+
+In an instant she was by his side.
+
+"No, no! Now lie down and be good!"
+
+"I will not lie down and be good!"
+
+"Then I shan't let you touch a pen for weeks!"
+
+Jack became very masterful and frowned direfully upon her.
+
+"Madam, I insist on being allowed to write that letter!"
+
+"Sir, I insist on your lying down!"
+
+He controlled a twitching lip.
+
+"Woe betide you unless you bring me pen and paper, Miss Betty!"
+
+"But, dear boy, reflect! You could not use your arm."
+
+"I will use it!" replied Jack indomitably, but he sank back on to the
+pillows with his eyes closed and a tiny furrow of pain between his
+straight brows.
+
+"I told you so!" scolded Miss Betty, not without a note of triumph in
+her voice, and proceeded to rearrange the disorderly coverlet.
+
+The blue eyes opened wide, pleadingly.
+
+"Madam, indeed 'tis very important."
+
+She could not withstand that look.
+
+"Well," she compromised, "I'll not let you write yourself, that's
+certain--but could you not dictate to me?"
+
+Jack brightened, and caught her hand to his lips.
+
+"Miss Betty, you are an angel!" he told her.
+
+"Ah now, get along with you!" She hurried away to fetch paper and ink.
+
+When she returned she found him plucking impatiently at the sheet, and
+frowning.
+
+"I am ready," she said.
+
+"Thank you, madam. 'Tis very kind in you--"
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+He laughed weakly.
+
+"I want you to write to my servant, to bid him bring my baggage to the
+nearest inn--"
+
+"That will I not! I shall tell him to bring it here."
+
+"But, Miss Betty, I cannot possibly trespass upon--"
+
+"Will you have done? Trespass indeed!"
+
+"I perceive I shall be much put upon," sighed Jack, and watched her
+lightning smile.
+
+"You BOY! Will you dictate?"
+
+"Very well, ma'am. No, I have changed my mind. I'll have it writ to a
+friend, please: 'Dear Miles.... True to my promise.... I write to
+you.... In case ... you should be worried ... over my disappearance ...
+be it known ... that I am at'--pray, madam, where am I?"
+
+"Horton Manor, Littledean," she replied, writing it down.
+
+"Thank you. 'I had the misfortune to injure my shoulder in a--"
+
+"'And arm,'" put in the scribe, inexorably.
+
+"'And arm, in a fight ... and a certain very ... kind lady--'"
+
+"I refuse to write that rubbish! 'One of the ladies whom I rescued--'"
+
+"Good heavens, madam, you've not put that?" cried Jack horrified.
+
+She smiled reassuringly.
+
+"I have not. I have put: 'My nurse is writing this for me.'"
+
+"Madam, you are of a teasing disposition," reproved my lord.
+"M--yes--'When you take Jenny--over to Trencham ... will you please tell
+Jim to bring my baggage ... here at once?' Have you that, Miss Betty?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Remember me to Lady ... Molly, I beg ... and accept my apologies ...
+and thanks.'" He paused. "Will you sign it J.C., please, and address it
+to Sir Miles O'Hara, Thurze House, Maltby?"
+
+"Sir Miles O'Hara! Is he your friend, Mr.--Mr.--I do not know your
+name."
+
+"Car--" began Jack, and stopped, biting his lip. "Carr," he continued
+imperturbably, "John Carr. Do you know O'Hara, Miss Betty?"
+
+"Me? No! Will he come to see you, do you think?"
+
+"If you let him in, madam!"
+
+"Gracious! Well, well! I'll tell Thomas to ride over with this at once."
+
+"Miss Betty, you are marvellously good. I vow I can never thank--"
+
+"Bless the boy! And what about yourself, pray? I shudder to think of
+what might have happened to Di if you had not come up! 'Tis we can never
+thank you enough."
+
+Jack reddened boyishly and uncomfortably.
+
+"Indeed, you exaggerate--"
+
+"Tut, tut! Well, go to sleep, and never worry about anything till I
+return. And you won't try and get up?"
+
+He shook with laughter.
+
+"I swear I will not! Even an you never return, I will lie here, wasting
+away--" But he spoke to space, for with a delighted laugh she had left
+the room.
+
+It was not until late that afternoon that O'Hara arrived, and he was
+conducted, after a brief conversation with Diana and her father, to my
+lord's room, where Miss Betty received him with her cheery smile and
+jerky curtsey.
+
+"You'll not excite Mr. Carr?" she said, but was interrupted by my lord's
+voice from within, weak but very gay.
+
+"Come in, Miles, and never listen to Miss Betty! She is a tyrant and
+denies me my wig!"
+
+O'Hara laughed in answer to Miss Betty's quizzical smile, and strode
+over to the bed. He gripped my lord's thin hand and frowned down at him
+with an assumption of anger.
+
+"Young good-for-nought! Could ye find nought better to do than to smash
+yourself up and well-nigh drive your man crazy with fright?"
+
+"Oh, pshaw! Did you find Jim?"
+
+O'Hara looked round and saw that Miss Betty had discreetly vanished. He
+sat gingerly down on the edge of the bed.
+
+"Ay. I took the mare over as soon as I had your letter--and a fine scare
+you gave me, Jack, I can tell you! She recognised him, and I accosted
+him."
+
+"I'll swear you did not get much satisfaction from Jim!" said my lord.
+"Did he look very foolish?"
+
+"To tell ye the truth, I thought the man was half daft, and wondered
+whether I'd been after making a mistake. But in the end I got him to
+believe what I was trying to tell him, and he has taken the mare, and
+will bring your baggage along this evening. By the way, John, I told him
+of our little meeting, and of your pistols being unloaded. He said 'twas
+his fault, and ye never saw aught to touch his face! Put out was not the
+word for it."
+
+"I suppose so. Look here, Miles, this is a damned funny affair!"
+
+"What happened to you exactly?"
+
+"'Tis what I am about to tell you. After I had left you, I rode on quite
+quietly for about an hour, and then came upon Miss Beauleigh's coach
+stopped by three blackguards who were trying to drag her to another
+coach belonging to the gentleman who conducted the affair. So, of
+course, I dismounted, and went to see what was to be done."
+
+"You _would_ be after poking your nose into what didn't concern ye. Four
+men, and ye had the audacity to tackle them all? 'Tis mad ye are
+entirely!"
+
+"Of course, if you had been in my place you would have ridden off in
+another direction--or aided the scoundrels?" was the scathing reply.
+
+O'Hara chuckled.
+
+"Well, go on, Jack. I'm not saying I don't wish I had been with ye."
+
+"'Twould have been superb. I suppose Miss Beauleigh has told you most of
+the tale, but there is one thing that she could not have told you, for
+she did not know it: the man I fought with was Belmanoir."
+
+"Thunder and turf! Not the Duke?"
+
+"Yes. Tracy."
+
+"Zounds! Did he know ye?"
+
+"I cannot be certain. I was masked, of course, but he said he thought he
+did. 'Twas at that moment he fired his pistol at me."
+
+"The dirty scoundrel!"
+
+"M'm--yes. 'Tis that which makes me think he did not know me. Damn it
+all, Miles, even Tracy would not do a thing like that!"
+
+"Would he not? If ye ask me, I say that Tracy is game enough for any
+kind of devilry."
+
+"But, my dear fellow, that is too black! He could not try to kill in
+cold blood a man he had hunted with, and fenced with-and--and--no man
+could!"
+
+O'Hara looked extremely sceptical.
+
+"Because ye could not yourself, is not to say that a miserable spalpeen
+like Belmanoir could not."
+
+"I don't believe it of him. We were always quite friendly--if it had
+been Robert now--But I am not going to believe it. And don't say
+anything to these people, O'Hara, because they do not know Devil. I
+gather from what Miss Betty says, that he calls himself Everard. He met
+the girl--Diana--at Bath; you know his way. She'd none of him: hence the
+abduction."
+
+"Heavens, but 'tis a foul mind the man's got!"
+
+"Where women are concerned, yes. Otherwise--'tis not such a bad fellow,
+Miles."
+
+"I've no use for that kind of dirt myself, Jack."
+
+"Oh, I don't know. I daresay we are none of us exactly saints." He
+changed the subject abruptly. "How is Jenny?"
+
+"Rather off her feed; missing you, I expect. I left her with your man.
+He should be arriving soon, I should think. I don't fancy he'll waste
+much time."
+
+"Neither do I. Poor fellow, he must have worried terribly over his
+worthless master."
+
+"Sure, his face was as white as your own when I told him ye were
+wounded!"
+
+Carstares turned his head quickly.
+
+"What's this about my face? Just be so kind as to hand me that mirror,
+Miles."
+
+O'Hara laughed and obeyed, watching my lord's close scrutiny of his
+countenance with some surprise.
+
+"Interesting pallor, my dear friend, interesting pallor. Nevertheless, I
+am glad that Jim is on his way." He met O'Hara's eyes as he looked up,
+and his lips quivered irrepressibly.
+
+"You think me very vain, Miles?"
+
+"Is it a pose of yours, John? Is it Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart?"
+
+"No. I believe it is myself. You see, when one has but one's self to
+live for and think for--one makes the most of one's self! Hence my
+vanity. Take the mirror away, please--the sight of my countenance
+offends me!"
+
+"Sure, ye are free with your orders, me lord!" said O'Hara, putting the
+glass down on the table. "And, while I think of it--what might your name
+be now?"
+
+"John Carr--a slip of the tongue on my part, stopped in time. I hear my
+mentor returning--and--Miles!"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Come again!"
+
+"Come again! My dear boy, ye'll be sick of the sight of me soon! I shall
+be here every day."
+
+"Thanks! It will take a good deal to sicken me, I think." He bit his
+lip, turning his head away as Miss Betty came into the room.
+
+"I'm afraid that you ought to leave my patient now, Sir Miles," she
+said. "He has had enough excitement for one day, and should sleep." She
+glanced at the averted head inquiringly. "I doubt he is tired?"
+
+Jack turned and smiled at her.
+
+"No, Miss Betty, I'm not. But I know you will refuse to believe me."
+
+"My dear boy, do you know you have black lines beneath your eyes?"
+
+"More remarks about my face!" he sighed, and glanced at O'Hara, who had
+risen.
+
+"You are quite right, Miss Beauleigh, I must go. May I come again
+to-morrow?"
+
+"Surely," she beamed. "We shall be delighted to welcome you."
+
+O'Hara bent over the bed.
+
+"Then _au revoir_, Jack. My lady sent her love to her 'Cousin
+Harry'--the saucy puss!"
+
+"Did she? How prodigious kind of her, Miles! And you'll give her mine,
+and kiss her--"
+
+"Yes?" said O'Hara with dangerous calm. "I'll kiss her what?"
+
+"Her hand for me!" ended Carstares, bubbling over. "Good-bye, and thank
+you--"
+
+"That will suffice!" said Miles, cutting him short.
+
+He bowed to Miss Betty and left the room.
+
+The business-like little lady fluttered over to the bedside and
+rearranged the pillows.
+
+"Well, and are you satisfied?"
+
+"Madam, most extraordinarily so, I thank you. I shall be getting up
+soon."
+
+"H'm!" was all she vouchsafed, and left him to his meditations.
+
+As she had foreseen, he dozed a little, but his shoulder would not allow
+him to sleep. He lay in a semi-comatose condition, his eyes shut, and a
+deep furrow, telling of pain, between his brows.
+
+The sound of a shutting door made him open his eyes; he turned his head
+slightly and saw that Jim Salter was standing in the middle of the room
+looking at him anxiously.
+
+My lord returned his gaze crossly, and Jim waited for the storm to
+break.
+
+Carstares' heart melted, and he managed to smile.
+
+"I'm monstrous glad to see you, Jim," he said.
+
+"You--you can't mean that, sir! 'Twas I left your pistols unloaded."
+
+"I know. Damned careless of you, but it's the sort of thing I should do
+myself, after all."
+
+Jim advanced to the bedside.
+
+"Do you mean you forgive me, sir?"
+
+"Why, of course! I could not have fired on my best friend in any case."
+
+"No, sir, but that don't make it any better."
+
+"It doesn't, of course, and I was rather annoyed at the time--Oh, devil
+take you, Jim, don't look at me like that! I'm not dead yet!"
+
+"If--if you had been killed, sir--'twould have been my fault."
+
+"Rubbish! I'd a sword, hadn't I? For heaven's sake don't worry about it
+any more! Have you brought all my baggage?"
+
+"Yes, sir. It shan't occur again, sir."
+
+"Certainly not. Jenny is well?"
+
+"Splendid, sir. Will you still trust me with your pistols, sir?"
+
+Carstares groaned.
+
+"Will you have done? 'Twas an accident, and I have forgotten it. Here's
+my hand on it!" He grasped Jim's as he spoke, and seemed to brush the
+whole subject aside.
+
+"Have you disposed of that horrible coat you tried to make me wear the
+other day?"
+
+"I gave it to the landlord, sir."
+
+"I should have burned it, but perhaps he liked it."
+
+"He did, sir. Will you try to go to sleep now?"
+
+"If you had a shoulder on fire and aching as mine does, you wouldn't ask
+such a ridiculous question," answered Jack snappishly.
+
+"I'm sorry, sir. Is there aught I can do?"
+
+"You can change the bandages, if you like. These are prodigious hot and
+uncomfortable."
+
+Without another word Salter set about easing his master, and he was so
+painstaking and so careful not to hurt the ugly wound, and his face
+expressed so much concern, that Carstares controlled a desire to swear
+when he happened to touch a particularly tender spot, and at the end
+rewarded him with a smile and a sigh of content.
+
+"That is much better," he said. "You have such a light touch, Jim."
+
+The man's face reddened with pleasure, but he said nothing, and walked
+away to the window to draw the curtains.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+MY LORD MAKES HIS BOW
+
+
+After Jim's arrival my lord recovered quickly, each day making great
+progress, much to the doctor's satisfaction, who never tired of telling
+Mr. Beauleigh and Miss Betty that it was entirely owing to his treatment
+that the patient had recovered at all. As his idea of treatment mainly
+consisted of copiously bleeding John, which process Miss Betty very soon
+put an end to, he and she had many arguments on the subject, in which he
+was completely routed. She held that Mr. Carr was well on the strength
+of her nursing and his own constitution--and very probably she was
+right. In any case, hardly a fortnight after O'Hara's first visit, my
+lord was standing before his mirror, surveying himself, with his head
+speculatively on one side and a worried look in his eyes. Salter watched
+him anxiously, knowing this to be a critical moment. His master was
+somewhat of an enigma to him; the important things in life never
+appeared to affect him, but over a question of two cravats as opposed to
+each other, or some equally trivial matter, he would become quite
+harassed.
+
+After contemplating his appearance for several moments, Carstares
+frowned and looked over his shoulder.
+
+"I have changed my mind, Jim. I will wear blue after all." Salter sighed
+despairingly.
+
+"Ye look very well in what ye have on, sir," he grunted. Jack sat down
+obstinately.
+
+"I have conceived a dislike--nay, a veritable hatred--for puce. I will
+wear blue."
+
+"Now, sir, do ha' done changing your clothes! Ye'll be tired out before
+ever ye get downstairs, and ye know what the doctor said."
+
+My lord consigned the doctor and his words of wisdom to a place of great
+heat.
+
+"Ay, sir, but--"
+
+"The doctor is a worthy individual, Jim, but he knows even less of the
+art of dressing than you do. He does not understand the soul-agony of a
+man who makes his first appearance in puce."
+
+"But--"
+
+"The blue coat laced with gold."
+
+"Sir--"
+
+"I order it! I insist; the blue coat or nought!"
+
+"Very well, sir." Resignedly Jim walked to the cupboard.
+
+When at length his lordship was dressed to his entire satisfaction it
+was midway through the hot June afternoon, and Miss Betty was tapping at
+the door, wishing to know whether Mr. Carr was coming down, or whether
+he was not.
+
+Carstares shifted his sling, and taking up his hat, moved just a little
+shakily to the door.
+
+Salter opened it, and cast a triumphant glance at Miss Betty, as though
+he were showing off all my lord's graces. He proffered an arm.
+
+"Shall I help ye, sir?"
+
+Miss Betty curtsied low.
+
+"La, Mr. Carr!"
+
+John bowed profoundly.
+
+"Give ye good den, madam," he said. "I am just about to descend. Thank
+you, Jim." He leaned heavily on the man's arm.
+
+Miss Betty walked round him admiringly.
+
+"Lud! 'Tis mighty elegant, I vow! But I protest, I am shy!"
+
+"Egad, Miss Betty! and why?"
+
+"You are not so young as I imagined," she replied candidly.
+
+"Bear in mind, madam, that I never sought to deceive you. I am an aged
+man."
+
+"Thirty!" she scoffed, and went on ahead. "Come, child, and mind the
+first step!"
+
+At the bottom of the staircase stood Mr. Beauleigh, a man of medium
+height, thin-lipped and grey-eyed. He came forward with one hand
+outstretched.
+
+"I am delighted to see you so much better, sir. I trust your shoulder no
+longer pains you?"
+
+My lord pushed Jim gently to one side and placed his hand in Mr.
+Beauleigh's.
+
+"I thank you, sir, it is almost well. But for Miss Betty, who, I fear,
+has the makings of a true tyrant, I should not wear this obnoxious
+sling."
+
+Mr. Beauleigh smiled a little.
+
+"Ah, yes, she keeps us all in order, does Betty. Pray, will you not walk
+a little in the garden? There are chairs on the lawn--and here is my
+daughter."
+
+He waved to the door, and Carstares, turning, beheld Diana.
+
+She stood framed by the dark wood, gowned in amber silk, with old lace
+falling from her elbows and over the bosom of her dress. Her hair was
+dark as night, with little tendrils curling over her broad, white brow.
+One rolling curl fell over her shoulder, the rest were gathered up under
+a small lace cap, which was secured by means of a riband passed beneath
+her chin.
+
+Jack gazed, and gazed again, and in her turn Diana studied him with wide
+brown eyes of almost childlike innocence. Then her lids fluttered and
+curling lashes veiled the glorious depths, as a slow blush mounted to
+her cheeks.
+
+My lord recovered his manners and made his most approved leg as her
+father presented him.
+
+"My love, this is Mr. Carr--"
+
+Diana sank into a curtsey.
+
+"--and, Mr. Carr, this is my daughter, Diana."
+
+"I am delighted to make Miss Beauleigh's acquaintance," said John, and
+raised her hand to his lips.
+
+The delicate, tapering fingers trembled a little in his hold, and
+tremulous lips parted in the shyest and most adorable smile that he had
+ever seen.
+
+"Indeed, sir, we are already acquainted. I am not like to forget my
+rescuer."
+
+"I am happy to think that I was able to be of some service to you,
+mademoiselle. Believe me, it was an honour to fight in your cause." His
+eyes were on the fascinating dimple that played about her mouth.
+
+"'Tis very kind of you to say so, sir. I fear we greatly incommoded
+you--and--" She made a gesture towards his sling.
+
+"That, mademoiselle, is less than nothing. All the obligation is on my
+side."
+
+Miss Betty bustled forward.
+
+"Now that will do! I never heard such a foolish set of compliments! You
+are looking tired, Mr. Carr; come into the garden and rest."
+
+Salter stepped forward, but Diana stayed him with uplifted finger.
+
+"If Mr. Carr will accept my arm?" she hazarded.
+
+Jack flushed.
+
+"Indeed, no, Miss Beauleigh--I can--"
+
+"Oh, tut-tut!" cried Miss Betty. "Have done dilly-dallying! Take him
+out, Di!"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh had already disappeared. His world lay in his library, and
+he was never far from it for any length of time. Now he had seized the
+moment when his sister was not looking to withdraw quietly, and, when
+she turned round, she was only in time to see the library door close
+softly.
+
+"Your papa has gone again," she remarked to her niece. "What a trying
+man he is, to be sure!"
+
+She followed the pair out on to the lawn, and helped to make Carstares
+seat himself in a long chair under a great elm. A cushion was placed
+under his wounded shoulder and another at his back.
+
+"And are you sure that you are quite comfortable?" inquired Miss Betty,
+anxiously bending over him.
+
+Jack laughed up at her.
+
+"Quite sure, thank you, madam. But where will you sit?"
+
+"I shall sit in this chair, and Di will sit on a cushion"--throwing one
+down--"at my feet--so."
+
+"I see that you are all ruled with a rod of iron, mademoiselle," he
+said, and watched the dimple tremble into being.
+
+"Indeed, yes, sir. 'Tis very sad."
+
+Miss Betty chuckled, and unrolled a packet of silks which she threw into
+her niece's lap.
+
+"Will you have the goodness to sort those for me, love?" she asked,
+taking out her embroidery.
+
+"Pray allow me to assist!" pleaded John.
+
+Diana rose and planted her cushion down beside his chair. She then knelt
+down upon it and emptied the multi-coloured strands on to his knee.
+
+"Very well! You must be very careful to separate the different pinks,
+though. See, we will have the rose here, the salmon here, the deeper
+rose here, the pale pink over there, and the reds--there is no more
+room--we will put the reds in this paper."
+
+"Certainly," agreed Carstares. "Are we to leave the other colours until
+the pinks are sorted?"
+
+She nodded and bent her head over the silks.
+
+"Is Sir Miles coming this afternoon, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"Why yes, Miss Betty--now you mention it, I remember that he is. Miss
+Beauleigh, I defy you to put that one on the rose pile; 'tis a shade too
+deep."
+
+"I am sure 'tis not! Where is one to compare with it?"
+
+Carstares produced a long thread and held it next to hers. The two heads
+were bent close over it. Diana sighed.
+
+"You are right; I can just see the difference. But 'tis _very_ slight!"
+
+Miss Betty peeped over their shoulders.
+
+"Gracious, what an eye you must have! I can detect no difference." Her
+eye ran along the row of silks laid out on my lord's white satin leg.
+
+"Mr. Carr," said Diana suddenly, "I want to ask you something--something
+that has been puzzling me."
+
+"Faith, what is it, Miss Beauleigh?"
+
+"Just this: why did you call Mr. Everard M. le Duc?"
+
+There was a tiny pause. My lord looked down into the gold-flecked eyes
+and frowned a little.
+
+"Did I call him that?"
+
+"Yes, I remember it distinctly. Was it just--a manner of speaking?"
+
+"Just a manner of speaking.... You may call it that, mademoiselle. Do
+you not think that he looks rather ducal?"
+
+"I tried not to think of him at all. I hate him!"
+
+"Almost I begin to pity this Mr. Everard," quoth Jack.
+
+The dimple peeped out.
+
+"Then 'tis most ungallant of you, sir!" she reproved. "Do you know Mr.
+Everard?"
+
+"I have certainly seen him before, madam."
+
+Diana sat back on her heels and eyed him wonderingly.
+
+"I believe you do not wish to answer me," she said slowly. "Tell me, is
+'Everard' that man's real name?"
+
+My lord twisted the ring on his finger uneasily. He did not feel himself
+at liberty to expose Belmanoir, and if he should reveal his true
+identity, it was quite possible that Mr. Beauleigh might seek him out,
+in which case he himself might be recognised. He looked up.
+
+"Pardon me, mademoiselle, but whence this cross-examination?"
+
+Diana nodded placidly.
+
+"I thought you would refuse, but I have discovered something that will
+confound you, sir!" She rose to her feet. "I will go and get it." She
+walked gracefully away towards the house, and my lord watched her go.
+
+"Now _I_ am going to ask a question," broke in Miss Betty's voice.
+
+He threw out an imploring hand.
+
+"Madam, I beg you will consider my feeble condition. Am I fit to bear
+the strain, think you?"
+
+"I do!--Is it usual for gentlemen to ride masked, as you were?"
+
+At that he laughed.
+
+"No, madam, but for the gentlemen of the High Toby, it is _de régie_."
+
+She paused, with her needle held in mid-air:
+
+"Now, what mean you by that?"
+
+"Just that I am a common highwayman, Miss Betty."
+
+She stared at him for a moment, and then resumed her work.
+
+"You look it."
+
+John cast a startled glance down his slim person.
+
+"Is that so, madam? And I rather flattered myself I did not!"
+
+"I was only laughing at you. You do not expect me to believe that
+fabrication--surely?"
+
+"I fear I do," he sighed. "'Tis very true, alack!"
+
+"Oh, indeed? Also a friend of Sir Miles O'Hara, _J.P_.--and of Mr.
+Everard?"
+
+"At least the last-named is not an acquaintance to be proud of," he
+retorted.
+
+"Perhaps not. My Di says he is some great gentleman."
+
+"I perceive that your Di is by nature suspicious. Why does she think
+that?"
+
+"You will see. Di, love, here is Mr. Carr trying to make me believe that
+he is a highwayman!"
+
+Diana came up to them smiling.
+
+"I fear he teases you, aunt. Do you remember this, sir?" Into Jack's
+hands she put his Grace of Andover's sword.
+
+Carstares took it, surprised, and glanced casually at the hilt. Then he
+started up.
+
+"Why, 'tis his sword. And I thought 'twas left on the roadside. Can it
+be--did _you_ bring it, mademoiselle?"
+
+She dropped him a curtsey, and laughed.
+
+"You are surprised, sir? You demanded the sword, so I naturally supposed
+that you required it. Therefore I brought it home."
+
+"'Twas monstrous thoughtful of you then. I dared not hope that it had not
+been forgotten. I am very grateful--"
+
+"Then pray show your gratitude by sitting down again!" advised the elder
+Miss Beauleigh. "Remember that this is your first day up, and have a
+care!"
+
+John subsided obediently, turning the sword over in his hands.
+
+Diana pointed to the wrought gold hilt with an accusing finger.
+
+"An I mistake not, sir, that is a coronet."
+
+My lord's eyes followed the pink-tipped finger and rested wrathfully
+upon the arms of Andover. It was like Tracy to flaunt them on his
+sword-hilt, he reflected.
+
+"It certainly has that appearance," he admitted cautiously.
+
+"Also, those are not paste, but real diamonds, and that is a ruby."
+
+"I do not dispute it, madam," he answered meekly.
+
+"And I believe that that big stone is an emerald."
+
+"I am very much afraid that it is."
+
+"An expensive toy!" she said, and looked sharply at him.
+
+"Ornate, I agree, but as true a piece of steel as ever I saw," replied
+my lord blandly, balancing the rapier on one finger.
+
+"A very expensive toy!" she repeated sternly.
+
+John sighed.
+
+"True, madam--true." Then with a brightened air: "Perhaps Mr. Everard
+has expensive tastes?"
+
+"It is very possible. And I think that Mr. Everard must have been more
+than a simple country gentleman to indulge those tastes."
+
+Carstares bit his lip to hide a smile at the thought of Tracy in the
+light of a simple country gentleman, and shook his head sadly.
+
+"Do you infer that he came by this sword dishonestly, madam?"
+
+The dimple quivered and was gone.
+
+"Sir, I believe that you are playing with me," she said with great
+dignity.
+
+"Madam, I am abashed."
+
+"I am very glad to hear it, then. I infer that Mr. Everard was something
+more than he pretended to be."
+
+"In truth, a sorry rogue to deceive a lady."
+
+"And I want to know if I am right. Is he, perhaps, some grand
+gentleman?"
+
+"I can assure you, madam, that there is very little of the gentleman
+about Mr. Everard."
+
+Miss Betty began to laugh.
+
+"Have done, my dear! 'Tis of no avail, and 'tis impolite to press Mr.
+Carr too hard."
+
+Diana pouted.
+
+"He is monstrous provoking, I think," she said, and eyed him
+reproachfully.
+
+"I am desolated," mourned Jack, but his eyes danced.
+
+"And now you are laughing!"
+
+"But then, mademoiselle, so are you!"
+
+She shook her head, resolutely repressing the dimple.
+
+"Then I am inconsolable."
+
+The brown eyes sparkled and her lips parted in spite of her efforts to
+keep them in a stern line.
+
+"Oh, but you are ridiculous!" she cried, and sprang to her feet. "And
+here is Sir Miles!"
+
+O'Hara came across the lawn towards them, bowed to the ladies, and
+glanced inquiringly from one to the other.
+
+"Is it a joke ye have?" he asked.
+
+Diana answered him.
+
+"Indeed no, sir. 'Tis Mr. Carr who is so provoking."
+
+"Provoking, is it? And what has he been doing?"
+
+"I'll tell you the whole truth, Miles," interposed the maligned one.
+"'Tis Mistress Diana who is so inquisitive!"
+
+"Oh!" Diana blushed furiously "I protest you are unkind, sir!"
+
+"Sure, 'tis no gentleman he is, at all!"
+
+"'Twas on the subject of gentlemen that we--"
+
+"Quarrelled," supplied her aunt.
+
+"Disagreed," amended his lordship.
+
+"Disagreed," nodded Diana. "I asked him whether Mr. Everard was not some
+grand gentleman, and he evaded the point."
+
+"I vow 'tis slander!" cried Jack. "I merely said that Everard was no
+gentleman at all."
+
+"There! And was not that evading the point, Sir Miles?"
+
+"Was it? Sure, I'm inclined to agree with him."
+
+"I declare you are both in league against me!" she cried, with greater
+truth than she knew. "I mean, was he perhaps a _titled_ gentleman?"
+
+"But how should Jack know that?"
+
+"Because I am sure he knows him--or, at least, of him."
+
+"Listen, Mistress Di," broke in my lord, shooting a warning glance at
+O'Hara. "I will tell you all about Mr. Everard, and I hope you will be
+satisfied with my tale." He paused and seemed to cudgel his brain.
+"First he is, of course, titled--let me see--yes, he is a Duke. Oh, he
+is certainly a Duke--and I am not sure but what he is royal--he--"
+
+"Now you are ridiculous!" cried Miss Betty.
+
+"You are very teasing," said Diana, and tried to frown. "First you
+pretend to know nothing about Mr. Everard, and then you tell me foolish
+stories about him. A Duke, indeed! I believe you _really_ do know
+nothing about him!"
+
+As Carstares had hoped, she refused to believe the truth.
+
+"He is playing with ye, child," said O'Hara, who had listened to Jack's
+tale with a face of wonder. "I warrant he knows no Everard--eh, Jack?"
+
+"No, I cannot say that I do," laughed his lordship.
+
+"But--but--you said--"
+
+"Never mind what he said, Miss Di. 'Tis a scurvy fellow he is."
+
+She regarded him gravely.
+
+"Indeed, I almost think so."
+
+But the dimple peeped out for all that! The next instant it was gone,
+and Diana turned a face of gloom to her aunt, pouting her red lips
+adorably, so thought my lord.
+
+"Mr. Bettison," she said in accents of despair.
+
+At these mystic words, Jack saw Miss Betty frown, and heard her
+impatient remark: "Drat the man!"
+
+He looked towards the house, and perceived a short, rather stout, young
+man to be walking with a peculiar strutting gait towards them. The boy
+was good-looking, Carstares acknowledged to himself, but his eyes were
+set too close. And he did not like his style. No, certainly he did not
+like his style, nor the proprietary way in which he kissed Diana's hand.
+
+"How agreeable it is to see you again, Mr. Bettison!" said Miss Betty
+with much affability. "I declare 'tis an age since we set eyes on you!"
+
+"Oh, no, Aunt," contradicted Diana sweetly. "Why, it was only a very
+short while ago that Mr. Bettison was here, _surely_!" She withdrew the
+hand that the young man seemed inclined to hold fast to, and turned to
+John.
+
+"I think you do not know Mr. Bettison, Mr. Carr?" she said. "Mr.
+Bettison, allow me to present you to Mr. Carr. Sir Miles I think you
+know?"
+
+The squire bowed with a great deal of stiff hostility. Carstares
+returned the bow.
+
+"You will excuse my not rising, I beg," he smiled. "As you perceive--I
+have had an accident."
+
+Light dawned on Bettison. This was the man who had rescued Diana,
+confound his impudence!
+
+"Ah, yes, sir! Your arm, was it not? My faith, I should be proud of such
+a wound!"
+
+It seemed to Carstares that he smiled at Diana in a damned familiar
+fashion, devil take his impudence!
+
+"It was indeed a great honour, sir. Mistress Di, I have finished sorting
+your green silks."
+
+Diana sank down on the cushion again, and shook some more strands out on
+to his knee.
+
+"How quick you have been! Now we will do the blue ones." Bettison
+glared. This fellow seemed prodigious intimate with Diana, devil take
+him! He sat down beside Miss Betty, and addressed my lord patronisingly.
+
+"Let me see--er--Mr. Carr. Have I met you in town, I wonder? At Tom's,
+perhaps?"
+
+This country bumpkin _would_ belong to Tom's, reflected John savagely,
+for no reason at all. Aloud he said:
+
+"I think it extremely unlikely, sir. I have been abroad some years."
+
+"Oh, indeed, sir? The 'grand tour,' I suppose?"
+
+Mr. Bettison's tone was not the tone of one who supposes any such thing.
+
+John smiled.
+
+"Not this time," he said, "that was seven years ago."
+
+Mr. Bettison had heard rumours of this fellow who, it was murmured, was
+nought but a common highwayman.
+
+"Really? After Cambridge, perhaps?"
+
+"Oxford," corrected Carstares gently.
+
+Curse his audacity! thought Mr. Bettison.
+
+"Seven years ago--let me think. George must have been on the tour
+then--Selwyn, I mean, Miss Beauleigh."
+
+Jack, who had made the tour with several other young bucks fresh down
+from college, accompanied as far as Paris by the famous wit himself,
+held his peace.
+
+Mr. Bettison then launched forth into anecdotes of his own tour, and
+seeing that his friend was entirely engrossed with Miss Diana and her
+silks, O'Hara felt it incumbent on him to draw the enemy's fire, and,
+taking his own departure, to bear the squire off with him. For which he
+received a grateful smile from my lord, and a kiss blown from the tips
+of her fingers from Mistress Di, with whom he was on the best of terms.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+MISTRESS DIANA IS UNMAIDENLY
+
+
+The idyllic summer days passed quickly by, and every time that my lord
+spoke of leaving, the outcry was so indignant and so firm that he
+hastily subsided and told himself he would stay just another few days.
+His shoulder, having mended up to a certain point, refused quite to
+heal, and exertion brought the pain back very swiftly. So his time was
+for the most part spent with Mistress Di out of doors, helping her with
+her gardening and her chickens--for Diana was an enthusiastic poultry
+farmer on a small scale--and ministering to her various pets. If Fido
+had a splinter in his paw, it was to Mr. Carr that he was taken; if
+Nellie, the spaniel, caught a live rabbit, Mr. Carr would assuredly know
+what to do for it, and the same with all the other animals. The young
+pair grew closer and closer together, while Miss Betty and O'Hara
+watched from afar, the former filled with pride of her darling, and
+satisfaction, and the latter with apprehension. O'Hara knew that his
+friend was falling unconsciously in love, and he feared the time when
+John should realise it. He confided these fears to his wife, who, with
+young David, was staying at her mother's house in Kensington, in a long
+and very Irish letter. She replied that he must try and coax my lord
+into coming to stay with them, when her charms would at once eclipse
+Mistress Diana's, though to be sure, she could not understand why Miles
+should not wish him to fall in love, for as he well knew, 'twas a
+prodigious pleasant sensation. If he did not know it, then he was indeed
+most disagreeable. And had he ever heard of anything so
+wonderful?--David had drawn a picture of a horse! Yes, really, it was a
+horse! Was he not a clever child? Further, would her dearest Miles
+please come and fetch her home, for although Mamma was prodigious
+amiable, and wanted her to stay several weeks, she positively could not
+live without her husband an instant longer than was necessary!
+
+As soon as O'Hara read the last part of the letter he brushed Carstares
+and his love affairs to one side, and posted straight to London to obey
+the welcome summons.
+
+Bit by bit my lord discovered that he was very much in love with Diana.
+At first his heart gave a great bound, and then seemed to stop with a
+sickening thud. He remembered that he could not ask her to marry him,
+disgraced as he was, and he immediately faced the situation, realising
+that he must go away at once. His first move was to Mr. Beauleigh, to
+tell him of his decision. On being asked why he must so suddenly leave
+Horton House, he explained that he loved Diana and could not in honour
+speak of love to her. At which Mr. Beauleigh gasped and demanded to know
+the reason. Carstares told him that he was by profession a highwayman,
+and watched him bridle angrily. Before so agreeable and so smiling, Mr.
+Beauleigh now became frigidly polite. He quite understood Mr. Carr's
+position, and--er--yes, he honoured him for the course on which he had
+decided. But Mr. Beauleigh was very, very cold. Carstares gave Jim
+orders to pack immediately, that he might depart next day, and
+reluctantly informed Miss Betty of his going. She was startled and
+bewildered. She had imagined that he would spend all June with them.
+Circumstances, he regretted, willed otherwise. He should always remember
+her great kindness to him, and hoped that she would forgive the brusque
+nature of his departure.
+
+When he told Diana her eyes opened very wide and she laughed, pointing
+an accusing finger at him.
+
+"You are teasing, Mr. Carr!" she cried, and ran into the house.
+
+That evening Miss Betty confirmed Jack's words, and seeing the hurt look
+in the girl's eyes, wisely held her peace.
+
+Next morning in the pleasaunce Diana came across my lord, and went up to
+him, gravely questioning.
+
+"You are really leaving us to-day, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"I am afraid I must, Mistress Di."
+
+"So suddenly? Then you were not teasing yesterday?"
+
+"No, mademoiselle--I was not. I fear I have tarried too long, taking
+advantage of your kindness."
+
+"Oh, no, no!" she assured him. "Indeed, you have not! Must you _really_
+go?"
+
+Looking down into her big eyes, John read the answering love in them,
+and grew pale. It was worse to think that she cared, too. If only he
+thought she was indifferent, parting would not seem so unbearable.
+
+"Mademoiselle--you overwhelm me--I must go."
+
+"Oh, but I am sorry. Your being here has been such a pleasure! I--" She
+stopped, and looked away across the flowers.
+
+"You?" prompted Jack before he could check himself.
+
+With a tiny laugh she brought her gaze back.
+
+"I am sorry you must leave us, naturally."
+
+She sat down beneath an arbour of roses, and patted the place beside her
+invitingly, with just the same unconscious friendliness that she had
+always shown him. My lord stayed where he was, with one hand on a tree
+trunk and the other fidgeting with his quizzing glass.
+
+"Mistress Di--I think it only right that I should tell you what I have
+told your father, and what I told your aunt some time ago, when she
+refused to believe me. To some extent I am here under false pretences. I
+am not what you think me."
+
+Diana laced and unlaced her fingers, and thought that she understood.
+
+"Oh, no, Mr. Carr!"
+
+"I am afraid yes, mademoiselle. I am--a common felon ... a highwayman!"
+He bit the words out, not looking at her.
+
+"But I knew that," she said softly.
+
+"You _knew_ it?"
+
+"Why, yes! I remember when you told Aunt Betty."
+
+"You believed me?"
+
+"You see," she apologised, "I always wondered why you were masked."
+
+"And yet you permitted me to stay--"
+
+"How silly of you, Mr. Carr! Of course I do not care what you are! I owe
+so much to you!"
+
+He wheeled round at that, and faced her.
+
+"Madam, I can bear anything rather than gratitude! Is it only that which
+has made you tolerate me all this time?"
+
+Her fingers gripped one another.
+
+"Why, sir--why, sir--"
+
+The flame died out of his eyes, and he drew himself up stiffly, speaking
+with a curtness that surprised her.
+
+"I crave your pardon. I should be whipped at the cart-tail for asking
+such an impertinent question. Forget it, I beg."
+
+Diana looked up at the stern face, half amazed, half affronted.
+
+"I do not think I quite understand you, sir."
+
+"There is nought to understand, mademoiselle," he answered with dry
+lips. "'Twere merely that I was coxcomb enough to hope that you liked me
+a little for mine own sake."
+
+She glanced again at his averted head with a wistful little smile.
+
+"Oh!" she murmured. "_Oh!_"--and--"It is very dreadful to be a
+highwayman!" she sighed.
+
+"Yes, mademoiselle."
+
+"But surely you could cease to be one?" coaxingly.
+
+He did not trust himself to answer.
+
+"I know you could. Please do!"
+
+"That is not all," he forced himself to say. "There is worse."
+
+"_Is_ there?" she asked wide-eyed. "What else have you done, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"I--once--" heavens, how hard it was to say! "I once ... cheated ... at
+cards." It was out. Now she would turn from him in disgust. He shut his
+eyes in anticipation of her scorn, his head turned away.
+
+"Only _once_?" came the soft voice, filled with awed admiration.
+
+His eyes flew open.
+
+"Mademoiselle--!"
+
+She drooped her head mournfully.
+
+"I'm afraid I always cheat," she confessed. "I had no idea 'twas so
+wicked, although Auntie gets very cross and vows she will not play with
+me."
+
+He could not help laughing.
+
+"'Tis not wicked in you, child. You do not play for money."
+
+"Oh, did you?"
+
+"Yes, child."
+
+"Then that _was_ horrid of you," she agreed.
+
+He stood silent, fighting the longing to tell her the truth.
+
+"But--but--do not look so solemn, sir," the pleading voice went on. "I
+am sure you must have had a very strong excuse?"
+
+"None."
+
+"And now you are letting it spoil your life?" she asked reproachfully.
+
+"It does not wait for my permission," he answered bitterly.
+
+"Ah, but what a pity! Must one moment's indiscretion interfere with all
+else in life? That is ridiculous. You have--what is the word?--expiated!
+yes, that is it--expiated it, I know."
+
+"The past can never be undone, madam."
+
+"That, of course, is true," she nodded, with the air of a sage, "but it
+can be forgotten."
+
+His hand flew out eagerly and dropped back to his side. It was hopeless.
+He could not tell her the truth and ask her to share his disgrace; he
+must bear it alone, and, above all, he must not whine. He had chosen to
+take Richard's blame and he must abide by the consequences. It was not a
+burden to be cast off as soon as it became too heavy for him. It was for
+ever--for ever. He forced his mind to grasp that fact. All through his
+life he must be alone against the world; his name would never be
+cleared; he could never ask this sweet child who sat before him with
+such a wistful, pleading look on her lovely face, to wed him. He looked
+down at her sombrely, telling himself that she did not really care: that
+it was his own foolish imagination. Now she was speaking: he listened to
+the liquid voice that repeated:
+
+"Could it not be forgotten?"
+
+"No, mademoiselle. It will always be there."
+
+"To all intents and purposes, might it not be forgotten?" she persisted.
+
+"It will always stand in the way, mademoiselle."
+
+He supposed that mechanical voice was his own. Through his brain
+thrummed the thought: "It is for Dick's sake ... for Dick's sake. For
+Dick's sake you must be silent." Resolutely he pulled himself together.
+
+"It will stand in the way--of what?" asked Diana.
+
+"I can never ask a woman to be my wife," he replied.
+
+Diana wantonly stripped a rose of its petals, letting each fragrant leaf
+flutter slowly to the ground.
+
+"I do not see why you cannot, sir."
+
+"No woman would share my disgrace."
+
+"No?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You seem very certain, Mr. Carr. Pray have you asked the lady?"
+
+"No, madam." Carstares was as white as she was red, but he was holding
+himself well in hand.
+
+"Then--" the husky voice was very low, "then--why don't you?"
+
+The slim hand against the tree trunk was clenched tightly, she observed.
+In his pale face the blue eyes burnt dark.
+
+"Because, madam, 'twere the action of a--of a--"
+
+"Of a what, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"A cur! A scoundrel! A blackguard!"
+
+Another rose was sharing the fate of the first.
+
+"I have heard it said that some women like--curs, and-and--and
+scoundrels; even blackguards," remarked that provocative voice. Through
+her lashes its owner watched my lord's knuckles gleam white against the
+tree-bark.
+
+"Not the lady I love, madam."
+
+"Oh? But are you sure?"
+
+"I am sure. She must marry a man whose honour is spotless; who is not--a
+nameless outcast, and who lives--not--by dice--and highway robbery."
+
+He knew that the brown eyes were glowing and sparkling with unshed
+tears, but he kept his own turned inexorably the other way. There was no
+doubting now that she cared, and that she knew that he did also. He
+could not leave her to think that her love had been slighted. She must
+not be hurt, but made to understand that he could not declare his love.
+But how hard it was, with her sorrowful gaze upon him and the pleading
+note in her voice. It was quivering now:
+
+"Must she, sir?"
+
+"Yes, madam."
+
+"But supposing--supposing the lady did not care? Supposing she--loved
+you--and was willing to share your disgrace?"
+
+The ground at her feet was strewn with crimson petals, and all around
+and above her roses nodded and swayed. A tiny breeze was stirring her
+curls and the lace of her frock, but John would not allow himself to
+look, lest the temptation to catch her in his arms should prove too
+great for him. She was ready to give herself to him; to face anything,
+only to be with him. In the plainest language she offered herself to
+him, and he had to reject her.
+
+"It is inconceivable that the lady would sacrifice herself in such a
+fashion, madam," he said.
+
+"Sacrifice!" She caught her breath. "You call it that!"
+
+"What else?"
+
+"I ... I ... I do not think that you are very wise, Mr. Carr. Nor ...
+that you ... understand women ... very well. She might not call it by
+that name."
+
+"It would make no difference what she called it, madam. She would ruin
+her life, and that must never be."
+
+A white rose joined its fallen brethren, pulled to pieces by fingers
+that trembled pitifully.
+
+"Mr. Carr, if the lady ... loved you ... is it quite fair to her--to say
+nothing?"
+
+There was a long silence, and then my lord lied bravely.
+
+"I hope that she will--in time--forget me," he said.
+
+Diana sat very still. No more roses were destroyed; the breeze wafted
+the fallen petals over her feet, lightly, almost playfully. Somewhere in
+the hedge a bird was singing, a full-throated sobbing plaint, and from
+all around came an incessant chirping and twittering. The sun sent its
+bright rays all over the garden, bathing it in gold and happiness; but
+for the two in the pleasaunce the light had gone out, and the world was
+very black.
+
+"I see," whispered Diana at last. "Poor lady!"
+
+"I think it was a cursed day that saw me come into her life," he
+groaned.
+
+"Perhaps it was," her hurt heart made answer.
+
+He bowed his head.
+
+"I can only hope that she will not think too hardly of me," he said,
+very low. "And that she will find it in her heart to be sorry--for
+me--also."
+
+She rose and came up to him, her skirts brushing gently over the grass,
+holding out her hands imploringly.
+
+"Mr. Carr...."
+
+He would not allow himself to look into the gold-flecked eyes.... He
+must remember Dick--his brother Dick!
+
+In his hand he took the tips of her fingers, and bowing, kissed them.
+Then he turned on his heel and strode swiftly away between the hedges
+towards the quiet woods, with a heart aflame with passion, and with
+rebellion and impotent fury. He would go somewhere quite alone and fight
+the devil that was prompting him to cry the truth aloud and to throw
+aside his burden for love, forgetting duty.
+
+But Diana remained standing among the scattered flowers, very still,
+very cold, with a look of hopeless longing in her eyes and a great
+hurt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+O'HARA'S MIND IS MADE UP
+
+
+Jim Salter folded one of my lord's waistcoats, and placed it carefully
+in an open valise; then he picked up a coat, and spread it on the bed
+preparatory to folding it in such wise that no crease should afterwards
+mar its smoothness. All about him my lord's clothing was strewn; Mechlin
+ruffles and cravats adorned one chair, silk hose another; gorgeous coats
+hung on their backs; shoes of every description, red-heeled and white,
+riding boots and slippers, stood in a row awaiting attention; wigs
+perched coquettishly on handy projections, and piles of white cambric
+shirts peeped out from an almost finished bag.
+
+Jim laid the coat tenderly in the valise, coaxing it into decorous
+folds, and wondering at the same time where his master was. He had been
+out all the morning, and on his return had looked so ill that Jim had
+been worried, and wished that they were not leaving Horton House quite
+so soon. A little while ago my lord had been closeted with his host; Jim
+supposed he must still be there. He reached out his hand for another
+waistcoat, but before his fingers had touched it, he stopped, and lifted
+his head, listening. Hasty, impetuous footsteps sounded on the stairs,
+and came furiously along the corridor. The door was twisted open, and my
+lord stood on the threshold. Jim scanned the tired face anxiously, and
+noted with a sinking heart that the blue eyes were blazing and the fine
+lips set in a hard, uncompromising line. The slender hand gripping the
+door-handle twitched in a way that Jim knew full well; evidently my lord
+was in an uncertain mood.
+
+"Have you finished?" rapped out Carstares.
+
+"Not quite, sir."
+
+"I wish to leave this year and not next, if 'tis all the same to you!"
+
+"Yes, sir. I didn't know you was in a hurry, sir."
+
+There was no reply to this. My lord advanced into the room and cast one
+glance at his scattered baggage and another all round him.
+
+"Where is my riding dress?"
+
+Jim shivered in his luckless shoes.
+
+"I--er--'tis packed, sir. Do ye want it?"
+
+"Of course I want it! Do you suppose that I am going to ride in what I
+have on?"
+
+"I rather thought ye were driving, your honour."
+
+"I am not. The scarlet suit at once, please."
+
+He flung himself down in a chair before his dressing-table and picked up
+a nail-file.
+
+Salter eyed his reflection in the glass dismally, and made no movement
+to obey. After a moment my lord swung round.
+
+"Well! What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear me?"
+
+"Ay, sir, I did, but--your pardon, sir--but do ye think 'tis wise to
+ride to-day for--for the first time?"
+
+The file slammed down on to the table.
+
+"I am riding to Horley this afternoon!" said his master dangerously.
+
+"'Tis a matter of fifteen miles or so, your honour. Hadn't ye better--"
+
+"Damn you, Jim, be quiet!"
+
+Salter gave it up.
+
+"Very well, sir," he said, and unearthed the required dress. "I'll see
+the baggage goes by coach, and saddle the mare and Peter."
+
+"Not Peter. You go in the coach."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"_What!_"
+
+My lord stared at him. There had been a note of finality in the
+respectful tone. My lord became icy.
+
+"You forget yourself, Salter."
+
+"I ask your pardon, sir."
+
+"You will travel in charge of my things, as usual."
+
+Jim compressed his lips, and stowed a shoe away in one corner of the
+bag.
+
+"You understand me?"
+
+"I understand ye well enough, sir."
+
+"Then that is settled."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+My lord dropped his eye-glass.
+
+"What the devil do you mean--'No, sir'?"
+
+"I ask your pardon, sir, an I presume, but I can't and won't let ye ride
+alone with your wound but just healed." There was not a hint of defiance
+or impertinence in the quiet voice, but it held a great determination.
+
+"You won't, eh? Do you imagine I am a child?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Or unable to take care of myself?"
+
+"I think ye are weaker than ye know, sir."
+
+"Oh, you do, do you?"
+
+Jim came up to him.
+
+"Ye'll let me ride with ye, sir? I won't trouble ye, and I can ride
+behind, but I can't let ye go alone. Ye might faint--sir--"
+
+"I can assure you I am not like to be a pleasant companion!" said
+Carstares with a savage little laugh.
+
+"Why, sir, I understand there's something troubling ye. Will ye let me
+come?"
+
+My lord scowled up at him, then relented suddenly.
+
+"As you please."
+
+"Thank ye, sir." Salter returned to his packing, cording one bag and
+placing it near the door, and quickly filling another. The piles of
+linen grew steadily smaller until they disappeared, and he retired into
+a cupboard to reappear with a great armful of coats and small-clothes.
+
+For a long while my lord sat silent staring blankly before him. He
+walked to the window and stood with his back to the room, looking out,
+then he turned and came back to his chair. Jim, watching him covertly,
+noted that the hard glitter had died out of his eyes, and that he looked
+wearier than ever.
+
+Carstares studied his nails for a moment in silence. Presently he spoke:
+
+"Jim."
+
+"Yes, sir?"
+
+"I shall be--going abroad again shortly."
+
+If Carstares had remarked that it was a fine day the man could not have
+shown less surprise.
+
+"Shall we, sir?"
+
+John looked across at him, smiling faintly.
+
+"You'll come, Jim?"
+
+"I would go anywhere with ye, sir."
+
+"And what about that little girl at Fittering?"
+
+Salter blushed and stammered hopelessly.
+
+"My dear fellow, since when have I been blind? Did you think I did not
+know?"
+
+"Why, sir--well, sir--er--yes, sir!"
+
+"Of course I knew! Can you leave her to come with me?"
+
+"I couldn't leave ye to stay with her, sir."
+
+"Are you sure? I do not want you to come against your inclinations."
+
+"Women ain't everything, sir."
+
+"Are they not? I think they are ... a great deal," said my lord
+wistfully.
+
+"I'm mighty fond o' Mary, but she knows I must go with you."
+
+"Does she? But is it quite fair to her? And I believe I am not minded to
+drag you 'cross Continent again."
+
+"Ye won't leave me behind, sir? Ye couldn't do that! Sir-ye're never
+thinking of going by yourself? I--I--I won't let ye!"
+
+"I am afraid I cannot spare you. But if you should change your mind,
+tell me. Is it a promise?"
+
+"Ay, sir. If I _should_ change my mind." Salter's smile was grimly
+sarcastic.
+
+"I am selfish enough to hope you'll not change. I think no one else
+would bear with my vile temper as you do. Help me out of this coat, will
+you?"
+
+"I'll never change, sir. And as to tempers--As if I minded!"
+
+"No. You are marvellous. My breeches. Thanks."
+
+He shed his satin small-clothes, and proceeded to enter into white
+buckskins. "Not those boots, Jim, the other pair." He leaned against the
+table as he spoke, drumming his fingers on a chair-back.
+
+A knock fell on the door, at which he frowned and signed to Jim, who
+walked across and opened it, slightly.
+
+"Is your master here?" inquired a well-known voice, and at the sound of
+it my lord's face lighted up, and Salter stood aside.
+
+"Come in, Miles!"
+
+The big Irishman complied and cast a swift glance round the disordered
+room. He raised his eyebrows at sight of Jack's riding boots and looked
+inquiringly across at him.
+
+My lord pushed a chair forward with his foot.
+
+"Sit down, man! I thought you were in London?"
+
+"I was. I brought Molly home yesterday, the darlint, and I heard that ye
+were leaving here this afternoon."
+
+"Ah?"
+
+"And as I'm not going to let ye slip through me fingers again, I thought
+I would come and make sure of ye. Ye are a deal too slippery, Jack."
+
+"Yet I was coming to see you again whatever happened."
+
+"Of course. Ye are coming now--to stay."
+
+"Oh no!"
+
+O'Hara placed his hat and whip on the table, and stretched his legs with
+a sigh.
+
+"Sure, 'tis stiff I am! Jim, I've a chaise outside for the baggage, so
+ye may take it down as soon as may be."
+
+"Leave it where it is, Jim. Miles, 'tis monstrous good of you, but--"
+
+"Keep your buts to yourself, Jack. Me mind's made up."
+
+"And so is mine! I really cannot--"
+
+"Me good boy, ye are coming to stay with us until ye are recovered, if I
+have to knock ye senseless and then carry ye!"
+
+The lightning smile flashed into Jack's eyes.
+
+"How ferocious! But pray do not be ridiculous over a mere scratch.
+Recovered, indeed!"
+
+"Ye still look ill. Nay, Jack, take that frown off your face; 'tis of no
+avail, I am determined."
+
+The door closed softly behind Jim as Carstares shook his head.
+
+"I can't, Miles. You must see 'tis impossible."
+
+"Pooh! No one who comes to Thurze House knows ye or anything about ye.
+Ye need not see a soul, but come ye must!"
+
+"But, Miles--"
+
+"Jack, don't be a fool! I want ye, and so does Molly. 'Tis no trap, so
+ye need not look so scared."
+
+"I'm not. Indeed, I am very grateful, but--I cannot. I am going abroad
+almost at once."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Yes. I mean it."
+
+O'Hara sat up.
+
+"So it has come! I knew it would!"
+
+"What mean you?"
+
+"Ye've found out that ye love Mistress Di."
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"And she you."
+
+Jack looked at him.
+
+"Oh, ay! I'm a tactless oaf, I know, and me manners are atrocious to be
+for trying to break through the barriers ye've put up round yourself.
+But, I tell ye, Jack, it hurts to be kept at the end of a pole! I don't
+want to force your confidence, but for God's sake don't be treating me
+as if I were a stranger!"
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miles. It's confoundedly hard to confide in anyone
+after six years' solitude." He struggled into his coat as he spoke, and
+settled his cravat. "If you want to know the whole truth, 'tis because
+of Diana that I am going."
+
+"Of course. Ye are in love with her?"
+
+"It rather points that way, does it not?"
+
+"Then why the divil don't ye ask her to marry ye?"
+
+"Why don't I ask her? Because I will not offer her a smirched name!
+Because I love her so much that--" He broke off with a shaky, furious
+laugh. "How can you ask me such a question? I am a desirable _parti,
+hein? Nom d'un nom_! For what do you take me?"
+
+O'Hara looked up, calmly studying the wrathful countenance.
+
+"Chivalrous young fool," he drawled.
+
+Again the short, angry laugh.
+
+"It is so likely that I should ask her to marry me, is it not?
+'Mademoiselle, you see in me an improvident fool: I began life by
+cheating at cards, and since then--' Oh, I shall believe it myself ere
+long! I seem to have told it to so many people. And I lay myself open to
+the impertinences of--" he checked himself, thinking of the interview
+downstairs with Mr. Beauleigh.
+
+"Rubbish, Jack."
+
+"'Tis not rubbish. I have one recommendation--only one."
+
+"Faith, have ye as much? What is it?"
+
+My lord laughed bitterly.
+
+"I dress rather well."
+
+"And fence better, as far as I remember."
+
+"I have reason to. That is but another point to damn me. What woman
+would marry a fencing-master? Oh, my God! what a mess I have made of my
+life." He tried to laugh and failed miserably.
+
+"I rather fancy Mistress Di would."
+
+"She will not be asked thus to demean herself," was the proud answer.
+
+"My dear Jack, ye forget ye are the Earl of Wyncham."
+
+"A pretty earl! No thank you, Miles. Richard's son will be Earl--no son
+of mine."
+
+O'Hara brought his fist down on the table with a crash.
+
+"Damn Richard and his son!"
+
+My lord picked up a jewelled pin and, walking to the glass, proceeded to
+fasten it in his cravat. The other followed him with smouldering eyes.
+
+"Retired into your shell again?" he growled.
+
+Carstares, with his head slightly on one side, considered the effect of
+the pin. Then he came back to his friend.
+
+"My dear Miles, the long and short of it is that I am an unreasonable
+grumbler. I made my bed, and I suppose I must-on it."
+
+"And will ye be afther telling me who helped ye in the making of it?"
+
+Carstares sat down and started to pull on one boot.
+
+"I foresee we shall be at one another's throats ere long," he prophesied
+cheerfully. "Did I tell you that I informed Mr. Beauleigh of
+my--er--profession to-day?"
+
+Miles forgot his anger in surprise.
+
+"Ye never told him ye were a highwayman?" he cried.
+
+"Yes, I did. Why not?"
+
+"Why not? Why wot? God help us all! are ye daft, man? Do ye intend to
+tell every other person ye meet what ye are? Bedad, 'tis mad ye are
+entirely!"
+
+Carstares sighed.
+
+"I was afraid you would not understand."
+
+"'Twould take a wizard to understand ye! Another chivalrous impulse, I
+doubt not?"
+
+"Chiv--! No. It is just that I could not let him think me an honourable
+gentleman. He took it well, on the whole, and is now frigidly polite."
+
+"Polite! I should hope so! The ould scarecrow, after ye'd saved his
+daughter on him, too! And 'twas he made ye so furious?"
+
+Carstares laughed.
+
+"He and myself. You see--he--lectured me--oh! quite kindly--on the error
+of my ways, and--it hurt."
+
+"'Tis as well ye are coming to me then, the way things are with ye at
+present."
+
+My lord opened his mouth to speak, encountered a fiery glance, and shut
+it again.
+
+"Anything to say?" inquired O'Hara with a threatening gleam in his eye.
+
+"No, sir," replied Jack meekly.
+
+"Ye will come?"
+
+"Please."
+
+O'Hara sprang up joyfully.
+
+"Good lad! Lud! but I was afraid at one time--Put on your other boot
+while I go and look for that rascal of yours!" He hurried out of the
+room to find Jim, who, having foreseen the result of the contest, was
+already stowing the luggage away on the chaise.
+
+Half-an-hour later, his _adieux_ made, Jim and the baggage following, my
+lord rode out with O'Hara on his way to Thurze House.
+
+For some time there was silence between the two men, with only a
+perfunctory remark or two on the fineness of the day and the freshness
+of the mare to break it. Carstares' mind was, as his friend well knew,
+dwelling on all that he had left behind him. His parting with Diana had
+been quite ordinary, she at least making no sign that he was anything
+beyond a chance acquaintance; indeed, it had almost seemed to him that
+her attitude was slightly aloof, as if she had drawn a little into
+herself. Her hand when he had kissed it had been lifeless and cold, her
+smile sweetly remote. He knew that he had held the hand a fraction of a
+minute longer than was strictly in accordance with the rules of good
+manners, and he feared that he had clasped it in most unseemly wise,
+pressing it hard against his lips. He wondered whether she had remarked
+it. He little guessed that long after he had ridden out of sight, she
+continued to feel that pressure. If he could have seen her passionately
+kissing each finger separately for fear her lips might pass over the
+exact spot his had touched, his heart might have been lighter.
+
+It was true that she had retired into her shell, a little hurt at what
+she termed his man's blind obstinacy. She had laid her heart bare for
+him to read; she had offered herself to him as plainly as if she had
+spoken in terms less general than in the pleasaunce; she had fought
+desperately for her happiness, thrusting aside all thought of maiden
+modesty, and when she afterwards had realised what she had done, and
+tried to imagine what he must think of her, she had blushed dark, and
+mentally flayed herself for her lack of proper pride and manners.
+Terrified that he might think her immodest, overwhelmed with sudden
+shyness, she had been colder in her attitude towards him, than she had
+intended, even in her anxiety not to appear forward. But in spite of
+her coldness, how intensely had she hoped that he would sense her love
+and all that she wanted him to know! Incomprehensible the ways of women!
+
+Not endowed with feminine perspicacity or intuition, how could John hope
+to understand her dual feelings? He only knew that he had hurt her, and
+that she had drawn back that she might not lay herself open to more. He
+could not hope to understand her when she did not fully understand
+herself.
+
+Reflecting on the swiftness with which love had come to them, he
+believed that with a like swiftness it might fade, at least from Diana's
+memory. He told himself that he hoped for that end, but he was honest
+enough to know that it was the last thing in the world he wanted. The
+mere thought of Diana indifferent to him, or worse, another man's bride,
+made him bite on his underlip and tighten his hold on the rein.
+
+O'Hara cast many a surreptitious glance at the stern young profile
+beside him, wondering whether his lordship would last out the tedious
+ride or no. He knew enough of Carstares' indomitable courage to believe
+that he would, but he feared that it would prove too great a strain on
+him in his present weakened condition.
+
+Very wisely he made no attempt to draw Carstares out of his abstraction,
+but continued to push on in silence, past fields knee-deep in grass,
+soon to be hay, with sorrel and poppies growing apace, along lanes with
+hedges high above their heads on either side, over hill and down
+dale--always in silence.
+
+Presently O'Hara fell a little to the rear that he might study his
+friend without palpably turning to do so. He thought he had never seen
+Jack's face wear such a black look. The fine brows almost met over his
+nose with only two sharp furrows to separate them; the mouth was
+compressed, the chin a little prominent, and the eyes, staring ahead
+between Jenny's nervous ears, seemed to see all without absorbing
+anything. One hand at his hip was clenched on his riding-whip, the other
+mechanically guided the mare.
+
+O'Hara found himself admiring the lithe grace of the man, with his
+upright carriage and splendid seat.
+
+Suddenly, as if aware that he was being studied, my lord half turned his
+head and met O'Hara's eyes. He gave a tiny shrug and with it seemed to
+throw off his oppression. The frown vanished, and he smiled.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miles. I am a surly fellow."
+
+"Mayhap your shoulder troubles you," suggested O'Hara tactfully.
+
+"N-no, I am barely conscious of it. I've no excuse beyond bad manners
+and a worse temper."
+
+From thence onward he set himself to entertain his friend, and if his
+laugh was sometimes rather forced, at least his wit was enough to keep
+O'Hara in a pleasurable state of amusement for some miles.
+
+By the time they arrived at Thurze House, Carstares was suspiciously
+white about the mouth, and there was once more a furrow--this time of
+pain--between his brows. But he was able to greet my Lady O'Hara with
+fitting elegance and to pay her at least three neat, laughing
+compliments before O'Hara took him firmly by the arm and marched him to
+his room, there to rest and recover before the dinner hour.
+
+Shortly after, Jim arrived, highly contented with his new surroundings,
+and able to give a satisfactory verdict on Jenny's stalling. He had
+quite accepted O'Hara as a friend, after some jealous qualms, and was
+now well pleased that his master should be in his house instead of
+roaming the countryside.
+
+At five o'clock, as the gong rang, my lord descended the stairs
+resplendent in old gold and silver trimmings, determined to be as gay
+and light-hearted as the occasion demanded, as though there had never
+been a Diana to upset the whole course of a man's life.
+
+Not for nothing had he fought against the world for six long years.
+Their teaching had been to hide all feeling beneath a perpetual mask of
+nonchalance and wit; never for an instance to betray a hurt, and never
+to allow it to appear that he was anything but the most care-free of
+men. The training stood him in good stead now, and even O'Hara wondered
+to see him in such spirits after all that had passed. Lady Molly was
+delighted with her guest, admiring his appearance, his fine, courtly
+manners, and falling an easy victim to his charm.
+
+O'Hara, watching them, saw with content that his capricious little wife
+was really attracted to my lord. It was a high honour, for she was hard
+to please, and many of O'Hara's acquaintances had been received, if not
+with actual coldness, at least not with any degree of warmth.
+
+At the end of the meal she withdrew with the warning that they were not
+to sit too long over their wine, and that Miles was not to fatigue his
+lordship.
+
+O'Hara pushed the decanter towards his friend.
+
+"I've a piece of news I daresay will interest ye!" he remarked.
+
+Carstares looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Ay. 'Tis that his Grace of Andover has withdrawn his precious person to
+Paris."
+
+Carstares raised one eyebrow.
+
+"I suppose he would naturally wish to remain in the background after our
+little fracas."
+
+"Does he ever wish to be in the background?"
+
+"You probably know him better than I do. Does he?"
+
+"He does not. 'Tis always in front he is, mighty prominent. Damn him!"
+
+My lord was faintly surprised.
+
+"Why that? Has he ever interfered with you?"
+
+"He has interfered with me best friend to some purpose."
+
+"I fear the boot was on the other leg!"
+
+"Well, I know something of how he interferes with Dick."
+
+Carstares put down his glass, all attention now.
+
+"With Dick? How?"
+
+O'Hara seemed to regret having spoken
+
+"Oh, well--I've no sympathy with _him_."
+
+"What has Tracy done to him?"
+
+"'Tis nothing of great moment. Merely that he and that worthless brother
+of his seek to squeeze him dry."
+
+"Robert?"
+
+"Andrew. I know very little of Robert."
+
+"Andrew! But he was a child--"
+
+"Well, he's grown up now, and as rakish a young spendthrift as ye could
+wish for. Dick seems to pay their debts."
+
+"Devil take him! Why?"
+
+"Heaven knows! I suppose Lavinia insists. We all knew that 'twas for
+that reason Tracy flung you both in her way."
+
+"Nonsense! We went of our own accord. She had but returned from school."
+
+"Exactly. And whose doing was that but Tracy's?"
+
+Carstares opened his eyes rather wide and leant both arms on the table,
+crooking his fingers round the stem of his wine glass.
+
+"Do the debts amount to much?"
+
+"I can't tell ye that. 'Twas but by chance I found it out at all. The
+Belmanoirs were never moderate in their manner of living."
+
+"Nor were any of us. Don't be so hard on them, Miles!... I knew, of
+course, that the Belmanoir estate was mortgaged, but I did not guess to
+what extent."
+
+"I don't know that either, but Dick's money does not go to pay it off.
+'Tis all frittered away on gambling and pretty women."
+
+My lord's brow darkened ominously.
+
+"Ye-s. I think I shall have a little score to settle with Tracy on that
+subject--some day."
+
+Miles said nothing.
+
+"But how does Dick manage without touching my money?"
+
+"I do not know." O'Hara's tone implied that he cared less.
+
+"I hope he is not in debt himself," mused Carstares, "'Tis like enough
+he is in some muddle. I wish I might persuade him to accept the
+revenue." He frowned and drummed his fingers on the table.
+
+O'Hara exploded.
+
+"Sure, 'twould be like you to be doing the same. Let the man alone for
+the Lord's sake, and don't be after worrying your head over a miserable
+spalpeen that did ye more harm than--"
+
+"Miles, I cannot allow you to speak so of Dick! You do not understand."
+
+"I understand well enough. 'Tis too Christian ye are entirely. And let
+us have an end of this farce of yours! I know that Dick cheated as well
+as you do, and I say 'tis unnatural for you to be wanting him to take
+your money after he's done you out of honour and all else!"
+
+Carstares sipped his wine quietly, waiting for Miles' anger to
+evaporate, as it presently did, leaving him to glower balefully. Then he
+started to laugh.
+
+"Oh, Miles, let me go my own road! I'm a sore trial to you, I know."
+Then suddenly sobering: "But I want you not to think so hardly of Dick.
+You know enough of him to understand a little how it all came about. You
+know how extravagant he was and how often in debt--can you not pardon
+the impulse of a mad moment?"
+
+"That I could pardon. What I cannot forgive is his--unutterable meanness
+in letting you bear the blame."
+
+"O'Hara, he was in love with Lavinia--"
+
+"So were you."
+
+"Not so deeply. With me 'twas a boy's passion, but with him 'twas
+serious."
+
+O'Hara remained silent, his mouth unusually hard.
+
+"Put yourself in his place," pleaded Jack. "If you--"
+
+"Thank you!" O'Hara laughed unpleasantly. "No, Jack, we shall not agree
+on this subject, and we had best leave it alone. I do not think you need
+worry about him, though. I believe he is not in debt."
+
+"Does he have fair luck with his racing and his--"
+
+O'Hara smiled grimly.
+
+"Dick is a very changed man, John. He does not keep racehorses, neither
+does he play cards, save for appearance's sake."
+
+"Dick not play! What then does he do?"
+
+"Manages your estates and conducts his wife to routs. When in town,"
+bitterly, "he inhabits your house."
+
+"Well, there is none else to use it. But I cannot imagine Dick turned
+sober!"
+
+"'Tis easy to be righteous after the evil is done, I'm thinking!"
+
+My lord ignored this remark. A curious smile played about his mouth.
+
+"Egad, Miles, 'tis very entertaining! I, the erstwhile sober
+member--what is the matter?--am now the profligate: I dice, I gamble, I
+rob. Dick the ne'er-do-weel is a saint. He--er--lives a godly and
+righteous life, and--er--is robbed by his wife's relations. After all, I
+do not think I envy him overmuch."
+
+"At least, you enjoy life more than he does," said O'Hara, grinning.
+"For ye have no conscience to reckon with."
+
+Carstares' face was inscrutable. He touched his lips with his napkin and
+smiled.
+
+"As you say, I enjoy life the more--but as to conscience, I do not think
+it is that."
+
+O'Hara glanced at him sitting sideways in his chair, one arm flung over
+its back.
+
+"Will ye be offended if I ask ye a question?"
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"Then--do ye intend to go back to this highroad robbery?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"What then will you do?"
+
+The shadows vanished, and my lord laughed.
+
+"To tell you the truth, Miles, I've not yet settled that point. Fate
+will decide--not I."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+MR. BETTISON PROPOSES
+
+
+Mr. Bettison could make nothing of Diana of late. Her demeanour, at
+first so charming and so cheerful, had become listless, and even
+chilling. She seemed hardly to listen to some of his best tales, and
+twice she actually forgot to laugh at what was surely a most witty
+pleasantry. It struck him that she regarded him with a resentful eye, as
+if she objected to his presence at Horton House, and had no desire to be
+courted. But Mr. Bettison was far too egotistic to believe such a thing,
+and he brushed the incredible suspicion away, deciding that her coldness
+was due to a very proper shyness. He continued his visits until they
+became so frequent that scarce a day passed without his strutting step
+being heard approaching the house and his voice inquiring for the Miss
+Beauleighs. Mr. Beauleigh, who secretly hoped for Mr. Bettison as a
+son-in-law, would not permit the ladies to deny themselves, and he
+further counselled Miss Betty to absent herself after the first few
+moments, leaving the young couple together. Thus it was that it so
+continually fell to Diana's lot to receive the Squire and to listen to
+his never-ending monologues. She persistently snubbed him, hoping to
+ward off the impending proposal, but either her snubs were not severe
+enough, or Mr. Bettison's skin was too thick to feel them; for not a
+fortnight after my lord's departure, he begged her hand in marriage. It
+was refused him with great firmness, but, taking the refusal for
+coquettishness, he pressed his suit still more amorously, and with such
+a self-assured air that Mistress Di became indignant.
+
+"Sir," she cried, "it seems you have indeed misread my attitude towards
+you!"
+
+Mr. Bettison was struck dumb with amazement. It had never entered his
+brain that Diana could seriously refuse him. He could hardly believe his
+ears at this quite unmistakable tone of voice, and sat gaping.
+
+"I must beg," continued Diana, "I must beg that you will discontinue
+your all-too-frequent visits here. Please do not deem me unkind, but
+your persecution of me--I can call it nothing else--is
+wearying--and--you will forgive the word--tiresome. I confess I am
+surprised that you had not perceived your attentions to be distasteful
+to me."
+
+"Distasteful!" cried Mr. Bettison, recovering after two or three
+unsuccessful attempts from his speechlessness. "Do you mean what you
+say, Miss Diana? That you will not wed me?"
+
+She nodded.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Bettison, I do."
+
+"And that my attentions are displeasing to you! Well, Miss Beauleigh!
+Well, indeed!"
+
+Diana softened a little.
+
+"I am indeed sorry that you should have misconstrued--"
+
+"No misconstruction, madam!" snapped the Squire, who was fast losing
+control over his temper. "Do you dare aver that you did not encourage me
+to visit you?"
+
+"I do, most emphatically!"
+
+"Oh, I see what 'tis! You cannot hoodwink me. 'Twas never thus with you
+before that fellow came!"
+
+"Mr. Bettison, I am entirely at a loss, but I desire you to leave this
+room before you say aught you may afterwards regret."
+
+He disregarded her.
+
+"You are infatuated by that over-dressed popinjay--that insufferable
+Carr, who, from all I hear, is but a shady fellow, and who--"
+
+With a sweeping movement Diana had risen and walked to the bell-rope.
+She now pulled it with such vigour that a great peal sounded throughout
+the house.
+
+She stood perfectly still, a statue of Disdain, tall, beautiful and
+furious, with compressed lips and head held high. Mr. Bettison broke off
+and mopped his brow, glaring at her.
+
+Startled Thomas appeared at the door.
+
+"Did you ring, madam?"
+
+"Show Mr. Bettison out," was the proud answer.
+
+The Squire got up awkwardly.
+
+"I am sure I apologise if I said aught that was untrue," he mumbled. "I
+hope you will not take my words amiss--"
+
+"I shall try to forget your insults, sir," she replied. "The door,
+Thomas!"
+
+Mr. Bettison went out, and his step had lost some of its self-confident
+swagger.
+
+For a full minute after the great front door had shut behind him, Diana
+stood where she was, and then the colour suddenly flamed in her cheeks,
+and she turned and ran out of the room, up the stairs, to her own
+chamber, where she indulged in a luxurious fit of crying. From this
+enjoyable occupation she was interrupted by a rap on the door, and Miss
+Betty's voice desiring to know if she was within.
+
+She instantly started up and with hasty fingers straightened her tumbled
+curls.
+
+"Pray enter!" she called, trying to sound jaunty. To complete the
+illusion, she started to hum. Her aunt entered.
+
+"I came to see if you had my broidery. I cannot find it, and I am sure
+'twas you brought it in from the garden this morning."
+
+"Yes--oh, yes--I am so sorry! 'Tis in that corner on the chair, I
+think," replied Diana, keeping her face averted.
+
+Miss Betty cast a shrewd glance at her, and sat down on the sofa with
+the air of one who means to stay.
+
+"What is it, my love?" she demanded.
+
+Diana pretended to search for something in a cupboard.
+
+"Nothing, aunt! What should there be?"
+
+"I do not know. 'Tis what I want to find out," answered Miss Betty
+placidly.
+
+"There is nought amiss, I assure you!" To prove the truth of this
+statement, Diana essayed a laugh. It was a poor attempt, and wavered
+pitifully into a sob.
+
+"My pet, don't tell me! You are crying!"
+
+"I--I'm n-not!" avowed Diana, hunting wildly for her
+pocket-handkerchief. "'Tis a cold in the head I have had these three
+days."
+
+"Indeed, my love? Longer than that, I fear."
+
+"Yes--perhaps so--I--What do you mean?"
+
+"I doubt but what you caught it the day that Mr. Carr left us."
+
+Diana started.
+
+"P-pray, do not be ridiculous, auntie!"
+
+"No, my dear. Come and sit beside me and tell me all about it," coaxed
+Miss Betty.
+
+Diana hesitated, gave a damp sniff, and obeyed.
+
+Miss Betty drew her head down on to her shoulder soothingly.
+
+"There, there! Don't cry, my sweet! What has happened?"
+
+"'Tis that odious Mr. Bettison!" sobbed Diana "He--he had the audacity
+to ask me to m-marry him!"
+
+"You don't say so, my love! I thought I heard him arrive. So you sent
+him about his business?"
+
+"N-not before he had time to insult m-me!"
+
+"Insult you? Di!"
+
+"He--he dared to insinuate--oh no! he accused me outright--of being
+infatuated by Mr. Carr! Infatuated!"
+
+Over her head Miss Betty opened her eyes at her own reflection in the
+glass.
+
+"The brute! But, of course, 'tis true?"
+
+No answer.
+
+"Is it not?"
+
+The sobs came faster.
+
+"Of--of course 'tis true, but h-how dared he say so?"
+
+"Di, my love, you really are in love with that boy?"
+
+"I--I--I asked him to marry me--and he wouldn't!"
+
+"Good gracious heavens!" Miss Betty was genuinely horrified. "My dear
+Diana!"
+
+"N-not outright--b-but he understood--and--he loves me! And I'd do it
+again to-morrow, if I could--immodest or no! So there!"
+
+"Yes, yes," soothed Miss Betty hastily. "Tell me all about it." Diana
+lifted her head.
+
+"That's all. And he loves me--he does--he does!"
+
+"Did he say so?"
+
+"N-no--but I could tell. And I love him"--sob--"and I'd sooner die than
+live without him, and he won't ask me b-because he has not got a
+spotless p-past, and he'd be a cur, and horrid things, and my husband
+must not be an--an--outcast, and-and--and I don't care!"
+
+Her bewildered aunt unravelled this with difficulty.
+
+"He'd be a cur if he asked you to marry him?" she asked, with knitted
+brows.
+
+"Yes. Because he's a highwayman."
+
+"A highwayman! Then 'twas true what he said? Well, well! I should never
+have thought it! That nice boy!"
+
+Diana disengaged herself; in her eyes was a threatening gleam.
+
+"Don't dare say a word against him!"
+
+"No, no--of course not! I was only surprised. But I am thankfully glad
+he did not ask you, for all that!"
+
+"Glad? How can you be so cruel?"
+
+"My dear, you could not possibly marry--a--a--"
+
+"Common felon!" sobbed Diana. "I can--I can!"
+
+"And heaven alone knows what else he may have done! Why, child, he said
+himself that he had a--a spotty past!"
+
+At this her niece gave a tearful giggle.
+
+"La! What ails you now, Di?"
+
+"H-he never said--spotty."
+
+Miss Betty smiled reluctantly.
+
+"A doubtful past, then."
+
+"I don't believe it!"
+
+Her aunt pursed up her lips.
+
+"I won't believe it. He couldn't be wicked. You forget he saved me!"
+
+Miss Betty relented.
+
+"No, I do not, my love; and, to be sure, I think he is a dear boy, but I
+also think 'twas very right of him to go away."
+
+She was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.
+
+"Auntie, you know you love him almost as much as I do?"
+
+"No, that I do not!" was the grim retort. "_I_ am not like to want to
+marry him!"
+
+There was another watery giggle at this, and Diana went over to the
+dressing-table to tidy her hair.
+
+"I doubt I shall never see him again," she said wretchedly. "Oh, auntie,
+if you could but have seen his dear, unhappy eyes!"
+
+"Stuff and nonsense! Not see him again, forsooth! He will call upon us
+in town. 'Tis but common politeness."
+
+"You forget he is a highwayman, and not like to come nigh us again."
+
+"Well, my dear, if he cares for you as you say he does, he will see to
+it that he takes up some decent occupation. Mayhap, he will go into the
+army, or what not. Then wait and see if he does not come to you."
+
+"Do you think so?" doubtfully.
+
+"Of course I do, sweetheart! And if he does not try to mend his ways,
+and you see him no more--why then, snap your fingers at him, my love,
+for he will not be worth one tear!"
+
+Diana sighed and poured out some water to bathe her face with.
+
+"Is not that sensible?" coaxed her aunt.
+
+She raised her head and looked unutterable scorn.
+
+"I think 'tis remarkable silly," she answered. Then her dignity fell
+from her. "Oh, are all men such big stupids?" she cried.
+
+"Most of 'em," nodded her aunt.
+
+"But can't he tell that I shall be--oh, so miserable, and that I should
+not ruin my life if I married him?"
+
+"My dear, once a man gets an idea into his head, 'tis the very devil to
+get it out of him! Not but what I think Master Jack is right, mind you.
+And your dear papa and I had looked higher for you. After all--what is
+Mr. Carr?"
+
+"He is the only man I will ever marry! So you may cease looking higher
+for me! I suppose you want me to marry that great gaby, Sir Denis
+Fabian, you are for ever inviting to the house? Or, perhaps, this
+gallant Mr. Bettison? Or Mr. Everard? How _can_ you be so unkind?"
+
+"I am not. But I could not bear to see you throw yourself away on a
+highwayman, my dear."
+
+Diana ran to her, putting her arms round her neck.
+
+"Dearest auntie, forgive my rudeness! I know you did not mean to be
+unkind! But you do not understand--I _love_ him."
+
+"I always said you'd take it badly," nodded Miss Betty gloomily.
+
+"Take what badly?"
+
+"Love. And no man is worth one tear-drop, sweet."
+
+The confident, tender little laugh that answered this statement made her
+look at her suddenly changed niece in surprise.
+
+"You don't know," said Diana. Her eyes were soft and luminous. "You just
+do not know."
+
+Before Miss Betty could think of a suitable retort, a knock fell on the
+door. It was opened, and Thomas was found to be without.
+
+"My Lady O'Hara is below, madam."
+
+For an instant the two ladies stared at one another. Then:
+
+"La and drat!" said Miss Betty. "With the drawing-room in a muddle after
+cleaning!"
+
+Diana nodded to the man.
+
+"We will come, Thomas." Then as soon as he had withdrawn, she stared
+again at her aunt. "Lady O'Hara! But why?"
+
+"I suppose she felt she must call after Sir Miles had been here so
+often. But why, for goodness' sake, must she choose the one day that the
+drawing-room is all untidy? Drat again, I say!"
+
+Diana was powdering her little nose, and anxiously looking to see if the
+tear-stains had quite vanished.
+
+"'Tis not untidy, Aunt Betty. Oh, I am quite eager to see her--I think
+she must be charming, from all Sir Miles said. Do hurry, aunt!"
+
+Miss Betty stuck a pin into her hair and smoothed out her dress.
+
+"And me in this old taffeta!" she grumbled.
+
+Diana swirled round, her own peach-coloured silk rustling fashionably.
+
+"Never mind, dear--you look very sweet. But _do_ be quick!" Miss Betty
+suffered herself to be led to the door.
+
+"'Tis all very fine for you, my love, with a new gown fresh on to-day!
+Will you just take a look at my petticoat, though?"
+
+"Nonsense, you are beautiful! Come!"
+
+Together they descended the stairs, and went into the drawing-room.
+
+A dainty, very diminutive little lady arose from a chair at their entry,
+and came forward with outstretched hands, and such a fascinating smile
+that Miss Betty's ill-humour vanished, and she responded to her
+visitor's deep curtsy with one of her best jerky dips.
+
+"I am vastly delighted to welcome you, madam," she said primly. "'Tis
+good in you to come this long way to see us."
+
+She drew a chair forward for my lady, and presented her niece. Lady
+O'Hara gave the girl a swift, scrutinising glance, and curtsied again.
+
+"'Tis a great pleasure to me to meet you at last, Miss Beauleigh," she
+smiled. "My husband has told me so much of you, I declare I was all agog
+to meet you!"
+
+Diana warmed instantly to the little lady's charm.
+
+"Indeed, madam, we, too, have heard much of you from Sir Miles. _We_
+have wanted to meet _you_!"
+
+Lady O'Hara seated herself and nodded briskly.
+
+"I expect he told you some dreadful tales of me," she said happily. "I
+must ask your pardon for not having visited you before, but, as I
+daresay you know, I have been away, and, gracious me, when I returned
+everything seemed topsy-turvy!" She laughed across at Miss Betty. "I
+promise you I have had my hands full putting things to rights, Miss
+Beauleigh!"
+
+Miss Betty drew her chair closer, and in a minute they were deep in
+truly feminine conversation: the prodigious extravagance of the
+servants; the helplessness of men-folk when left to themselves, and then
+London, its shops, its parks, the newest play.
+
+Lady O'Hara was begged to take a dish of Miss Betty's precious Bohea--a
+very high honour indeed--and when Mr. Beauleigh came into the room he
+found his sister and daughter seated on either side of a pretty,
+animated little lady whom he had never before seen, talking hard, and
+partaking of tay and angel cakes. Whereupon he retired hastily and shut
+himself up in his library.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+LADY O'HARA WINS HER POINT
+
+
+Lady O'Hara looked across at her sleeping husband with no little
+severity in her glance. He was stretched in a chair beneath a giant oak,
+and she was busied with some needlework a few paces from him. O'Hara's
+eyes were shut and his mouth open. My lady frowned and coughed. She
+rasped her throat quite considerably, but it was not without effect; her
+spouse shut his mouth and opened one lazy eyelid. Immediately my lady
+assumed an air of gentle mournfulness, and the eye regarding her
+twinkled a little, threatening to close. Molly looked reproachful, and
+began to speak in an aggrieved tone:
+
+"Indeed, and I do not think it at all kind in you to go to sleep when I
+want to talk, sir."
+
+O'Hara hastily opened the other eye.
+
+"Why, my love, I was not asleep! I was--er--thinking!"
+
+"Do you say so, sir? And do you usually think with your mouth
+open--_snoring_?"
+
+O'Hara started up.
+
+"I'll swear I did not snore!" he cried. "Molly, 'tis a wicked tease ye
+are!"
+
+"Miles, 'tis a big baby you are!" she mimicked. "There is a caterpillar
+on your wig, and 'tis on crooked."
+
+"The caterpillar?" asked O'Hara, bewildered.
+
+"No, stupid, the wig. I had best straighten it for you, I suppose." She
+rose and stooped over him, settling the wig and removing the caterpillar
+by means of two leaves, judiciously wielded. Then she dropped a kiss on
+her husband's brow and sat down at his feet.
+
+"First, you have never asked me where I was gone to all yesterday
+afternoon."
+
+O'Hara had been carefully broken in, and he now knew what was expected
+of him, and put on an expression of great interest.
+
+"Where _did_ ye go, my lady?"
+
+"I went to call on Miss Beauleigh and her niece, sir!"
+
+She looked up at him triumphantly and a little challengingly.
+
+"The devil ye did!"
+
+"Certainly, sir. I knew that there was something in the air, and I
+remembered your letter to me saying that Jack was in love with Diana. So
+I thought I would go and see her for myself."
+
+Miles looked down at her half indulgently, half vexedly.
+
+"Did you, puss?"
+
+"I did. And I found that she was in love with him as well as he with
+her--of course."
+
+"Of course?"
+
+"Who could help falling in love with him? He's so monstrous captivating,
+I would like to marry him myself."
+
+She bent her head to hide the roguish smile that had sprung to her lips.
+
+"I beg your pardon?" asked O'Hara, startled.
+
+My lady traced patterns on his knee.
+
+"Provided, of course, that I had not already married you, Miles."
+
+But O'Hara had seen the smile. He heaved a great sigh, and said in
+lugubrious tones:
+
+"There is always the river, madam."
+
+My lady's finger wavered and stopped, and her hand tucked itself away
+into his.
+
+"That is not a nice joke, Miles."
+
+He laughed, and tweaked one of her curls.
+
+"Sure, and did ye not ask for it, asthore?"
+
+"Of course I did not. But about Jack, dear--"
+
+"I thought it _was_ about Jack?"
+
+"Miles, will you be quiet and attend?"
+
+"Yes, m'dear."
+
+"Very well, then. As I have told you, I drove over to Littledean
+yesterday afternoon, and made the acquaintance of the Miss Beauleighs."
+
+"And what did ye think of them?"
+
+"I thought Diana was wonderfully beautiful--such eyes, Miles!--and such
+hair! Miss Beauleigh is very amiable, and so droll! I drank a dish of
+tay with them, and I spoke of Jack--"
+
+"Madcap, never tell me ye called him Carstares?"
+
+"No, you great gaby! Of course I did not. As it chanced, Miss Beauleigh
+mentioned him first, and she called him Mr. Carr. So I did, too. And I
+noticed that Diana said scarce a word about him, and when she did 'twas
+of the coolest. That, of course, made me all the more certain that she
+loved him."
+
+O'Hara was plainly puzzled.
+
+"But why should you be certain if she did not speak of him, alanna?"
+
+"'Tis what you'll never understand, my dear, because you are but a man.
+But no matter--I knew. I quite adored Diana, and determined to talk to
+her alone. So I admired the roses, and she offered to escort me round
+the garden, which was what I wanted. We went out together. I think Diana
+must have liked me, for--"
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"Be quiet, Miles!--for she dropped her ice and became quite friendly.
+And I talked a lot."
+
+She was aware of a convulsive movement above her, and a suppressed
+cough. She raised inquiring eyebrows.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"Nothing, asthore--nothing. Go on with the tale--you were saying--"
+
+"That I talked a lot." She paused, and her eyes dared him; then she
+dimpled and dropped her lashes over them. "I shan't tell you all I
+said--"
+
+A relieved sigh interrupted her.
+
+"And if you continue to behave in this disagreeable fashion I shall not
+say another word about anything!"
+
+Having satisfied herself that he was not going to venture a retort, she
+continued:
+
+"We had a long chat, and I gathered, from all she said and left unsaid,
+that Jack, for some foolish reason, will not ask her to marry him."
+
+"Foolish reason, asthore?" he interrupted.
+
+"Oh, I know you consider it a remarkable fine reason, but I tell you,
+'tis rank cruelty to that poor child. As if she cared about highwaymen!"
+
+"'Twas not so much that, I take it, as--"
+
+"Yes, but he could tell her he was innocent--oh, Miles, do not look so
+provoking! Of course he could! I vow if you had treated me so, I would
+never have let you go until you had truly repented! I am of a mind to
+speak to Jack."
+
+"'Twould be an entertaining sight, but ye'll kindly have a care how you
+touch him, my lady."
+
+"He does not understand. I _know_ she would be proud to marry him--"
+
+"And ye'd think it a fine thing in Jack to ask her, the way things are
+with him at present?"
+
+"I--oh, I don't know!"
+
+"No, me love. Jack is right: he must first clear his name."
+
+"Then, gracious goodness me, why does he not?" cried Molly, exasperated.
+
+This time it was O'Hara's turn to look superior.
+
+"Well, alanna, that's a question ye cannot hope to understand--because
+ye are but a woman."
+
+Lady O'Hara ignored the challenge.
+
+"But what is to be done?"
+
+"Nought. He will have to work it out himself. He bound me to secrecy
+some time ago, or I would be tempted to speak to Richard."
+
+"I quite _hate_ Richard!" she cried. "He must be a selfish, unkind
+person. And now Jack swears he must go away almost at once--and, oh! you
+should have seen Diana's face of despair when I mentioned that he was
+going abroad again. Miles, we must keep him here as long as ever we can!
+Oh, dear! 'tis all very worrying."
+
+She broke off as O'Hara pressed her hand warningly. My lord was coming
+across the lawn towards them.
+
+"I am in dire disgrace," he said. "I was left with your ferocious baby,
+Molly, and to quiet him, I gave him a string of beads that you had left
+on the table."
+
+"My precious Indian wooden beads!"
+
+"Yes--I believe so. Anyway, the paint came off, and when Jane returned,
+David looked as though he had some horrible disease. She was most
+annoyed about it." He sat down in Molly's lately vacated chair, and
+carefully wiped a daub of green from his forefinger.
+
+Molly laughed.
+
+"Poor Jane! She will have such a task to clean him. But you've arrived
+most opportunely. We were talking of you."
+
+O'Hara groaned inwardly, and tried to frown her down.
+
+"You were? I am flattered! May I ask what you were saying?"
+
+"Why, that we do not want you to go back to France."
+
+O'Hara breathed again.
+
+"That is very kind of you, my lady. I regret the necessity myself."
+
+"Are you sure it is necessary? You might just as well live in a nice
+place near here, with a dear old woman to keep house for you--and--and
+Jim--and--lots of pleasant things."
+
+My lord shook his head.
+
+"No, thank you!"
+
+"Yes, yes! And later on you could choose a wife!" she continued
+audaciously.
+
+"Not at all. There would be no choice; I should be made to marry the
+dear old woman. You would bully me into it."
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Seriously, Jack, could you not settle down near here?"
+
+"Not with that old woman, Molly."
+
+"Never mind her; won't you consider it? No one need know you--in fact,
+you need see no one--and--oh, Jack! don't look like that. Miles, is he
+not ridiculous?"
+
+"Sure, alanna, 'tis a dreary life he'd be leading," chuckled O'Hara.
+
+"I see what it is, Molly. You have planned to make me a recluse, _and_
+to marry me to my housekeeper. I protest, 'tis great ill-usage!"
+
+Molly eyed him doubtfully.
+
+"Would you _much_ object to the life, John?"
+
+"Madam," he replied solemnly, "you would find my corpse in the garden at
+the end of the first week."
+
+"Of course I should not like that," she pondered. "But I do not see what
+else we can do for you. Oh, and that reminds me! I drove over to
+Littledean yesterday--Miles, my love, will you be so kind as to fetch me
+my hat? I protest, the sun--"
+
+"We will move more into the shade," said her disobliging husband.
+
+"Oh, well! 'tis of no account, though I did hear that Brown was wanting
+to speak to you about the new cob--"
+
+"'Tis prodigious thoughtful of you, Molly, but I met Brown some time
+ago."
+
+Lady O'Hara gave it up.
+
+"Well, as I was saying, Jack, I went to call at Horton House. Dear me,
+what a beautiful girl Diana is, to be sure!"
+
+Carstares tried to think of something to say, and failing, made a
+non-committal sound.
+
+"Yes. They both sent their kind wishes, and hoped you were better.
+Goodness! 'tis very close here. I wonder if you will give me your arm
+round the garden? And would _you_ fetch me my hat? I left it in the
+hall, I think. Thank you very much!"
+
+She waited until he was out of earshot before she turned to her husband.
+
+"Now, Miles, you must please to stay where you are. I am not going to do
+anything indiscreet."
+
+"Molly, I can't have ye worry him--"
+
+"No such thing! I am going to coax him to stay here instead of going
+abroad. I feel sure that if we can but persuade him to stay, something
+will happen."
+
+"What will happen?"
+
+"Something!"
+
+"How do ye know?"
+
+"I don't know; I only feel it."
+
+"Very well, asthore. If you can tease Jack into staying, I'll bless ye."
+
+"That will be most enjoyable, I make no doubt!" she answered, and
+stepped back out of reach.
+
+"Oh, thank you, John!" She tied the hat over her curls, and placed her
+hand on my lord's arm. "Lazy Miles is going to sleep again!" she said.
+"And I so dislike to hear him snore, so let's go a long way away--into
+the rose garden!"
+
+"Don't go so far as all that!" drawled Miles, closing his eyes. "You
+will tire yourselves."
+
+"Do you allow him to make these ribald remarks?" inquired Jack, waiting
+for her to extricate a stone from her shoe.
+
+"Not usually," she answered. "He takes advantage when you are here." She
+dropped the pebble on top of O'Hara and strolled away with my lord.
+
+As soon as they had rounded a corner in the shrubbery, she commenced the
+attack.
+
+"I want to speak to you of Miles," she confided. "He is so worried."
+
+"Is he, Molly? Faith, I hadn't noticed it!"
+
+She reflected that neither had she, but continued, nothing daunted:
+
+"Ah, but he is!"
+
+"What worries him?"
+
+"You," sighed the lady mournfully. "'Tis the thought of your leaving us.
+I feel it myself."
+
+"Why--"
+
+"He had hoped you would be with us for a long time--as I had."
+
+"'Tis monstrous good of you both, but--"
+
+"I am sure I do not know what I shall do with Miles when you are gone.
+He was so looking forward to having you with him."
+
+"Molly--"
+
+"And, indeed, it has come as a great disappointment to both of us to
+hear you talk of leaving. Won't you think better of it?"
+
+"Molly, you overwhelm me.... How can I remain here indefinitely?"
+
+"If only you would! You don't know how happy it would make us. I declare
+Miles will worry himself quite ill if you persist in being so unkind."
+
+"Oh, Molly, you rogue!"
+
+She could not repress a smile, but checked it almost at once. "I mean
+it, Jack."
+
+"What! That Miles is worrying himself ill over me? Fie!"
+
+"Perhaps not as bad as that," she admitted. "But, indeed, he is much
+perturbed ... and, oh! I wish that you would not make us so unhappy."
+She dabbed at her eyes with a wispy handkerchief, but managed to watch
+his face all the same. "David loves you so, the pet! and Miles is so
+delighted to have found you again--and _I_ like you--and--and--and I
+think 'twill be indeed rude and horrid if you do go--besides being so
+silly!"
+
+"Do you, Molly? You make me feel I should be an ungrateful boor to
+refuse--"
+
+The handkerchief was whisked away.
+
+"Then, of course you won't try to refuse! You'll stay? Promise!"
+
+"I cannot thank you enough--"
+
+"Oh, you nice Jack! Till the autumn? Promise!"
+
+"Molly, I really--"
+
+"Promise! I shall cry if you do not!"
+
+"I cannot! How could I prey upon your hospitality for so--"
+
+"What rubbish, Jack! As if Miles had not spent months and months at
+Wyncham when you were boys--"
+
+"That was different--"
+
+"--when you were boys, and now you are so proud that you refuse to stay
+three miserable little months with us--"
+
+"No, no, Molly; indeed, 'tis not that!"
+
+"Confess, if Miles were a bachelor, you would not hesitate?" He was
+silent, nonplussed.
+
+"You see! And just because he has a wife you are disagreeable and proud.
+You feel you cannot bear to stay with me--"
+
+"I swear I do not!"
+
+"Then why do you refuse?" she triumphed.
+
+"Molly--really, I--" He broke off, laughing. "You little wretch, you
+leave me nothing to say!"
+
+"Then you will stay, as I ask?"
+
+"You are quite sure--"
+
+"Quite."
+
+"Thank you very much, I will stay. 'Tis monstrous good of you, I vow.
+When you are tired of me, say so."
+
+"I will," she promised. "Oh, but we shall do famously! How pleased Miles
+will be! By the way," she continued, airily, "I asked the Miss
+Beauleighs to honour us on Wednesday, but, unfortunately, they could
+not. Still, perhaps some other d--"
+
+She stopped, a little frightened, for he was standing before her,
+gripping her shoulders in a very elder-brotherly fashion.
+
+"Listen to me, Molly. I know that you have discovered that I love Diana,
+and I know that you think to be very kind and to bring us together. But
+I tell you that 'twill not be kind at all, only very cruel to us both.
+If you worry her to come here, I must go. Do you see?"
+
+Molly looked into the stern eyes, and her lip trembled.
+
+"I'm very--sorry!" she faltered.
+
+Jack drew her arm through his once more.
+
+"'Tis nothing to be sorry about; and, indeed, I am very grateful to you
+for trying to make me happy. But please do not!"
+
+"No, I promise I will not. But--but do you think you are being quite
+fair to--"
+
+"Molly, tell me this: do you think you are being quite good to disobey
+your husband?"
+
+The blue eyes were dancing. She smiled doubtfully.
+
+"What do you mean, Jack?"
+
+"Do you tell me that Miles did not expressly forbid you to mention this
+subject to me?"
+
+She pulled her hand away, her mouth forming a soundless
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Well--well--well, how horrid of you!" she cried, and shook her fist at
+him. "I'm going now!"
+
+Later, she found her husband in the library, and ran into his arms.
+
+"Do you mind holding me tightly?" she asked. "I've--I've been put in the
+corner!"
+
+"What?" O'Hara drew her on to his knee.
+
+"Yes--figuratively--by Jack. I think, perhaps, I shouldn't like to marry
+him after all!"
+
+"What has he done?"
+
+"N-nothing. I'm _afraid_," polishing one of his buttons with an
+assiduous finger, "I'm _afraid_ that it was rather my own fault!"
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Yes--but I only said _very_ little about the Miss Beauleighs, and he
+suddenly turned into an iceberg and made me feel like a naughty little
+girl. But he is going to stay, all the same; so kiss me, Miles!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+ENTER CAPTAIN HAROLD LOVELACE
+
+
+At the end of August, after having spent a moderately quiet summer in
+the country, Lady Lavinia was again seized with a longing for town and
+its attractions. She would not listen to Richard's warnings of the
+atrocious condition of the roads, declaring that she cared not one jot,
+and go to London she must. After that one protest he desisted, and
+promised to take her there the following week, secretly counting himself
+lucky to have kept her so long at Wyncham in comparative cheerfulness of
+spirits. Lavinia was overjoyed, kissed him again and again, scolded
+herself for being such a wicked tease, and set about making her
+preparations for the journey.
+
+The roads proved even worse than Richard had prophesied, and twice the
+coach nearly upset, and times without number stuck fast in the mire,
+causing the inmates much inconvenience. Carstares rode by the side of
+the heavy vehicle, in which were his wife, her maid, her tiny dog, and
+countless bandboxes and small parcels. In spite of the worry the
+constant stoppages entailed, he quite enjoyed the journey, for Lavinia
+was in excellent spirits, and made light of their mishaps, receiving
+each fresh one with roguish laughter and some witty remark. Even when
+the chimney of her bed-chamber, at one of the inns at which they halted,
+smoked most vilely, she did not, as Richard quite expected she would,
+fly into a rage and refuse to spend another moment in the house, but
+after looking extremely doleful, cheered up and told dear Dicky that she
+would have his room while he should have hers. Then in the morning she
+would find him all dried up and _smoked_! In high good humour she went
+down to dinner with him, voted the partridges excellent, the pasties
+quite French, and the wine marvellously tolerable for such an
+out-of-the-way place, and kept him laughing at her antics until
+bed-time.
+
+The journey was, of necessity, very slow, not only on account of the bad
+roads, but because whenever my lady caught sight of wild roses growing
+on the hedges, she must stop to pluck some. Then she and Richard would
+stroll along for some way, he leading his horse, the coach following at
+a walking pace. All of which was very idyllic, and had the effect of
+sending Richard to the seventh heaven of content.
+
+When at length they arrived at Wyncham House, Mayfair, they found that
+the servants had arrived a week before, and had made good use of their
+time. Never, declared Lavinia, had the house looked so inviting--so
+spick and span.
+
+One of her black pages proffered a small monkey with much bowing and
+grinning, and the murmur of: "Massa's present."
+
+Lady Lavinia flew to embrace her Dicky. How did he guess that she had
+for so long yearned for a monkey? Surely she had but once or twice
+mentioned it? Oh, he was the very best of husbands! She danced off to
+her apartments in a state of ecstasy.
+
+The _beau monde_ was returning to town, and when, a few days later,
+Carstares conducted his wife to Ranelagh, they found the gardens fairly
+crowded and very gay. Lamps hung from tree branches, although it was
+still quite light; the fiddlers scraped away almost without a pause;
+fireworks shot up from one end; the summer-houses had all been freshly
+painted, and the Pavilion was a blaze of light.
+
+Consciousness of her beauty and the smartness of her Georgia silk gown,
+with its petticoat covered in gold net, considerably added to Lavinia's
+enjoyment. Her hair she wore powdered and elaborately curled down on
+both sides with dainty escalloped lace half concealing it, and a grey
+_capuchin_ over all. Her tippet was gold-laced to match her petticoat,
+and to fasten it she wore a brooch composed of clustered rubies. Rubies
+also hung in her earrings, which last were of such length that the other
+ladies turned to stare in envy, and the bracelets that she wore over her
+long gloves flashed also with the great red stones. She was well-pleased
+with Richard's appearance, and reflected that, when he chose, he could
+be very fashionable indeed. The claret-coloured velvet he was wearing
+was most distinguished, and the gold clocks to his hose quite ravishing.
+
+They had not been in the Gardens ten minutes before a little crowd of
+men had gathered around them, professing themselves enraptured to behold
+the fair Lady Lavinia once more. One of them fetched her a chair,
+another a glass of negus, and the rest hovered eagerly about her.
+
+Becomingly flushed with triumph, my lady gave her little hand to Mr.
+Selwyn, who had been once a very ardent admirer, laughed at his neat
+compliment, and declared that he was a dreadful flattering demon, and
+positively she would not listen to him!
+
+Sir Gregory Markham, who brought her the negus, she discovered to have
+just returned from Paris. On hearing this, she broke off in the middle
+of a conversation with an enchanted French Chevalier and turned to him,
+raising her china-blue eyes to his face and clasping tight-gloved
+hands.
+
+"Oh, Sir Gregory! Paris? Then tell me--please, tell me--have you seen my
+darling Devil?"
+
+"Why, yes, madam," responded Markham, handing her the glass he held.
+
+She sipped the negus, and gave it to the Chevalier to take care of.
+
+"I declare, I quite love you then!" she exclaimed. "What is he doing,
+and, oh! _when_ will he return to England?"
+
+Sir Gregory smiled.
+
+"How can I say?" he drawled. "I fear _monsieur s'amuse_!"
+
+She flirted her fan before her face.
+
+"Dreadful creature!" she cried. "How dare you say such things?"
+
+"Belmanoir?" inquired Lord D'Egmont, twirling his cane.
+
+"Enamoured of the Pompadour, is he not--saving your presence, Lady
+Lavvy!"
+
+Lavinia let fall her fan.
+
+"The Pompadour! He had best have a care!"
+
+"I believe there has already been some unpleasantness between his
+Majesty and the fair Jeanne on the subject of Devil. Since then she is
+supposed to have turned on him a cold shoulder."
+
+"_I_ heard 'twas he wearied of madame," said Markham.
+
+"Well, whichever it was, I am glad the episode is closed," decided
+Lavinia. "'Tis too dangerous a game to play with Louis' mistresses. Oh,
+mon cher Chevalier! if I had not forgot your presence! But I am sure you
+say dreadful ill-natured things of our George, now don't you? Oh, and
+have you held my negus all this time? How monstrous good of you! There,
+I will drink it, and Julian shall take the glass away.... _Voila_!" She
+handed it to D'Egmont and rapped Mr. Selwyn's knuckles with her fan,
+looking archly up at him as he stood behind her chair.
+
+"Naughty man! Will you have done whispering in my ear? I vow I will not
+listen to your impudences! No, nor laugh at them neither! Sir Gregory,
+you have given me no answer. When will Tracy return? For the Cavendish
+rout on Wednesday week? Ah, say yes!"
+
+"Certainly I will say yes, fair tormentor! But, to tell the truth, Tracy
+said no word of coming to London when I saw him."
+
+She pouted.
+
+"Now I hate you, Sir Gregory! And he has been absent since May! Oh,
+Julian, back already? You shall escort me to the fireworks then. Oh, my
+fan! Where is it? I know I dropped it on the ground--Selwyn, if you have
+taken it--Oh, Dicky, you have it! Thank you! See, I am going with
+Julian, and you may ogle Mrs. Clive, whom I see walking over there--yes,
+positively you may, and I shall not be jealous! Very well, Julian, I am
+coming! Chevalier, I shall hope to see you at the rout on Wednesday
+week, but you must wait upon me before then."
+
+The Frenchman brightened.
+
+"Madame is too good. I may then call at Wyncham 'Ouse? _Vraiment_, I
+shall but exist until then!" In a perfectly audible whisper, he confided
+to Wilding that "_miladi etait ravissante! mais ravissante!_"
+
+Lady Lavinia went off on her gratified cavalier's arm, encountering many
+bows and much admiration as she passed down the walk, leaving her
+husband not to ogle the beautiful Kitty, as she had advised, but to
+saunter away in the direction of the Pavilion in company with Tom
+Wilding and Markham.
+
+D'Egmont guided my lady into one of the winding alleys, and they
+presently came out on a large lawn, dotted over with people of all
+conditions. Towards them was coming Lavinia's brother--Colonel Lord
+Robert Belmanoir--very richly clad and rakish in appearance. When he saw
+his sister, a look of surprise came into his florid face, and he made
+her a sweeping leg.
+
+"'Pon my honour--Lavinia!"
+
+My lady was not fond of her brother, and acknowledged the salutation
+with a brief nod.
+
+"I am delighted to see you, Robert," she said primly.
+
+"The mere word 'delighted' in no way expresses my sensations," replied
+the Colonel in the drawling, rather unpleasant voice peculiar both to
+him and to the Duke. "Your servant, D'Egmont. I imagined, Lavvy, that
+you were in the country?"
+
+"Richard brought me to town last Tuesday," she answered.
+
+"How unwise of him!" taunted the Colonel. "Or had he no choice?"
+
+She tossed her head angrily.
+
+"If you are minded to be disagreeable, Robert, pray do not let me detain
+you!" she flashed.
+
+D'Egmont was quite unembarrassed by this interchange of civilities. He
+knew the Belmanoir family too well to be made uncomfortable by their
+bickerings.
+
+"Shall we leave him?" he asked Lavinia, smiling.
+
+"Yes," she pouted. "He is determined to be unpleasant."
+
+"My dear sister! On the contrary, I believe I can offer you some
+amusement. Lovelace is in town."
+
+"Captain _Harold_?" she cried incredulously.
+
+"The same."
+
+"Oh, Bob!" Impulsively she withdrew her hand from Julian's arm,
+transferring it to the Colonel's. "I must see him at once! To think he
+is returned after all these years! Quick, Julian, dear lad--go and find
+him--and tell him 'tis I, Lavinia, who want him! You know him, do you
+not? Yes--I thought you did. Send him to me at once!--at once!"
+
+D'Egmont looked very crestfallen at having his walk with the goddess
+thus cut short, but he had perforce to kiss her hand and to obey.
+
+"Yes. I thought you would be pleased," remarked Lord Robert, and
+chuckled. "Allow me to point out to you that there is a chair--two
+chairs--in fact, quite a number of chairs--immediately behind you."
+
+She sat down, chattering excitedly.
+
+"Why, 'tis nigh on five years since I saw Harry! Has he changed? Lud!
+but he will deem me an old woman! Is he like to be in town for long, I
+wonder?--Dear me, Bob, look at the two ladies over behind that
+seat!--Gracious! what extraordinary _coifs_, to be sure! And cherry
+ribbons, too!... Tell me, Bob, where did you meet Harry Lovelace?"
+
+The Colonel, who, far from attending to her monologue, had been sending
+amorous glances across to a palpably embarrassed girl, who hung on her
+papa's arm while that gentleman stopped to speak to a stout dowager,
+brought his gaze reluctantly back to his sister.
+
+"What's that you say, Lavvy?"
+
+"How provoking of you not to listen to me! I asked where you met
+Harold."
+
+"Where I met him? Let me see--where did I meet him? Oh, I remember! At
+the Cocoa-Tree, a fortnight since."
+
+"And he is altered?"
+
+"Not in any way, dear sister. He is the same mad, reckless rake-hell as
+ever. And unmarried."
+
+"How delightful! Oh, I shall be so glad to see him again!"
+
+"You must present him to Richard," sneered the Colonel, "as an old
+flame."
+
+"I must, indeed," she agreed, his sarcasm passing over her head. "Oh, I
+see him! Look! Coming across the grass!"
+
+She rose to meet the tall, fair young Guardsman who came swiftly towards
+her, curtsying as only Lady Lavinia could curtsy, with such stateliness
+and coquetry.
+
+"Captain Lovelace!"--she put forward both her hands.
+
+Lovelace caught them in his, and bent his head over them so that the
+soft, powdered curls of his loose wig fell all about his face.
+
+"Lady Lavinia!--Enchantress!--I can find no words! I am dumb!"
+
+"And I!"
+
+"In that case," drawled the Colonel, "you are not like to be very
+entertaining company. Pray give me leave!" He bowed and sauntered away
+down the path with a peculiarly malicious smile on his lips.
+
+Lavinia and Lovelace found two chairs, slightly apart from the rest, and
+sat down, talking eagerly.
+
+"Captain Lovelace, I believe you had forgot me?" she rallied him.
+
+"Never!" he answered promptly. "Not though you well-nigh broke my
+heart!"
+
+"No, no! I did not do that. I never meant to hurt you."
+
+He shook his head disbelievingly.
+
+"You rejected me to marry some other man: do you say you did not mean
+to?"
+
+"You naughty Harry!... You never married yourself?"
+
+"I?" The delicate features expressed a species of hurt horror. "I marry?
+No! I was ever faithful to my first love."
+
+She unfurled her fan, fluttering it delightedly.
+
+"Oh! Oh! _Always_, Harold? Now speak the truth!"
+
+"Nearly always," he amended.
+
+"Disagreeable man! You admit you had lapses then?"
+
+"So very trivial, my dear," he excused himself. "And I swear my first
+action on coming to London was to call at Wyncham House. Imagine my
+disappointment--my incalculable gloom (on the top of having already
+dropped a thousand at faro) when I found the shell void, and Venus--"
+
+She stopped him, her fan held ready for chastisement.
+
+"Sir! You said your _first_ action was to call upon me!"
+
+He smiled, shaking back his curls.
+
+"I should have said: my first action of any importance."
+
+"You do not deem losing a thousand guineas important?" she asked
+wistfully.
+
+"Well--hardly. One must enjoy life, and what's a thousand, after all? I
+had my pleasure out of it."
+
+"Yes!" she breathed, her eyes sparkling. "That is how I think! What
+pleasure can one get if one neither hazards nor spends one's money? Oh,
+well!" She shrugged one shoulder, dismissing the subject.
+
+"Have you seen Tracy of late?"
+
+"He was at a court ball I attended at Versailles, but I did not have a
+chance of speaking with him. I heard he was very popular at Paris."
+
+"Ay!" she said proudly. "He has the French air.... I so desire to see
+him again, but I fear he does not think of returning. I know he was
+promised for the Duchess of Devonshire's rout months ago--before even
+the date was fixed, she so dotes on him--but I do not expect to see him
+there." She sighed and drummed on the ground with her diamond-buckled
+shoe. "Harry, I am chilled! Take me to the Pavilion! I doubt they are
+dancing--and Dicky will be there."
+
+"Dicky?" he repeated. "Dicky! Lavinia, do not tell me there is another
+claimant to your heart?"
+
+"Wicked, indelicate creature! 'Tis my husband!"
+
+"Your _husband_! Enfin--"
+
+She cast him a sidelong glance of mingled coquetry and reproof.
+
+"Your mind is at rest again, I trust?"
+
+"Of course! A husband? Pooh, a bagatelle, no more!"
+
+"My husband is not a bagatelle!" she laughed. "I am very fond of him."
+
+"This grows serious," he frowned. "'Tis very unfashionable, surely?"
+
+She met his teasing eyes and cast down her lashes.
+
+"Captain Lovelace, you may take me to the Pavilion."
+
+"Sweet tormentor, not until you cease so to misname me."
+
+"Harold, I am indeed chilly!" she said plaintively and snatched her hand
+from his lips. "No, no! People will stare--look, there is my odious
+brother returning! I declare I will not stay to listen to his hateful,
+sneering remarks!... Come!"
+
+They walked across the grass together, keeping up a running fire of
+raillery, punctuated on his side by extravagant compliments filled with
+classical allusions, all more or less erroneous, and on hers by
+delighted little laughs and mock scoldings. So they came to the
+Pavilion, where the musicians fiddled for those who wished to dance, and
+where most of the company had assembled now that it was growing chilly
+without. Down one end of the hall, card-tables were set out, where
+members of both sexes diced and gambled, drinking glasses of burgundy or
+negus, the men toasting the ladies, and very often the ladies returning
+the toasts with much archness and low curtseying.
+
+Lavinia cast off her _capuchin_ and plumed her feathers, giving a
+surreptitious shake to her ruched skirts and smoothing her ruffles. She
+rustled forward with great stateliness, fan unfurled, head held high,
+her gloved fingers resting lightly on Lovelace's velvet-clad arm.
+Richard, hearing the little stir caused by her entry, glanced up, and
+perceived her. He did not recognise her companion, but the sparkle in
+her eyes and the happy curve to her full lips were quite enough to tell
+him that it was someone whom she was very contented to have met. He had
+ample opportunity for studying Lovelace as the good-looking pair drew
+near, and he could not but admire the delicate, handsome face with the
+grey eyes that held a laugh in them, the pleasure-loving, well-curved
+mouth, and the chin that spoke of determination. Here was not one of
+Lavinia's lisping, painted puppy-dogs, for in spite of the effeminate
+curls, it was easy to see that this man had character and a will of his
+own, and, above all, a great charm of manner. He saw Lavinia blush and
+rap the Captain's knuckles in answer to some remark, and his heart sank.
+He rose and came to meet them.
+
+Lady Lavinia smiled sweetly upon him, and patted his arm with a
+possessive little air.
+
+"Dicky dear, I have found an old friend--a very old friend! Is it not
+agreeable? Captain Lovelace--Mr. Carstares."
+
+The two men bowed, Richard with reluctancy, the Captain with easy
+_bonhomie_.
+
+"Sir, I claim to be a worshipper at the shrine of which you, I believe,
+are High Priest!" he said impudently, and bowed again, this time to my
+lady.
+
+"You are one of many, sir," smiled Richard.
+
+Lady Devereux came tripping up to them, and kissed Lavinia with a great
+show of affection.
+
+"My dearest life! My sweet Lavinia!"
+
+Lady Lavinia presented a powdered cheek.
+
+"Dearest Fanny, how charming to see you again!" she cooed. Through her
+lashes she gazed at her friend's enormous headdress, with its rolls of
+powdered curls and the imitation flowers perched upon the top of the
+erection.
+
+"But, my angel!" exclaimed Lady Fanny, stepping back to view her,
+"surely you have been ill?"
+
+"How strange!" smiled Lavinia. "I was about to ask you that same
+question, my dear! 'Tis age, I doubt not. Do we both look such dreadful
+hags?" She turned her bewitching little countenance to the men, and
+smiled appealingly.
+
+Compliments showered upon her, and Lady Devereux, who was conscious that
+her own sallow countenance, in spite of rouge and powder, must appear
+even more sallow beside Lavinia's pink-and-whiteness, flushed in
+annoyance and turned away, begging her dearest Lavvy to come to the faro
+with her. But Lavinia, it appeared, was going to watch the dicing at
+Richard's table: she vowed she should bring him monstrous good luck.
+
+"I don't doubt it, my dear," replied her husband, "but I am not playing
+to-night. Will you not take your luck to Bob?" He nodded to where the
+Colonel was lounging, dice-box in hand.
+
+Lavinia pouted.
+
+"No, I want you to play!"
+
+"'Tis of no avail, Lady Lavinia!" drawled Sir Gregory. "Richard is the
+very devil to-night."
+
+Selwyn, rattling his dice, paused, and looked round at Markham with a
+face of innocent surprise. Then he turned slowly and stared at
+Carstares' grave, almost stern countenance, with even more surprise. He
+started to rattle the dice again, and shifted back to face his opponent,
+with pursed lips.
+
+"Is he?" he inquired with studied depression.
+
+Even Lavinia joined in the general laugh, not so much at the wit's words
+as at his comic expression, and the extreme deliberation with which he
+had enacted the little scene.
+
+Someone cried a bet to Lovelace, which was promptly accepted, and
+Lavinia's eyes glowed afresh as she followed the Captain to a table.
+
+Richard went to fetch her some refreshment, and on his return, found her
+leaning over Lovelace's chair, her hand on his shoulder, eagerly casting
+the dice on to the table. He was in time to see her clap her hands and
+to hear her cry of: "My luck! Oh, my luck is in! I will throw again!"
+
+Glancing round she caught sight of her husband, and her face fell.
+
+"Do you _mind_, Dicky?" she pleaded.
+
+He did mind, but he could not appear churlish before all these men; so
+he laughed and shook his head, and went to her elbow to watch her play.
+
+When she at length ceased, her luck had run out, and she had lost her
+much-prized ruby earring to Mr. Selwyn, who placed it carefully in his
+vest pocket, vowing he should wear it next his heart for ever. Then, and
+then only, did she consent to leave the gaming tables for the dancing
+hall, and for another hour Richard had the felicity of watching her
+tread the minuet with various young bloods, but most often with her
+new-found Harry Lovelace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE REAPPEARANCE OF HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER
+
+
+It seemed to Richard in the days that followed, that Captain Lovelace
+was never out of his house. If he went to his wife's boudoir, there was
+Lovelace, hanging over her while she played upon the spinet or glanced
+through the pages of the _Rambler_. If Lavinia went to a ball or
+masquerade, the Captain was always amongst the favoured ones admitted to
+her chamber for the express purpose of watching her don her gown and
+judiciously place her patches. If Carstares begged his wife's company
+one morning, she was full of regrets: Harry was calling to take her to
+Vauxhall or to Spring Gardens. When he entered his door, the first sight
+that met his eyes was the Captain's amber-clouded cane and point-edged
+hat; and when he looked out of the window, it was more often to see a
+chair draw up at the house and Lovelace alight. After patiently enduring
+a week of his continued presence, Carstares remonstrated with his wife:
+she must not encourage her friend to spend all his time at Grosvenor
+Square. At first she had looked reproachful, and then she inquired his
+reason. His reluctant answer was that it was not seemly. At that her
+eyes had opened wide, and she demanded to know what could be more seemly
+than the visits of such an old friend? With a gleam of humour, Richard
+replied that it was not Captain Harold's age that he objected to, but,
+on the contrary, his youth. On which she accused him of being jealous.
+It was true enough, but he indignantly repudiated the suggestion. Very
+well, then, he was merely stupid! He must not be cross; Harry was her
+very good friend, and did not Richard admire the new device for her
+hair? Richard was not to be cajoled: did she clearly understand that
+Lovelace's visits must cease? She only understood one thing, and that
+was that Dicky was marvellous ill-tempered and ridiculous to-day. And he
+must not tease her! Yes, she would be very good, but so must he! And now
+she was going shopping, and she would require at least twenty guineas.
+
+In spite of her promise to "be good," she made no attempt to discourage
+Lovelace's attentions, always smiling charmingly upon him and beckoning
+him to her side.
+
+It was the morning of the Duchess of Devonshire's rout that Carstares
+again broached the subject. My lady was in bed, her fair hair unpowdered
+and streaming all about her shoulders, her chocolate on a small table at
+her side and countless _billets doux_ from admirers scattered on the
+sheet. In her hand she held a bouquet of white roses with a card
+attached bearing, in bold, sprawling characters, the initials "H. L."
+Perhaps it was the sight of those incriminating letters that roused
+Richard's anger. At all events, with a violence quite unlike his usual
+gentle politeness, he snatched the flowers from her hand, and sent them
+whizzing into a corner.
+
+"Let there be an end to all this folly!" he cried.
+
+Lavinia raised herself on one elbow, astonished.
+
+"H-how _dare_ you?" she gasped.
+
+"It has come to that!" he answered. "How dare I, your husband, try to
+control your actions in any way? I tell you, Lavinia, I have had enough
+of your antics, and I will not longer put up with them!"
+
+"You--you--What in heaven's name ails you, Richard?"
+
+"This! I will not countenance that puppy's invasion of my house!" He
+made a furious gesture towards the wilted bouquet.
+
+"Neither will I permit you to make yourself the talk of London through
+him!"
+
+"I? I? _I_ make myself the talk of London? How dare you? Oh! how dare
+you?"
+
+"I beg you will cease that foolishness. There is no question of my
+daring. How dare _you_ disobey me, as you have been doing all this past
+week?"
+
+She cowered away from him.
+
+"Dicky!"
+
+"'Tis very well to cry 'Dicky,' and to smile, but I have experienced
+that before. Sometimes I think you are utterly without heart!--a
+selfish, vain, extravagant woman!"
+
+The childish lips trembled. Lady Lavinia buried her face in the pillows,
+sobbing.
+
+Carstares' face softened.
+
+"I beg your pardon, my dear. Mayhap that was unjust."
+
+"And cruel! And cruel!"
+
+"And cruel. Forgive me."
+
+She twined white, satiny arms about his neck.
+
+"You did not _mean_ it?"
+
+"No. I mean that I will not allow Lovelace to dangle after you,
+however."
+
+She flung away from him.
+
+"You have no right to speak like that. I knew Harry long before I ever
+set eyes on _you_!"
+
+He winced.
+
+"You infer that he is more to you than I am?"
+
+"No! Though you try to make me hate you. No! I love you best. But I will
+not send Harry away!"
+
+"Not if I order it?"
+
+"Order it? Order it? No! No! A thousand times no!"
+
+"I do order it!"
+
+"And I refuse to listen to you!"
+
+"By God, madam, you need a lesson!" he flamed. "I am minded to take you
+back to Wyncham this very day! And I promise you that, an you do not
+obey me in this, to Wyncham you _shall_ go!" He stamped out of the room
+as he spoke, and she sank back amongst her pillows, white and trembling
+with fury.
+
+As soon as she was dressed, she flounced downstairs, bent on finishing
+the quarrel. But Carstares had gone out some time since, and was not
+expected to return until late. For a moment Lavinia was furious, but the
+timely arrival of a box from her mantua-maker's chased away the frowns
+and wreathed her face in smiles.
+
+Richard did not return until it was time to prepare for the rout, and on
+entering the house he went straight to his chamber, putting himself into
+the hands of his valet. He submitted to the delicate tinting of his
+finger-nails, the sprinkling of his linen with rosewater and the
+stencilling of his brows. He was arrayed in puce and gold, rings slipped
+on to his fingers, his legs coaxed into hose with marvellous clocks
+splashed on their sides, and a diamond buckle placed above the large
+black bow of his tie-wig. Then, powdered, painted and patched, he went
+slowly across to his wife's room.
+
+Lavinia, who had by now quite forgotten the morning's _contretemps_,
+greeted him with a smile. She sat before the mirror in her under-gown,
+with a loose _déshabillé_ thrown over her shoulders. The _coiffeur_ had
+departed, and her hair, thickly powdered, was dressed high above her
+head over cushions, twisted into curls over her ears and allowed to fall
+in more curls over her shoulders. On top of the creation were poised
+ostrich feathers, scarlet and white, and round her throat gleamed a
+great necklet of diamonds. The room was redolent of some heavy perfume;
+discarded ribbons, laces, slippers and gloves strewed the floor; over
+the back of a chair hung a brilliant scarlet domino, and tenderly laid
+out on the bed was her gown, a mass of white satin and brocade, with
+full ruffles over the hips and quantities of foaming lace falling from
+the corsage and from the short sleeves. Beside it reposed her fan, her
+soft lace gloves, her mask and her tiny reticule.
+
+Carstares gingerly sat down on the extreme edge of a chair and watched
+the maid tint his wife's already perfect cheeks.
+
+"I shall break hearts to-night, shall I not?" she asked gaily, over her
+shoulder.
+
+"I do not doubt it," he answered shortly.
+
+"And you, Dicky?" She turned round to look at him. "Puce... 'tis not the
+colour I should have chosen, but 'tis well enough. A new wig, surely?"
+
+"Ay."
+
+Her eyes questioned his coldness, and she suddenly remembered the events
+of the morning. So he was sulky? Very well! Monsieur should see!
+
+Someone knocked at the door; the maid went to open it.
+
+"Sir Douglas Faversham, Sir Gregory Markham, Moosso le Chevalier and
+Captain Lovelace are below, m'lady."
+
+A little devil prompted Lavinia.
+
+"Oh, la-la! So many? Well, I cannot see all, 'tis certain. Admit Sir
+Gregory and Captain Lovelace."
+
+Louisa communicated this to the lackey and shut the door.
+
+Richard bit his lip angrily.
+
+"Are you sure I am not _de trop_?" he asked, savagely sarcastic.
+
+Lady Lavinia cast aside her _déshabillé_ and stood up.
+
+"Oh, 'tis no matter--I am ready for my gown, Louisa."
+
+There came more knocking at the door, and this time it was Carstares who
+rose to open it.
+
+There entered Markham, heavily handsome in crimson and gold, and
+Lovelace, his opposite, fair and delicately pretty in palest blue and
+silver. As usual, he wore his loose wig, and in it sparkled three
+sapphire pins.
+
+He made my lady a marvellous leg.
+
+"I am prostrated by your beauty, fairest!"
+
+Sir Gregory was eyeing Lavinia's white slippers through his quizzing
+glass.
+
+"Jewelled heels, 'pon my soul!" he drawled.
+
+She pirouetted gracefully, her feet flashing as they caught the light.
+
+"Was it not well thought on?" she demanded. "But I must not waste
+time--the dress! Now, Markham--now Harry--you will see the creation!"
+
+Lovelace sat down on a chair, straddle-wise, his arms over the back, and
+his chin sunk in his hands. Markham leant against the _garde-robe_ and
+watched through his glass.
+
+When the dress was at last arranged, the suggested improvements in the
+matter of lace, ribbons, and the adjustment of a brooch thoroughly
+discussed, bracelets fixed on her arms and the flaming domino draped
+about her, it was full three-quarters of an hour later, and Carstares
+was becoming impatient. It was not in his nature to join with the two
+men in making fulsome compliments, and their presence at the toilette
+filled him with annoyance. He hated that Lavinia should admit them, but
+it was the _mode_, and he knew he must bow the head under it.
+
+My lady was at last ready to start; her gilded chair awaited her in the
+light of the _flambeaux_ at the door, and with great difficulty she
+managed to enter it, taking absurd pains that her silks should not
+crush, nor the nodding plumes of her huge head-dress become disordered
+by unseemly contact with the roof. Then she found that she had left her
+fan in her room, and Lovelace and Markham must needs vie with one
+another in the fetching of it. While they wrangled wittily for the
+honour, Richard went quietly indoors and presently emerged with the
+painted chicken-skin, just as Lovelace was preparing to ascend the
+steps. At last Lavinia was shut in and the bearers picked up the poles.
+Off went the little cavalcade down the long square, the chair in the
+middle. Lovelace walked close beside it on the right, and Richard and
+Markham on the left. So they proceeded through the uneven streets,
+carefully picking their way through the dirtier parts, passing other
+chairs and pedestrians, all coming from various quarters into South
+Audley Street. They were remarkably silent: Markham from habitual
+laziness, Lovelace because he sensed Richard's antagonism, and Richard
+himself on account of his extremely worried state of mind. In fact,
+until they reached Curzon Street no one spoke, and then it was only
+Markham, who, glancing behind him at the shuttered windows of the great
+corner house, casually remarked that Chesterfield was still at Wells. An
+absent assent came from Carstares, and the conversation came to an end.
+
+In Clarges Street they were joined by Sir John Fortescue, an austere
+patrician, and although some years his senior, a close friend of
+Richard's. They fell behind the chair, and Fortescue took Richard's
+proffered arm.
+
+"I did not see you at White's to-day, John?"
+
+"No. I had some business with my lawyer. I suppose you did not stumble
+across my poor brother?"
+
+"Frank? I did not--but why the 'poor'?"
+
+Fortescue shrugged slightly.
+
+"I think the lad is demented," he said. "He was to have made one of
+March's supper-party last night, but at four o'clock received a
+communication from heaven knows whom which threw him into a state of
+unrest. What must he do but hurry off without a word of explanation.
+Since then I have not set eyes on him, but his man tells me he went to
+meet a friend. Damned unusual of him is all I have to say."
+
+"Very strange. Do you expect to see him to-night?"
+
+"I should hope so! My dear Carstares, who is the man walking by your
+lady's chair?"
+
+"Markham?"
+
+"The other."
+
+"Lovelace."
+
+"Lovelace? And who the devil is he?"
+
+"I cannot tell you--beyond a captain in the Guards."
+
+"That even is news to me. I saw him at Goosetree's the other night, and
+wondered. Somewhat of a rake-hell, I surmise."
+
+"I daresay. I do not like him."
+
+They were entering the gates of Devonshire House now, and had to part
+company, for the crush was so great that it was almost impossible to
+keep together. Carstares stayed by Lavinia's chair, and the other men
+melted away into the crowd. Chairs jostled one another in the effort to
+get to the door, town coaches rolled up, and having let down their fair
+burdens, passed out again slowly, pushing through the throng.
+
+When the Carstares' chair at last drew near the house, it was quite a
+quarter of an hour later. The ball-room was already full and a blaze of
+riotous colour. Lavinia was almost immediately borne off by an
+infatuated youth for whom she cherished a motherly affection that would
+have caused the unfortunate to tear his elegant locks, had he known it.
+
+Richard distinguished Lord Andrew Belmanoir, one of a group of bucks
+gathered about the newest beauty, Miss Gunning, who, with her sister
+Elizabeth, had taken fashionable London by storm. Andrew wore a mask,
+but he was quite unmistakable by his length of limb and carelessly
+rakish appearance.
+
+Wilding, across the room, beckoned to Richard, and on his approach,
+dragged him to the card-room to play at lansquenet with March, Selwyn
+and himself.
+
+Carstares found the Earl in great good-humour, due, so Selwyn remarked,
+to the finding of an opera singer even more lovely than the last. From
+lansquenet they very soon passed to dice and betting, with others who
+strolled up to the table. Then Carstares excused himself and went back
+to the ball-room. He presently found himself by the side of one Isabella
+Fanshawe, a sprightly widow, greatly famed for her wittiness and good
+looks. Carstares had met her but once before, and was now rather
+surprised that she motioned him to her side, patting the couch with an
+inviting, much be-ringed hand.
+
+"Come and sit by me, Mr. Carstares. I have wanted to speak with you this
+long time." She lowered her mask as she spoke and closely scrutinised
+his face with her bright, humorous eyes.
+
+"Why, madam, I am flattered," bowed Richard.
+
+She cut him short.
+
+"I am not in the mood for compliments, sir. Nor am I desirous of making
+or hearing clever speeches. You are worrying me."
+
+Richard sat down, intrigued and attracted by this downright little
+woman.
+
+"I, madam?"
+
+"You, sir. That is, your face worries me." Seeing his surprise, she
+laughed, fanning herself. "'Tis comely enough, I grant you! I mean there
+is such a strong likeness to--a friend of mine."
+
+Richard smiled politely and relieved her of the fan.
+
+"Indeed, madam?"
+
+"Yes. I knew--this other gentleman in Vienna, three years ago. I should
+judge him younger than you, I think. His eyes were blue, but very
+similar to yours. His nose was almost identical with yours, but the
+mouth--n-no. Yet the whole expression--" She broke off, noticing her
+companion's sudden pallor. "But you are unwell, sir?"
+
+"No, madam, no! What was your friend's name?"
+
+"Ferndale," she answered. "Anthony Ferndale."
+
+The fan stopped its swaying for a moment.
+
+"Ah!" said Richard.
+
+"Do you know him?" she inquired eagerly.
+
+"Many years ago, madam, I was--acquainted with him. Can you tell me--was
+he in good spirits when last you saw him?"
+
+She pursed her lips thoughtfully.
+
+"If you mean was he gay, was he witty--yes. But sometimes I thought--Mr.
+Carstares, when he was silent, his eyes were so sad--! Indeed, I do not
+know why I tell you this."
+
+"You may be sure, madam, your confidence is safe with me. I had--a great
+regard for this gentleman." He opened and shut her fan as he spoke,
+fidgeting with the slender sticks. "You, too, were interested in him,
+madam?"
+
+"I do not think ever anyone knew him and was not, sir. It was something
+in his manner, his personality--I cannot explain--that endeared him to
+one. And he once--aided me--when I was in difficulties."
+
+Richard, remembering scraps of gossip concerning the widow's past,
+merely bowed his head.
+
+She was silent for a time, staring down at her hands, but presently she
+looked up smiling, and took her fan away from him.
+
+"I cannot abide a fidget, sir!" she told him. "And I see Lord
+Fotheringham approaching. I am promised to him this dance." She rose,
+but Richard detained her.
+
+"Mrs. Fanshawe, will you permit me to call upon you? I would hear more
+of--your friend. You, mayhap, think it strange--but--"
+
+"No," she answered. "I do not. Certainly call upon me, sir. I lodge in
+Mount Street with my sister--No. 16."
+
+"I protest, madam, you are too good--"
+
+"Again, no. I have told you, I like a man to talk as a man and not as an
+affected woman. I shall be pleased to welcome you."
+
+She curtsied and went away on the Viscount's arm.
+
+At the same moment a voice at Richard's elbow drawled:
+
+"Do I see you at the vivacious widow's feet, my good Dick?"
+
+Carstares turned to face his brother-in-law, Colonel Belmanoir.
+
+"Is not all London?" he smiled.
+
+"Oh, no! Not since the beautiful Gunnings' arrival. But I admit she is a
+dainty piece. And Lavinia? Will she break her heart, I wonder?" He
+laughed beneath his breath as he saw Richard's eyes flash.
+
+"I trust not," replied Carstares. "Are you all here to-night?"
+
+"Our illustrious head is absent, I believe. Andrew is flirting with the
+Fletcher girl in the Blue Salon; I am here, and Lavinia is amusing
+herself with Lovelace. Yes, Richard, Lovelace! Be careful!" With another
+sneering laugh he walked on, bowing to Elizabeth Gunning, who passed by
+on the arm of her partner, his Grace of Hamilton, most palpably _épris_.
+
+At that moment two late-comers entered the room and made their way
+towards their hostess, who appeared delighted to see them, especially
+the taller of the two, whose hand she slapped with good-humoured
+raillery. The shorter gentleman wore no mask, and the Colonel recognised
+Frank Fortescue. His eyes travelled to the other, who, unlike most of
+the men who only held their masks, had fastened his across his eyes, and
+they widened in surprise. The purple domino, worn carelessly open,
+revealed black satin encrusted with silver and diamonds. The natural
+hair was raven-black, the nostrils were pinched and the lips thin.
+
+"The Devil!" ejaculated Robert, and strolled over to him.
+
+Fortescue walked away when he saw who approached, and his Grace of
+Andover turned slowly towards his brother.
+
+"I rather thought you were in Paris," yawned the colonel.
+
+"I am always sorry to disillusion you," bowed his Grace.
+
+"Not at all; I am transported with joy at seeing you. As is Lavinia, it
+appears."
+
+Lady Lavinia, on recognising his Grace, had dropped her partner's hand
+and fled incontinent towards him.
+
+"You, Tracy!" She clasped delighted hands on his arm.
+
+"This is very touching," sneered Robert. "It only needs Andrew to
+complete the happy reunion. Pray excuse me!"
+
+"With pleasure," replied the Duke gently, and bowed as if to a stranger.
+
+"He grows tedious," he remarked, as soon as the Colonel was out of
+earshot.
+
+"Oh, Bob! I take no account of _him_! But, Tracy, how is it you have
+come to-day? I thought--"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, do I wear an air of mystery? I imagined you knew I was
+promised to Dolly Cavendish to-night?"
+
+"Yes, but--oh, what matters it? I am so charmed to see you again, dear!"
+
+"You flatter me, Lavinia."
+
+"And now that you have come, I want to hear why you ever went! Tracy,
+take me into the room behind us. I know 'tis empty."
+
+"Very well, child, as you will." He held back the curtain for her and
+followed her into the deserted chamber.
+
+"You want to know why I went?" he began, seating himself at her side. "I
+counsel you, my dear, to cast your mind back to the spring--at Bath."
+
+"Your _affaire_! Of course! So the lady proved unkind?"
+
+"No. But I bungled it."
+
+"_You_? Tell me at once!--at once!"
+
+His Grace stretched out his leg and surveyed his shoe-buckle through
+half-closed lids.
+
+"I had arranged everything," he said, "and all would have been well but
+for an interfering young jackanapes who chanced along the track and saw
+fit to espouse Madam Diana's cause." He paused. "He tripped me up by
+some trick, and then--_que veux-tu_?"
+
+"Who was it?"
+
+"How should I know? At first he seemed familiar. At all events, he knew
+me. He may be dead by now. I hope he is."
+
+"Gracious! Did you wound him?"
+
+"I managed to fire at him, but he was too quick, and the bullet took him
+in the shoulder. It may, however, have been mortal."
+
+"And so you went to Paris?"
+
+"Ay. To forget her."
+
+"And have you forgotten?"
+
+"I have not. She is never out of my thoughts. I plan again."
+
+His sister sighed.
+
+"She is then more beautiful than the Pompadour?" she asked meaningly.
+
+Tracy turned his head.
+
+"The Pompadour?"
+
+"Ay! We heard you contrived to amuse yourself in a pretty fashion,
+Tracy!"
+
+"Really? I had no idea people were so interested in my affairs. But
+'amuse' is an apt word."
+
+"Ah? You were not then _épris_?"
+
+"I? With that low-born cocotte? My dear Lavinia!"
+
+She laughed at his haughty tone.
+
+"You've not always been so nice, Tracy! But what of your Diana? An you
+are so infatuated, you had best wed her."
+
+"Why, so I think."
+
+Lady Lavinia gasped.
+
+"Tracy! You do not mean it? Goodness me, but a marriage!"
+
+"Why not, Lavinia?"
+
+"Oh, a respectable married man, forsooth! And how long will the passion
+last?"
+
+"I cannot be expected to foretell that, surely? I hope, for ever."
+
+"And you'll tie yourself up for the sake of one chit? Lud!"
+
+"I can conceive a worse fate for a man."
+
+"Can you? Well, tell me more! 'Tis monstrous exciting. Do you intend to
+court her?"
+
+"At this stage of the proceedings? That were somewhat tactless, my dear.
+I must abduct her, but I must be more careful. Once I have her, I can
+propitiate Papa."
+
+"Tracy, 'tis the maddest scheme ever I heard! What will the others say?"
+
+"Do you really suppose I care?"
+
+"No, I suppose not. Oh, will not Bob be furious, though!"
+
+"It were almost worth while--just for the sake of foiling him. He would
+so like to succeed me. But I really do not think he must." His elbow was
+on his knee, his chin in his hand, and a peculiar smile on his lips.
+"Can you imagine him stepping into my ducal shoes, Lavinia?"
+
+"Very easily!" she cried. "Oh, yes, yes, Tracy! Marry the girl!"
+
+"If she will."
+
+"Why, 'tis not like you to underrate your persuasive powers!"
+
+His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up in a curious grimace.
+
+"I believe one cannot force a girl to the altar," he said.
+
+"Unless she is a fool, she'll have you."
+
+"Her parent would be influenced by my dukedom, but she, no. Not even if
+she knew of it."
+
+"Does she not know?"
+
+"Certainly not. I am Mr. Everard."
+
+"How wise of you, Tracy! So you've nought to fear?"
+
+"Fear?" He snapped his fingers. "I?"
+
+The heavy curtain swung noiselessly aside. Richard Carstares stood in
+the opening.
+
+Tracy turned his head and scrutinised him languidly. Then he put up his
+hand and removed his mask.
+
+"Is it possible the husband scented an intrigue? It seems I am doomed to
+disappoint to-night."
+
+Lavinia, smarting from her morning's wrongs, laughed savagely.
+
+"More probable he mistook me for someone else!" she snapped.
+
+Richard bowed, his hand on the curtain. He had shown no surprise at
+seeing the Duke.
+
+"Far more probable, my dear. I thought you Lady Charlwood! Pray give me
+leave." He was gone on the word.
+
+Tracy replaced his mask, chuckling.
+
+"Honest Dick grows cold, eh? But what a snub, Lavinia!"
+
+Her little hand clenched.
+
+"Oh, how dare he! How dare he insult me so?"
+
+"My dear sister, in all justice to him, you must admit the boot was
+rather on the other leg."
+
+"Oh, I know--I know! But he is so provoking!--so jealous!--so
+unreasonable!"
+
+"Jealous? And why?"
+
+With an impatient twitch at her petticoat she made answer, not looking
+at him.
+
+"Oh, I do not know! Nor he! Take me back to the ball-room."
+
+"Certainly, my dear." He rose and led her out. "I shall do myself the
+honour of waiting on you--to-morrow."
+
+"Yes? How delightful 'twill be! Come to dine, Tracy! Richard is promised
+to the Fortescues."
+
+"In that case, I have much pleasure in accepting your invitation.... In
+heaven's name, who is this?"
+
+Lovelace was bearing down upon them.
+
+"Lavinia! I have been seeking you everywhere!--ah--your servant, sir!"
+He bowed to his Grace, and took Lavinia's hand.
+
+"Oh--oh, Harold!--you remember Tracy?" she said nervously.
+
+"Tracy! I did not know you masked! I saw you last in Paris."
+
+"Really? I regret I was not aware of your presence. It is a good many
+years since I had the honour of seeing you."
+
+"Five," nodded Lovelace, and sent a smiling, amorous glance at Lavinia.
+
+"Exactly," bowed his Grace. "You have, I perceive, renewed your
+acquaintance with my sister."
+
+When they were gone he caressed his chin, thoughtfully.
+
+"Lovelace ... and Richard is so jealous, so unreasonable. Now I do hope
+Lavinia will do nothing indiscreet--Yes, Frank, I was talking to myself;
+a bad habit."
+
+Fortescue, who had come up behind him, took his arm.
+
+"A sign of lunacy, my dear. Jim Cavendish demands you."
+
+"Does he? May I ask why?"
+
+"He is in the card-room. There is some bet on, I believe."
+
+"In that case I shall have to go. You had best accompany me, Frank."
+
+"Very well. You have seen Lady Lavinia?"
+
+Beneath the mask his Grace's eyes narrowed.
+
+"I have seen Lavinia. Also I have seen an old friend--Lovelace by name."
+
+"The captain with the full-bottomed wig? Your friend, you say?"
+
+"Did I say so? I should correct myself: a friend of my sister's."
+
+"Indeed? Yes, I believe I have seen him in her company."
+
+Tracy smiled enigmatically.
+
+"I daresay."
+
+"And what of you, Tracy?"
+
+"Well? _What_ of me?"
+
+"You told me this morning that you had at last fallen in love. It is
+true? You are honestly in love?"
+
+"Honestly? How do I know? I only know that I have felt this passion for
+four months, and now it is stronger than ever. It sounds like love."
+
+"Then, an she is a good woman, I hope she will consent to take you, such
+as you are, and make of you such as she can!"
+
+"Now that is very neat, Frank. I congratulate you. Of course she will
+take me; as to the rest--I think not."
+
+"Tare an' ouns, Tracy! but an that is the tone you take with her, she'll
+have none of you!"
+
+"I have never found it unsuccessful."
+
+"With your common trollops, no! But if your Diana is a lady, she will
+dispatch you about your business! Woo her, man! Forget your own damned
+importance, for I think you will need to humble yourself to the dust if
+all that you tell me has passed between you is true!"
+
+They had paused outside the card-room. A curtain shut it off from the
+ball-room, and with his hand on it, Tracy stared arrogantly down at his
+friend.
+
+"Humble myself? 'Fore Gad, you must be mad!"
+
+"Belike I am; but I tell you, Tracy, that if your passion is love, 'tis
+a strange one that puts yourself first. I would not give the snap of a
+finger for it! You want this girl, not for her happiness, but for your
+own pleasure. That is not the love I once told you would save you from
+yourself. When it comes, you will count yourself as nought; you will
+realise your own insignificance, and above all, be ready to make any
+sacrifice for her sake. Yes, even to the point of losing her!"
+
+His Grace's lips sneered.
+
+"Your eloquence is marvellous," he remarked. "I have not been so amused
+since I left Paris."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME
+
+
+When the Duke of Andover dined next day at Grosvenor Square, he
+contrived, by subtle means, to make his sister feel inexplicably ill at
+ease. He let fall pleasant little remarks concerning her friendship with
+Captain Lovelace, in which she read disapproval and a sinister warning.
+She was afraid of him, as she was not of her husband, and she knew that
+if he ever guessed at the depths of her affection for the old flame, he
+would take very effective measures towards stopping her intercourse with
+him. It was, then, entirely owing to his return that she told Lovelace
+that he must not so palpably adore her. Neither must he visit her so
+frequently. They were both in her boudoir at the time, one morning, and
+no doubt Lavinia looked very lovely and very tempting in her wrapper,
+with her golden curls free from powder and loosely dressed beneath her
+escalloped lace ruffle. At all events, Lovelace abandoned his daintily
+bantering pose and seized her in his arms, nearly smothering her with
+fierce, passionate caresses.
+
+Her ladyship struggled, gave a faint shriek, and started to cry. As his
+kisses seemed to aggravate her tears, he picked her up, and carrying her
+to a chair, lowered her gently into it. Then, having first dusted the
+floor with his handkerchief, he knelt down beside her and possessed
+himself of both her hands.
+
+"Lavinia! Goddess! I adore you!"
+
+Bethinking herself that tears were ruinous to her complexion, Lady
+Lavinia pulled her hands away and dabbed at her eyes.
+
+"Oh, Harold!" she reproached him.
+
+"I have offended you! Wretch that I am--"
+
+"Oh, no, no!" Lady Lavinia gave him her hand again. "But 'twas wicked of
+you, Harry! You must never, never do it again!"
+
+His arm crept round her waist.
+
+"But I love you, sweetheart!"
+
+"Oh! Oh! Think of Dicky!"
+
+He released her at that, and sprang to his feet.
+
+"Why should I think of him? 'Tis of you and myself I think! Only a week
+ago you vowed he was unkind--"
+
+"You are monstrous wicked to remind me of that! We were both cross--and
+then we were both sorry. I am very fond of poor Dicky."
+
+"Fond of him! Ay, so you may be, but you do not love him! Not as a woman
+loves a man--do you?"
+
+"Harold!"
+
+"Of course you do not! You used to love me--no, do not shake your head,
+'tis true! You would have married me had it not been for Tracy."
+
+"Oh, Harry! How can you say so? What had he to do with it?"
+
+"What, indeed! Whose fault was it that I was time after time refused
+admittance at Andover? Whose fault was it that you were induced to marry
+Carstares?"
+
+"Not Tracy's. 'Twas my own wish."
+
+"Fostered by his influence?"
+
+"Oh, no!"
+
+"You never loved Carstares--"
+
+"I did! I do!"
+
+"You may think so, but I know better. Why, he is not even suited to you!
+You were made for life and pleasure and hazard! With me you would have
+had all that; with him--"
+
+She had risen to her feet and drawn nearer to him, her eyes sparkling,
+but now she covered her ears with her hands and stamped pettishly.
+
+"I will not listen! I will not, I tell you! Oh, you are unkind to plague
+me so!"
+
+Lovelace took her into his arms once more, and drawing down her hands,
+kissed her again and again. She resisted, trying to thrust him off, but
+she was crushed against him, and he would have kissed her again, had not
+there come an interruption.
+
+A knock fell on the door, and the footman announced:
+
+"His Grace of Andover, m'lady!"
+
+The guilty pair sprang apart in the nick of time, she fiery red, he
+pale, but composed.
+
+His Grace stood in the doorway, his quizzing glass raised inquiringly.
+His eyes went swiftly from one to the other and widened. He bowed
+elaborately.
+
+"My dear Lavinia! Captain Lovelace, your very obedient!"
+
+Lovelace returned the bow with much flourish.
+
+"Your Grace!"
+
+"Dear me, Tracy!" cried Lavinia, advancing. "What an unexpected visit!"
+
+"I trust I have not arrived at an inopportune moment, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, no!" she assured him. "I am quite charmed to see you! But at such
+an early hour--! I confess, it quite astonishes me!" She brought him to
+a chair, chattering like a child, and so innocent was his expression, so
+smiling his attitude towards the Captain, that she imagined that he
+suspected nothing, and had not noticed her blushes.
+
+It was only when Lovelace had departed that she was undeceived. Then,
+when his Grace moved to a chair opposite her, she saw that he was
+frowning slightly.
+
+"You--you are put out over something, Tracy?" she asked nervously.
+
+The frown deepened.
+
+"N-no. I am not 'put out.' I merely anticipate the sensation."
+
+"I--I don't understand. What mean you?"
+
+"At present, nothing."
+
+"Tracy, please do not be mysterious! Are you like to be put out?"
+
+"I trust not, Lavinia."
+
+"But what annoys you?"
+
+Instead of answering, he put a question:
+
+"I hope you amused yourself well--last night, my dear sister?"
+
+She flushed. Last night had been Lady Davenant's masquerade, to which
+Lord Robert had conducted her. She had danced almost exclusively with
+Lovelace the whole evening, but as they were both masked, she was rather
+surprised at the question.
+
+"I enjoyed myself quite tolerably, thank you. You were there?"
+
+"No, Lavinia, I was not there."
+
+"Then how do you kn--" She stopped in confusion, biting her lips. For an
+instant she caught a glimpse of his eyes, piercing and cold.
+
+"How do I know?" smoothly finished his Grace "One hears things, Lavinia.
+Also--" he glanced round the room, "one sees things."
+
+"I--I don't understand you!" she shot out, twisting the lace of her gown
+with restless, uneasy fingers.
+
+"No? Must I then be more explicit?"
+
+"Yes! Yes! I should be glad!"
+
+"Then let me beg of you, my dear Lavinia, that you will commit no
+indiscretion."
+
+Her cheeks flamed.
+
+"You mean--"
+
+"I mean that you have grown too friendly with Harold Lovelace."
+
+"Well! What of it?"
+
+His Grace put up his eye-glass, faintly astonished.
+
+"What of it? Pray think a moment, Lavinia!"
+
+"'Tis not likely that _I_ shall be the one to disgrace the name, Tracy!"
+
+"I sincerely hope not. I give you my word I should do all in my power to
+prevent any foolhardy action on your part. Pray do not forget it."
+
+She sat silent, biting her lips.
+
+"It is, my child, unwise to play with fire. Sooner or later one gets
+burnt. And remember that your gallant captain has not one half of
+Richard's wealth."
+
+Up she sprang, kicking her skirts as she always did when angered.
+
+"Money! money!--always money!" she cried. "I do not care one rap for it!
+And Richard is not wealthy!"
+
+"Richard is heir to wealth," replied his Grace calmly. "And even an you
+are so impervious to its charms, I, my dear, am not. Richard is
+extremely useful to me. I beg you will not leave him for any such mad
+rake as Lovelace, who would be faithful to you for perhaps three months,
+certainly not longer."
+
+"Tracy, I will not have you speak to me like this! How dare you insult
+me so? I have given you no cause! I did not say I had any desire to run
+away with him--and he _would_ be faithful to me! He has been faithful
+all these years!"
+
+His Grace smiled provokingly.
+
+"My dear--!"
+
+"Oh, I know there have been episodes--indiscretions. Do you think I
+count him the worse for that?"
+
+"Evidently not."
+
+"There has never been another serious love with him! I hate you!"
+
+"You are overfree with your emotions, my dear. So you do indeed
+contemplate an elopement?"
+
+"No, no, no! I do not! I am _fond_ of Dicky!"
+
+"Dear me!"
+
+"Of course I shall not leave him!"
+
+"Why then, I am satisfied," he answered, and rose to his feet. "I shall
+look to see Captain Lovelace more out of your company." He picked up his
+hat and cane and stood directly in front of her. One dead white hand, on
+which blazed a great ruby seal ring, took her little pointed chin in a
+firm clasp and tilted her head up until she was forced to meet his eyes.
+They held hers inexorably, scorchingly.
+
+"You understand me?" he asked harshly.
+
+Lavinia's eyes filled with tears and her soft underlip trembled.
+
+"Yes," she fluttered, and gave a tiny sob. "Oh, yes, Tracy!"
+
+The eyes lost something of their menacing gleam, and he smiled, for once
+without a sneer, and releasing her chin, patted her cheek indulgently.
+
+"Bear in mind, child, that I am fifteen years your senior, and I have
+more worldly wisdom in my little finger than you have in the whole of
+your composition. I do not wish to witness your ruin."
+
+The tears brimmed over, and she caught his handkerchief from him,
+dabbing at her eyes with one heavily-laced corner.
+
+"You do love me, Tracy?"
+
+"In the recesses of my mind I believe I cherish some affection for you,"
+he replied coolly, rescuing his handkerchief. "I used to class you with
+your deplorable brothers, but I think perhaps I was wrong."
+
+She gave an hysterical laugh.
+
+"Tracy, how can you be so disagreeable? Lud! but I pity Diana an she
+marries you!"
+
+To her surprise he flushed a little.
+
+"Diana, an she marries me, will have all that her heart could desire,"
+he answered stiffly, and took his leave.
+
+Once outside in the square he looked for a sedan, and not seeing one,
+walked away towards Audley Street. He went quickly, but his progress was
+somewhat retarded by two ladies, who, passing in their chairs down the
+street, perceived him and beckoned him to their sides. Escaping
+presently from them, he turned into Curzon Street, and from thence down
+Half Moon Street, where he literally fell into the arms of Tom Wilding,
+who had much to say on the subject of March's last bet with Edgecumbe.
+His Grace affected interest, politely declined Wilding's proffered
+escort, and hurried down into Piccadilly, walking eastwards towards St.
+James's Square, where was the Andover town house. He was fated to be
+again detained, for as he walked along Arlington Street, Mr. Walpole was
+on the point of descending the steps of No. 5. He also had much to say
+to his Grace. He had no idea that Belmanoir had returned from Paris. A
+week ago he had arrived? Well, he, Walpole, had been out of town all the
+week--at Twickenham. He hoped Bel. would honour him with his company at
+the small card-party he was giving there on Thursday. George was coming,
+and Dick Edgecumbe; he had asked March and Gilly Williams, but the Lord
+knew whether both would be induced to appear! Bel. had heard of Gilly's
+absurd jealousy? Wilding was promised, and Markham; several other
+answers he was awaiting.
+
+Andover accepted gracefully and parted from Mr. Walpole. He made the
+rest of his journey in peace, and on arriving at his house, went
+straight to the library, where sat a sleek, eminently
+respectable-looking individual, dressed like a groom. He stood up as his
+Grace entered, and bowed.
+
+Belmanoir nodded shortly and sat down at his desk.
+
+"I have work for you, Harper."
+
+"Yes, sir--your Grace, I should say."
+
+"Do you know Sussex?"
+
+"Well, your Grace, I don't know as how--"
+
+"_Do you know Sussex?_"
+
+"No, your Grace--er--yes, your Grace! I should say, not well, your
+Grace!"
+
+"Have you heard of a place called Littledean?"
+
+"No, s--your Grace."
+
+"Midhurst?"
+
+"Oh, yes, your Grace."
+
+"Good. Littledean is seven miles west of it. You will find that
+out--also an inn called, I think, 'The Pointing Finger.' There you will
+lodge."
+
+"Yes, your Grace, certainly."
+
+"At a very little distance from there is a house--Horton House, where
+lives a certain Mr. Beauleigh, with his sister and daughter. You are to
+watch the comings and goings of these people with the utmost care.
+Eventually you will become groom to Mr. Beauleigh."
+
+"B-but, your Grace!" feebly protested the astonished Harper.
+
+"You will approach their present groom, and you will insinuate that I,
+Andover, am in need of a second groom. You will tell him that I pay
+handsomely--treble what Mr. Beauleigh gives him. If I know human nature,
+he will apply for the post. You then step in. If Mr. Beauleigh asks for
+some recommendation, you are to refer him to Sir Hugh Grandison, White's
+Chocolate House, St. James's Street. When you are engaged I will send
+further instructions."
+
+The man gaped, shut his mouth, and gaped again.
+
+"Do you fully understand me?" asked Belmanoir calmly.
+
+"Er--er--yes, your Grace!"
+
+"Repeat what I have said, then."
+
+Harper stumbled through it and mopped his brow unhappily.
+
+"Very well. In addition, I pay you twice as much as Mr. Beauleigh gives
+you, and, at the end, if you serve me well--fifty guineas. Are you
+satisfied?"
+
+Harper brightened considerably.
+
+"Yes, your Grace! Thank you, sir!"
+
+Tracy laid twenty guineas before him.
+
+"That is for your expenses. Remember this: the sooner the thing is done,
+the more certain are your fifty guineas. That is all. Have you any
+questions to ask?"
+
+Harper cudgelled his still dazed brain, and finding none, shook his
+head.
+
+"No, your Grace."
+
+"Then you may go."
+
+The man bowed himself out, clutching his guineas. He was comparatively a
+newcomer in his Grace's service, and he was by no means accustomed to
+the Duke's lightning method of conducting his affairs. He was not sure
+that he quite appreciated it. But fifty guineas were fifty guineas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+MRS. FANSHAWE LIGHTS A FIRE AND O'HARA FANS THE FLAME
+
+
+Richard Carstares very soon availed himself of Mrs. Fanshawe's
+permission to call upon her, and duly put in an appearance at No. 16,
+Mount Street. He found the house very tastefully appointed, the sister
+elderly and good-natured, and the widow herself an excellent hostess.
+The first time he called he was not the only visitor; two ladies whom he
+did not know and a young cousin were already there, and later, a bowing
+acquaintance, Mr. Standish, also arrived. Seeing that he would have no
+opportunity to talk with the widow on the subject of his brother, he
+very soon took his leave, promising to wait upon her again at no very
+distant date. When, three days later, he again sent in his name and was
+admitted, he found the lady alone, and was gratified to hear her order
+the servant to deny her to all other visitors.
+
+He bowed over her hand and hoped she was well.
+
+Mrs. Fanshawe drew him down beside her on the settee.
+
+"I am very well, Mr. Carstares. And you?"
+
+"Also," he smiled, but his looks belied his words.
+
+She told him so, laughing, and he pleaded a worried week.
+
+"Well, sir, I presume you did not come to talk to me about your health,
+but about my friend--eh?"
+
+"I assure--"
+
+"Remember, no vapid compliments!" she besought.
+
+"Then, madam, yes. I want to hear about--Ferndale. You see, I--like
+you--took a great interest in him."
+
+She sent him a shrewd glance, and nodded.
+
+"Of course. I will tell you all I know, Mr. Carstares, but it is not
+very much, and maybe you will be disappointed. But I only knew him the
+short time we were both in Vienna, and--he was not very communicative."
+
+"Ah!--he did not confide in you, madam?"
+
+"No. If one attempted to draw his confidence, he became a polite
+iceberg."
+
+"Nevertheless, madam, please tell me all that you know."
+
+"It will not take long, I fear. I met him in '48 at Vienna, in the
+Prater, where I was walking with my husband, who had come to Vienna for
+his health. I chanced to let fall my reticule when Sir Anthony was
+passing us, and he picked it up, speaking the most execrable German."
+She smiled a little at the remembrance. "Mr. Fanshawe, who had the
+greatest dislike for all foreigners, was overjoyed to hear the English
+accent. He induced Sir Anthony to continue his walk with us, and
+afterwards he called at our lodgings. I think he, too, was glad to meet
+a fellow-countryman, for he came often, and once when I had been talking
+with him for some time he let fall--what shall I say?--his reserve--his
+guard--and told me that he had scarcely spoken his own language for four
+years. Afterwards he seemed to regret having said even that much, and
+turned the subject." She paused and looked up to see if her auditor was
+interested.
+
+"Yes, yes?" urged Richard. "And then?"
+
+"I do not remember. He came, as I said, often, mostly to talk to my
+husband, who was a great invalid, but sometimes to see me. He would
+hardly ever speak of England--I think he did not trust himself. He never
+mentioned any relations or any English friends, and when I spoke of
+home, he would shut his mouth very tightly, and look terribly sad. I
+saw that for some reason the subject pained him, so I never spoke of it
+if I could help it.
+
+"He was a most entertaining companion, Mr. Carstares; he used to tell my
+husband tales that made him laugh as I had not heard him laugh for
+months. He was very lively, very witty, and almost finickingly well
+dressed, but what his occupation was I could not quite ascertain. He
+said he was a gentleman of leisure, but I do not think he was at all
+wealthy. He frequented all the gaming houses, and I heard tales of his
+marvellous luck, so one day I taxed him with it, and he laughed and said
+he lived by Chance--he meant dice. Yet I know, for I once had
+conversation with his servant, that his purse was at times very, very
+slender."
+
+"The time he aided you, Mrs. Fanshawe, when was that?"
+
+She flushed.
+
+"That was a few months after we first met him. I was--foolish; my
+married life was not--very happy, and I was--or, rather, I fancied
+myself--in love with an Austrian nobleman, who--who--well, sir, suffice
+it that I consented to dine with him one evening. I found then that he
+was not the _galant homme_ I had thought him, but something quite
+different. I do not know what I should have done had not Sir Anthony
+arrived."
+
+"He did arrive then?"
+
+"Yes. You see, he knew that this Austrian had asked me to dine--I told
+him--and he counselled me to refuse. But I--well, sir, I have told you,
+I was young and very foolish--I would not listen. When he called at our
+house and found that I was out, he at once guessed where I had gone, and
+he followed me to the Count's house, gave an Austrian name, and was
+announced just as the Count tried to--tried to--kiss me. I think I shall
+never forget the relief of that moment! He was so safe, and so English!
+The Count was furious, and at first I thought he would have his lackeys
+throw Anthony out. But when he heard all that Anthony had to say, he
+realised that it was useless to try to detain me--and I was taken home.
+Anthony was very kind--he did not scold, neither had he told my husband.
+Two days after, he and the Count fought a duel, and the Count was
+wounded in the lung. That was all. But it made me very grateful to him
+and interested in his affairs. Mr. Fanshawe left Vienna a few weeks
+after that, and I have never seen my _preux chevalier_ since." She
+sighed and looked steadily across at Carstares. "And you--you are so
+like him!"
+
+"You think so, madam?" was all he could find to say.
+
+"I do, sir. And something more, which, perhaps, you will deem an
+impertinence. Is Anthony your brother?"
+
+The suddenness of the attack threw Carstares off his guard. He went
+white.
+
+"Madam!"
+
+"Please be not afraid that mine is the proverbial woman's tongue, sir.
+It does not run away with me, I assure you. When I saw you the other
+night for the first time, I was struck by the resemblance, and I asked
+my partner, Mr. Stapely, who you were. He told me, and much more beside,
+which I was not at the time desirous of hearing."
+
+"Trust Will Stapely!" exclaimed Richard, and mentally cursed the amiable
+gossip-monger.
+
+"Among other things he told me of your elder brother-who--who--in fact,
+he told me the whole story. Of course, my mind instantly leapt to my
+poor Sir Anthony, despite that in appearance he is younger than you. Was
+I right?"
+
+Richard rose to his feet and walked away to the window, standing with
+his back to her.
+
+"Ay!"
+
+"I was sure of it," she nodded. "So that was why he would not speak of
+England? Poor boy!"
+
+Richard's soul writhed under the lash of her pity.
+
+"So he will always be outcast," she continued. "Alone, unhappy, without
+friends--"
+
+"No!" he cried, turning. "'Fore Gad, no, madam!"
+
+"Will society--cruel, hard society--receive him, then?" she asked.
+
+"Society will--one day--receive him, Mrs. Fanshawe. You will see."
+
+"I long for that day," she sighed. "I wish I had it in my power to help
+him--to repay in part the debt I owe him."
+
+At that he lifted his head.
+
+"My brother, madam, would count it not a debt, but an honour," he
+answered proudly.
+
+"Yes," she smiled. "You are like him; when you speak like that you might
+almost be he."
+
+"He is worth a thousand of me, Mrs. Fanshawe!" he replied vehemently,
+and broke off, staring down at the table.
+
+"And his name?" she asked softly.
+
+"John Anthony St. Ervine Delaney Carstares," he said, "Earl of Wyncham."
+
+"So the Anthony was real! I am so glad, for he would always be Anthony
+to me."
+
+There was a long silence, broken at last by the lady.
+
+"I fear I have made you sad, Mr. Carstares. You will drink a dish of
+Bohea with me, before you go? And we will not speak of this again."
+
+"You are very good, madam. Believe me, I am grateful to you for telling
+me all that you have. I beg you will allow me to wait on you again ere
+long?"
+
+"I shall be honoured, sir. I am nearly always at home to my friends."
+
+Her sister entered the room soon after, and private conversation came to
+an end.
+
+Carstares lay awake long that night, hearing the hours toll by and the
+owls screech in the square. The widow's words had sunk deep into his
+ever-uneasy conscience, and he could not sleep for the thought of John,
+"alone, unhappy, without friends." ... Time after time had he argued
+this question with himself: John or Lavinia? ... He fell to wondering
+where his brother now was; whether he was still roaming the South
+Country, a highwayman. No one would ever know how he, Richard, dreaded
+each fresh capture made by the military. Every time he expected John to
+be among the prisoners, and he visited Newgate so often that his friends
+twitted him on it, vowing he had Selwyn's love of horrors.
+
+He would argue that the matter rested in John's own hands: if he were
+minded to come back to society, he would do so; but deep within himself
+he knew that such a decision was unworthy of one even so debased as was
+he. Then his mind went to Lavinia, who alternately enchanted and
+exasperated him. Only a week ago she had defied him openly in the matter
+of her friendship with Lovelace, yet had she not afterwards apologised,
+and thrust the Captain aside for his sake? She was so sweetly naughty,
+so childishly unreasonable. Selfish? Yes, he supposed so, but he loved
+her!--loved her so greatly that it were a pleasure to him to die for her
+sake. Yet John--John was his brother--the adored elder brother, and by
+obeying Lavinia he was wronging him, hurting him. If only Lavinia would
+consent to the truth being told! It always came back to that point: if
+only she would consent. And she never would. She insisted that, having
+married her under false pretences, he had no right to disgrace her now.
+She was right, he knew, but he wished she could be for once unselfish.
+
+So he worried on through the night, tossing to and fro in his great bed,
+a weight on his mind, a ceaseless ache in his heart.
+
+Towards dawn he fell asleep and did not wake again until his chocolate
+was brought to him. Bitterly he reflected that at least John had no
+conscience to prey upon him; he did not fall asleep with his brain
+seething with conflicting arguments, and awake with the decision as far
+off as ever. To-day his head ached unbearably, and he stayed in bed for
+some time contemplating the grey morning. A fog hung over the Square,
+and through it the trees, with their withered autumn leaves, loomed
+dismally before the windows. There was something infinitely depressing
+about the dull outlook, and presently he rose and allowed his valet to
+dress him, not able to stand the inaction any longer. His headache was
+better by the time he had visited his wife in her room, and listened to
+her enthusiastic account of last night's rout, and, going out into the
+square, he called a chair, ordering the men to carry him to White's,
+where he intended to write two letters. Somehow, Wyncham House was too
+poignantly full of memories of John to-day, and he was thankful to be
+out of it.
+
+White's was crowded even at that hour of the morning, and the noise
+seemed to cut through his head. Men hailed him from all sides, offering
+him bets; someone tried to tell him some piece of scandal; they would
+not let him alone, and at last his jagged nerves would no longer support
+it, and he left the house to go further down the street to his other
+club, the Cocoa-Tree, which he hoped to find less rowdy. It was fuller
+than he expected, but many of the men had come as he had, to write
+letters and to be quiet. Very little gaming was as yet in swing.
+
+Richard wrote steadily for perhaps an hour, and sealed his last letter
+preparatory to leaving. As he affixed the wafer, he was conscious of a
+stir behind him, and heard exclamations of:
+
+"Where in thunder did you spring from?"
+
+"Gad, 'tis an age since I've seen you!"
+
+"Lord, 'tis O'Hara!"
+
+Then came the soft Irish voice in answer, and he slewed round in his
+chair to face them all. Miles O'Hara was the centre of a little group of
+interested and welcoming clubmen, explaining his arrival.
+
+"Sure, I was in town on a matter of business, and I thought I must come
+to the club to see ye all while I was here, for 'tis not often I get the
+chance--"
+
+Richard rose, gathering up his letters and stared across at this man who
+had been Jack's greatest friend. He took a step towards him. As he did
+so, O'Hara turned and caught sight of him. Richard was about to hail
+him, when he suddenly noticed the change in his expression. The good
+humour died out of the Irishman's eyes and left them hard and scornful.
+His pleasant mouth curved into a disdainful line. Carstares stood still,
+one hand on the back of a chair, his eyes rivetted to O'Hara's face,
+reading all the reproach, the red-hot anger that Miles was trying to
+convey to him. O'Hara achieved a sneer and turned his shoulder,
+continuing to address his friends.
+
+Richard's head swam. O'Hara was ignoring him, would not speak to him....
+O'Hara knew the truth! He walked blindly to the door, and groped for the
+handle.... O'Hara knew! He was in the passage, on the front steps, in
+the road, shuddering. O'Hara knew, and he had looked at him as if--as
+if--again he shuddered, and seeing an empty chair, hailed it, bidding
+the men carry him to Grosvenor Square.... O'Hara despised
+him!--reproached him! Then Jack was in trouble? He had seen him and
+learnt the truth? God, but his brain was reeling! ...
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+DEVELOPMENTS
+
+
+After the encounter with O'Hara, whatever peace of mind Richard had had,
+left him. He knew not a moment's quiet; all day, and sometimes all
+night, his brain worried round and round the everlasting question: John
+or Lavinia? He had quite decided that it must be either the one or the
+other; the idea that he might conceivably retain his wife _and_ confess
+the truth, never occurred to him. So often had Lavinia assured him that
+he had no right to expect her to share his disgrace, that now he
+believed it. He thought that she would elope with Lovelace, whom, his
+tortured mind decided, she really loved. Any attempt to frustrate such
+an action would, he supposed wretchedly, be the essence of selfishness.
+Of course he was not himself, and his brain was not working normally or
+rationally; had he but known it, he was mentally ill, and if Lavinia had
+thought to examine him closely she could not have failed to observe the
+fever spots on each cheek, the unnaturally bright eyes and the dark
+rings encircling them. Richard wore the look of one goaded beyond
+endurance, and utterly tired and overwrought. As he told Mrs. Fanshawe,
+when she exclaimed at his appearance--he could not rest; he must always
+be moving, thinking. She saw that he was not entirely himself, and
+counselled him to consult a doctor. His half-angry repudiation of all
+illness did not surprise her, but she was considerably startled when, in
+answer to her pleading that he should have a care for himself, he
+vehemently said: "If I could die, I should be glad!" She wondered what
+his wife was about not to see his condition, and wished that she might
+do something. But she was not acquainted with Lady Lavinia, and she
+felt it would be a piece of gross presumption on her part to speak to
+her of Richard. If she had thought his malady to be physical, she
+reflected, she might venture a word, but as she perceived it to be
+mental, she could only hope that it would pass in time, and that he
+would recover from his run-down condition.
+
+Lady Lavinia was pursuing her butterfly existence, heeding nothing but
+her own pleasure, bent on enjoying herself. She succeeded very well, on
+the whole, but she could not help wishing that Dicky were a little more
+cheerful and wishful to join in her gaiety. Of late he was worse than
+ever, and although he supplied her wants uncomplainingly, she would
+almost rather he had refused her and shown a little life, than give way
+to her with this dreadful apathy.
+
+Lovelace was out of town for a week, and Lavinia was surprised to find
+how little she missed him. To be sure, playing with fire was very
+pleasant, but when it was removed out of her reach, it really made no
+odds. She missed Harry's adulation and his passionate love-making, for
+she was one of those women who must always have admiration and
+excitement, but she was not made miserable by his absence. She continued
+to flutter round to all the entertainments of the season with one or
+other of her brothers, and when Lovelace returned he was disturbed by
+her casual welcome. However, she was undoubtedly pleased to see him, and
+soon fell more or less under his spell, allowing him to be by her side
+when Tracy was not near, and to charm her ears with compliments and
+gallantry.
+
+To do him justice, Captain Harold was really in love with her and was
+quite ready to relinquish his commission if only she would run away with
+him. He had private means of his own, and promised her that her every
+whim should be satisfied. But Lavinia scolded him and shook her head.
+Apart from any ulterior consideration, Richard was, after all, her
+husband; he, too, loved her, and she was very, very fond of him,
+although she did plague him dreadfully.
+
+Lovelace assured her that her husband did not love her nearly as much as
+he, and when she smiled her disbelief, lost his temper and cried that
+all the town knew Carstares to be at Mrs. Fanshawe's feet!
+
+Lavinia stiffened.
+
+"Harold!"
+
+"I am only surprised that you have been blind to it," he continued.
+"Where do you think he goes every day for so long? White's? No. To 16,
+Mount Street! Stapely called there and met him; another day Lady
+Davenant saw him with her; Wilding has also met him at her house. He
+spends nearly every afternoon with her!"
+
+Lavinia was a Belmanoir, and she had all the Belmanoir pride. Rising to
+her feet she drew her cloak about her with her most queenly air.
+
+"You forget yourself, Harold," she said haughtily. "Never dare to speak
+to me of my husband again in that tone! You may take me at once to my
+brother."
+
+He was very penitent, wording his apology most cleverly, smoothing her
+ruffled plumage, withdrawing his words, but at the same time contriving
+to leave their sting behind. She forgave him, yes, but he must never
+offend her so again.
+
+Although she had indignantly refused to believe the scandal, it
+nevertheless rankled, and she found herself watching her husband with
+jealous eyes, noticing his seeming indifference towards her and his
+many absences from home. Then came a day when she caused her chair to be
+borne down Mount Street at the very moment when Richard was coming out
+of No. 16.
+
+That was enough for Lavinia. So he was indeed tired of her! He loved
+another woman!--some wretched widow! For the first time a real worry
+plagued her. She stayed at home that evening and exerted all her arts to
+captivate her husband. But Richard, seeing John unhappy, reproachful,
+every way he turned, his head on fire, his brain seething with
+conflicting arguments, hardly noticed her, and as soon as he might
+politely do so, left her, to pace up and down the library floor, trying
+to make up his mind what to do.
+
+Lady Lavinia was stricken with horror. She had sickened him by her
+megrims, as Tracy had prophesied she would! He no longer cared for her!
+_This_ was why he continually excused himself from accompanying her when
+she went out! For once in her life she faced facts, and the prospect
+alarmed her. If it was not already too late, she must try to win back
+his love, and to do this she realised she must cease to tease him for
+money, and also cease to snap at him whenever she felt at all out of
+sorts. She must charm him back to her. She had no idea how much she
+cared for him until now that she thought he did not care for her. It was
+dreadful: she had always been so sure of Dicky! Whatever she did,
+however exasperating she might be, he would always adore her.
+
+And all the time, Richard, far from making love to Mrs. Fanshawe, was
+hearing anecdotes of his brother from her, little details of his
+appearance, things he had said. He drank in all the information,
+clutching eagerly at each fresh scrap of gossip, greedy to hear it if it
+in any way concerned John. His brain was absorbed with this one
+subject, and he never saw when Lavinia smiled upon him, nor did he seem
+to hear her coaxing speeches. When she remarked, as she presently did,
+on his pallor, he almost snapped at her, and left the room. Once she put
+her arms about him and kissed him on the lips; he put her gently aside,
+too worried to respond to the caress, but, had she known it--grateful
+for it.
+
+His Grace of Andover meeting his sister at Ranelagh Gardens, thought her
+face looked pinched, and her eyes unhappy. He inquired the reason, but
+Lady Lavinia refused to confide even in him, and pleaded a headache.
+Andover, knowing her, imagined that she had been refused some kickshaw,
+and thought no more about it.
+
+He himself was very busy. Only two days before a groom had presented
+himself at St. James's Square, bearing a missive from Harper, very
+illegible and ill-spelt, but to the point:
+
+"YR. GRACE,
+
+"I have took the liberty of engageing this Man, Douglas, in Yr. Name. I
+hope I shall soon be Able to have carrid out the Rest of yr. Grace's
+Instructions, and trust my Connduct will met with Yr. Grace's Approvall.
+
+Very Obed'tly,
+
+M. HARPER."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Tracy confirmed the engagement and straightway dispatched the man to
+Andover, where the head groom would undoubtedly find work for him to do.
+He was amused at the blind way in which the man had walked into his
+trap, and meditated cynically on the frailty of human nature, which
+will always follow the great god Mammon.
+
+Not three days later came another letter, this time from Mr. Beauleigh,
+addressed to him at White's, under the name of Sir Hugh Grandison. It
+asked for the man Harper's character.
+
+His Grace of Andover answered it in the library of his own home, and
+smiled sarcastically as he wrote Harper down "exceeding honest and
+trustworthy, as I have always found."
+
+He was in the middle of the letter when the door was unceremoniously
+pushed open and Andrew lounged into the room.
+
+His Grace looked up frowning. Not a whit dismayed by the coolness of his
+reception, his brother kicked the door to and lowered his long limbs
+into a chair.
+
+"May I ask to what I owe the honour of this intrusion?" smiled Tracy
+dangerously.
+
+"Richard," was the cheerful reply, "Richard."
+
+"As I am not interested in either him or his affairs--"
+
+"How truly amiable you are to-day! But I think you'll be interested in
+this, 'tis so vastly mysterious."
+
+"Indeed? What is the matter?"
+
+"Just what I want to know!"
+
+Tracy sighed wearily.
+
+"Pray come to the point, Andrew--if point there be. I have no time to
+waste."
+
+"Lord! Busy? Working? God ha' mercy!" The young rake stretched his legs
+out before him and cast his eyes down their shapeliness. Then he
+stiffened and sat up, staring at one white-stockinged ankle.
+
+"Now, damn and curse it! where did that come from?" he expostulated
+mildly.
+
+"Where did _what_ come from?"
+
+"That great splash of mud on my leg. Brand new on this morning, and I've
+scarce set my nose without doors. Damn it, I say! A brand new--"
+
+"Leg?"
+
+"Hey? What's that you say?"
+
+"Nought. When you have quite finished your eulogy, perhaps you would
+consent to tell me your errand?"
+
+"Oh, ay!--but twenty shillings the pair! Think of it! ... Well, the
+point--there is one, you see--is this: it is Richard's desire that you
+honour him with your presence at Wyncham on Friday week, at three in the
+afternoon exactly. To which effect he sends you this." He tossed a
+letter on to the desk. "You are like to have the felicity of meeting me
+there."
+
+Tracy ripped open the packet and spread the single sheet on the desk
+before him. He read it through very deliberately, turned it over, as if
+in search of more, re-read it, folded it, and dropped it into the
+wastebasket at his side. He then picked up his quill and dipped it in
+the ink again.
+
+"What think you?" demanded Andrew, impatiently.
+
+His Grace wrote tranquilly on to the end of the line.
+
+"What think I of what?"
+
+"Why, the letter, of course! What ails the man? 'Something of great
+import to impart to us,' forsooth! What means he?"
+
+"Yes, I noticed 'twas very badly worded," commented Tracy. "I have not
+the vaguest notion as to his meaning."
+
+"But what do you make of it? Lord, Tracy, don't be such a fish! Dick is
+summoning quite a party!"
+
+"You appear to be in his confidence, my dear Andrew. Allow me to
+congratulate you. No doubt we shall know more--ah--on Friday week, at
+three o'clock."
+
+"Oh, you'll go, then?"
+
+"Quite possibly." He went on writing unconcernedly.
+
+"And you've no idea of what 'tis about? Dick is very strange. He hardly
+listens to what one has to say, and fidget--Lord!"
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"I think he looks ill, an' 'pon my soul, so does Lavvy! Do you suppose
+there is aught amiss?"
+
+"I really have no idea. Pray do not let me detain you."
+
+Andrew hoisted himself out of his chair.
+
+"Oh, I'm not staying, never fear! ... I suppose you cannot oblige me
+with--say--fifty guineas?"
+
+"I should be loth to upset your suppositions," replied his Grace
+sweetly.
+
+"You will not? Well, I didn't think you would somehow! But I wish you
+might contrive to let me have it, Tracy. I've had prodigious ill-luck of
+late, and the Lord knows 'tis not much I get from you! I don't want to
+ask Dick again."
+
+"I should not let the performance grow monotonous, certainly," agreed
+the other. "Fifty, you said?"
+
+"Forty-five would suffice."
+
+"Oh, you may have it!" shrugged his Grace. "At once?"
+
+"Blister me, but that's devilish good of you, Tracy! At once would be
+convenient to _me_!"
+
+His Grace produced a key from his vest pocket and unlocked a drawer in
+the desk. From it he took a small box. He counted out fifty guineas, and
+added another to the pile. Andrew stared at it.
+
+"What's that for?" he inquired.
+
+"The stockings," replied Tracy, with a ghost of a smile. Andrew burst
+out laughing.
+
+"That's good! Gad! but you're devilish amusing, 'pon rep. you are!" He
+thanked his Grace profusely and gathering up the money, left the room.
+
+Outside he gave vent to a low whistle of astonishment. "Tare an' ouns!
+he must be monstrous well-pleased over something!" he marvelled. "I
+shall awaken soon, I doubt not." He chuckled a little as he descended
+the staircase, but his face was full of wonderment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lovelace called nearly every day at Wyncham House, but was always
+refused admittance, as Lady Lavinia deemed it prudent not to see him.
+There came a day, however, when he would not be gainsaid, and was
+ushered into her drawing-room. He kissed her hands lingeringly, holding
+them for a long while in his.
+
+"Lavinia! Cruel fair one!"
+
+She drew her hands away, not too well pleased at his intrusion.
+
+"How silly, Harold! I cannot have you tease me every day!"
+
+She allowed him to sit by her on the window seat, and he again possessed
+himself of her hands. Did she love him? She hoped he was not going to be
+foolish. Of course not. He did not believe her, and started to plead his
+suit, imploring her to come away with him. In vain Lady Lavinia begged
+him to be quiet; she had stirred up a blaze, and it threatened to
+consume her. He was so insistent that, expecting Richard at any moment,
+and terrified lest there should be a disturbance, she promised to give
+him an answer next evening, at the theatre. She managed to be rid of him
+in this way, and, with a relieved sigh, watched him walk down the
+square. She was very fond of dear Harry, but really, he was dreadfully
+tiresome at times.
+
+She brought her tiny mirror out from her pocket and surveyed her
+reflection critically, giving a tweak to one curl, and smoothing another
+back. She was afraid she was looking rather old this evening, and hoped
+that Richard would not think so. She glanced up at the clock, wondering
+where he was; surely he should be in by now? Then she arranged a chair
+invitingly, pushed a stool up to it and sat down opposite. With a sigh,
+she reflected that it was an entirely new departure for her to strive to
+please and captivate her husband, and she fell a-thinking of how he must
+have waited on her in the old days, waiting as she was waiting
+now--hoping for her arrival. Lady Lavinia was beginning to realise that
+perhaps Dick's life had not been all roses with her as wife.
+
+The door opened and Richard came into the room. Deep lines were between
+his brows, but his mouth was for once set firmly. He looked sombrely
+down at her, thinking how very beautiful she was.
+
+Lady Lavinia smiled and nodded towards the chair she had prepared.
+
+"Sit down, Dicky! I am so glad you have come! I was monstrous dull and
+lonely, I assure you!"
+
+"Were you?" he said, fidgeting with her scissors. "No, I will not sit
+down. I have something to say to you, Lavinia. Something to tell you."
+
+"Oh, _have_ you?" she asked. "Something nice, Dicky?"
+
+"I fear you will hardly think so. I am about to make an end."
+
+"Oh--oh, are you? Of _what_?"
+
+"Of this--this deceitful life I am leading--have been leading. I--I--I
+am going to confess the whole truth."
+
+"Rich-ard!"
+
+He let fall the scissors and paced restlessly away down the room.
+
+"I--I tell you, Lavinia, I cannot endure it! I cannot! I cannot! The
+thought of what John may be bearing is driving me crazy! I must speak!"
+
+"You--you can't!" she gasped. "After seven years! Dicky, for heaven's
+sake--!" The colour ebbed and flowed in her cheeks.
+
+"I cannot continue any longer this living of a lie--I have been feeling
+it more and more ever since--ever since I met--Jack--that time on the
+road. And now I can no longer stand it. Everywhere I go I seem to see
+him--looking at me--you don't understand--"
+
+Lavinia cast aside her work.
+
+"No! No! I do not! 'Pon rep., but you should have thought of this
+before, Dick!"
+
+"I know it. Nothing can excuse my cowardice--my weakness. I know all
+that, but it is not too late even now to make amends. In a week they
+will all know the truth."
+
+"What--what do you mean?"
+
+"I have requested all whom it concerns to come to Wyncham the Friday
+after this."
+
+"Good heavens! Dick, Dick, _think_!"
+
+"I have thought. God! _how_ I have thought!"
+
+"It is not fair to me! Oh, think of your honour--Wyncham!"
+
+"My honour is less than nothing. 'Tis of his that I think."
+
+She sprang up, clutching at his arm, shaking him.
+
+"Richard, you are mad! You must not do this! You must not, I say!"
+
+"I implore you, Lavinia, not to try to make me change my decision. It is
+of no use. Nothing you can say will make any difference."
+
+She flew into a passion, flinging away from him, her good resolutions
+forgotten.
+
+"You have no right to disgrace me! If you do it, I will never forgive
+you! I won't stay with you--I--"
+
+He broke in--this was what he had expected; he must not whine; this was
+retribution.
+
+"I know. I have faced that."
+
+She was breathless for a moment. He knew! He had faced it! He had taken
+her seriously--he always expected her to leave him! Oh, he must indeed
+be tired of her, and wanted her to go! What was he saying?
+
+"I know that you love Lovelace. I--I have known it for some time."
+
+Lavinia sank into the nearest chair. To what depths had her folly led
+her?
+
+"I shall put no obstacle in the way of your flight, of course...."
+
+This was dreadful! Lady Lavinia buried her face in her hands and burst
+into tears. It was true then--he did not love her--he loved Mrs.
+Fanshawe--_she_ was to elope. She sobbed pitifully as the full horror of
+the situation struck her.
+
+The temptation to gather her into his arms almost overmastered Richard,
+but he managed to choke it down. If he allowed himself to kiss her, she
+would try to break his resolution--mayhap, she would succeed. So he
+looked away from her, tortured by the sound of her crying.
+
+Lavinia wept on, longing to feel his arms about her, ready to consent to
+anything if only he would show that he loved her. But when he made no
+movement towards her, pride came back, and flicking her handkerchief
+across her eyes, she rose to her feet.
+
+"You are cruel!--cruel!--cruel! If you do this thing I _shall_ leave
+you!"
+
+Now surely he would say something--contradict her!
+
+With an immense effort, Richard controlled himself.
+
+"I am--sorry--Lavinia," he said in a queer, constrained voice.
+
+It was of no avail. She had killed his love, and he was longing to be
+rid of her. She walked to the door, and turned.
+
+"I see that you do not love me," she said, with deadly calmness. "I
+understand perfectly." Then, as she wrenched the handle round: "I hate
+you!" she cried, and fled, her silken skirts rustling furiously down the
+corridor. A door slammed in the distance, and there was silence.
+
+Carstares stood very still, staring down at her crumpled broidery.
+Presently he stooped to pick it up, and her violet scent was wafted up
+to him. He carried it to his lips, passionately.
+
+If Lavinia had been able to see him, it would have changed the whole
+state of affairs; as it was she locked herself into her room and
+continued her cry in private. When she had no more tears to shed, she
+sat up and tried to think that she wanted to elope. Harold would be very
+good to her, she was sure, and she would doubtless lead a very exciting
+life, but--somehow the more she thought of it, the less she wanted to
+elope. Then she remembered that Dicky--why had she never realised how
+much she cared for him?--was in love with some horrid widow, and did not
+want her to remain with him. The idea was not to be borne, she was not
+going to be the unwanted wife. She would have to go away, though not
+with Lovelace. Dicky should _not_ force her to elope with another man.
+She would go somewhere alone--she had forgotten--she had no money. The
+dowry that had been hers was spent years ago. She was utterly dependent
+on her husband. That settled it: she _must_ elope with Harry!
+
+"Oh, was anyone ever so beset!" she sobbed as her misery swept in upon
+her with full force. "Why should I run away if I don't want to?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+LADY LAVINIA GOES TO THE PLAY
+
+
+Richard was away from home all next day, and his wife had plenty of time
+in which to meditate upon her situation. She had quite come to the
+conclusion that she must elope with Lovelace, and was only waiting for
+to-night to tell him so. She would never, never ask Richard to let her
+stay with him now that she knew he loved another. Truly a most trying
+predicament. The Carstares were going to-night to Drury Lane to see
+Garrick play one of his most successful comedies: the _Beaux'
+Stratagem_. The _monde_ that would flock to see the inimitable Archer
+was likely to be a very distinguished one, especially as the cast held
+the added attraction of Mrs. Clive, and ordinarily Lady Lavinia would
+have looked forward with much excitement to seeing the piece. To-day,
+however, she felt that she would far rather go to bed and cry. But
+Lovelace had to be answered, and besides that, she had invited two
+cousins, new come from Scotland, to accompany her, and she could not
+fail them.
+
+So that evening saw her seated in her box, wonderfully gowned as usual,
+scanning the house. Behind her stood her husband--when she thought that
+this was the last time she would ever go with him to the theatre she had
+much ado to keep from bursting into tears before them all--and in the
+chair at her side was the cousin, Mrs. Fleming. Mr. Fleming stood with
+his hands behind his back, exclaiming every now and then as his kinsman,
+young Charles Holt, pointed out each newcomer of note. He was a short,
+tubby little man, dressed in sober brown, very neat as regards his
+wrists and neckband, but attired, so thought Lavinia, for the country,
+and not for town. His dark suit contrasted strangely with Mr. Holt's
+rather garish mixture of apple-green and pink, with waistcoat of yellow,
+and Richard's quieter, but far more handsome apricot and silver. His
+wig, too, was not at all modish, being of the scratch type that country
+gentlemen affected. His wife was the reverse of smart, but she was loud
+in her admiration of her more affluent cousin's stiff silks and laces.
+
+She had married beneath her, had Mrs. Fleming, and the Belmanoirs had
+never quite forgiven the shocking _mesalliance_. William Fleming was
+nought but a simple Scotsman, whose father--even now the family
+shuddered at the thought--had been a farmer!
+
+Lavinia was not over-pleased that they should have elected to visit
+London, and still less pleased that they should evince such an affection
+for the Hon. Richard and his wife.
+
+"Well, to be sure, Lavvy, 'tis pleasant to sit here and admire all the
+people!" exclaimed Mrs. Fleming, for perhaps the twentieth time. "I
+declare I am grown positively old-fashioned from having lived for so
+long in the country!--yes, my dear, positively old-fashioned! ... I
+cannot but marvel at the great hoops everyone is wearing! I am sure mine
+is not half the size of yours, and the lady down there in the stage-box
+has one even larger!"
+
+Lavinia directed her gaze towards the box in question. At any other time
+she would have been annoyed to see that the occupant was Lady Carlyle,
+her pet rival in all matters of fashion. Now she felt that nothing
+signified, and merely remarked that she considered those absurd garlands
+of roses on the dress quite grotesque.
+
+Behind, Holt was directing Mr. Fleming's attention to a box at the back
+of the house.
+
+"'Pon my soul, William! 'Tis the Duchess of Queensberry and her
+son--March, you know. I assure you there is no one more amiable in town.
+When I last visited her--"
+
+"Charles knows well-nigh everyone here," remarked Mrs. Fleming
+ingenuously, and wondered why her cousin laughed.
+
+When the curtain rose on the first act, Lovelace was nowhere to be seen,
+and Lavinia tried to interest herself in the play. But it is difficult
+to be interested in anything when one's whole mind is occupied with
+something else far more overwhelming. She was not the only one of the
+party that Garrick failed to amuse. Richard sat wretchedly in the shadow
+of the box, thinking how, in a short while, he would never again conduct
+his wife to the theatre and never again sit at her side watching her
+every change of expression.
+
+In the first interval Lovelace had still not arrived, but many other
+acquaintances had arrived and called to see the Carstares. Markham,
+Wilding, Devereux, Sir John Fortescue--all came into the box at
+different times, paid homage to Lavinia, were introduced to Mrs.
+Fleming, laughed and cracked jokes with the men, and drifted away again.
+
+How was it she had never before realised how much she enjoyed her life?
+wondered Lavinia. She settled down to listen to the second act, and
+Garrick's skill caught her interest and held it. For a moment she forgot
+her woes and clapped as heartily as anyone, laughing as gaily.
+
+The next instant she remembered again, and sank back into unutterable
+gloom.
+
+But Richard had heard her merry laugh, and his heart was even gloomier
+than hers. There was no help for it: Lavinia was delighted at the
+thought of leaving him.
+
+As the curtain fell, Mrs. Fleming suddenly demanded if it was not Tracy
+seated in the box over on the other side. Lavinia turned to look. In the
+box, alone, sat his Grace, seemingly unaware of her presence.
+
+"Is it not Tracy?" persisted Mrs. Fleming. "I remember his face so
+well."
+
+"Yes," nodded Lavinia, and waved to him.
+
+Andover rose, bowed, and left his box. In a few moments he was in their
+own, kissing his cousin's hand.
+
+Lavinia now caught sight of Lovelace standing on the floor of the
+theatre looking up at her. He, too, disappeared from view, and she
+guessed that he was coming to speak with her. He had evidently failed to
+perceive the Duke, who was just a little behind her in the shadow.
+
+Richard and Mr. Fleming had left the box, and only Charles Holt
+remained, engaging Mrs. Fleming's whole attention. If only Tracy would
+go! How was she ever to give Lovelace her answer with him sitting there
+so provokingly.
+
+Captain Lovelace knocked at the door. Carelessly she bade him enter, and
+affected surprise on seeing him. His Grace looked at her through
+narrowed lids, and shot a swift glance at Lovelace, whose discomfiture
+at finding him there was palpable. Not a trace of emotion was visible on
+that impassive countenance, but Lavinia felt her brother's attitude to
+be sinister, as if he divined her wishes and was determined to frustrate
+them. She watched him smile on Lovelace and beg him to be seated.
+Whether by accident or design, she was not sure which, he had so placed
+the chairs that he himself was between her and the captain. Skilfully
+he drew Mrs. Fleming into the conversation, and rearranged his stage.
+
+Lavinia found herself listening to the amiable Mr. Holt, and out of the
+tail of her eye observed that Lovelace had fallen a victim to her
+cousin. She could find no way of speaking to him, and dared not even
+signal, so adroitly was his Grace stage-managing the scene. Lavinia was
+now quite certain that he was managing it. Somehow he had guessed that
+she had arranged to speak to Lovelace to-night, and was determined to
+prevent her. How he had found out, she could not imagine, but she was
+too well acquainted with him to be surprised. He would never let her
+disgrace herself if he could help it--she knew that. In whatever manner
+he himself might behave, his sister's conduct must be above reproach; he
+would find some means of separating them until he could cause Lovelace
+to be removed. She did not in the least know how he would contrive to do
+this, but she never doubted that he could and would. And then she would
+have to stay with Richard--Richard, who did not want her. If only Tracy
+would go! Ah! he was rising!
+
+His Grace of Andover begged Captain Lovelace to bear him company in his
+box. He would brook no refusal. He bore his captive off in triumph.
+
+A minute later Mr. Fleming re-entered the box. The third act had just
+begun when Richard re-appeared, and softly took his seat. On went the
+play. Neither Tracy nor Lovelace came to the box during the next
+interval, and from her point of vantage Lavinia could see that Andrew
+had been introduced to the latter. She could guess how cleverly his
+Grace was keeping the Captain by him....
+
+Lord Avon, who had only a week ago returned from Bath, came to pay his
+respects. He had much to tell dear Lady Lavinia. How Cholmondely and
+Falmouth had dared to fight a duel in Crescent Fields, and had been
+arrested. How furious the Beau was, but how his age was beginning to
+tell on him, and how it was whispered that his power was waning. All of
+which at any ordinary time would have interested my lady quite
+prodigiously, but now bored and even annoyed her.
+
+On went the play. Scrub and Boniface kept the house in a roar; all but
+Richard and his wife were enthralled. The incomparable Kitty failed to
+hold Lavinia's attention. Would Lovelace manage to speak to her in the
+last interval? A solicitous enquiry from Mrs. Fleming roused her, and
+she had perforce to smile--to own to a slight headache, and to evince
+some interest in the play. One more interval: would he come? She became
+aware of a hand laid on her shoulder. Richard's voice, gravely
+courteous, sounded in her ears.
+
+"You are heated, my dear. Will you walk outside a little?"
+
+She felt a mad desire to cling to his hand, and suppressed it forcibly.
+She rose, hesitating. Mrs. Fleming decided the point.
+
+"The very thing. How considerate of you, Mr. Carstares! I shall like to
+walk amongst all the people, to be sure! Here is Charles offering to
+escort us, too! What say you, Lavvy?"
+
+"I--oh, I shall be pleased to do what suits you best, cousin," she
+answered.
+
+"Then let us go, my love. Charles has an arm for each, so we may leave
+our husbands to chat."
+
+They went out into the broad passage and walked towards the foyer. There
+Lord March espied Lavinia, who was always a favourite with him, and came
+forward, offering his arm. Lavinia took it, thankful to escape from Mr.
+Holt's vapid conversation. She let March conduct her to where his mother
+was sitting, with Mr. Selwyn at her elbow. Someone fetched her a glass
+of ratafie, and Montagu came to talk to her.
+
+Stepping out of his box, Richard fell into the arms of his Grace of
+Andover.
+
+"Ah! Dick!"
+
+Richard eyed him coldly.
+
+"You wanted me?"
+
+Tracy saw Mr. Fleming approaching
+
+"Only to ask if I may return with you to Grosvenor Square. I have
+something important to say."
+
+"Certainly," bowed Richard, and turned aside.
+
+Lovelace, who had succeeded in escaping from the Belmanoir claws,
+hurried in search of Lavinia. Not finding her in her box, he gathered
+she must be in the foyer and made his way towards it. As soon as she saw
+him coming she set down her glass and rose to her feet.
+
+"Oh, Captain Lovelace! Have you come to fetch me back to my seat? I have
+scarce set eyes on you this evening. No, Markham, you may _not_ come!
+No, nor you, my lord! Madam--" She curtsied low to the old Duchess and
+walked away on Harold's arm.
+
+When they were once in the deserted passage behind the boxes, he turned
+eagerly towards her.
+
+"Well, my dearest? Well?"
+
+Lady Lavinia's mouth drooped miserably.
+
+"Yes," she said, "I shall have to come with you."
+
+The tone was damping, to say the least of it, but he did not seem to
+notice it.
+
+"Lavinia! You mean it?"
+
+"Yes," she assented, still more dejectedly.
+
+"My beautiful love! You will really come? When? At once?"
+
+"At--Oh, no, no!"
+
+"Darling, the sooner the better. I understand 'tis a great step to
+expect you to take in a hurry, but I assure you 'tis wisest. Can you
+come to-morrow?"
+
+Her big eyes dilated.
+
+"No! No! I--oh, I cannot leave Dicky so soon!" She ended with a sob.
+
+"But, Lavinia, my dearest! You surely do not want to _stay_ with him?"
+he cried.
+
+"Yes I do!" she answered. "I--I don't want ever to leave him!"
+
+This blighting speech left him gasping.
+
+"You--but--heavens! what are you saying? You love _me_!"
+
+"No, I don't!" she contradicted. "I always s-said I d-didn't. I love my
+husband!"
+
+"You are distraught!" he exclaimed. "If you love him, why do you consent
+to elope with me?"
+
+She looked at him reproachfully.
+
+"There is no one else," she said mournfully.
+
+"Good Lord! What--"
+
+"I have to elope with someone--because--Dick--d-doesn't love me any
+more--you see. I will come with you, and I will try to be good."
+
+He kissed her hand quickly
+
+"Sweetheart! ... I still think you are not yourself. You will think
+differently to-morrow--you do not really love Carstares."
+
+She shut her mouth obstinately, tilting her regal little head.
+
+He watched her anxiously.
+
+"If you really do love him, 'tis ridiculous to elope with me," he said.
+
+Her fingers tightened on his wrist.
+
+"But I must! You don't understand, Harry! You _must_ take me! Don't you
+want me?"
+
+"Of course I do, but not if you are longing to be somewhere else all the
+time. The whole thing seems preposterous!"
+
+"'Tis all dreadful!--dreadful! I have never been so unhappy in my life!
+I--oh, I wish I had not been so heedless and selfish!"
+
+Lovelace pondered for a moment, as they stood outside her box; then,
+seeing that people were returning to their seats, he opened the door and
+took her in.
+
+"Listen, dear! This is the maddest scheme ever I heard; but if you are
+determined, you shall carry it through. Come to my lodgings to-morrow
+evening! Bring as little baggage as possible; I will have all ready, and
+we will post at once to Dover. Then in time I hope you will forget
+Richard and come to care for me a little."
+
+"You are very, very good, Harry! Yes, I will do just as you say and, oh,
+I am sorry to put you out like this! I am nought but a plague to
+everyone, and I wish I were dead! You don't really love me, and I shall
+be a burden!"
+
+"I do indeed love you!" he assured her, but within himself he could not
+help wishing that he had not fallen quite so passionately in love with
+her. "I'll leave you now, sweet, for your husband will be returning at
+any moment." He kissed her hands lightly "_A demain_, fairest!"
+
+How she sat through the last act Lavinia could never afterwards imagine.
+She was longing to be at home--so soon to be home no longer--and quiet.
+Her head ached now as Richard's had ached for weeks. More than anything
+did she want to rest it against her husband's shoulder, so temptingly
+near, and to feel his sheltering arms about her. But Dick was in love
+with Isabella Fanshawe, and she must sit straight and stiff in her chair
+and smile at the proper places.
+
+At last the play was ended! The curtain descended on the bowing Archer,
+and the house stamped and clapped its appreciation. The curtain rose
+again--what! not finished yet? Ah, no! it was but Garrick leading Mrs.
+Clive forward. Would they never have done?
+
+Mrs. Fleming was standing; she supposed they were going, and got up.
+Someone put her cloak about her shoulders; Richard--for the last time.
+Mr. Holt escorted her to her coach, and put her and her cousin into it.
+He and Mr. Fleming had their chairs; so only Richard and Tracy went with
+the ladies. The Flemings were staying with friends in Brook Street, just
+off Grosvenor Square, so that when they had put Harriet down, only a few
+more yards remained to be covered.
+
+Lavinia wondered dully why Tracy had elected to come with them. What did
+he want? Was he going to warn Dick of her intended flight? He little
+knew the true state of affairs!
+
+At the foot of the staircase at Wyncham House she turned to say
+good-night.
+
+She merely nodded to Tracy, but to Dick she extended her hand. He took
+it in his, kissing it, and she noticed how cold were his fingers, how
+burning hot his lips. Then he released her, and she went slowly up the
+stairs to her room.
+
+His Grace watched her through his eyeglass. When she was out of sight he
+turned and surveyed Richard critically.
+
+"If that is the way you kiss a woman, Lavinia has my sympathies," he
+remarked.
+
+Richard's lips tightened. He picked up a stand of lighted candles and
+ushered his Grace into the drawing-room.
+
+"I presume you did not come to tell me that?" he asked.
+
+"Your presumption is correct, Richard. I have come to open your eyes."
+
+"You are too kind."
+
+His Grace laid his hat on the table, and sat down on the arm of a chair.
+
+"I think perhaps I am. It may interest you to hear that Lavinia intends
+to elope with our gallant friend the Captain." Richard bowed.
+
+"You knew it?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+Andover looked him over.
+
+"May I ask what steps you are taking to prevent her?"
+
+"None."
+
+His Grace's expression was quite indescribable. For a moment he was
+speechless, and then he reverted to heavy sarcasm.
+
+"Pray remember to be at hand--to conduct her to her chair!" he drawled.
+"Upon my soul, you sicken me!
+
+"I am grieved. There is a remedy," replied Carstares significantly.
+
+Tracy ignored the suggestion.
+
+"I suppose it is nothing to you that you lose her? No; It is nothing to
+you that she disgraces her name? Oh, no!"
+
+"_My_ name, I think."
+
+"Our name! Is it possible for her to disgrace yours?"
+
+Richard went white and his hand flew instinctively to his sword hilt.
+
+Tracy looked at him.
+
+"Do you think I would soil my blade with you?" he asked, very softly.
+
+Richard's hand fell from the hilt: his eyes searched the other's face.
+
+"You know?" he asked at last, quite calmly.
+
+"You fool," answered his Grace gently. "You fool, do you think I have
+not always known?"
+
+Richard leaned against the mantel-shelf.
+
+"You never thought I was innocent? You knew that night? You guessed?"
+
+The Duke sneered.
+
+"Knowing both, could I suspect other than you?" he asked insultingly.
+
+"Oh, my God!" cried Carstares suddenly. "Why could you not have said so
+before?"
+
+The Duke's eyes opened wide.
+
+"It has chafed you--eh? I knew it would. I've watched you." He chuckled
+beneath his breath. "And those fools never looked beneath the surface.
+One and all, they believed that John would cheat. John! They swallowed
+it tamely and never even guessed at the truth."
+
+"You, at least, did not believe?"
+
+"I? Hardly. Knowing you for a weak fool and him for a quixotic fool, I
+rather jumped to conclusions."
+
+"Instead, you tried to throw the blame on him. I would to God you had
+exposed me!"
+
+"So you have remarked. I confess I do not understand this heroic
+attitude. Why should I interfere in what was none of my business? What
+proof had I?"
+
+"Why did you raise no demur? What motive had you?"
+
+"I should have thought it fairly obvious."
+
+Richard stared at him, puzzled.
+
+"Gad, Richard! but you are singularly obtuse. Have I not pointed out
+that John was a quixotic fool? When did I say he was a weak one?"
+
+"You mean--you mean you wanted Lavinia to marry me--because you thought
+to squeeze me as you willed?" asked Carstares slowly.
+
+His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up.
+
+"You are so crude," he complained.
+
+"It suited you that Jack should be disgraced? You thought I should seize
+his money. You--you--"
+
+"Rogue? But you will admit that I at least am an honest rogue. You
+are--er--a dishonest saint. I would sooner be what I am."
+
+"I know there is nothing on God's earth more vile than I am!" replied
+Carstares, violently.
+
+His Grace sneered openly.
+
+"Very pretty, Richard, but a little tardy, methinks." He paused, and
+something seemed to occur to him. "'Tis why you purpose to let Lavinia
+go, I suppose? You confess the truth on Friday--eh?"
+
+Richard bowed his head.
+
+"I have not the right to stop her. She--chooses her own road."
+
+"She knows?" sharply.
+
+"She has always known."
+
+"The jade! And I never guessed it!" He paused. "Yes, I understand your
+heroic attitude. I am sorry I cannot pander to it. In spite of all this,
+I cannot permit my sister to ruin herself."
+
+"She were as effectually ruined an she stayed with me."
+
+"Pshaw! After seven years, who is like to care one way or the other
+which of you cheated? Play the man for once and stop her!"
+
+"She _loves_ Lovelace, I tell you!"
+
+"What of it? She will recover from that."
+
+"No--I cannot ask her to stay with me--'twould be damnably selfish."
+
+His Grace appeared exasperated.
+
+"'Fore Gad, you are a fool! Ask her! _Ask_ her! Force her! Kick Lovelace
+from your house and abandon the heroic pose, I beg of you!"
+
+"Do you suppose I want to lose her?" cried Carstares. "'Tis because I
+love her so much that I will not stand in the way of her happiness!"
+
+The Duke flung round and picked up his hat.
+
+"I am sorry I cannot join with you in your heroics. I must take the
+matter into my own hands, as usual, it seems. Lord, but you should have
+learnt to make her obey you, my good Dick! She has led you by the nose
+ever since she married you, and she was a woman who wanted mastering!"
+He went over to the door and opened it. "I will call upon you to-morrow,
+when I shall hope to find you more sane. They do not purpose to leave
+until late, I know, for Lovelace is promised to Mallaby at three
+o'clock. There is time in which to act."
+
+"I shall not interfere," repeated Richard.
+
+His Grace sneered.
+
+"So you have remarked. It remains for me to do. Good-night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+RICHARD PLAYS THE MAN
+
+
+Lady Lavinia's frame of mind when she awoke next morning was hardly
+befitting one who contemplated an elopement. A weight seemed to rest on
+her chest, hopeless misery was gathered about her head. She could not
+bring herself to drink her chocolate, and, feeling that inaction was the
+worst of all, she very soon crawled out of bed and allowed her maid to
+dress her. Then she went with dragging steps to her boudoir, wondering
+all the time where Richard was and what he was doing. She seated herself
+at her window and looked out on to the square, biting the edge of her
+handkerchief in the effort to keep back her tears.
+
+Richard was in a no more cheerful mood. He, too, left his chocolate
+untouched, and went presently down to the breakfast table and looked at
+the red sirloin with a feeling of acute nausea. He managed to drink a
+cup of coffee, and immediately afterwards left the room and made his way
+to his wife's boudoir. He told himself he was acting weakly, and had far
+better avoid her, but in the end he gave way to his longing to see her,
+and knocked on one white panel.
+
+Lavinia's heart leapt. How well she knew that knock!
+
+"Come in!" she called, and tried to compose her features.
+
+Richard entered and shut the door behind him.
+
+"Oh--oh--good-morning!" she smiled. "You--wanted to speak with
+me--Dick?"
+
+"I--yes--that is--er--have you the Carlyles' invitation?"
+
+It was, perhaps, an unlucky excuse. Lavinia turned away and fought
+against her tears.
+
+"I--I believe--'tis in my--escritoire," she managed to say. "I--I will
+look for it."
+
+She rose and unlocked the bureau, standing with her back to him.
+
+"'Tis no matter," stammered Carstares. "I--only--'twas but that I could
+not find it. Pray do not disturb yourself!"
+
+"Oh--not--at all," she answered, scattering a handful of letters before
+her. "Yes--here 'tis." She came up to him with the note in her hand,
+extending it.
+
+Carstares looked down at the golden head, and at the little face with
+its eyes cast down, and red mouth set so wistfully. Heavens, how could
+he bear to live without her! Mechanically he took the letter.
+
+Lavinia turned away, and as she stepped from him something snapped in
+Richard's brain. The luckless invitation was flung down.
+
+"No, by God you shall not!" he cried suddenly.
+
+Lavinia stopped, trembling.
+
+"Oh--oh, what do you mean?" she fluttered.
+
+The mists were gone from his mind now, everything was clear. Lavinia
+should not elope with Lovelace. In two strides he was at her side, had
+caught her by the shoulders and swung her to face him.
+
+"You shall not leave me! Do you understand? I cannot live without you!"
+
+Lavinia gave a little cry full of relief, joy and wonderment, and shrank
+against him.
+
+"Oh, please, please forgive me and keep me with you!" she cried, and
+clung to the lapels of his coat.
+
+Carstares swept her right off the ground in the violence of his embrace,
+but she did not mind, although the crushing was ruinous to her silks.
+Silks were no longer uppermost in her brain. She returned his kisses
+eagerly, sobbing a little.
+
+When Carstares was able to say anything beyond how he loved her, he
+demanded if she did not love him?
+
+"Of course I do!" she cooed. "I always, always did, only I was so
+selfish and so careless!"
+
+He carried her to the sofa and sat down with her on his knee, trying to
+look into her face. But she had somehow contrived to hide it on his
+shoulder, and he did not succeed.
+
+"Then you never loved that puppy?" he asked, amazed.
+
+One hand crept up to his other shoulder.
+
+"Oh, Dicky, no! And--and you--you don't love that horrid Mrs. Fanshawe,
+do you?"
+
+He was still more amazed.
+
+"Mrs. Fanshawe? Great heavens, no! You never thought that, surely?"
+
+"I did--I did! Since you were always at her house, and so cold to
+me--how could I help it?"
+
+"Cold to _you_? My dearest, surely not?"
+
+"You were--you truly were--and I was so miserable--I--I thought I had
+been so unreasonable and so horrid that you had ceased to I-love me--and
+I did not know what to do. And--and then you told me that you were going
+to--to confess--and I lost my temper and said I would n-not stay with
+you--But I never, never meant it--and when you seemed to expect me to
+go--I--I did not know what to do again!"
+
+He patted her shoulder comfortingly.
+
+"Sweetheart, don't cry! I had no idea of all this--why, I was sure that
+you loved Lovelace--I never doubted it--why in the world did you not
+tell me the truth?"
+
+She sat up at that, and looked at him.
+
+"Why, how could I?" she demanded. "I was quite certain that you loved
+Isabella Fanshawe. I felt I had to go away, and I could not do it
+alone--so--so--so, of course I had to elope. And I told Harold last
+night that I would go with him--and I'm afraid he didn't quite want me
+when he heard that I loved you. Oh, Dicky darling, you'll tell him that
+I won't go with him, won't you?"
+
+He could not help laughing.
+
+"Ay, I'll tell him. 'Pon rep., sweetheart, I can find it in me to be
+sorry for him!"
+
+"Oh, he will not mind for long," she said philosophically. "He loves so
+_easily_, you see! But you, Dick--why did you go so often--so _very_
+often to see Mrs. Fanshawe?"
+
+His face grew solemn.
+
+"She knew--Jack--in Vienna--I--I wanted to hear all she could tell me of
+him--I could think of nothing else."
+
+"Oh, Dicky! How--how wickedly foolish I have been! And 'twas that that
+made you so cold--and I thought--oh, dear!"
+
+He drew her head down on to his shoulder again.
+
+"My poor love! Why, 'tis the kindest lady imaginable, but as to loving
+her--!" He kissed her hand lingeringly. "I love--and have always
+loved--a far different being: a naughty, wilful, captivating little
+person, who--"
+
+Lady Lavinia clasped her arms about his neck.
+
+"You make me feel so very, very dreadful! I have indeed been
+naughty--I--"
+
+"And you'll be so many times again," he told her, laughing.
+
+"No, no! I--will--try to be good!"
+
+"I do not want you good!" Richard assured her. "I want you to be your
+own dear self!" ... Lady Lavinia disengaged herself with a contented
+little sigh, and stood up.
+
+"How charming it is to be happy again, to be sure!" she remarked
+naively. "To think that only half an hour ago I was wishing to be dead!"
+She went over to the glass and straightened her hair.
+
+Richard looked at her rather anxiously.
+
+"Lavinia--you--you quite understand, I am going to tell everyone the
+truth--next Friday?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I do, of course--'tis dreadfully disagreeable of you, but I
+suppose you will do it. I do _hope_ people will not refuse to recognise
+us, though."
+
+"No one would ever refuse to recognise you, dearest."
+
+She brightened.
+
+"Do you really think so? Well, perhaps after all, 'twill not be so
+_very_ horrid. And--and you will like to have Jack again, won't you?
+Yes--I knew you would. Oh, 'twill all be quite comfortable after a
+little while, I make no doubt!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+His Grace of Andover arose betimes, and early sallied forth into the
+street. He called a chair, and drove to an address in the Strand, where
+lodged a certain Colonel Shepherd. Half-an-hour did he spend with the
+Colonel, and when he at length emerged from the house the curl of his
+lip betokened satisfaction. He did not at once hail a chair, but walked
+along in the direction of St. James's, entering the park in company
+with one Dare, who, seven years before, had given a certain memorable
+card-party.
+
+Dare was pleasantly intrigued over Richard's latest oddity.
+
+"Have you an idea what 'tis about, Belmanoir?" he inquired. "Has he
+written you to come as well?"
+
+"I believe I did receive some communication from Carstares; yes--I
+remember, Andrew brought it."
+
+"Well, what does it mean? Fortescue is bidden, and Davenant. 'Tis very
+curious."
+
+"My dear Dare, I am not in Richard's confidence. We shall doubtless hear
+all that there is to hear at the given time. Mysteries do not interest
+me. But 'twill be a pleasant reunion.... Fortescue and Davenant, you
+say? Strange! I have heard that Evans and Milward have also received
+their sum--invitations. It should be most entertaining."
+
+"'Tis prodigious curious," repeated Dare. "No one can imagine what 'tis
+all about!"
+
+"Ah?" His Grace's thin lips twitched.
+
+Midway through the afternoon he repaired to Wyncham House and was
+ushered into the library.
+
+Richard sat writing, but rose on seeing him, and came forward.
+
+It struck his Grace that Carstares was looking quite happy.
+
+"You seem cheerful, Richard!"
+
+"I am," smiled his brother-in-law.
+
+"I am much relieved to hear it. I have seen Shepherd."
+
+"Shepherd?" interrogated Carstares.
+
+"Lovelace's colonel, my dear Richard. You may count on Captain Harold's
+departure--on an important mission--in, say, forty-eight hours."
+
+"You may count on Captain Harold's departure in very much less, Tracy,"
+said Carstares, a twinkle in his eye.
+
+The Duke started forward.
+
+"She has gone?" he almost hissed.
+
+"Gone? No! She is in the drawing-room with him."
+
+"With Lovelace! And you permit it? You stand by and watch another man--"
+
+"Say farewell to my wife. But I am not watching it, as you see."
+
+The anger died out of his Grace's eyes.
+
+"Farewell? Do you tell me you at last came to your senses?"
+
+"We found that we both laboured under a delusion," replied Carstares
+pleasantly.
+
+"I am delighted to hear you say so. I hope you will for the future keep
+a stricter hold over Lavinia."
+
+"Do you?"
+
+"I do. I think I will not undo what I have done; Lovelace were perhaps
+better out of the way for a time."
+
+"Why, I have no objection to that," bowed Richard.
+
+His Grace nodded shortly and picked up his hat.
+
+"Then there remains nothing more to be done in the matter."
+
+He looked piercingly across at Carstares. "She did not love him?"
+
+Richard gave a happy little sigh.
+
+"She loves me."
+
+The heavy lids drooped again.
+
+"You cannot conceive my delight. If she indeed loves you, she is safe. I
+thought she had not got it in her. Pray bear my respects to her." His
+hand was on the door-knob, when something seemed to occur to him.
+
+"I take it my presence at Wyncham on Friday will not be necessary?" he
+said cynically.
+
+Richard flushed.
+
+"It will not be necessary."
+
+"Then I am sure you will excuse me an I do not appear. I have other,
+more important affairs on hand.....But I shall be loth to miss the
+heroics," he added pensively, and chuckled. "_Au revoir,_ my good
+Richard!"
+
+Richard bowed him out thankfully.
+
+Presently the front door opened and shut again, and looking out of the
+window he saw that Captain Harold Lovelace had taken his departure.
+
+He was now awaiting Mr. Warburton, whom he had sent in search of John
+some days ago. He should have been here by now, he thought, but perhaps
+he had been detained. Richard was aching to hear news of his brother,
+longing to see him once more. But at the same time he was dreading the
+meeting; he shrank from the thought of looking into Jack's eyes,
+cold--even scornful. It was not possible, so he reasoned, that Jack
+should feel no resentment....
+
+"Mr. Warburton, sir."
+
+Carstares turned and came eagerly forward to greet the newcomer.
+
+"Well? Well?"
+
+Mr. Warburton spread out deprecating hands.
+
+"Alas! Mr. Carstares."
+
+Richard caught his arm.
+
+"What mean you? He is not--dead?"
+
+"I do not know, sir."
+
+"You could not find him? Quick! Tell me?"
+
+"Alas! no, sir."
+
+"But the Chequers--he said--Surely they knew something?"
+
+"Nought, Mr. Carstares." Out came Mr. Warburton's snuff-box. Very
+deliberately he took a pinch, shaking the remains from his finger-tips.
+"The host, Chadber--an honest man, though lacking in humour--has not set
+eyes on my lord for well-nigh six months. Not since I went to advise my
+lord of the Earl's death."
+
+"But Warburton, he cannot be far? He is not dead! Oh, surely not that?"
+
+"No, no, Master Dick," soothed the lawyer. "We should have heard of it
+had he been killed. I fear he has gone abroad once more. It seems he
+often spoke of travelling again."
+
+"Abroad? God! don't let me lose him again!" He sank into a chair, his
+head in his arms.
+
+"Tut! I implore you, Mr. Carstares! Do not despair yet. We have no proof
+that he has left the country. I daresay we shall find him almost at
+once. Chadber thinks it likely he will visit the inn again ere long.
+Calm yourself, Master Dick!" He walked up to the man and laid a hand on
+one heaving shoulder. "We shall find him, never fear! But do not--I know
+'twould grieve him to see you so upset, Master Dick--pray, do not--!"
+
+"If I could only make amends!" groaned Richard.
+
+"Well, sir, are you not about to? He would not wish you to distress
+yourself like this! He was so fond of you! Pray, pray do not!"
+
+Carstares rose unsteadily and walked to the window. "I crave your
+pardon, Mr. Warburton--you must excuse me--I have been--living in
+hell--this last week."
+
+Warburton came over to his side.
+
+"Master Dick--I--you know I have never cared for you-as--well--as--"
+
+"You cared for him."
+
+"Er--yes, sir, exactly!--and of late years I may, perhaps, have been
+hard. I would desire to--er--apologise for any unjust--er--thoughts I
+may have harboured against you. I--I--possibly, I never quite
+understood. That is all, sir."
+
+He blew his nose rather violently, and then his hand found Richard's.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Richard Carstares had plenty to occupy him for the rest of the week.
+Arrangements had to be made, a house acquired for Lavinia, Wyncham House
+to be thoroughly cleaned and put in order, awaiting its rightful owner.
+Once she had made up her mind to face the inevitable, Lavinia quite
+enjoyed all the preparations. The new house in Great Jermyn Street she
+voted charming, and she straightway set to work to buy very expensive
+furniture for it, and to superintend all the alterations. In her present
+penitent mood she would even have accompanied her husband to Wyncham on
+Monday, to stand by him on the fateful Friday; but this he would not
+allow, insisting that she remain in town until his return. So she
+fluttered contentedly from Grosvenor Square to Jermyn Street, very busy
+and quite happy.
+
+Carstares was to travel to Wyncham on Monday, arriving there the
+following evening in company with Andrew, whom he was taking as far as
+Andover. His lordship had lately embroiled himself in a quarrel over a
+lady when deep in his cups, and owing to the subsequent duel at Barn
+Elms and the almost overpowering nature of his debts, he deemed it
+prudent to go into seclusion for a spell. Tracy disappeared from town in
+the middle of the week, whither no one knew, but it was universally
+believed that he had gone to Scotland on a visit.
+
+Monday at length dawned fair and promising. After bidding his wife a
+very tender farewell, and gently drying her wet eyelashes with his own
+handkerchief, Richard set out with his brother-in-law in the big
+travelling chaise soon after noon. Andrew had quite recovered his
+hitherto rather dampened spirits, and produced a dice-box from one
+pocket and a pack of cards from the other wherewith to beguile the
+tedium of the journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER CAPTURES THE QUEEN
+
+
+Diana stood in the old oak porch, riding-whip in hand, and the folds of
+her voluminous gown over her arm. Miss Betty stood beside her, surveying
+her with secret pride.
+
+Diana's eyes seemed darker than ever, she thought, and the mouth more
+tragic. She knew that the girl was, to use her own expression, "moping
+quite prodigiously for that Mr. Carr." Not all that she could do to
+entertain Diana entirely chased away the haunting sadness in her face;
+for a time she would be gay, but afterwards the laughter died away and
+she was silent. Many times had Miss Betty shaken her fist at the absent
+John.
+
+Presently Diana gave a tiny sigh, and looked down at her aunt, smiling.
+
+"You would be surprised how excellently well Harper manages the horses,"
+she said. "He is quite a godsend. So much nicer than that stupid
+William."
+
+"Indeed, yes," agreed Miss Betty. "Only think, my dear, he was groom to
+Sir Hugh Grandison--I saw the letter Sir Hugh writ your Papa--a
+remarkable elegant epistle, I assure you, my love."
+
+Diana nodded and watched the new groom ride up, leading her mount. He
+jumped down, and, touching his hat, stood awaiting his mistress's
+pleasure.
+
+Diana went up to the cob, patting his glossy neck.
+
+"We are going towards Ashley to-day, aunt," she said. "I am so anxious
+to find some berries, and Harper tells me they grow in profusion not far
+from here."
+
+"Now, my dear, pray do not tire yourself by going too far--I doubt it
+will rain before long and you will catch your death of cold!"
+
+Diana laughed at her.
+
+"Oh, no, aunt! Why, the sky is almost cloudless! But we shall not be
+long, I promise you. Only as far as Crossdown Woods and back again."
+
+She gave her foot to the groom just as Mr. Beauleigh came out to watch
+her start.
+
+"Really, my dear, I must ride with you to-morrow," he told her. "'Tis an
+age since we have been out together."
+
+"Why, Papa, will you not accompany me this afternoon?" cried Diana
+eagerly. "I should so like it!"
+
+It struck her aunt that Harper awaited the answer to this question
+rather anxiously. She watched him, puzzled. However, when Mr. Beauleigh
+had refused she could not see any change in his expression, and
+concluded that she must have been mistaken.
+
+So with a wave of her hand, Diana rode away, the groom following at a
+respectful distance. Yet somehow Miss Betty was uneasy. A presentiment
+of evil seemed to touch her, and when the riders had disappeared round a
+bend in the road she felt an insane desire to run after them and call
+her niece back. She gave herself a little shake, saying that she was a
+fond old woman, over-anxious about Diana. Nevertheless, she laid a
+detaining hand on her brother's arm as he was about to go indoors.
+
+"Wait, Horace! You--you _will_ ride with Di more frequently, will you
+not?"
+
+He looked surprised.
+
+"You are uneasy, Betty?"
+
+"Oh--uneasy--! Well, yes--a little. I do not like her to go alone with a
+groom, and we do not know this man."
+
+"My dear! I had the very highest references from Sir Hugh Grandison,
+who, I am sure, would never recommend anyone untrustworthy. Why, you saw
+the letter yourself!"
+
+"Yes, yes. Doubtless I am very stupid. But you _will_ ride with her
+after to-day, will you not?"
+
+"Certainly I will accompany my daughter when I can spare the time," he
+replied with dignity, and with that she had to be content.
+
+Diana rode leisurely along the lane, beside great trees and hedges that
+were a blaze of riotous colour. Autumn had turned the leaves dull gold
+and flame, mellow brown and deepest red, with flaming orange
+intermingled, and touches of copper here and there where some beech tree
+stood. The lane was like a fairy picture, too gorgeous to be real; the
+trees, meeting overhead, but let the sunlight through in patches, so
+that the dusty road beneath was mottled with gold.
+
+The hedges retained their greenness, and where there was a gap a vista
+of fields presented itself. And then they came upon a clump of berries,
+black and red, growing the other side of the little stream that
+meandered along the lane in a ditch. Diana drew up and addressed her
+companion.
+
+"See, Harper--there are berries! We need go no further." She changed the
+reins to her right hand and made as if to spring down.
+
+"The place I spoke of is but a short way on, miss," ventured the man,
+keeping his seat.
+
+She paused.
+
+"But why will these not suffice?"
+
+"Well, miss, if you like. But those others were a deal finer. It seems a
+pity not to get some."
+
+Diana looked doubtfully along the road.
+
+"'Tis not far?"
+
+"No, miss; but another quarter of a mile, and then down the track by the
+wood."
+
+Still she hesitated.
+
+"I do not want to be late," she demurred.
+
+"No, miss, of course not. I only thought as how we might come back by
+way of Chorly Fields."
+
+"Round by the mill? H'm...."
+
+"Yes, miss. Then as soon as we get past it there is a clear stretch of
+turf almost up to the house."
+
+Her eye brightened.
+
+"A gallop? Very well! But let us hurry on."
+
+She touched the cob with her heel, and they trotted on briskly out of
+the leafy canopy along the road with blue sky above and pasture land
+around. After a little while the wood came in sight, and in a minute
+they were riding down the track at right angles to the road. Harper was
+at Diana's heels, drawing nearer. Half unconsciously she quickened her
+pace. There was not a soul in sight.
+
+They were coming to a bend in the road, and now Harper was alongside.
+
+Choking a ridiculous feeling of frightened apprehension, Diana drew
+rein.
+
+"I do not perceive those berries!" she said lightly.
+
+"No, miss," was the immediate response. "They are just a step into the
+wood. If you care to dismount here I can show you."
+
+Nothing could be more respectful than the man's tone. Diana shook off
+her nervous qualms and slipped down. Harper, already on the ground, took
+the cob's rein and tied both horses to a tree.
+
+Diana gathered her skirts over her arm and picked her way through the
+brambles to where he had pointed.
+
+The blackberry hedges he held back for her entrance swung back after
+they had passed, completely shutting out all view of the road. There
+were no berries.
+
+Diana's heart was beating very fast, all her suspicions springing to
+life again, but she showed no sign of fear as she desired him to hold
+the brambles back again for her to pass out.
+
+"For there are no berries here, as you can see for yourself."
+
+She swept round and walked calmly towards the bushes.
+
+Then, how she could never quite remember, she was seized from behind,
+and before she had time to move, a long piece of silk was flung over her
+head and drawn tight across her mouth, while an arm, as of steel, held
+and controlled her.
+
+Fighting madly, she managed to get one arm free, and struck out
+furiously with her slender crop. There was a brief struggle, and it was
+twisted from her grasp, and her hands tied behind her, despite all her
+efforts to be free.
+
+Then her captor swung her writhing into his arms, and strode away
+through the wood without a word.
+
+Diana was passive now, reserving her strength for when it might avail
+her something, but above the gag her eyes blazed with mingled fright and
+fury. She noticed that she was being carried not into the wood, but
+along it, and was not surprised when they emerged on to the road where
+it had rounded the bend.
+
+With a sick feeling of terror, she saw a coach standing in the road, and
+guessed, even before she knew, what was her fate. Through a haze she saw
+a man standing at the door, and then she was thrust into the coach and
+made to sit down on the softly-cushioned seat. All her energies were
+concentrated in fighting against the faintness that threatened to
+overcome her. She won gradually, and strained her ears to catch what was
+being said outside.
+
+She caught one sentence in a familiar, purring voice:
+
+"Set them loose and tie this to the pummel." Then there was silence.
+
+Presently she heard footsteps returning. An indistinguishable murmur
+from Harper, and the door opened to allow his Grace of Andover to enter
+the coach. It gave a lurch and rumbled on.
+
+Tracy looked down with a slight smile into the gold-flecked eyes that
+blazed so indignantly into his.
+
+"A thousand apologies, Miss Beauleigh! Allow me to remove this scarf."
+
+As he spoke he untied the knot, and the silk fell away from her face.
+
+For a moment she was silent, struggling for words wherewith to give vent
+to her fury; then the red lips parted and the small, white teeth showed,
+clenched tightly together.
+
+"You cur!" she flung at him in a panting undertone. "Oh, you cur!--you
+coward! Undo my hands!"
+
+"With pleasure." He bowed and busied himself with this tighter knot.
+
+"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies for incommoding you so grievously.
+I am sure that you will admit the necessity."
+
+"Oh, that there were a _man_ here to avenge me!" she raged.
+
+His Grace tugged at the stubborn knot.
+
+"There are three outside," he answered blandly. "But I do not think they
+are like to oblige you."
+
+He removed her bonds and sat back in the corner, enjoying her. His eyes
+fell on her bruised wrists, and at once his expression changed, and he
+frowned, leaning forward.
+
+"Believe me, I did not mean that," he said, and touched her hands.
+
+She flung him off.
+
+"Do not touch me!"
+
+"I beg your pardon, my dear." He leaned back again nonchalantly.
+
+"Where are you taking me?" she demanded, trying to conceal the fear in
+her voice.
+
+"Home," replied his Grace.
+
+"Home!" Incredulously she turned to look at him, hope in her eyes.
+
+"Home," he reiterated. "_Our_ home."
+
+The hope died out.
+
+"You are ridiculous, sir."
+
+"'Tis an art, my dear, most difficult to acquire."
+
+"Sir--Mr. Everard--whoever you are--if you have any spark of manliness
+in you, of chivalry, if you care for me at all, you will this instant
+set me down!"
+
+Never had she seemed more beautiful, more desirable. Her eyes shone with
+unshed tears, soft and luminous, and the tragic mouth pleaded, even
+trying to smile.
+
+"It would appear that none of these attributes belongs to me," murmured
+his Grace, and wondered if she would weep. He had never a taste for a
+weeping woman.
+
+But Diana was proud. She realised that tears, prayers and all would
+avail her nothing, and she was determined not to break down, at least in
+his presence. Tracy was surprised to see her arrange her skirts and
+settle back against the cushions in the most unconcerned manner
+possible.
+
+"Then, since you are so ungallant, sir, pray tell me what you purpose
+doing with me?" The tone was light, even bantering, but with his
+marvellous, almost uncanny perspicacity, he sensed the breathless terror
+behind it.
+
+"Why, my dear, I had planned to marry you," he answered, bowing.
+
+The knuckles gleamed white on her clenched hand. "And if I refuse?"
+
+"I do not _think_ you will refuse, my dear." She could not repress a
+shiver.
+
+"I do refuse!" she cried sharply.
+
+The smile with which he received this statement drove the blood cold in
+her veins.
+
+"Wait. I think you will be glad to marry me--in the end," he drawled.
+
+Her great eyes were hunted, desperate, and her face was very white. The
+dry lips parted.
+
+"I think--you will be--very sorry--when my father--comes."
+
+The indulgent sneer brought the blood racing back to her cheeks.
+
+"And he will come!"
+
+His Grace was politely interested.
+
+"Really? But I do not doubt it, Diana, an he knows where to come."
+
+"He will find a way, never fear!"
+
+She laughed with a confidence she was far from feeling.
+
+"I do not fear--not in the least--I shall be delighted to welcome him,"
+promised his Grace. "I do not anticipate a refusal of your hand from
+him."
+
+"No?" Diana, too, could sneer.
+
+"No, my dear. Not after a little--persuasion."
+
+"Who are you?" she shot at him.
+
+His shoulders shook in the soundless laugh peculiar to him.
+
+"I am several people, child."
+
+"So I apprehend," she retorted smoothly. "Sir Hugh Grandison amongst
+them?"
+
+"Ah, you have guessed that?"
+
+"It rather leaps to the eye, sir." She spoke in what was almost an exact
+imitation of his sarcastic tone.
+
+"True. It was neatly done, I flatter myself."
+
+"Quite marvellous, indeed."
+
+He was enjoying her as he had rarely enjoyed a woman before. Others had
+sobbed and implored, railed and raved; he had never till now met one who
+returned him word for word, using his own weapons against him.
+
+"Who else have you the honour to be?" she asked, stifling a yawn.
+
+"I am Mr. Everard, child, and Duke of Andover."
+
+Then she turned her head and looked at him with glittering eyes.
+
+"I have heard of you, sir," she said, evenly.
+
+"You are like to hear more, my dear."
+
+"That is as may be, your Grace."
+
+Now she understood the elaborate hilt of the mysterious sword with the
+coronet on it, wrought in jewels. She wondered whether Jack had it
+still, wherever he was. If only some wonderful providence would bring
+him to her now in her dire need! There was no one to strike a blow for
+her; she was entirely at the mercy of a ruthless libertine, whose
+reputation she knew well, and whose presence filled her with dread and a
+speechless loathing. She felt very doubtful that her father would
+succeed in finding her. If only Jack were in England! He would come to
+her, she knew.
+
+His Grace leaned towards her, laying a thin, white hand on her knee.
+
+"My dear, be reasonable. I am not such a bad bargain after all."
+
+The tenderness in his voice filled her with horror. He felt her shrink
+away.
+
+"Take your hand away!" she commanded throbbingly. "Do not touch me!" He
+laughed softly and at the sound of it she controlled her terrors and
+dropped again to the mocking tone she had adopted. "What? Ungallant
+still, your Grace? Pray keep your distance!"
+
+The pistol holster on the wall at her side caught her attention.
+Instantly she looked away, hoping he had not observed her. Very little
+escaped his Grace.
+
+"I am desolated to have to disappoint you, my dear. It is empty."
+
+She laid a careless hand on the holster, verifying his statement.
+
+"This? Oh, I guessed it, your Grace!"
+
+He admired her spirit more and more. Was there ever such a girl?
+
+"My name is Tracy," he remarked.
+
+She considered it with her head tilted to one side.
+
+"I do not like your name, sir," she answered.
+
+"'There was no thought of pleasing you when I was christened,'" he quoted
+lazily.
+
+"Hardly, sir," she said. "You might be my father."
+
+It was a master stroke, and for an instant his brows drew together. Then
+he laughed.
+
+"_Merci du compliment, mademoiselle_! I admire your wit."
+
+"I protest I am overwhelmed. May I ask when we are like to arrive at our
+destination?"
+
+"We should reach Andover soon after eight, my dear."
+
+So it was some distance he was taking her?
+
+"I suppose you had the wit to provide food for the journey?" she yawned.
+"You will not wish to exhibit me at an inn, I take it?"
+
+He marvelled at her indomitable courage
+
+"We shall halt at an inn certainly, and my servant will bring you
+refreshment. That will be in about an hour."
+
+"So long?" she frowned. "Then, pray excuse me an I compose myself to
+sleep a little. I am like to find the journey somewhat tedious, I fear."
+
+She shifted farther into the corner, leaned her head back against the
+cushions and closed her eyes.
+
+Thus outwitting his Grace. For it is impossible to be passionate with a
+girl who feigns sleep when she should be struggling to escape from you.
+So Tracy, who, whatever else he might lack, possessed a keen sense of
+humour, settled himself in his corner and followed her example. So they
+jogged on....
+
+Arrived at length at the inn, the coach pulled up slowly. Diana opened
+her eyes with a great assumption of sleepiness.
+
+"Already?" she marvelled.
+
+"I trust you have slept well," said his Grace suavely.
+
+"Excellently well, I thank you, sir," was the unblushing reply.
+
+"I am relieved to hear you say so, my dear. I had thought you unable
+to--your mouth kept shut so admirably. Doubtless you have schooled your
+jaw not to drop when you sleep sitting up? I wish I might do the same."
+
+The triumph in his voice was thinly veiled. She found nothing to say.
+
+He rose.
+
+"With your leave, I will go to procure you some refreshment, child. Do
+not think me uncivil if I remind you that a servant stands without
+either door."
+
+"I thank you for the kind thought," she smiled, but her heart was sick
+within her.
+
+He disappeared, returning a few moments later with a glass of wine and
+some little cakes.
+
+"I deplore the scanty nature of your repast," he said. "But I do not
+wish to waste time. You shall be more fittingly entertained when we
+reach Andover."
+
+Diana drank the wine gratefully, and it seemed to put new life into her.
+The food almost choked her, but rather than let him see it, she broke a
+cake in half and started to eat it, playing to gain time: time in which
+to allow her father a chance of overtaking them before it was too late.
+She affected to dislike the cake, and rather petulantly demanded a 'maid
+of honour.'
+
+Tracy's eyes gleamed.
+
+"I fear I cannot oblige you, my dear. When we are married you can go to
+Richmond, and you shall have maids of honour in plenty."
+
+He relieved her of her glass, taking it from hands that trembled
+pitifully.
+
+The rest of the journey was as some terrible nightmare. She felt that
+she dared no longer feign sleep. She was terrified at what his Grace
+might do, and kept him at arm's length by means of her tongue and all
+her woman's wit. As a matter of fact, Andover had himself well in hand,
+and had no intention of letting his passion run away with him. But as
+the time went on and the light went, some of Diana's control seemed to
+slip from her, and she became a little less the self-possessed woman,
+and a little more the trapped and frightened child. When they at last
+reached Andover Court, and his Grace assisted her to alight her legs
+would barely carry her up the steps to the great iron-clamped door. She
+trembled anew as he took her hand.
+
+On the threshold he paused and bowed very low. "Welcome to your future
+home, my queen," he murmured, and led her in, past wooden-faced footmen
+who stared over her head, to his private room, where a table was set for
+two. He would have taken her in his arms then, but she evaded him and
+slipped wearily into a chair.
+
+"I protest," she managed to say, "I protest, I am faint through want of
+food."
+
+Andover, looking at her white lips, believed her. He took a seat
+opposite.
+
+Two footmen came to wait on them, and although her very soul was shamed
+that they should see her there, she was thankful for their restraining
+presence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+MY LORD RIDES TO FRUSTRATE HIS GRACE
+
+
+My lord yawned most prodigiously and let fall the _Spectator._ His eyes
+roved towards the clock, and noted with disgust that the hands pointed
+to half after five. He sighed and picked up the _Rambler_.
+
+His host and hostess were visiting some miles distant, and were not
+likely to be back until late, so my lord had a long dull evening in
+front of him, which he relished not at all. Lady O'Hara had tried to
+induce him to accompany them, promising that he would meet no one he
+knew, but he had for once been prudent and refused steadfastly. So my
+lady, after pouting crossly at him and assuring him that he was by far
+the most obstinate and disagreeable man that she had ever come across,
+not excepting her husband, who, to be sure, had been quite prodigiously
+annoying all day, relented, told him she understood perfectly, and even
+offered to kiss him to make up for her monstrous ill-humour. Jack
+accepted the offer promptly, waved farewell to her from the porch, and
+returned to the empty drawing-room to while away the time with two
+numbers of the _Spectator_ and his own thoughts till dinner, which was
+to be later than usual to-day, on account of an attack of vapours which
+had seized the cook.
+
+His thoughts were too unpleasant to be dwelt on; everything in his world
+seemed to have gone awry. So he occupied himself with what seemed to him
+a particularly uninteresting number of the _Spectator_. The sun had
+almost disappeared, and very soon it became too dark to read; no candles
+having been brought as yet, my lord, very unromantically, went to sleep
+in his chair. Whether he would have eventually snored is not known, for
+not more than a quarter of an hour afterwards the butler roused him with
+the magic words:
+
+"Dinner is served, sir."
+
+Carstares turned his head lazily.
+
+"What's that you say, James?"
+
+"Dinner is served, sir," repeated the man, and held the door wide for
+him to pass out.
+
+"Faith! I'm glad to hear it!"
+
+My lord rose leisurely and pulled his cravat more precisely into
+position. Although he was to be alone, he gave his costume a touch here
+and there, and flicked a speck of dust from one great cuff with his
+elegant lace handkerchief.
+
+He strolled across the old panelled hall to the dining-room, and sat
+down at the table.
+
+The curtains were drawn across the windows, and clusters of candles in
+graceful silver holders were arranged on the table, shedding a warm
+light on to the white damask and the shining covers. The footmen
+presented a fish, and my lord permitted a little to be put on his plate.
+The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink claret or burgundy,
+or ale? Mr. Carr would drink claret. A sirloin of beef next made its
+appearance, and went away considerably smaller. Then before my lord was
+spread an array of dishes. Partridges flanked one end, a pasty stood
+next, a cream, two chickens, a duck, and a ham of noble proportions.
+
+My lord went gently through.
+
+The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink a glass of burgundy?
+He exhibited a dusty bottle. My lord considered it through his eyeglass
+and decided in favour. He sipped reflectively and waved the ham away.
+
+Sweetmeats appeared before him and a soup, while plump pigeons were
+uncovered at his elbow.
+
+One was whipped deftly on to his plate, and as he took up his knife and
+fork to carve it, a great scuffling sounded without, angry voices being
+raised in expostulation, and, above all, a breathless, insistent appeal
+for Mr. Carr or Sir Miles. My lord laid down the knife and fork and came
+to his feet.
+
+"It appears I am demanded," he said, and went to the door. It was opened
+for him at once, and he stepped out into the hall to find Mr. Beauleigh
+trying to dodge the younger footman, who was refusing to let him pass.
+At the sight of Carstares he stepped back respectfully. Mr. Beauleigh,
+hot, distraught, breathless, fell upon my lord.
+
+"Thank God you are here, sir!" he cried.
+
+Carstares observed him with some surprise. Mr. Beauleigh had been so
+very frigid when last they had met.
+
+"I am glad to be at your service, sir," he bowed. "You have commands for
+me?"
+
+"We are in terrible trouble," almost moaned the other. "Betty bade me
+come to find you, or failing you, Sir Miles, for none other can help
+us!"
+
+Carstares' glance grew sharper.
+
+"Trouble? Not--But I forget my manners--we shall talk more at ease in
+here." He led Mr. Beauleigh into the morning-room. Beauleigh thrust a
+paper into his hands.
+
+"Diana went riding this afternoon, and only her horse returned--with
+this attached to the pommel! Read it, sir! Read it!"
+
+"Diana!" Carstares strode over to the light, and devoured the contents
+of the single sheet, with eager eyes.
+
+They were not long, and they were very much to the point:
+
+"Mr. Beauleigh may haply recall to mind a certain 'Mr. Everard,' of
+Bath, whose Addresses to Miss Beauleigh were cruelly repulsed. He
+regrets having now to take the Matter into his Own Hands, and trusts to
+further his Acquaintance with Mr. Beauleigh at some Future Date, when
+Miss Beauleigh shall, He trusts, have become 'Mrs. Everard.'"
+
+Jack crumpled the paper furiously in his hand, grinding out a startling
+oath.
+
+"--insolent cur!"
+
+"Yes, yes, sir! But what will that avail my daughter? I have come
+straight to you, for my sister is convinced you know this Everard, and
+can tell me where to seek them!"
+
+Carstares clapped a hand on his shoulder.
+
+"Never fear, Mr. Beauleigh! I pledge you my word she shall be found this
+very night!"
+
+"You know where he has taken her? You do? You are sure?"
+
+"Back to his earth, I'll lay my life; 'tis ever his custom." He strode
+to the door, flung it wide and shot clear, crisp directions at the
+footman. "See to it that my mare is saddled in ten minutes and Blue
+Devil harnessed to your master's curricle! Don't stand staring--go! And
+send Salter to me!"
+
+The footman scuttled away, pausing only to inform my lord that Salter
+was not in.
+
+Carstares remembered that he had given Jim leave to visit his Mary at
+Fittering, and crushed out another oath. He sprang up the stairs, Mr.
+Beauleigh following breathlessly.
+
+In his room, struggling with his boots, he put a few questions.
+
+Mr. Beauleigh related the whole tale, dwelling mournfully on the
+excellent references for Harper he had received from Sir Hugh Grandison.
+
+Jack hauled at his second boot.
+
+"Tracy himself, of course!" he fumed, adjusting his spurs.
+
+"Pray, Mr. Carr, who is this scoundrel? Is it true that you know him?"
+
+"Andover," answered Jack from the depths of the garde-robe. "Damn the
+fellow, where has he put my cloak?" This to the absent Jim, and not the
+Duke.
+
+"Andover! Not--surely not the Duke?" cried Mr. Beauleigh.
+
+"I know of none other. At last!"
+
+He emerged and tossed a heavy, many-caped coat on to the bed.
+
+"Now, sir, your attention for one moment."
+
+He was buckling on his sword as he spoke, and not looking at the other
+man.
+
+"Tracy will have borne Di--Miss Beauleigh off to Andover Court, seven
+miles beyond Wyncham, to the south-west. Your horse, I take it, is not
+fresh," (he knew Mr. Beauleigh's horse). "I have ordered the curricle
+for you. I will ride on at once by short cuts, for there is not a moment
+to be lost--"
+
+"The Duke of Andover!" interrupted Mr. Beauleigh. "The Duke of Andover!
+Why, do you think he purposes to marry my daughter?"
+
+Jack gave a short, furious laugh.
+
+"Ay! As he married all the others!"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh winced.
+
+"Sir! Pray why should you say so?"
+
+"I perceive you do not know his Grace. Perchance you have heard of Devil
+Belmanoir?"
+
+Then the little man paled.
+
+"Good God, Mr. Carr, 'tis not he?"
+
+Carstares caught up his hat and whip.
+
+"Ay, Mr. Beauleigh, 'tis indeed he. Now perhaps you appreciate the
+necessity for haste?"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh's eyes were open at last.
+
+"For God's sake, Mr. Carr, after them!"
+
+"'Tis what I intend, sir. You will follow as swiftly as possible?"
+
+"Yes, yes, but do not wait for anything! Can you reach Andover--in
+time?"
+
+"I reach Andover to-night," was the grim answer. "And you, sir? You know
+the road?"
+
+"I will find out. Only go, Mr. Carr! Do not waste time, I implore you!"
+
+Jack struggled into his riding coat, clapped his hat on to his head, and
+with his Grace of Andover's sword tucked beneath his arm, went down the
+stairs three and four at a time, and hurried out on to the drive, where
+the groom stood waiting with Jenny's bridle over his arm. Carstares cast
+a hasty glance at the girths and sprang up. The mare sidled and
+fidgeted, fretting to be gone, but was held in with a hand of iron while
+her master spoke to the groom.
+
+"You must drive Mr. Beauleigh to Andover Court as fast as you can. It is
+a matter of life and death. You know the way?"
+
+The amazed groom collected his wits with difficulty.
+
+"Roughly, sir."
+
+"That will do--Mr. Beauleigh will know. Drive your damnedest, man--Sir
+Miles won't mind. You understand?"
+
+Jack's word was law in the O'Hara household.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered the man, and touched his hat.
+
+On the word, he saw the beautiful straining mare leap forward, and the
+next moment both horse and rider were swallowed in the gloom.
+
+"Well I'm--darned," exploded the groom, and turned to fetch the
+curricle.
+
+Across the stretch of moorland went Jack at a gallop, Jenny speeding
+under him like the wind, and seeming to catch something of her master's
+excitement. Low over her neck he bent, holding the Duke's sword across
+his saddle-bows with one hand and with the other guiding her. So he
+covered some three miles. He reined in then, and forced her to a canter,
+saving her strength for the long distance ahead of them. She was in
+splendid condition, glorying in the unrestrained gallop across the turf,
+and although she was too well-mannered to pull on the rein, Carstares
+could see by the eager twitching of her ears how she longed to be gone
+over the ground. He spoke soothingly to her and guided her on to the
+very lane where Diana had ridden that afternoon. She fell into a long,
+easy stride that seemed to eat up the ground. Now they were off the
+lane, riding over a field to join another road, leading west. A hedge
+cut them off, but the mare gathered her legs beneath her and soared
+over, alighting as gracefully as a bird, and skimming on again up the
+road.
+
+Her responsive ears flickered as he praised her, and pulled her up.
+
+"Easy now, Jenny, easy!"
+
+She was trembling with excitement, but she yielded to his will and
+trotted quietly for perhaps another half-hour.
+
+Carstares rose and fell rhythmically in the saddle, taking care to keep
+his spurred heels from her glossy sides. He guessed the time to be about
+seven o'clock, and his brows drew together worriedly. Jenny was made of
+steel and lightning, but would she manage it? He had never tested her
+powers as he was about to now, and he dared not allow her much breathing
+space. Every minute was precious if he were to reach Andover before it
+was too late.
+
+Assuming that Tracy had captured Diana at four, or thereabouts, he
+reckoned that it should take a heavy coach four hours or more to reach
+Andover. Jenny might manage it in two and a half hours, allowing for
+short cuts, in which case he ought to arrive not long after the others.
+
+He was tortured by the thought of Diana at the mercy of a man of Tracy's
+calibre; Diana in terror; Diana despairing. Unconsciously he pressed his
+knees against the smooth flank and once more Jenny fell into that long,
+swift stride. She seemed to glide over the ground with never a jar nor a
+stumble. Carstares was careful not to irk her in any way, only keeping a
+guiding, restraining hand on the rein, and for the rest letting her go
+as she willed. On and on they sped, as the time lagged by, sometimes
+through leafy lanes, at others over fields and rough tracks. Not for
+nothing had Carstares roamed this country for two years; almost every
+path was familiar to him; he never took a wrong turn, never swerved,
+never hesitated. On and on, past sleeping villages and lonely
+homesteads, skirting woods, riding up hill and down dale, never
+slackening his hold on the rein, never taking his eyes off the road
+before him, except now and then to throw a glance to the side on the
+look-out for some hidden by-path. After the first hour a dull pain in
+his shoulder reminded him of his wound, still troublesome. He set his
+teeth and pressed on still faster.
+
+The mare caught her foot on a loose stone and stumbled. His hand held
+her together, the muscles standing out like ribbed steel, his voice
+encouraged her, and he made her walk again. This time she did not fret
+against the restraint. He shifted the sword under his bridle hand, and
+passed the right down her steaming neck, crooning to her softly beneath
+his breath.
+
+She answered with a low, throbbing whinny. She could not understand why
+he desired her to gallop on, braving unknown terrors in the dark; all
+she could know was that it was his wish. It seemed also that he was
+pleased with her. She would have cantered on again, but he made her walk
+for, perhaps, another five minutes, until they were come to a stretch of
+common he knew well. It was getting late, and he pressed her with his
+knee, adjuring her to do her best, and urging her to a gallop, leaning
+right forward, the better to pierce the darkness ahead. A gorse bush
+loomed before them, and Jenny shied at it, redoubling her pace.
+
+With hand and voice he soothed her, and on they sped. He judged the time
+to be now about half-past eight, and knew that they must make the
+remaining miles in an hour. Even now the coach might have arrived, and
+beyond that he dared not think.
+
+Another half-hour crept by, and he could feel the mare's breath coming
+short and fast, and reined in again, this time to a canter. He was off
+the moor now, on a road he remembered well, and knew himself to be not
+ten miles from Wyncham. Five more miles as the crow flies.... He knew
+he must give Jenny another rest, and pulled up, dismounting and going to
+her head.
+
+Her legs were trembling, and the sweat rolled off her satin skin. She
+dropped her nose into his hand, sobbingly. He rubbed her ears and patted
+her, and she lipped his cheek lovingly, breathing more easily.
+
+Up again then, and forward once more, skimming over the ground.
+
+Leaving Wyncham on his right, Carstares cut west and then north-west, on
+the highroad now, leading to Andover. Only two more miles to go....
+
+Jenny stumbled again and broke into a walk. Her master tapped her
+shoulder, and she picked up her stride again.
+
+She was almost winded, and he knew it, but he had to force her onwards.
+She responded gallantly to his hand, although her breath came sobbingly
+and her great, soft eyes were blurred.
+
+At last the great iron gates were in view; he could see them through the
+dusk, firmly shut. He pulled up and walked on, looking for a place in
+the hedge where Jenny might push through.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+MY LORD ENTERS BY THE WINDOW
+
+
+His Grace of Andover made a sign to the footmen, and with a sinking
+heart Diana watched them leave the room, discreetly closing the door
+behind them. She affected to eat a peach, skinning it with fingers that
+were stiff and wooden. Tracy leaned back in his chair, surveying her
+through half-shut eyelids. He watched her eat her peach and rise to her
+feet standing with her hand on the back of the high, carved chair. She
+addressed him nervously and with would-be lightness.
+
+"Well, sir, I have eaten, and I protest I am fatigued. Pray have the
+goodness to conduct me to your housekeeper."
+
+"My dear," he drawled, "nothing would give me greater pleasure--always
+supposing that I possessed one."
+
+She raised her eyebrows haughtily.
+
+"I presume you have at least a maidservant," she inquired. "If I am to
+remain here, I would retire."
+
+"You shall, child, all in good time. But do not be in a hurry to deprive
+me of your fair company." He rose as he spoke, and taking her hand, led
+her dumbly to a low-backed settee at the other end of the great room.
+
+"If you have aught to say to me, your Grace, I beg that you will reserve
+it until to-morrow. I am not in the humour to-night."
+
+He laughed at her.
+
+"Still so cold, child?"
+
+"I am not like to be different, sir."
+
+His eyes glinted.
+
+"You think so? I shall show you that you are wrong, my dear. You may
+loathe me, you may love me, but I think you will lose something of that
+icy indifference. Allow me to point out to you that there is a couch
+behind you."
+
+"I perceive it, sir."
+
+"Then be seated."
+
+"It is not worth the while, sir. I am not staying." He advanced one step
+towards her with that in his face that made her sink hurriedly on to the
+couch.
+
+He nodded smiling.
+
+"You are wise, Diana."
+
+"Why so free with my name, sir?" This with icy sweetness.
+
+Tracy flung himself down beside her, his arm over the back of the settee
+and the fingers of his drooping hand just touching her shoulder. It was
+all the girl could do to keep from screaming. She felt trapped and
+helpless, and her nerve was in pieces.
+
+"Nay, sweet! An end to this quibbling. Bethink you, is it worth your
+while to anger me?"
+
+She sat rigid and silent.
+
+"I love you--ay, you shudder. One day you will not do that."
+
+"You call this love, your Grace?" she cried out, between scorn and
+misery.
+
+"Something near it," he answered imperturbably.
+
+"God help you then!" she shivered, thinking of one other who had loved
+her so differently.
+
+"Belike He will," was the pleasant rejoinder. "But we wander from the
+point. It is this: you shall retire to your chamber at once--er--armed
+with the key--an you will swear to marry me to-morrow."
+
+Very white, she made as if to rise. The thin fingers closed over her
+shoulders, forcing her to remain.
+
+"No, my dear. Sit still."
+
+Her self-control was slipping away from her; she struggled to be free of
+that hateful hand.
+
+"Oh, you brute, you brute! Let me go!"
+
+"When you have given me your answer, sweetheart."
+
+"It is no!" she cried. "A thousand times no!"
+
+"Think...."
+
+"I have thought! I would rather die than wed you!"
+
+"Very possibly. But death will not be your lot, my pretty one," purred
+the sinister voice in her ear. "Think carefully before you answer; were
+it not better to marry me with all honour than to--"
+
+"You devil!" she panted, and looked wildly round for some means of
+escape. The long window was open, she knew, for the curtain blew out
+into the room. But his Grace was between it and her.
+
+"You begin to think better of it, child? Remember, to-morrow will be too
+late. This is your chance, now. In truth," he took a pinch of snuff, "in
+truth, it matters not to me whether you will be a bride or no."
+
+With a sudden movement she wrenched herself free and darted to the
+window. In a flash he was up and had caught her as she reached it,
+swinging her round to face him.
+
+"Not so fast, my dear. You do not escape me so."
+
+His arm was about her waist, drawing her irresistibly towards him. Sick
+with fear, she struck madly at the face bent close to hers.
+
+"Let me go! How dare you insult me so? Oh, for God's sake let me go!"
+
+He was pressing her against him, one hand holding her wrists behind her
+in a grip of iron, his other arm about her shoulders.
+
+"For my own sake I will keep you," he smiled, and looked gloatingly down
+at her beautiful, agonised countenance, with its wonderful eyes gazing
+imploringly at him, and the sensitive mouth a-quiver. For one instant he
+held her so, and then swiftly bent his head and pressed his lips to
+hers.
+
+She could neither struggle nor cry out. A deadly faintness assailed her,
+and she could scarcely breathe.
+
+"By God, it is too late!" he swore. "You had best give in, madam--nought
+can avail you now."
+
+And then the unexpected happened. Even as in her last desperate effort
+to free herself she moaned the name of him whom she deemed hundreds of
+miles away across the sea, a crisp voice, vibrating with a species of
+cold fury, sounded directly behind them.
+
+"You delude yourself, Belmanoir," it said with deadly quiet.
+
+With an oath Tracy released the girl and wheeled to face the intruder.
+
+Framed by the dark curtains, drawn sword in hand, murder in his blue
+eyes, stood my lord.
+
+Tracy's snarl died slowly away as he stared, and a look of blank
+amazement took its place.
+
+Diana, almost unable to believe her eyes, dizzy with the suddenness of
+it all, stumbled blindly towards him, crying:
+
+"Thank God! Thank God! Oh, Jack!"
+
+He caught her in his arms, drawing her gently to the couch.
+
+"Dear heart, you never doubted I should come?"
+
+"I thought you in France!" she sobbed, and sank down amongst the
+cushions.
+
+Carstares turned to meet his Grace.
+
+Tracy had recovered from the first shock of surprise and was eyeing him
+though his quizzing glass.
+
+"This is an unexpected pleasure, my lord," he drawled with easy
+insolence.
+
+Diana started at the mode of address and looked up at Carstares,
+bewildered.
+
+"I perceive your sword in the corner behind you, your Grace!" snapped
+Jack, and flung over to the door, twisting the key round in the lock and
+slipping it into his breeches pocket.
+
+To Diana he was as a stranger, with no laugh in the glittering blue
+eyes, and none of the almost finicking politeness that usually
+characterised his bearing. He was very white, with lips set in a hard
+straight line, and his nostrils slightly expanded.
+
+His Grace shrugged a careless refusal.
+
+"My dear Carstares, why should I fight you?" he inquired, seemingly not
+in the least annoyed by the other's intrusion.
+
+"I had anticipated that answer, your Grace. So I brought _this_!"
+
+As he spoke Jack drove the sword he held into the wood floor, where it
+stayed, quivering.
+
+Nonchalantly Tracy took it in his hand and glanced at the hilt.
+
+His fingers tightened on it convulsively, and he shot a piercing glance
+at Jack.
+
+"I am entirely at your service," he said very smoothly, and laid the
+sword on the table.
+
+Some of the glare died out of my lord's eyes, and a little triumphant
+smile curved the corners of his mouth. Quickly he divested himself of
+his fine velvet coat, his waistcoat and his scabbard, and pulled off
+the heavy riding boots, caked with mud. He proceeded to tuck up his
+ruffles, awaiting his Grace's convenience.
+
+As one in a dream, Diana saw the table pushed back, the paces measured,
+and heard the ring of steel against steel.
+
+My lord opened the attack after a few moments' cautious circling,
+lunging swiftly and recovering, even as the Duke countered and delivered
+a lightning _riposte en quinte_. My lord parried gracefully in tierce,
+and chuckled softly to himself.
+
+With parted lips and wide eyes, the girl on the couch watched each fresh
+lunge. A dozen times it seemed as though Carstares must be run through,
+but each time, by some miraculous means, he regained his opposition, and
+the Duke's blade met steel.
+
+Once, indeed, thrusting in _quarte_, Tracy's point, aimed too high,
+flashed above the other's guard and ripped the cambric shirt at the
+sleeve. My lord retired his foot nimbly, parried, and _riposted_ with a
+straight thrust, wrist held high, before Tracy could recover his
+opposition. The blades clashed as forte met foible, and my lord lunged
+straight at his opponent's breast.
+
+Diana shut her eyes, expecting every moment to hear the dull thud of
+Tracy's body as it should fall to the ground. It did not come, but
+instead there sounded a confused stamping, and scraping of blades, and
+she looked again to find the Duke disengaging over my lord's supple
+wrist and being parried with the utmost ease and dexterity.
+
+Carstares knew that he would not be able to last long, however. His
+shoulder, fretted by the long ride, was aching intolerably, and his
+wrist seemed to have lost some of its cunning. He was conscious of a
+singing in his head which he tried, in vain, to ignore. But his eyes
+glowed and sparkled with the light of battle and the primitive lust to
+kill.
+
+The Duke was fencing with almost superhuman skill, moving heavily and
+deliberately, seemingly tireless.
+
+Carstares, on the other hand, was as swift and light as a panther, grace
+in every turn of his slim body.
+
+He feinted suddenly inside the arm, deceiving the parade of tierce. His
+Grace fell back a pace, parrying in _quarte_, and as John with a quick
+twist changed to _quarte_ also and the blades crossed, Tracy lunged
+forward the length of his arm, and a deep red splash stained the
+whiteness of my lord's sleeve at the shoulder.
+
+Diana gave a choked cry, knowing it to be the old wound, and the Duke's
+blade came to rest upon the ground.
+
+"You are--satisfied?" he asked coolly, but panting a little.
+
+My lord reeled slightly, controlled himself and brushed his left hand
+across his eyes.
+
+"On guard!" was all he replied, ignoring a pleading murmur from the
+girl.
+
+Tracy shrugged, meeting Carstares' blade with his, and the fight went
+on.
+
+Tracy's eyes were almost shut, it appeared to Diana, his chin thrust
+forward, his teeth gripping the thin lower lip.
+
+To her horror she saw that Carstares was breathing in gasps, and that
+his face was ashen in hue. It was torture to her to sit impotent, but
+she held herself in readiness to fly to his rescue should the need
+arise. Suddenly my lord feinted on both sides of the arm and ripped open
+the Duke's sleeve, causing a steady trickle of blood to drip down on to
+the floor.
+
+Tracy took no notice, but countered so deftly that John's blade wavered,
+and he staggered back. For an instant it seemed as though the end had
+come, but somehow he steadied himself, recovering his guard.
+
+Diana was on her feet now, nearly as white as her lover, her hands
+pressed to her breast. She saw that John's point was no longer so
+purposeful, and the smile had gone from his lips. They were parted now,
+the upper one rigid, and a deep furrow cut into his brow.
+
+Then, startling in the stillness of the great house, came the clanging
+of a bell, pulled with some violence.
+
+Carstares' white lips moved soundlessly, and Diana, guessing it to be
+her father, moved, clinging to the wall, towards the door.
+
+A moment later along the passage came the sound of steps; a gay,
+boisterous voice was raised, followed by a deeper, graver one.
+
+His Grace's face became devilish in its expression, but Carstares took
+no notice, seeming not to hear. Only he thrust with such skill that his
+Grace was forced to fall back a pace. The loud voices demanded to know
+what was toward in the locked room, and Diana, knowing that my lord was
+nearly spent, beat upon the panels.
+
+"Quickly, quickly!" she cried. "Break through, for heaven's sake,
+whoever you are! 'Tis locked!"
+
+"Good Gad! 'tis a woman!" exclaimed the voice. "Listen,
+Dick!--why--why--'tis a fight!"
+
+"Oh, be _quick_!" implored poor Diana.
+
+And then came the deeper voice: "Stand away, madam, we will burst the
+lock."
+
+She moved quickly aside, turning her attention once more to the duel by
+the window, as Andrew flung his shoulder against the stout wood. At the
+third blow the lock gave, the door flew wide, and Lord Andrew was
+precipitated into the room.
+
+And the two by the window fought on unheeding, faster and faster.
+
+"Well, I'm damned!" said Andrew, surveying them. He walked forward
+interestedly, and at the same moment caught sight of Jack's face. He
+stared in amazement, and called to Richard.
+
+"Good Lord! Here! Dick! Come here! Surely it's--_who_ is that man?"
+
+Diana saw the tall gentleman, so like her lover in appearance, step
+forward to the young rake's side. The next events happened in a flash.
+She heard a great cry, and before she had time to know what he was
+doing, Richard had whipped his sword from its scabbard and had struck up
+the two blades. In that moment the years rolled back, and, recognising
+his brother, Jack gasped furiously:
+
+"Damn--you--Dick! Out--of--the way!"
+
+Tracy stood leaning on his sword, watching, his breath coming in gasps,
+but still with that cynical smile on his lips.
+
+Richard, seeing that his brother would fly at the Duke again, closed
+with him, struggling to wrest the rapier from his weakened grasp.
+
+"You fool, John, leave go! Leave go, I say!"
+
+With a twist he had the sword in his hand and sent it spinning across
+the room as without a sound my lord crumpled up and fell with a thud to
+the floor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+IN WHICH WHAT THREATENED TO BE TRAGEDY TURNS TO COMEDY
+
+
+With a smothered cry Diana flew across the room to where my lord lay in
+a pitiful little heap, but before her was Richard. He fell on his knees
+beside the still figure, feeling for the wound.
+
+Diana, on the other side, looked across at him.
+
+"'Tis his shoulder, sir--an old wound. Oh, he is not--he cannot
+be--_dead_?"
+
+Richard shook his head dumbly and gently laid bare the white shoulder.
+The wound was bleeding very slightly, and they bound it deftly betwixt
+them, with their united handkerchiefs and a napkin seized from the
+table.
+
+"'Tis exhaustion, I take it," frowned Richard, his hand before the pale
+lips. "He is breathing still."
+
+Over her shoulder Diana shot an order:
+
+"One of you men, please fetch water and cognac!"
+
+"At once, madam!" responded Andrew promptly, and hurried out.
+
+She bent once more over my lord, gazing anxiously into his face.
+
+"He will live? You--are sure? He--he must have rid all the way from
+Maltby--for me!" She caught her breath on a sob, pressing one lifeless
+hand to her lips.
+
+"For you, madam?" Richard looked an inquiry.
+
+She blushed.
+
+"Yes--he--we--I--"
+
+"I see," said Richard gravely.
+
+She nodded.
+
+"Yes, and--and the Duke--caught me, and--brought me here--and--and then
+_he_ came--and saved me!"
+
+The air blowing in from the window stirred the ruffles of my lord's
+shirt, and blew a strand of her dark hair across Diana's face. She
+caught it back and stared at Richard with a puzzled air.
+
+"Pardon me, sir--but you are so like him!"
+
+"I am his brother," answered Richard shortly.
+
+Her eyes grew round with surprise.
+
+"His _brother_, sir? I never knew Mr. Carr had a brother!"
+
+"Mr.--who?" asked Richard.
+
+"Carr. It is not his name, is it? I heard the Duke call him
+Carstares--and--my lord."
+
+"He is the Earl of Wyncham," answered Richard, stretching out a hand to
+relieve Andrew of the jug of water he was proffering.
+
+"Good--gracious!" gasped Diana. "B-but he said he was a highwayman!"
+
+"Quite true, madam."
+
+"True? But how--how ridiculous--and how like him!"
+
+She soaked a handkerchief in the water, and bathed my lord's forehead.
+
+"He is not coming to in the least," she said nervously. "You are sure
+'tis not--not--"
+
+"Quite. He'll come round presently. You said he had ridden far?"
+
+"He must have, sir--I wish he were not so pale--he was staying with the
+O'Haras at Maltby."
+
+"What? The O'Haras?"
+
+"Yes--and he must have ridden from there--and his wound still so
+tender!" Again she kissed the limp hand.
+
+Over by the window his Grace, his breath recovered, was eyeing Andrew
+through his quizzing-glass.
+
+"May I inquire what brings you here?" he asked sweetly. "And why you saw
+fit to bring the saintly Richard?"
+
+"I came because it suited me to do so. I never dreamed you were
+here--'Pon my soul, I did not!"
+
+"Where then did you think I was?"
+
+"Never thought about you at all, my dear fellow. I'm not your squire."
+
+"Why is Richard here?"
+
+"Lord, what a catechism! He is here because he brought me with him on
+his way to Wyncham. Have you any objection?"
+
+"It would be useless," shrugged Tracy. "Have I killed that young fool?"
+
+Andrew looked him over in disgust.
+
+"No, you have not. You have barely touched him, thanks be."
+
+"Dear me! Why this sudden affection for Carstares?"
+
+Andrew swung round on his heel, remarking over his shoulder:
+
+"He may be a cheat, but he's a damned fine fellow. By Gad! he nearly
+pinked you as I entered!" He chuckled at the memory of that glorious
+moment.
+
+"He nearly pinked me a dozen times," replied Tracy, binding his arm
+round more tightly. "He fights like ten devils. But he was fatigued."
+
+He followed Andrew across the room and stood looking down at his
+unconscious foe.
+
+Diana's eyes challenged him.
+
+"Stand back, your Grace! You have no more to do here!"
+
+He drew out his snuff-box and took a pinch.
+
+"So that is how the matter lies, my dear. I did not know that."
+
+"You pretend that it would have made a difference in your treatment of
+me?"
+
+"Not the slightest, child," he replied, shutting the box with a snap.
+"It has merely come as a slight surprise to me. It seems he has the luck
+this round." He walked away again as another great bell-peal sounded
+through the house.
+
+Andrew, pouring cognac into a glass, paused with bottle held in mid-air.
+
+"Thunder and turf! We are like to be a party! Who now?" He set the glass
+down and lounged out of the room, bottle in hand. They heard him give an
+astonished cry and a loud laugh, and the next moment O'Hara strode into
+the room, booted and spurred and enveloped in a heavy surcoat. He came
+swiftly upon the little group about my lord and went down on one knee
+beside him. His eyes seemed to take in everyone at a glance. Then he
+looked across at Richard.
+
+"Is he alive?"
+
+Richard nodded, not meeting the hard, anxious gaze.
+
+O'Hara bent over his friend.
+
+"He has been wounded?"
+
+Diana answered this.
+
+"Only slightly, Sir Miles, but 'twas his shoulder again. He was tired
+after the ride--Mr. Carstares thinks he has fainted from exhaustion."
+
+O'Hara very gently slipped one arm beneath my lord's shoulders and the
+other under his knees, rising with him as easily as if he were carrying
+a baby. He walked over to the couch, lowering his burden on to the
+cushions that Diana placed to receive him.
+
+"He will be easier there," he said, and looked across at her.
+
+"Ye are quite safe, child?"
+
+"Quite--quite--He came just in time--and fought for me." She dabbed
+openly at her eyes. "I--I love him so, Sir Miles--and now I hear that he
+is an Earl!" she sighed.
+
+"Well, child, 'twill make no difference, I take it. I hope he'll make ye
+happy."
+
+She smiled through her tears very confidently.
+
+O'Hara turned and faced Richard, who was standing a little in the rear,
+watching his brother's face. He met O'Hara's scathing look squarely.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Nought," answered the Irishman cuttingly, and walked over to where Lord
+Andrew was arguing hotly with his brother.
+
+Carstares returned to my lord's side and stood looking silently down at
+him.
+
+Diana suddenly gave a little joyful cry.
+
+"He is coming round! He moved his head! Oh, Jack, my dear one, look at
+me!" She bent over him with eyes alight with love.
+
+My lord's eyelids flickered and opened. For a moment he stared at her.
+
+"Why--Diana!" She took his head between her hands and kissed him full on
+the mouth. Then she raised his head to look into the blue eyes.
+
+My lord's arm crept round her and held her tight against him. After a
+moment she disengaged herself and stood aside. Jack's eyes, still a
+little bewildered, fell upon his brother. He struggled up on his elbow.
+
+"Am I dreaming? _Dick_!" His voice was full of a great joy. Richard went
+quickly to him, trying to put him back on the cushions.
+
+"My dear Jack--no, no--lie still!"
+
+"Lie still?" cried my lord, swinging his feet to the ground. "Not a bit
+of it! I am well enough, but a trifle dizzy. How in thunder did you come
+here? Surely 'twas you knocked up my sword? Yes? Interfering young cub!
+Give me your arm a minute!"
+
+"But why do you want to get up?" pleaded a soft voice in his ear.
+
+"So that I can take you in my arms, sweetheart," he answered, and
+proceeded to do so.
+
+Then his glance, wandering round the room, alighted on the heated group
+by the table; Andrew vociferously indignant, Tracy coolly sarcastic, and
+O'Hara furious.
+
+"Tare an' ouns!" ejaculated my lord. "Where _did_ they all spring from?"
+
+"I don't quite know!" laughed Diana. "Sir Miles came a few minutes
+ago--the other gentleman came with Mr. Carstares."
+
+"Ay, I remember him--'tis Andrew, eh, Dick? Zounds! how he has grown!
+But what in the world are they all fighting over? Miles! Miles, I say!"
+
+O'Hara wheeled round, surprised.
+
+"Oho! Ye are up, are ye." He crossed to his side. "Then sit down!"
+
+"Since you are all so insistent, I will. How did you come here?"
+
+O'Hara went round to the back of the couch to arrange a cushion beneath
+the hurt shoulder, and leaned his arms upon the back, looking down with
+a laugh in his eyes.
+
+"Faith, I rode!"
+
+"But how did you know? Where--"
+
+"'Twas all on account of that young rascal David," he said. "Molly
+fretted and fumed all the way to the Frasers, vowing the child would be
+neglected, and what not, and we'd not been in the house above an hour or
+so, when up she jumps and says she knows that _something_ has happened
+at home, and nothing will suffice but that I must drive her back. We
+arrived just as Beauleigh was setting out. He told us the whole tale,
+and of course I had Blue Peter saddled in the twinkling of an eye and
+was off after ye. But, what with taking wrong turns and me horse not
+happening to be made of lightning, I couldn't arrive until now."
+
+"You cannot have been so long after me," said Jack. "For I wasted full
+half-an-hour outside here, trying to find an opening in the hedge for
+Jenny to get through. She is now stalled in a shed at the bottom of the
+lawn with my cloak over her. I'll swear she's thirsty, too."
+
+"I'll see to that," promised O'Hara.
+
+Andrew came across the room and bowed awkwardly to my lord, stammering a
+little. Carstares held out his hand. "Lord, Andy! I scarce knew you!"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, Andrew took the outstretched hand and
+answered, laughingly. But my lord had not failed to notice the
+hesitation, short though it had been.
+
+"I--beg your pardon. I had forgot," he said stiffly.
+
+Andrew sat down beside him, rather red about the ears.
+
+"Oh, stuff, Jack! I'm a clumsy fool, but I did not mean that!" Richard
+stepped forward into the full light of the candles.
+
+"If you will all listen to me one moment, I shall be greatly obliged,"
+he said steadily.
+
+Lord John started forward.
+
+"Dick!" he cried, warningly, and would have gone to him, but for
+O'Hara's hand on his shoulder, dragging him back.
+
+"Ah, now, be aisy," growled Miles. "Let the man say it!"
+
+"Hold your tongue, O'Hara! Dick, wait one moment! I want to speak to
+you!"
+
+Richard never glanced at him.
+
+"I am about to tell you something that should have been told--seven
+years ago--"
+
+"Once and for all, I forbid it!" snapped my lord, trying to disengage
+himself from O'Hara's grip.
+
+Miles leant over him.
+
+"See here, me boy, if ye don't keep a still tongue in your head, it's
+meself that'll be gagging you, and that's that!"
+
+My lord swore at him.
+
+Diana laid a gentle hand on his arm.
+
+"Please, John! Please be still! Why should not Mr. Carstares speak?"
+
+"You don't know what he would do!" fumed Jack.
+
+"In fact, Miss Beauleigh, Sir Miles and Andrew are completely in the
+dark," drawled the Duke. "Shall I tell the tale, Richard?"
+
+"Thank you, I shall not require your assistance," was the cold
+rejoinder. "But I must ask you to be quiet, John."
+
+"I will not! You must n--"
+
+"That will do," decided O'Hara, and placed a relentless hand over his
+mouth. "Go on, Carstares!"
+
+"For the sake of Miss Beauleigh, I will tell you that seven years ago my
+brother and I went to a card-party. I cheated. He took the blame. He has
+borne it ever since because I was too much a coward to confess. That is
+all I have to say."
+
+"'Twas for that ye wanted to see me on Friday?" shot out O'Hara.
+
+Richard nodded, dully.
+
+"Yes, I was going to tell you then."
+
+"H'm! I'm glad ye had decided to play the man's part for once!"
+
+With a furious oath Jack wrenched himself free and rounded on his
+friend.
+
+"You take too much upon yourself, O'Hara!"
+
+He rose unsteadily and walked to Richard's side.
+
+"Dick has told you much, but not all. You none of you know the reasons
+we had for acting as we did. But you know him well enough to believe
+that it needed very strong reasons to induce him to allow me take the
+blame. If anyone has aught to say in the matter, I shall be glad if he
+will say it to me--now!" His eyes flashed menacingly as they swept the
+company, and rested for an instant on O'Hara's unyielding countenance.
+Then he turned and held out his hand to his brother with his own
+peculiarly wistful smile.
+
+"Can you bear to speak to me?" muttered Richard, with face averted.
+
+"Gad, Dick, don't be ridiculous!" He grasped the unwilling hand. "You
+would have done the same for me!"
+
+Andrew pressed forward.
+
+"Well, I can see no use in raking up old scores! After all, what does it
+matter? It's buried and finished. Here's my hand on it, Dick! Lord! I
+couldn't turn my back on the man I've lived on for years!" He laughed
+irrepressibly, and wrung Richard's hand.
+
+My lord's eyes were on O'Hara, pleading. Reluctantly the Irishman came
+forward.
+
+"'Tis only fair to tell you, Richard, that I can't see eye to eye with
+Andrew, here. However, I'm not denying that I think a good deal better
+of ye now than I did--seven years ago."
+
+Richard looked up eagerly.
+
+"You never believed him guilty?"
+
+O'Hara laughed.
+
+"Hardly!"
+
+"You knew 'twas I?"
+
+"I had me suspicions, of course."
+
+"I wish--oh, how I wish you had voiced them!"
+
+O'Hara raised his eyebrows, and there fell a little silence. His Grace
+of Andover broke it, coming forward in his inimitable way. He looked
+round the room at each member of the company.
+
+"One, two, three--four, five--" he counted. "Andrew, tell them to lay
+covers for five in the dining-room."
+
+"Aren't you staying?" asked his brother, surprised.
+
+"I have supped," replied Tracy coolly.
+
+For a moment O'Hara's mouth twitched, and then he burst out laughing.
+Everyone looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Ecod!" he gasped. "Oh, sink me an I ever came across a more amusing
+villain! 'Lay covers for five!' Oh, damme!"
+
+"Or should I have said six?" continued his Grace imperturbably. "Am I
+not to have the honour of Mr. Beauleigh's company?"
+
+O'Hara checked his mirth.
+
+"No, ye are not! He was content to let me manage the business, and went
+back to Littledean."
+
+"I am sorry," bowed his Grace, and turned to my lord, who, with his arm
+about Diana's waist, was watching him arrogantly.
+
+"I see how the land lies," he remarked. "I congratulate you, John. I
+cannot help wishing that I had finished you that day in the road. Permit
+me to say that you fence rather creditably."
+
+My lord bowed stiffly.
+
+"Of course," continued his Grace smoothly, "you also wish you had
+disposed of me. I sympathise. But, however much you may inwardly despise
+and loathe me, you cannot show it--unless you choose to make yourself
+and me the talk of town--not forgetting Mistress Diana. Also I abhor bad
+tragedy. So I trust you will remain here to-night as my guest--er,
+Andrew, pray do not omit to order bed-chambers to be
+prepared--Afterwards you need never come near me again--in fact, I hope
+that you will not."
+
+My lord could not entirely repress a smile.
+
+"I thank your Grace for your hospitality, which I fear," he glanced down
+at Diana's tired face, "I shall be compelled to accept. As to the
+rest--I agree. Like you, I dislike bad tragedy."
+
+Diana gave a tiny laugh.
+
+"You are all so stiff!" she said _I_ shall go to bed!"
+
+"I will take you to the stairs then," said Jack promptly, and led her
+forward.
+
+She stopped as they were about to pass his Grace, and faced him.
+
+Tracy bowed very low.
+
+"Good-night, madam. Carstares will know which room I had assigned to
+you. You will find a servant there."
+
+"Thank you," she said steadily. "I shall try to forget the happenings of
+this day, your Grace. I see the truth in what you say--we cannot afford
+to let the world see that we are at enmity, lest it should talk. And, I
+confess it freely, I find it less hard to forgive you the insults of--of
+to-day, since they brought--Jack--to me. An I had not been in such dire
+straits, I might never have seen him again."
+
+"In fact," bowed his Grace, "everything has been for the best!"
+
+"I would not say that, sir," she replied, and went out.
+
+For a moment there was silence in the room. No one quite knew what to
+say. As usual, it was Tracy who came to the rescue, breaking an
+uncomfortable pause.
+
+"I suggest that we adjourn to the dining-room," he said. "I gather we
+may have to wait some time before his lordship reappears. O'Hara, after
+you!"
+
+"One moment," replied Miles. "Jack's mare is in a shed somewhere. I said
+I would see to her."
+
+"Andrew!" called his Grace. "When you have finished superintending the
+laying of the supper, give orders concerning Carstares' mare!"
+
+A casual assent came from outside, and immediately afterwards Lord
+Andrew's voice was heard shouting instructions to someone, evidently
+some way off.
+
+On the whole, the supper-party passed off quite smoothly. His Grace was
+smilingly urbane, Andrew boisterous and amusing, and O'Hara bent on
+keeping the conversation up. Richard sat rather silent, but my lord,
+already deliriously happy, soon let fall his armour and joined in the
+talk, anxious to hear all the news of town for the last six years.
+
+O'Hara was several times hard put to it to keep from laughing out loud
+at his thoughts. The humour of the situation struck him forcibly. After
+fighting as grimly as these men fought, and after all that had
+transpired, that they should both sit down to supper as they were doing,
+appealed to him strongly. He had quite thought that my lord would
+incline to tragedy and refuse to stay an instant longer in the Duke's
+house.
+
+It was not until midnight, when everyone else had gone to bed, that the
+brothers came face to face, alone. The dining-room was very quiet now,
+and the table bore a dissipated look with the remains of supper left on
+it. My lord stood absently playing with the long-handled punch spoon,
+idly stirring the golden dregs at the bottom of the bowl. The candles
+shed their light full on his face, and Richard, standing opposite in the
+shadow, had ample opportunity of studying it.
+
+It seemed to him that he could not look long enough. Unconsciously his
+eyes devoured every detail of the loved countenance and watched each
+movement of the slender hand. He found John subtly changed, but quite
+how he could not define. He had not aged much, and he was still the same
+laughter-loving Jack of the old days, with just that intangible
+difference. O'Hara had felt it, too: a slight impenetrability, a
+reserve.
+
+It was my lord who broke the uncomfortable silence. As if he felt the
+other's eyes upon him, he looked up with his appealing, whimsical smile.
+
+"Devil take it, Dick, we're as shy as two schoolboys!"
+
+Richard did not smile, and his brother came round the table to his side.
+
+"There's nought to be said betwixt us two, Dick. 'Twould be so damned
+unnecessary. After all--we always shared in one another's scrapes!"
+
+He stood a moment with his hand on Richard's shoulder; then Richard
+turned to him "What you must _think_ of me!" he burst out. "My God, when
+I realise--"
+
+"I know. Believe me, Dick, I know just what you must have felt. But pray
+forget it! It's over now, and buried."
+
+There was another long silence. Lord John withdrew his hand at last, and
+perched on the edge of the table, smiling across at Richard.
+
+"I'd well-nigh forgot that you were a middle-aged papa! A son?"
+
+"Ay--John--after you."
+
+"I protest I am flattered. Lord, to think of you with a boy of your
+own!" He laughed, twirling his eyeglass.
+
+At last Richard smiled.
+
+"To think of you an uncle!" he retorted, and suddenly all vestige of
+stiffness had fled.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Next morning Richard went on to Wyncham, and Diana, Jack and O'Hara
+travelled back to Sussex. Jack would not go home yet. He protested that
+he was going to be married first, and would then bring home his
+Countess. But he had several instructions to give his brother concerning
+the preparation of his house. The last thing he requested Richard to do
+was to seek out a certain city merchant, Fudby by name, and to rescue a
+clerk, Chilter, from him, bearing him off to Wyncham. All this he called
+from the coach window, just before they set off.
+
+Richard led Jenny, whom he was to ride home, up to the door of the
+vehicle, and expostulated.
+
+"But what in thunder am I to do with the man?"
+
+"Give him to Warburton," advised Jack flippantly. "I know he needs a
+clerk--he always did!"
+
+"But perhaps he will not desire to come--"
+
+"You do as I tell you!" laughed his brother. "I shall expect to find him
+at Wyncham when I arrive! _Au revoir_!" He drew his head in, and the
+coach rumbled off.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+LADY O'HARA IS TRIUMPHANT
+
+
+After spending a restless night, starting at every sound, and hearing
+the hours strike slowly away, Lady O'Hara arose not a whit refreshed and
+considerably more ill at ease than she had been before.
+
+During the night she had imagined all sorts of impossible horrors to
+have befallen her husband, and if, when the reassuring daylight had
+come, the horrors had somewhat dispersed, enough remained to cause her
+an anxious morning as she alternated between the hall window and the
+gate.
+
+No less worried was Jim Salter. He had returned from Fittering last
+night to find his master and Sir Miles gone, Lady O'Hara in a state of
+frightened bewilderment, and the house in a whirl. No one, least of all
+poor Molly, seemed to know exactly where the two men had gone. All she
+knew was that they had come back upon a scene of turmoil, with Mr.
+Beauleigh in the midst of a small crowd of excited servants. Her husband
+had elbowed his way through, and into his ears had Mr. Beauleigh poured
+his story. Then O'Hara seemed to catch the excitement, and she had been
+hurried into the house with the hasty explanation that Jack was off
+after Devil, who had caught Diana, and he must to the rescue. Ten
+minutes after, she had an alarming vision of him galloping off down the
+drive, his sword at his side and pistols in the saddle-holsters. The
+poor little lady had sent an imploring cry after him, checked almost
+before it had left her lips. Afterwards she wished it had never been
+uttered, and rather hoped that it had escaped O'Hara's ears.
+
+Salter arrived not half-an-hour later, and his feelings when told that
+his beloved master had ridden off in search of a fight, may be more
+easily imagined than described. He was all for setting out in his wake,
+but her ladyship strongly vetoed the plan, declaring that Sir Miles
+would be rescue enough, and she was not going to be left entirely
+without protectors. Jim was far too respectful to point out that there
+were five able-bodied men, not counting himself, in the house, but as
+his master had left no instructions for him, he capitulated.
+
+He proved nought but a Job's comforter next day, for when my lady
+pessimistically premised that both Carstares _and_ her husband were
+undoubtedly hurt, he did not, as she expected he would, strive to
+reassure her, but gave a gloomy assent. Whereupon she cast an indignant
+glance in his direction, and turned her back.
+
+At four in the afternoon they were both in the hall, anxiously watching
+the drive.
+
+"To be sure, 'tis monstrous late!" remarked Molly, with wide,
+apprehensive eyes.
+
+"Yes, my lady."
+
+"If--if nought were amiss, they should have been back by now, surely?"
+
+"Yes indeed, my lady."
+
+Lady O'Hara stamped her foot.
+
+"Don't say jes!" she cried.
+
+Jim was startled.
+
+"I beg pardon, m'lady?"
+
+"You are not to say yes! After all, they may have gone a long
+way--they--er--they may be tired! Jenny may have gone
+lame--anything--anything may have happened!"
+
+"Yes, m'--I mean certainly, your ladyship!" hastily amended Jim.
+
+"In fact, I should not be surprised an they were not at all hurt!"
+
+He shook his head despondently, but luckily for him the lady failed to
+notice it, and continued with airy cheerfulness:
+
+"For my husband has _often_ told me what an excellent swordsman Mr.
+Carstares is, and--"
+
+"Your ladyship forgets his wound."
+
+What she might have been constrained to reply to this is not known, for
+at that moment came the sound of coach-wheels on the gravel. With one
+accord she and Salter flew to the door, and between them, wrenched it
+open, just as a gentleman's travelling coach, postillioned by men in
+gold and black, and emblazoned with the Wyncham arms, drew up at the
+door.
+
+My lady was down the steps in the twinkling of an eye, almost before one
+of the grooms had opened the door to offer an arm to my lord. Carstares
+sprang lightly out, followed by O'Hara, seemingly none the worse for
+wear.
+
+Molly ran straight into her husband's arms, regardless of the servants,
+hugging him.
+
+Jim Salter hurried up to my lord.
+
+"Ye are not hurt, sir?" he cried.
+
+Carstares handed him his hat and cloak.
+
+"Nought to speak of, Jim. But 'Everard' well-nigh finished me for all
+that!" He laughed at Jim's face of horror, and turned to Molly, who,
+having satisfied herself that her husband was quite uninjured and had
+never once been in danger of his life, had come towards him, full of
+solicitude for his shoulder.
+
+"Oh, my dear Jack! Miles tells me you have hurt your poor shoulder
+again! And pray what has been done for it? I dare swear not one of you
+great men had the wit to summon a doctor, as indeed you should have,
+for--"
+
+"Whist now, asthore!" adjured her husband. "'Tis but a clean scratch
+after all. Take him into the house and give him something to drink! I'll
+swear 'tis what he needs most!"
+
+Molly pouted, laughed and complied.
+
+Over the ale Jack related the whole escapade up to the moment when he
+had parted from Diana at Littledean. Then O'Hara took up the tale with a
+delightful chuckle.
+
+"Sure, Molly, ye never saw anything to equal poor old Beauleigh when his
+daughter had told him Jack's name! Faith, he didn't know what to do at
+all, he was so excited! And Miss Betty I thought would have the vapours
+from the way she flew from Di to Jack and back again, in such a state of
+mind as ye can't imagine!"
+
+Molly, who had listened with round eyes, drew a deep ecstatic breath.
+Then she bounced up, clapping her hands, and proclaimed that she was
+right after all!
+
+"What will ye be meaning, alanna?" inquired O'Hara.
+
+"Pray, sir, did I not say _over_ and _over_ again that if I could only
+induce Jack to stay with us everything would come right? Now, Miles, you
+know I did!"
+
+"I remember ye said something like it once," admitted her spouse.
+
+"Once, indeed! I was always sure of it. And I did coax you to stay, did
+I not, Jack?" she appealed.
+
+"You did," he agreed. "You assured me that if I was churlish enough to
+leave, Miles would slowly sicken and pine away!"
+
+She ignored her husband's ribald appreciation of this.
+
+"Then you see that 'tis all owing to me that--" She broke off to shake
+O'Hara, and the meeting ended in riotous hilarity.
+
+When he went to change his clothes, Carstares found Jim already in his
+room awaiting him. He hailed him gaily, and sat down before his
+dressing-table.
+
+"I require a very festive costume to-night, Jim. Rose velvet and cream
+brocade, I think."
+
+"Very good, your lordship," was the prim reply.
+
+Jack slewed round.
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"I understand your lordship is an Earl," said poor Jim.
+
+"Now who was the tactless idiot who told you that? I had intended to
+break the news myself. I suppose now, you know my--story?"
+
+"Yes, si--my lord. I--I suppose ye won't be requiring my services any
+longer?"
+
+"In heaven's name, why not? Do you wish to leave me?"
+
+"Wish to--! No, sir--my lord--I--I thought ye'd maybe want a smarter
+valet--and--not me."
+
+My lord turned back to the mirror and withdrew the pin from his cravat.
+
+"Don't be a fool."
+
+This cryptic remark seemed greatly to reassure Jim.
+
+"Ye mean it, sir?"
+
+"Of course I do. I should be lost without you after all this time. Marry
+that nice girl at Fittering, and she shall maid my lady. For I'm to be
+married as soon as may be!"
+
+"Ay, s--my lord! I'm sure I'm very glad, s--your lordship. Rose, sir?
+With the silver lacing?"
+
+"I think so, Jim. And a cream--very pale cream waistcoat, broidered in
+with rose. There is one, I know."
+
+"Yes, sir--your lordship."
+
+My lord eyed him despondently.
+
+"Er--Jim!"
+
+"Yes--your lordship?"
+
+"I'm sorry, but I cannot endure it."
+
+"I beg pardon, my lord?"
+
+"I can't have you call me 'your lordship,' after every second word--I
+really cannot."
+
+"Why, sir--may I still call you 'sir'?"
+
+"I would much rather you did."
+
+"Ay, sir--thank you...."
+
+In the middle of tying the bow to his master's wig Jim paused, and in
+the mirror Jack saw his face fall.
+
+"What's amiss now? And what have you done with my patches?"
+
+"In that little box, sir--yes--that one. I was just thinking--here's the
+haresfoot, sir--that I shall never be able to see ye hold up a coach
+now!"
+
+My lord, striving to affix the patch in just the right spot at the
+corner of his mouth, tried to control his features, failed, and went off
+into a peal of laughter that reached O'Hara in the room across the
+landing, and caused him to grin delightedly. He had not heard that laugh
+for many a long day.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE
+
+
+His Grace of Andover sat at the window of his lodgings at Venice,
+looking down at a letter in his hand. The writing was his sister's.
+After a moment he drew a deep breath and broke the seal, spreading the
+sheets out upon the broad sill.
+
+"My very dear Tracy,
+
+"So you have gone again with no Farewell to yr. poor Sister, sir! I am
+indeed very offended, but I understand yr. Reason. As soon as I sett
+mine eyes on Diana I knew the Truth and recognised yr. dark Beauty. I am
+monstrous grieved for you, dear. I quite love her myself, altho' she is
+very tiresomely lovely, but perhaps as she is dark and I am fair, we
+shall not clash.
+
+"The Home-coming was prodigious exciting. Andrew was present, Dicky, of
+course, and me. Mrs. Fanshawe, too, was there, for she knew Jack Abroad,
+and a monstrous queer Old Man, who was vastly fidgetty and overcome to
+see Jack. Then Sir Miles and his wife came, who I thought quite
+agreeable nice People, and Diana's Father and Aunt, rather Bourgeois,
+but, on the whole, presentable.
+
+"Everyone knows the Truth now, but most People have been prodigious kind
+and I scarce notice a difference in our Reception. Dearest Dicky is
+gayer than he was wont to be and more darling, and I almost enjoy being
+a Social Outcast.
+
+"When Diana is properly gowned, as should suit her position (but I
+grieve to say that she prefers to dress plainly), she will make a
+prodigious Elegantt Countess. I have promised to connduct her to my own
+Mantua Maker, which is very sacrificing, as I am sure You will agree. I
+know London will go Crazy about her, and, indeed, those who have
+allready seen her, which is Avon and Falmouth, are positively Foolish. I
+make no doubtt 'twill be very mortifying, but I suppose it must be
+borne.
+
+"She and Jack are prodigious happy together; it is most Unfashionable,
+but so am I happy with Dick, so there are a Pair of us, and we had best
+_sett_ Fashion.
+
+"Pray, return soon, my dear Tracy, you cannot conceive how I miss you. I
+was surprised you went away with Mr. Fortescue, I had no Notion you were
+so friendly.
+
+"With dearest Love,
+
+"Yr. Sister
+
+"LAVINIA.
+
+"P.S.--'Twill interest you to hear that Miss Gunning is to marry
+Coventry. 'Tis all over Town this last Week."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Slowly his Grace put the sheets together and handed them to Fortescue,
+who had just come into the room.
+
+"These, from my sister, may possibly interest you, Frank."
+
+Fortescue read the letter through, and at the end folded it and handed
+it back in silence. Tracy laid it down on the table at his elbow.
+
+"I began--wrongly," he said.
+
+"Yes," assented his friend. "She was not--that kind of girl."
+
+"But having begun wrongly--I could not undo the wrong."
+
+"So you made it worse," said Fortescue gently.
+
+"I would have married her in all honour--"
+
+"In your own arrogant fashion, Tracy."
+
+"As you say--in my own arrogant fashion, Frank. If I could go back a
+year--but where's the use? I am not whining. Presently I shall return
+to England and make my bow to--the Countess of Wyncham. Possibly, I
+shall not feel one jealous qualm. One never knows. At all events--I'll
+make that bow."
+
+"You will?" Frank looked sharply down at him. "Nothing more, Tracy! You
+do not purpose--"
+
+"Nothing more. You see, Frank--I love her."
+
+"I crave your pardon. Yes--she would not take you, but she has, I think,
+made you. As I once told you, when love came you would count yourself as
+nought, and her happiness as everything."
+
+For a moment his Grace was silent, and then back came the old smile,
+still cynical, yet with less of the sneer in it.
+
+"How very pleasant it must be, Frank, to have one's prophecies so
+happily verified!" he purred. "Allow me to felicitate you!"
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 38703 ***
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 38703 ***</div>
+
+<h1>THE BLACK MOTH</h1>
+
+<h4>A ROMANCE OF THE XVIII CENTURY</h4>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>GEORGETTE HEYER</h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 95%;" />
+
+<p><a href="#Contents">Contents</a></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="PROLOGUE" id="PROLOGUE"></a>PROLOGUE</h3>
+
+
+<p>Clad in his customary black and silver, with raven hair unpowdered and
+elaborately dressed, diamonds on his fingers and in his cravat, Hugh
+Tracy Clare Belmanoir, Duke of Andover, sat at the escritoire in the
+library of his town house, writing.</p>
+
+<p>He wore no rouge on his face, the almost unnatural pallor of which
+seemed designedly enhanced by a patch set beneath his right eye. Brows
+and lashes were black, the former slanting slightly up at the corners,
+but his narrow, heavy-lidded eyes were green and strangely piercing. The
+thin lips curled a little, sneering, as one dead-white hand travelled to
+and fro across the paper.</p>
+
+<p>... but it seems that the Fair Lady has a Brother, who, finding Me
+Enamoured, threw down the Gauntlet. I soundly whipt the presumptuous
+Child, and so the Affair ends. Now, as you, My dear Frank, also took
+some Interest in the Lady, I write for the Express Purpose of informing
+You that at my Hands she has received no Hurt, nor is not like to. This
+I in part tell You that You shall not imagine Yr self in Honor bound
+again to call Me out, which Purpose, an I mistake not, I yesterday read
+in Yr Eyes. I should be Exceeding loth to meet You in a Second Time,
+when I should consider it my Duty to teach You an even severer Lesson
+than Before. This I am not Wishful of doing for the Liking I bear You.</p>
+
+<p>"So in all Friendship believe me, Frank,</p>
+
+<p>"Your most Obedient, Humble</p>
+
+<p>"DEVIL."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover paused, pen held in mid-air. A mocking smile dawned
+in his eyes, and he wrote again.</p>
+
+<p>"In the event of any Desire on Yr Part to hazard Yr Luck with my late
+Paramour, Permit Me to warn You 'gainst the Bantam Brother, who is in
+Very Truth a Fire-Eater, and would wish to make of You, as of Me, one
+Mouthfull. I shall hope to see You at the Queensberry Rout on Thursday,
+when You may Once More strive to direct mine Erring Footsteps on to the
+Thorny Path of Virtue."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace read the postscript through with another satisfied, sardonic
+smile. Then he folded the letter, and affixing a wafer, peremptorily
+struck the hand-bell at his side.</p>
+
+<p>And the Honourable Frank Fortescue, reading the postscript half-an-hour
+later, smiled too, but differently. Also he sighed and put the letter
+into the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"And so ends another <i>affaire</i>. ... I wonder if you'll go insolently to
+the very end?" he said softly, watching the paper shrivel and flare up.
+"I would to God you might fall honestly in love&mdash;and that the lady might
+save you from yourself&mdash;my poor Devil!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+<h3>AT THE CHEQUERS INN, FALLOWFIELD</h3>
+
+
+<p>Chadber was the name of the host, florid of countenance, portly of
+person, and of manner pompous and urbane. Solely within the walls of the
+Chequers lay his world, that inn having been acquired by his
+great-grandfather as far back as the year 1667, when the jovial Stuart
+King sat on the English throne, and the Hanoverian Electors were not yet
+dreamed of.</p>
+
+<p>A Tory was Mr. Chadber to the backbone. None so bitter 'gainst the
+little German as he, and surely none had looked forward more eagerly to
+the advent of the gallant Charles Edward. If he confined his patriotism
+to drinking success to Prince Charlie's campaign, who shall blame him?
+And if, when sundry Whig gentlemen halted at the Chequers on their way
+to the coast, and, calling for a bottle of Rhenish, bade him toss down a
+glass himself with a health to his Majesty, again who shall blame Mr.
+Chadber for obeying? What was a health one way or another when you had
+rendered active service to two of his Stuart Highness's adherents?</p>
+
+<p>It was Mr. Chadber's boast, uttered only to his admiring Tory
+neighbours, that he had, at the risk of his own life, given shelter to
+two fugitives of the disastrous 'Forty-five, who had come so far out of
+their way as quiet Fallowfield. That no one had set eyes on either of
+the men was no reason for doubting an honest landlord's word. But no one
+would have thought of doubting any statement that Mr. Chadber might
+make. Mine host of the Chequers was a great personage in the town, being
+able both to read and to write, and having once, when young, travelled
+as far north as London town, staying there for ten days and setting
+eyes on no less a person than the great Duke of Marlborough himself when
+that gentleman was riding along the Strand on his way to St. James's.</p>
+
+<p>Also, it was a not-to-be-ignored fact that Mr. Chadber's home-brewed ale
+was far superior to that sold by the landlord of the rival inn at the
+other end of the village.</p>
+
+<p>Altogether he was a most important character, and no one was more aware
+of his importance than his worthy self.</p>
+
+<p>To "gentlemen born," whom, he protested, he could distinguish at a
+glance, he was almost obsequiously polite, but on clerks and underlings,
+and men who bore no signs of affluence about their persons, he wasted
+none of his deference.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was that, when a little green-clad lawyer alighted one day from
+the mail coach and entered the coffee-room at the Chequers, he was
+received with pomposity and scarce-veiled condescension.</p>
+
+<p>He was nervous, it seemed, and more than a little worried. He offended
+Mr. Chadber at the outset, when he insinuated that he was come to meet a
+gentleman who might perhaps be rather shabbily clothed, rather short of
+purse, and even of rather unsavoury repute. Very severely did Mr.
+Chadber give him to understand that guests of that description were
+entirely unknown at the Chequers.</p>
+
+<p>There was an air of mystery about the lawyer, and it appeared almost as
+though he were striving to probe mine host. Mr. Chadber bridled, a
+little, and became aloof and haughty.</p>
+
+<p>When the lawyer dared openly to ask if he had had any dealings with
+highwaymen of late, he was properly and thoroughly affronted.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer became suddenly more at ease. He eyed Mr. Chadber
+speculatively, holding a pinch of snuff to one thin nostril.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you have staying here a certain&mdash;ah&mdash;Sir&mdash;Anthony&mdash;Ferndale?"
+he hazarded.</p>
+
+<p>The gentle air of injury fell from Mr. Chadber. Certainly he had, and
+come only yesterday a-purpose to meet his solicitor.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"I am he. Be so good as to apprise Sir Anthony of my arrival."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chadber bowed exceeding low, and implored the lawyer not to remain
+in the draughty coffee-room. Sir Anthony would never forgive him an he
+allowed his solicitor to await him there. Would he not come to Sir
+Anthony's private parlour?</p>
+
+<p>The very faintest of smiles creased the lawyer's thin face as he walked
+along the passage in Mr. Chadber's wake.</p>
+
+<p>He was ushered into a low-ceilinged, pleasant chamber looking out on to
+the quiet street, and left alone what time Mr. Chadber went in search of
+Sir Anthony.</p>
+
+<p>The room was panelled and ceilinged in oak, with blue curtains to the
+windows and blue cushions on the high-backed settle by the fire. A table
+stood in the centre of the floor, with a white table-cloth thereon and
+places laid for two. Another smaller table stood by the fireplace,
+together with a chair and a stool.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer took silent stock of his surroundings, and reflected grimly
+on the landlord's sudden change of front. It would appear that Sir
+Anthony was a gentleman of some standing at the Chequers.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the little man was plainly unhappy, and fell to pacing to and fro,
+his chin sunk low on his breast, and his hands clasped behind his back.
+He was come to seek the disgraced son of an Earl, and he was afraid of
+what he might find.</p>
+
+<p>Six years ago Lord John Carstares, eldest son of the Earl of Wyncham,
+had gone with his brother, the Hon. Richard, to a card party, and had
+returned a dishonoured man.</p>
+
+<p>That Jack Carstares should cheat was incredible, ridiculous, and at
+first no one had believed the tale that so quickly spread. But he had
+confirmed that tale himself, defiantly and without shame, before riding
+off, bound, men said, for France and the foreign parts. Brother Richard
+was left, so said the countryside, to marry the lady they were both in
+love with. Nothing further had been heard of Lord John, and the outraged
+Earl forbade his name to be mentioned at Wyncham, swearing to disinherit
+the prodigal. Richard espoused the fair Lady Lavinia and brought her to
+live at the great house, strangely forlorn now without Lord John's
+magnetic presence; but, far from being an elated bridegroom, he seemed
+to have brought gloom with him from the honeymoon, so silent and so
+unhappy was he.</p>
+
+<p>Six years drifted slowly by without bringing any news of Lord John, and
+then, two months ago, journeying from London to Wyncham, Richard's coach
+had been waylaid, and by a highwayman who proved to be none other than
+the scapegrace peer.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's feelings may be imagined. Lord John had been singularly
+unimpressed by anything beyond the humour of the situation. That,
+however, had struck him most forcibly, and he had burst out into a fit
+of laughter that had brought a lump into Richard's throat, and a fresh
+ache into his heart.</p>
+
+<p>Upon pressure John had given his brother the address of the inn, "in
+case of accidents," and told him to ask for "Sir Anthony Ferndale" if
+ever he should need him. Then with one hearty handshake, he had galloped
+off into the darkness....</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer stopped his restless pacing to listen. Down the passage was
+coming the tap-tap of high heels on the wooden floor, accompanied by a
+slight rustle as of stiff silks.</p>
+
+<p>The little man tugged suddenly at his cravat. Supposing&mdash;supposing
+debonair Lord John was no longer debonair? Supposing&mdash;he dared not
+suppose anything. Nervously he drew a roll of parchment from his pocket
+and stood fingering it.</p>
+
+<p>A firm hand was laid on the door-handle, turning it cleanly round. The
+door opened to admit a veritable apparition, and was closed again with a
+snap.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer found himself gazing at a slight, rather tall gentleman who
+swept him a profound bow, gracefully flourishing his smart
+three-cornered hat with one hand and delicately clasping cane and
+perfumed handkerchief with the other. He was dressed in the height of
+the Versailles fashion, with full-skirted coat of palest lilac laced
+with silver, small-clothes and stockings of white, and waistcoat of
+flowered satin. On his feet he wore shoes with high red heels and silver
+buckles, while a wig of the latest mode, marvellously powdered and
+curled and smacking greatly of Paris, adorned his shapely head. In the
+foaming lace of his cravat reposed a diamond pin, and on the slim hand,
+half covered by drooping laces, glowed and flashed a huge emerald.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer stared and stared again, and it was not until a pair of deep
+blue, rather wistful eyes met his in a quizzical glance, that he found
+his tongue. Then a look of astonishment came into his face, and he took
+a half step forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Jack!" he gasped. "Master&mdash;<i>Jack</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>The elegant gentleman came forward and held up a reproving hand. The
+patch at the corner of his mouth quivered, and the blue eyes danced.</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive that you are not acquainted with me, Mr. Warburton," he
+said, amusement in his pleasant, slightly drawling voice. "Allow me to
+present myself: Sir Anthony Ferndale, <i>a vous servir</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>A gleam of humour appeared in the lawyer's own eyes as he clasped the
+outstretched hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you are perhaps not acquainted with yourself, my lord," he
+remarked drily.</p>
+
+<p>Lord John laid his hat and cane on the small table, and looked faintly
+intrigued.</p>
+
+<p>"What's your meaning, Mr. Warburton?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am come, my lord, to inform you that the Earl, your father, died a
+month since."</p>
+
+<p>The blue eyes widened, grew of a sudden hard, and narrowed again.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that really so? Well, well! Apoplexy, I make no doubt?"</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer's lips twitched uncontrollably.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Master Jack; my lord died of heart failure."</p>
+
+<p>"Say you so? Dear me! But will you not be seated, sir? In a moment my
+servant will have induced the <i>chef</i> to serve dinner. You will honour
+me, I trust?"</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer murmured his thanks and sat down on the settle, watching the
+other with puzzled eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl drew up a chair for himself and stretched his foot to the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Six years, eh? I protest 'tis prodigious good to see your face again,
+Mr. Warburton.... And I'm the Earl? Earl and High Toby, by Gad!" He
+laughed softly.</p>
+
+<p>"I have here the documents, my lord...."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares eyed the roll through his quizzing glass.</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive them. Pray return them to your pocket, Mr. Warburton."</p>
+
+<p>"But there are certain legal formalities, my lord&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. Pray do not let us mention them!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the Earl smiled, and his smile was singularly sweet and winning.</p>
+
+<p>"At least, not until after dinner, Warburton! Instead, you shall tell me
+how you found me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Richard directed me where to come, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, of course! I had forgot that I told him my&mdash;<i>pied-à-terre</i> when I
+waylaid him."</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer nearly shuddered at this cheerful, barefaced mention of his
+lordship's disreputable profession.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;indeed, sir. Mr. Richard is eager for you to return."</p>
+
+<p>The handsome young face clouded over. My lord shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible, my dear Warburton. I am convinced Dick never voiced so
+foolish a suggestion. Come now, confess! 'tis your own fabrication?"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton ignored the bantering tone and spoke very deliberately.</p>
+
+<p>"At all events, my lord, I believe him anxious to make&mdash;amends."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares shot an alert, suspicious glance at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. Amends."</p>
+
+<p>My lord studied his emerald with half-closed eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>"But why&mdash;amends, Warburton?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Is not that the word, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I confess it strikes me as inapt. Doubtless I am dull of
+comprehension."</p>
+
+<p>"You were not wont to be, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"No? But six years changes a man, Warburton. Pray, is Mr. Carstares
+well?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe so, sir," replied the lawyer, frowning at the deft change of
+subject.</p>
+
+<p>"And Lady Lavinia?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay." Mr. Warburton looked searchingly across at him, seeing which, my
+lord's eyes danced afresh, brim full with mischief.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to hear it. Pray present my compliments to Mr. Carstares
+and beg him to use Wyncham as he wills."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir! Master Jack! I implore you!" burst from the lawyer, and he sprang
+up, moving excitedly away, his hands twitching, his face haggard.</p>
+
+<p>My lord stiffened in his chair. He watched the other's jerky movements
+anxiously, but his voice when he spoke was even and cold.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton wheeled and came back to the fireplace, looking hungrily
+down at my lord's impassive countenance. With an effort he seemed to
+control himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Jack, I had better tell you what you have already guessed. I
+know."</p>
+
+<p>Up went one haughty eyebrow.</p>
+
+<p>"You know what, Mr. Warburton?"</p>
+
+<p>"That you are innocent!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of what, Mr. Warburton?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of cheating at cards, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord relaxed, and flicked a speck of dust from his great cuff.</p>
+
+<p>"I regret the necessity of having to disillusion you, Mr. Warburton."</p>
+
+<p>"My lord, do not fence with me, I beg! You can trust me, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Then do not keep up this pretence with me; no, nor look so hard
+neither! I've watched you grow up right from the cradle, and Master Dick
+too, and I know you both through and through. I <i>know</i> you never cheated
+at Colonel Dare's nor anywhere else! I could have sworn it at the
+time&mdash;ay, when I saw Master Dick's face, I knew at once that he it was
+who had played foul, and you had but taken the blame!"</p>
+
+<p>"No!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know better! Can you, Master Jack, look me in the face and truthfully
+deny what I have said? Can you? Can you?" My lord sat silent.</p>
+
+<p>With a sigh, Warburton sank on to the settle once more. He was flushed,
+and his eyes shone, but he spoke calmly again.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you cannot. I have never known you lie. You need not fear I
+shall betray you. I kept silence all these years for my lord's sake, and
+I will not speak now until you give me leave."</p>
+
+<p>"Which I never shall."</p>
+
+<p>"Master Jack, think better of it, I beg of you! Now that my lord is
+dead&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"It makes no difference."</p>
+
+<p>"No difference? 'Twas not for his sake? 'Twas not because you knew how
+he loved Master Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then 'tis Lady Lavinia&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>My lord smiled sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Warburton! And you averred you knew us through and through! For
+whose sake should it be but his own?"</p>
+
+<p>"I feared it!" The lawyer made a hopeless gesture with his hands. "You
+will not come back?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Warburton, I will not; Dick may manage my estates. I remain on the
+road."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton made one last effort.</p>
+
+<p>"My lord!" he cried despairingly, "Will you not at least think of the
+disgrace to the name an you be caught?"</p>
+
+<p>The shadows vanished from my lord's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Warburton, I protest you are of a morbid turn of mind! Do you know,
+I had not thought of so unpleasant a contingency? I swear I was not born
+to be hanged!"</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer would have said more, had not the entrance of a servant,
+carrying a loaded tray, put an end to all private conversation. The man
+placed dishes upon the table, lighted candles, and arranged two chairs.</p>
+
+<p>"Dinner is served, sir," he said.</p>
+
+<p>My lord nodded, and made a slight gesture toward the windows. Instantly
+the man went over to them and drew the heavy curtains across.</p>
+
+<p>My lord turned to Mr. Warburton.</p>
+
+<p>"What say you, sir? Shall it be burgundy or claret, or do you prefer
+sack?"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton decided in favour of claret.</p>
+
+<p>"Claret, Jim," ordered Carstares, and rose to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"I trust the drive has whetted your appetite, Warburton, for honest
+Chadber will be monstrous hurt an you do not justice to his capons."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall endeavour to spare his feelings," replied the lawyer with a
+twinkle, and seated himself at the table.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever might be Mr. Chadber's failings, he possessed an excellent
+cook. Mr. Warburton dined very well, beginning on a fat duck, and
+continuing through the many courses that constituted the meal.</p>
+
+<p>When the table was cleared, the servant gone, and the port before them,
+he endeavoured to guide the conversation back into the previous
+channels. But he reckoned without my lord, and presently found himself
+discussing the Pretender's late rebellion. He sat up suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"There were rumours that you were with the Prince, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares set down his glass in genuine amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, yes. I do not know whence the rumour came, but it reached
+Wyncham. My lord said nought, but I think Mr. Richard hardly credited
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"I should hope not! Why should they think me turned rebel, pray?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton frowned.</p>
+
+<p>"Rebel, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rebel, Mr. Warburton. I have served under his Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>"The Carstares were ever Tories, Master Jack, true to their rightful
+king."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Warburton, I owe nought to the Stuart princes. I was born in
+King George the First's reign, and I protest I am a good Whig."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton shook his head disapprovingly.</p>
+
+<p>"There has never been a Whig in the Wyncham family, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And you hope there never will be again, eh? What of Dick? Is he
+faithful to the Pretender?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think Mr. Richard does not interest himself in politics, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares raised his eyebrows, and there fell a silence.</p>
+
+<p>After a minute or two Mr. Warburton cleared his throat.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I suppose, sir&mdash;you have no idea of&mdash;er&mdash;discontinuing
+your&mdash;er&mdash;profession?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord gave an irrepressible little laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, Mr. Warburton, I've only just begun!"</p>
+
+<p>"Only&mdash;But a year ago, Mr. Richard&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I held him up? Ay, but to tell the truth, sir, I've not done much since
+then!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then, sir, you are not&mdash;er&mdash;notorious?"</p>
+
+<p>"Good gad, no! Notorious, forsooth! Confess, Warburton, you thought me
+some heroic figure? 'Gentleman Harry', perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton blushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir&mdash;I&mdash;er&mdash;wondered."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall have to disappoint you, I perceive. I doubt Bow Street has
+never heard of me&mdash;and&mdash;to tell the truth&mdash;'tis not an occupation which
+appeals vastly to my senses."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why, my lord, do you continue?"</p>
+
+<p>"I must have some excuse for roaming the country," pleaded Jack. "I
+could not be idle."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not&mdash;compelled to&mdash;er&mdash;rob, my lord?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares wrinkled his brow inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Compelled? Ah&mdash;I take your meaning. No, Warburton, I have enough for my
+wants&mdash;now; time was&mdash;but that is past. I rob for amusement's sake."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton looked steadily across at him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am surprised, my lord, that you, a Carstares, should find
+it&mdash;amusing."</p>
+
+<p>John was silent for a moment, and when he at length spoke it was
+defiantly and with a bitterness most unusual in him.</p>
+
+<p>"The world, Mr. Warburton, has not treated me so kindly that I should
+feel any qualms of conscience. But, an it gives you any satisfaction to
+know it, I will tell you that my robberies are few and far between. You
+spoke a little while ago of my probable&mdash;ah&mdash;fate&mdash;on Tyburn Tree. I
+think you need not fear to hear of that."</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;It gives me great satisfaction, my lord, I confess," stammered the
+lawyer, and found nothing more to say. After a long pause he again
+produced the bulky roll of parchment and laid it down before the Earl
+with the apologetic murmur of:</p>
+
+<p>"Business, my lord!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares descended from the clouds and eyed the packet with evident
+distaste. He proceeded to fill his and his companion's glass very
+leisurely. That done, he heaved a lugubrious sigh, caught Mr.
+Warburton's eye, laughed in answer to its quizzical gleam, and broke the
+seal.</p>
+
+<p>"Since you <i>will</i> have it, sir&mdash;business!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton stayed the night at the Chequers and travelled back to
+Wyncham next day by the two o'clock coach. He played piquet and ecarte
+with my lord all the evening, and then retired to bed, not having found
+an opportunity to argue his mission as he had hoped to do. Whenever he
+had tried to turn the conversation that way he had been gently but
+firmly led into safer channels, and somehow had found it impossible to
+get back. My lord was the gayest and most charming of companions, but
+talk "business" he would not. He regaled the lawyer with spicy anecdotes
+and tales of abroad, but never once allowed Mr. Warburton to speak of
+his home or of his brother.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer retired to rest in a measure reassured by the other's good
+spirits, but at the same time dispirited by his failure to induce
+Carstares to return to Wyncham.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, although he was not up until twelve, he was before my
+lord, who only appeared in time for lunch, which was served as before in
+the oak parlour.</p>
+
+<p>He entered the room in his usual leisurely yet decided fashion and made
+Mr. Warburton a marvellous leg. Then he bore him off to inspect his
+mare, Jenny, of whom he was inordinately proud. By the time they
+returned to the parlour luncheon was served, and Mr. Warburton realised
+that he had scarcely any time left in which to plead his cause.</p>
+
+<p>My lord's servant hovered continually about the room, waiting on them,
+until his master bade him go to attend to the lawyer's valise. When the
+door had closed on his retreating form, Carstares leaned back in his
+chair, and, with a rather dreary little smile, turned to his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"You want to reason with me, I know, Mr. Warburton, and, indeed, I will
+listen an I must. But I would so much rather that you left the subject
+alone, believe me."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton sensed the finality in his voice, and wisely threw away his
+last chance.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand 'tis painful, my lord, and I will say no more. Only
+remember&mdash;and think on it, I beg!"</p>
+
+<p>The concern in his face touched my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"You are too good to me, Mr. Warburton, I vow. I can only say that I
+appreciate your kindness&mdash;and your forbearance. And I trust that you
+will forgive my seeming churlishness and believe that I am indeed
+grateful to you."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I might do more for you, Master Jack!" stammered Warburton, made
+miserable by the wistful note in his favourite's voice. There was no
+time for more; the coach already awaited him, and his valise had been
+hoisted up. As they stood together in the porch, he could only grip my
+lord's hand tightly and say good-bye. Then he got hurriedly into the
+coach, and the door was slammed behind him.</p>
+
+<p>My lord made his leg, and watched the heavy vehicle move forward and
+roll away down the street. Then with a stifled sigh he turned and walked
+towards the stables. His servant saw him coming and went at once to meet
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"The mare, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"As you say, Jim&mdash;the mare. In an hour."</p>
+
+<p>He turned and would have strolled back.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;your honour!"</p>
+
+<p>He paused, looking over his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"They're on the look-out, sir. Best be careful."</p>
+
+<p>"They always are, Jim. But thanks."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye&mdash;ye wouldn't take me with ye, sir?" pleadingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Take you? Faith, no! I've no mind to lead you into danger. And you
+serve me best by remaining to carry out my orders."</p>
+
+<p>The man fell back.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir; but&mdash;but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There are none, Jim."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir&mdash;but ye <i>will</i> have a care?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will be the most cautious of men." He walked away on the word, and
+passed into the house.</p>
+
+<p>In an hour he was a very different being. Gone was the emerald ring, the
+foppish cane; the languid air, too, had disappeared, leaving him brisk
+and businesslike. He was dressed for riding, with buff coat and buckskin
+breeches, and shining top boots. A sober brown wig replaced the powdered
+creation, and a black tricorne was set rakishly atop.</p>
+
+<p>He stood in the deserted porch, watching Jim strap his baggage to the
+saddle, occasionally giving a curt direction. Presently Mr. Chadber
+appeared with the stirrup-cup, which he drained and handed back with a
+word of thanks and a guinea at the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>Someone called lustily from within, and the landlord, bowing very low,
+murmured apologies and vanished.</p>
+
+<p>Jim cast a last glance at the saddle-girths, and, leaving the mare
+quietly standing in the road, came up to his master with gloves and
+whip.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares took them silently and fell to tapping his boot, his eyes
+thoughtfully on the man's face.</p>
+
+<p>"You will hire a coach, as usual," he said at length, "and take my
+baggage to&mdash;" (He paused, frowning)&mdash;"Lewes. You will engage a room at
+the White Hart and order dinner. I shall wear&mdash;apricot and&mdash;h'm!"</p>
+
+<p>"Blue, sir?" ventured Jim, with an idea of being helpful.</p>
+
+<p>His master's eyes crinkled at the corners.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a humorist, Salter. Apricot and cream. Cream? Yes, 'tis a
+pleasing thought&mdash;cream. That is all&mdash;Jenny!"</p>
+
+<p>The mare turned her head, whinnying as he came towards her.</p>
+
+<p>"Good lass!" He mounted lightly and patted her glossy neck. Then he
+leaned sideways in the saddle to speak again to Salter, who stood beside
+him, one hand on the bridle.</p>
+
+<p>"The cloak?"</p>
+
+<p>"Behind you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"My wig?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Pistols?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ready primed, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. I shall be in Lewes in time for dinner&mdash;with luck."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. Ye&mdash;ye will have a care?" anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Have I not told you?" He straightened in the saddle, touched the mare
+with his heel, and bestowing a quick smile and a nod on his man, trotted
+easily away.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD AT THE WHITE HART</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Sir Anthony Ferndale" sat before the dressing-table in his room at the
+White Hart, idly polishing his nails. A gorgeous silk dressing gown lay
+over the back of his chair, and, behind him, Jim was attending to his
+wig, at the same time hovering anxiously over the coat and waistcoat
+that were waiting to be donned.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares left off polishing his nails, yawned, and leaned back in his
+chair, a slim, graceful figure in cambric shirt and apricot satin
+breeches. He studied his cravat for some moments in the mirror, and
+lifted a hand to it. Salter held his breath. With extreme deliberation
+the hand moved a diamond and emerald pin the fraction of an inch to one
+side, and fell to his side again. Salter drew a relieved breath, which
+brought his master's eyes round to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"No trouble, Jim?"</p>
+
+<p>"None at all, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither had I. 'Twas most surprisingly easy. The birds had no more
+fight in them than sparrows. Two men in a coach&mdash;one a bullying rascal
+of a merchant, the other his clerk. Gad! but I was sorry for that little
+man!" He paused, his hand on the rouge pot.</p>
+
+<p>Salter looked an inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," nodded Carstares. "Very sorry. The fat man would appear to bully
+and browbeat him after the manner of his kind; he even blamed him for my
+advent, the greasy coward! Yes, Jim, you are right&mdash;he did not appeal to
+me, <i>ce M. Fudby</i>. So&mdash;" ingenuously, "I relieved him of his cash-box
+and two hundred guineas. A present for the poor of Lewes."</p>
+
+<p>Jim jerked his shoulder, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>"If ye give away all ye get, sir, why do ye rob at all?" he asked
+bluntly.</p>
+
+<p>His whimsical little smile played about my lord's mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis an object for my life, Jim: a noble object. And I believe it
+amuses me to play Robin Hood&mdash;take from the rich to give to the poor,"
+he added, for Salter's benefit. "But to return to my victims&mdash;you would
+have laughed had you but seen my little man come tumbling out of the
+coach when I opened the door!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tumble, sir? Why should he do that?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was at pains to explain the reason. It seems he had been commanded
+to hold the door to prevent my entering&mdash;so when I jerked it open,
+sooner than loose his hold, he fell out on to the road. Of course, I
+apologised most abjectly&mdash;and we had some conversation. Quite a nice
+little man.... It made me laugh to see him sprawling on the road,
+though!"</p>
+
+<p>"Wish I could have seen it, your honour. I would ha' liked fine to ha'
+been beside ye." He looked down at the lithe form with some pride. "I'd
+give something to see ye hold up a coach, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>Haresfoot in hand, Jack met his admiring eyes in the glass, and laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"I make no doubt you would.... I have cultivated a superb voice, a
+trifle thick and beery, a little loud, perhaps&mdash;ah, something to dream
+of o' nights! I doubt they do, too," he added reflectively, and affixed
+the patch at the corner of his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"So? A little low, you think? But 'twill suffice&mdash;What's toward?"</p>
+
+<p>Down below in the street there was a great stirring and bustling:
+horses' hoofs, shouts from the ostlers, and the sound of wheels on the
+cobble-stones. Jim went to the window and looked down, craning his neck
+to see over the balcony.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a coach arrived, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That much had I gathered," replied my lord, busy with the powder.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. O lord, sir!" He was shaken with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"What now?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the curiousest sight, sir! Two gentlemen, one fat and t'other
+small! One's all shrivelled-looking, like a spider, while t'other&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Resembles a hippopotamus&mdash;particularly in the face?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well yes, sir. He do rather. And he be wearing purple."</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens, yes! Purple, and an orange waistcoat!"</p>
+
+<p>Jim peered afresh.</p>
+
+<p>"So it is, sir! But how did you know?" Even as he put the question,
+understanding flashed into Jim's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think that I have had the honour of meeting these gentlemen,"
+replied my lord placidly. "My buckle, Jim.... Is't a prodigious great
+coach with wheels picked out in yellow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, your honour. The gentlemen seem a bit put out, too."</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite probable. Does the smaller gentleman wear
+somewhat&mdash;ah&mdash;muddied garments?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't see, sir; he stands behind the fat gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Bumble Bee.... Jim!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir!" Jim turned quickly at the sound of the sharp voice.</p>
+
+<p>He found that my lord had risen, and was holding up a waistcoat of
+pea-green pattern on a bilious yellow ground, between a disgusted finger
+and thumb. Before his severe frown Jim dropped his eyes and stood
+looking for all the world like a schoolboy detected in some crime.</p>
+
+<p>"You put this&mdash;this monstrosity&mdash;out for <i>me</i> to wear?" in awful tones.</p>
+
+<p>Jim eyed the waistcoat gloomily and nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Did I not specify cream ground?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. I thought&mdash;I thought that 'twas cream!"</p>
+
+<p>"My good friend, it is&mdash;it is&mdash;I cannot say what it is. And pea-green!"
+he shuddered. "Remove it."</p>
+
+<p>Jim hurried forward and disposed of the offending garment.</p>
+
+<p>"And bring me the broidered satin. Yes, that is it. It is particularly
+pleasing to the eye."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," agreed the abashed Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"You are excused this time," added my lord, with a twinkle in his eye.
+"What are our two friends doing?"</p>
+
+<p>Salter went back to the window</p>
+
+<p>"They've gone into the house, sir. No, here's the spider gentleman! He
+do seem in a hurry, your honour!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" murmured his lordship. "You may assist me into this coat. Thanks."</p>
+
+<p>With no little difficulty, my lord managed to enter into the fine satin
+garment, which, when on, seemed moulded to his back, so excellently did
+it fit. He shook out his ruffles and slipped the emerald ring on to his
+finger with a slight frown.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I shall remain here some few days," he remarked presently.
+"To&mdash;ah&mdash;allay suspicion." He looked across at his man as he spoke,
+through his lashes.</p>
+
+<p>It was not in Jim's nature to inquire into his master's affairs, much
+less to be surprised at anything he might do or say. He was content to
+receive and promptly execute his orders, and to worship Carstares with a
+dog-like devotion, following blindly in his wake, happy as long as he
+might serve him.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares had found him in France, very down upon his luck, having been
+discharged from the service of his late master owing to the penniless
+condition of that gentleman's pocket. He had engaged him as his own
+personal servant, and the man had remained with him ever since, proving
+an invaluable acquisition to my Lord John. Despite a singularly wooden
+countenance, he was by no means a fool, and he had helped Carstares out
+of more than one tight corner during his inglorious and foolhardy career
+as highwayman. He probably understood his somewhat erratic master better
+than anyone else, and he now divined what was in his mind. He returned
+that glance with a significant wink.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas them gentlemen ye held up to-day, sir?" he asked, jerking an
+expressive thumb towards the window.</p>
+
+<p>"M'm. Mr. Bumble Bee and friend. It would almost appear so. I think I do
+not fully appreciate Mr. Bumble Bee. I find his conduct rather tiresome.
+But it is just possible that he thinks the same of me. I will further my
+acquaintance with him."</p>
+
+<p>Jim grunted scornfully, and an inquiring eye was cocked at him.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not admire our friend? Pray, do not judge him by his exterior.
+He may possess a beautiful mind. But I do not think so. N-no, I really
+do not think so." He chuckled a little. "Do you know, Jim, I believe I
+am going to enjoy myself to-night!"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt it, your honour. 'Twere child's play to trick the fat
+gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"Probably. But it is not with the fat gentleman that I shall have to
+deal. 'Tis with all the officials of this charming town, an I mistake
+not. Do I hear the small spider returning?"</p>
+
+<p>Salter stepped back to the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir&mdash;with three others."</p>
+
+<p>"Pre-cisely. Be so good as to hand me my snuff-box. And my cane. Thank
+you. I feel the time has now come for me to put in an appearance. Pray,
+bear in mind that I am new come from France and journey by easy stages
+to London. And cultivate a stupid expression. Yes, that will do
+excellently."</p>
+
+<p>Jim grinned delightedly; he had assumed no expression of stupidity, and
+was consequently much pleased with this pleasantry. He swung open the
+door with an air, and watched "Sir Anthony" mince along the passage to
+the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>In the coffee-room the city merchant, Mr. Fudby by name, was relating
+the story of his wrongs, with many an impressive pause, and much
+emphasis, to the mayor, town-clerk, and beadle of Lewes. All three had
+been fetched by Mr. Chilter, his clerk, in obedience to his orders, for
+the bigger the audience the better pleased was Mr. Fudby. He was now
+enjoying himself quite considerably, despite the loss of his precious
+cash-box.</p>
+
+<p>So was not Mr. Hedges, the mayor. He was a fussy little man who suffered
+from dyspepsia; he was not interested in the affair, and he did not see
+what was to be done for Mr. Fudby. Further, he had been haled from his
+dinner, and he was hungry; and, above all, he found Mr. Fudby very
+unattractive. Still, a highroad robbery was serious matter enough, and
+some course of action must be thought out; so he listened to the story
+with an assumption of interest, looking exceedingly wise, and, at the
+proper moments, uttering sounds betokening concern.</p>
+
+<p>The more he saw and heard of Mr. Fudby, the less he liked him. Neither
+did the town-clerk care for him. There was that about Mr. Fudby that did
+not endear him to his fellow-men, especially when they chanced to be his
+inferiors in the social scale. The beadle did not think much about
+anything. Having decided (and rightly) that the affair had nothing
+whatever to do with him, he leaned back in his chair and stared stolidly
+up at the ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>The tale Mr. Fudby was telling bore surprisingly little resemblance to
+the truth. It was a much embellished version, in which he himself had
+behaved with quite remarkable gallantry. It had been gradually concocted
+during the journey to Lewes.</p>
+
+<p>He was still holding forth when my lord entered the room. Carstares
+raised his glass languidly to survey the assembled company, bowed
+slightly, and walked over to the fire. He seated himself in an armchair
+and took no further notice of anybody.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hedges had recognised at a glance that here was some <i>grand
+seigneur</i> and wished that Mr. Fudby would not speak in so loud a voice.
+But that individual, delighted at having a new auditor, continued his
+tale with much relish and in a still louder tone.</p>
+
+<p>My lord yawned delicately and took a pinch of snuff.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes," fussed Mr. Hedges. "But, short of sending to London for the
+Runners, I do not see what I can do. If I send to London, it must, of
+course, be at your expense, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fudby bristled.</p>
+
+<p>"At <i>my</i> expense, sir? Do ye say at <i>my</i> expense? I am surprised! I
+repeat&mdash;I am surprised!"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir? I can order the town-crier out, describing the horse,
+and&mdash;er&mdash;offering a reward for the capture of any man on such an
+animal. But&mdash;" he shrugged and looked across at the town-clerk&mdash;"I do
+not imagine that 'twould be of much use&mdash;eh, Mr. Brand?"</p>
+
+<p>The clerk pursed his lips and spread out his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear not; I very much fear not. I would advise Mr. Fudby to have a
+proclamation posted up round the country." He sat back with the air of
+one who has contributed his share to the work, and does not intend to
+offer any more help.</p>
+
+<p>"Ho!" growled Mr. Fudby. He blew out his cheeks. "'Twill be a grievous
+expense, though I suppose it must be done, and I cannot but feel that if
+it had not been for your deplorably cowardly conduct, Chilter&mdash;yes,
+cowardly conduct, I say&mdash;I might never have been robbed of my two
+hundred!" He snuffled a little, and eyed the flushed but silent Chilter
+with mingled reproach and scorn. "However, my coachman assures me he
+could swear to the horse again, although he cannot remember much about
+the man himself. Chilter! How did he describe the horse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;er&mdash;chestnut, Mr. Fudby&mdash;chestnut, with a half-moon of white on its
+forehead, and one white foreleg."</p>
+
+<p>Jack perceived that it was time he took a hand in the game. He half
+turned in his chair and levelled his quizzing-glass at Mr. Chilter.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon?" he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fudby's eye brightened. The fine gentleman was roused to an
+expression of interest at last. He launched forth into his story once
+more for my lord's benefit. Carstares eyed him coldly, seeing which, Mr.
+Hedges came hurriedly to the rescue.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes, Mr. Fudby&mdash;quite so! Your pardon, sir, I have not the honour
+of knowing your name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ferndale," supplied Jack, "Sir Anthony Ferndale."</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes&mdash;" Mr. Hedges bowed. "Pray pardon my importuning you with
+our&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," said my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;quite so&mdash;The fact is, these&mdash;er&mdash;gentlemen have had
+the&mdash;er&mdash;misfortune to be waylaid on their journey here."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Anthony's glass was again levelled at the group. His expression
+betokened mild surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>All</i> these gentlemen?" he inquired blandly. "Dear, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no, no, sir! Not all&mdash;Only Mr.&mdash;er&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Fudby," said that worthy, and discovered that Sir Anthony was bowing
+frigidly. At once he rose, and resting his knuckles on the table before
+him, bent his body slowly and painfully. Sir Anthony inclined his head.
+Whereupon, to the delight of all the rest, Mr. Fudby bowed again with
+even greater stateliness than before. Mr. Hedges observed Sir Anthony's
+lips to twitch convulsively. He waited for Mr. Fudby to subside, and
+then continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;Mr. Fudby and Mr.&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My clerk!" snapped Fudby.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Anthony favoured Mr. Chilter with his peculiarly sweet smile, and
+turned again to Mr. Hedges.</p>
+
+<p>"I see. A <i>daylight</i> robbery, you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Broad daylight!" boomed Mr. Fudby.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes, yes," interposed the mayor, fearing a fresh outbreak from that
+quarter. "I wonder if you have seen anything of such an animal as
+Mr.&mdash;er&mdash;Chilter&mdash;described?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a most extraordinary thing," said Carstares slowly, "but I have
+just bought such an one." He glanced round with an inquiring smile and
+one eyebrow lifted.</p>
+
+<p>"Well!" ejaculated Mr. Fudby. "Well!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, sir, what a strange coincidence! May I ask where you bought
+it, and from whom?"</p>
+
+<p>"She has not been in my possession over two hours. I bought her from an
+out-at-elbows ruffian, on my way hither. I thought at one time that
+'twas strange that the man should possess such a mare&mdash;pure bred, I
+vow&mdash;and wondered why he was so eager to be rid of her."</p>
+
+<p>"He was eager because he knew he would be recognised by her," explained
+Mr. Fudby kindly.</p>
+
+<p>"Without doubt. Perhaps you would like to see her? I will send my man&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, no!" cried the mayor. "We would not dream of so inconveniencing
+you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twere a pleasure," bowed Jack, devoutly hoping that Mr. Fudby would
+not require to see Jenny, who, he felt sure, would betray him by her
+very evident affection.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Sir Anthony, 'tis quite unnecessary, I assure you, but I thank
+you for all that. Mr. Fudby, if you would describe the man himself, I
+will see to the proclamation."</p>
+
+<p>"Describe him, Chilter!" ordered Mr. Fudby, who was becoming rather
+grumpy.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chilter smiled suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir!" he said with alacrity. "'Twas a great ruffianly
+fellow, monstrous tall&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How tall?" interrupted the town-clerk. "Six feet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, quite!" lied Mr. Chilter. "And fat."</p>
+
+<p>Jack's shoulders shook.</p>
+
+<p>"Fat, you say?" he asked gently.</p>
+
+<p>"Very fat," affirmed Mr. Chilter. "And prodigious rough, swearing
+dreadfully in his speech."</p>
+
+<p>"You could not see his face, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chilter hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I could see his mouth and chin," he said, "and I remarked a long scar
+running from his under-lip to the&mdash;er&mdash;bottom of his face."</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily Carstares' hand caressed his perfectly smooth chin. Either
+the little clerk was a born romancer, or for some reason or other he did
+not want the highwayman to be taken.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Sir Anthony?" the mayor was saying. "Does that description fit
+your man?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord frowned thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Tall," he said slowly, "and fat&mdash;you said fat, I think, Mr. Chilter?"</p>
+
+<p>Rather anxiously Mr. Chilter reiterated this statement.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! And with a long scar&mdash;yes, that is undoubtedly he. Furthermore," he
+added audaciously, "he has a squint in his left eye. 'Tis a most
+ill-favoured rogue in all."</p>
+
+<p>"It would appear so, Sir Anthony," remarked the mayor drily. He did not
+in the least believe the story of the squint, and imagined that the fine
+court gentleman was amusing himself at their expense. Nevertheless, he
+had no intention of remonstrating; the sooner he could withdraw from
+this very tiresome affair the better. So he gravely took down all the
+absurd particulars, remarked that the man should be easy to find, and
+made ready to depart.</p>
+
+<p>The town-clerk rose, and tapped the beadle on the shoulder, whereupon
+that worthy, with a grunt, abandoned his pose of masterly inactivity and
+followed the mayor out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fudby rose.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt I shall never see my money again," he said pettishly. "If you,
+Chilter had not been so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to offer you some snuff, Mr. Chilter," interposed my lord
+gently, extending his jewelled box. "Doubtless, sir, you would wish to
+see my mare?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know nought of horses," snorted Mr. Fudby. "'Tis my clerk who appears
+to have remarked all the details." He sneered terrifically.</p>
+
+<p>"Then pray, do me the honour of walking as far as the stables, Mr.
+Chilter. 'Twere as well to be certain about the mare. Mr.-ah&mdash;Fudby,
+your servant."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"And now, Mr. Chilter, I have a grudge against you," said Carstares, as
+they walked across the little garden.</p>
+
+<p>"Me, sir? Oh&mdash;er&mdash;have you, Sir Anthony?"</p>
+
+<p>He looked up and perceived that the gentleman was laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Mr. Chilter, a very serious grudge: you have described me as fat!"</p>
+
+<p>Chilter nearly fainted.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You</i>, sir," he gasped, and stared in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Also that I swear dreadfully in my speech, and that I have a scar
+running from my mouth to my chin."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chilter stood stock-still in the middle of the path.</p>
+
+<p>"It was you, sir, all the time? <i>You</i> held us up? Were <i>you</i> the man who
+wrenched open the door?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was that infamous scoundrel. I beg leave once more to apologise for
+my carelessness in opening that same door. Now tell me, why did you
+take such pains to throw dust in their sleepy eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>They resumed their walk slowly. The little clerk flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"I scarce know, sir, save that I&mdash;that I liked you, and&mdash;and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I see. 'Twas prodigious good of you, Mr. Chilter. I wonder if there is
+anything that I can do to show my gratitude?"</p>
+
+<p>Again the clerk flushed and lifted his head proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, sir, but there is nought."</p>
+
+<p>By now they had reached the stable. Carstares opened the door and they
+entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then will you accept this in token of my regard, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chilter gazed at the emerald ring that glowed and winked at him from
+the palm of my lord's hand. He looked up into the blue eyes and
+stammered a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir&mdash;I&mdash;I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis honestly come by!" pleadingly. "Come, Mr. Chilter, you'll not hurt
+my feelings by refusing? You will keep it in remembrance of a man&mdash;a fat
+man, Mr. Chilter&mdash;who rudely jerked you on to the road?"</p>
+
+<p>The clerk took it with unsteady fingers.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you most&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I beg of you. 'Tis I thank you for aiding me so kindly.... Come
+and see my Jenny! Well, lass?" For the mare at the first sound of his
+voice had turned in her loose-box, and was whinnying and pawing the
+ground eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand, sir, anything: how it is that you are a
+highwayman, or why you have honoured me with your confidence&mdash;why you
+should trust me. But&mdash;thank you."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, Mr. Chilter placed his hand in my lord's, and for the
+second time in his life, felt the pressure of those firm, kindly
+fingers.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, your honour! Ye've lost your emerald!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Jim. I gave it away."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye&mdash;ye <i>gave</i> it away, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"M'm. To the small spider."</p>
+
+<p>"B-but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And he called me fat, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Called ye fat, sir?" asked the man, bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Very fat. By the way, let me tell you that I bought Jenny at
+Fittering to-day from the naughty ruffian who waylaid Mr. Bumble Bee."
+He proceeded to give Jim a sketch of what had transpired below. When he
+had finished the man shook his head severely.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt ye'll never learn wisdom, sir," he scolded.</p>
+
+<p>"I? What have I done?"</p>
+
+<p>"What did ye want to tell it all to the spider man for, sir? 'Twas most
+incautious of ye. Like as not, he'll split to the fat gentleman, and
+we'll have the whole town at our heels."</p>
+
+<p>"Which just shows all you know of the small spider," replied his master
+calmly. "Hand me the powder."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+<h3>INTRODUCING THE HON. RICHARD CARSTARES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Wyncham! A stately old house with mullioned windows, standing high on
+its stone terraces, half-covered by creepers; a house surrounded by
+lawns, rolling down on the one side to a river that rippled and murmured
+its way along beneath overhanging trees and a blue sky, over boulders
+and rocks, so clear and sparkling that the myriad pebbles could be seen
+deep down on its bed.</p>
+
+<p>In the other direction, the velvet lawns stretched away till they met
+the orchards and the quiet meadowland.</p>
+
+<p>On two sides the house had its terraces, very white in the sunshine,
+with stone steps leading down to a miniature lake where water-lilies
+grew, and where the tiny fish darted to and fro unconcernedly.</p>
+
+<p>Flagged walks there were, running between flower beds a riot of colour,
+and solemn old trees that had stood there through all the years. Cool
+woodland lay beyond the little river, carpeted with dark moss, where in
+spring the primroses grew. So thick was the foliage of the trees that
+the sun but penetrated in uneven patches.</p>
+
+<p>Up the terrace walls crept roses, yellow and red, pink and white, and
+tossed their trailing sprays across the parapet. Over the walls of the
+house they climbed, mingling with purple clematis, jasmine, and sickly
+honeysuckle. The air was heavy with their united perfumes, while, wafted
+from a bed below, came the smoky scent of lavender.</p>
+
+<p>The old house seemed half asleep, basking in the sunlight. Save for a
+peacock preening its feathers on the terrace steps, there was no sign of
+life....</p>
+
+<p>The old place had harboured generations of Carstares. Earl had succeeded
+Earl and reigned supreme, and it was only now that there was no Earl
+living there. No one knew where he was. Scarce a month ago one died, but
+the eldest son was not there to take his place. For six years he had
+been absent, and none dared breathe his name, for he disgraced that
+name, and the old Earl cast him off and forbade all mention of him. But
+the poor folk of the countryside remembered him. They would tell one
+another tales of his reckless courage; his sweet smile and his winning
+ways; his light-heartedness and his never-failing kindness and
+good-humour. What a rider he was! To see him sit his horse! What a
+swordsman! Do ye mind the time he fought young Mr. Welsh over yonder in
+the spinney with half the countryside watching? Ah, he was a one, was
+Master Jack! Do ye mind how he knocked the sword clean out o' Mr.
+Welsh's hand, and then stood waiting for him to pick it up? And do ye
+mind the way his eyes sparkled, and how he laughed, just for the sheer
+joy o' living?</p>
+
+<p>Endless anecdotes would they tell, and the old gaffers would shake their
+heads and sigh, and long for the sight of him again. And they would jerk
+their thumbs towards the Manor and shrug their old shoulders
+significantly. Who wanted Mr. Richard for squire? Not they, at least.
+They knew he was a good squire and a kindly man, but give them Master
+John, who would laugh and crack a joke and never wear the glum looks
+that Mr. Richard affected.</p>
+
+<p>In the house, Richard Carstares paced to and fro in his library, every
+now and again pausing to glance wretchedly up at the portrait of his
+brother hanging over his desk. The artist had managed to catch the
+expression of those blue eyes, and they smiled down at Richard in just
+the way that John was always wont to smile&mdash;so gaily, and withal so
+wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>Richard was twenty-nine, but already he looked twice his age. He was
+very thin, and there were deep lines on his good-looking countenance.
+His grey eyes bore a haunted, care-worn look, and his mouth, though
+well-shaped, was curiously lacking in determination. He was dressed
+soberly, and without that touch of smartness that had characterised him
+six years ago. He wore black in memory of his father, and it may have
+been that severity, only relieved by the lace at his throat, that made
+his face appear so prematurely aged. There was none of his brother's
+boyishness about him; even his smile seemed forced and tired, and his
+laughter rarely held merriment.</p>
+
+<p>He pulled out his chronometer, comparing it with the clock on the
+mantelpiece. His pacing took him to the door, and almost nervously he
+pulled it open, listening.</p>
+
+<p>No sound came to his ears. Back again, to and fro across the room,
+eagerly awaiting the clanging of a bell. It did not come, but presently
+a footfall sounded on the passage without, and someone knocked at the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>In two strides Richard was by it, and had flung it wide. Warburton stood
+there.</p>
+
+<p>Richard caught his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Warburton! At last! I have been waiting this hour and more!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton disengaged himself, bowing.</p>
+
+<p>"I regret I was not able to come before, sir," he said primly.</p>
+
+<p>"I make no doubt you travelled back as quickly as possible&mdash;come in,
+sir."</p>
+
+<p>He led the lawyer into the room and shut the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, Warburton&mdash;sit down. You&mdash;you found my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>Again Warburton bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"I had the felicity of seeing his lordship, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"He was well? In good spirits? You thought him changed&mdash;yes? Aged
+perhaps, or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship was not greatly changed, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Richard almost stamped in his impatience.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Warburton, come! Tell me everything. What did he say? Will he
+take the revenues? Will he&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship, sir, was reluctant to take anything, but upon maturer
+consideration, he&mdash;ah&mdash;consented to accept his elder son's portion. The
+revenues of the estate he begs you will make use of."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! But you told him that I would touch nought belonging to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tried to persuade his lordship, sir. To no avail. He desires you to
+use Wyncham as you will."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll not touch his money!"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton gave the faintest of shrugs.</p>
+
+<p>"That is as you please, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Something in the suave voice made Richard, from his stand by the desk,
+glance sharply down at the lawyer. Suspicion flashed into his eyes. He
+seemed about to speak, when Warburton continued:</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I may set your mind at rest on one score, Mr. Carstares: his
+lordship's situation is tolerably comfortable. He has ample means."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but he lives by&mdash;robbery!"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton's thin lips curled a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Does he not?" persisted Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"So he would have us believe, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis true! He&mdash;waylaid me!"</p>
+
+<p>"And robbed you, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rob me? He could not rob his own brother, Warburton!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your pardon, Mr. Carstares&mdash;you are right: his lordship could not rob a
+brother. Yet have I known a man do such a thing."</p>
+
+<p>For a long minute there was no word spoken. The suspicion that had dwelt
+latent in Carstares' eyes sprang up again. Some of the colour drained
+from his cheeks, and twice he passed his tongue between his lips. The
+fingers of his hand, gripping a chair-back, opened and shut
+spasmodically. Rather feverishly his eyes searched the lawyer's face,
+questioning.</p>
+
+<p>"John told you&mdash;told you&mdash;" he started, and floundered hopelessly.</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship told me nothing, sir. He was singularly reticent. But
+there was nothing he could tell me that I did not already know."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, Warburton? Why do you look at me like that? Why do
+you fence with me? In plain words, what do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton rose, clenching his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I know you, Master Richard, for what you are!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" Carstares flung out his hand as if to ward off a blow.</p>
+
+<p>Another tense silence. With a great effort Warburton controlled himself,
+and once more the mask of impassivity seemed to descend upon him. After
+that one tortured cry Richard became calm again. He sat down; on his
+face a look almost of relief, coming after a great strain.</p>
+
+<p>"You learnt the truth ... from John. He ... will expose me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. I have not learnt it from him. And he will never expose you."</p>
+
+<p>Richard turned his head. His eyes, filled now with a species of dull
+pain, looked full into Warburton's.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh?" he said. "Then you...?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I, sir. I have pledged my word to his lordship. I would not speak
+all these years for your father's sake&mdash;now it is for his." He choked.</p>
+
+<p>"You ... are fond of John?" Still the apathetic, weary voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Fond of him&mdash;? Good God, Master Dick, I love him!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I," said Richard, very low.</p>
+
+<p>He received no reply, and looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't believe me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Once, sir, I was certain of it. Now&mdash;!" he shrugged.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet 'tis true, Warburton. I would give all in my power to undo that
+night's work."</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot expect me to believe that, sir. It rests with you alone
+whether his name be cleared or not. And you remain silent."</p>
+
+<p>"Warburton, I&mdash;Oh, do you think it means nothing to me that John is
+outcast?"</p>
+
+<p>Before the misery in those grey eyes some of Warburton's severity fell
+away from him.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Richard, I want to think the best I can of you. Master Jack
+would tell me nothing. Will you not&mdash;can you not explain how it came
+that you allowed him to bear the blame of your cheat?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"There's no explanation&mdash;no excuse. I forced it on him! On Jack, my
+brother! Because I was mad for love of Lavinia&mdash;Oh, my God, the thought
+of it is driving me crazed! I thought I could forget; and then&mdash;and
+then&mdash;I met him! The sight of him brought it all back to me. Ever since
+that day I have not known how to live and not shriek the truth to
+everyone! And I never shall! I never shall!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me, sir," pleaded Warburton, touched in spite of himself.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's head sunk into his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"The whole scene is a nightmare.... I think I must have been mad.... I
+scarce knew what I was about. I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Gently, sir. Remember I know hardly anything. What induced you to mark
+the cards?"</p>
+
+<p>"That debt to Gundry. My father would not meet it; I had to find the
+money. I could not face the scandal&mdash;I tell you I was mad for Lavinia! I
+could think of nought else. I ceased to care for John because I thought
+him in love with her. I could not bear to think of the disgrace which
+would take her from me.... Then that night at Dare's. I was losing; I
+knew I could not pay. Gad! but I can see my notes of hand under
+Milward's elbow, growing... growing.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack had played Milward before me, and he had won. I remember they
+laughed at him, saying his luck had turned at last&mdash;for he always lost
+at cards. Milward and I played with the same pack that they had
+used.... There was another table, I think. Dare was dicing with
+Fitzgerald; someone was playing faro with Jack behind me. I heard Jack
+say his luck was out again&mdash;I heard them laugh.... And all the time I
+was losing ... losing.</p>
+
+<p>"The pin of my cravat fell out on to my knee. I think no one saw it. As
+I picked it up the thought that I should mark the cards seemed to flash
+into my mind&mdash;oh, it was despicable, I know! I held the ace of clubs in
+my hand: I scratched it with that pin&mdash;in one corner. It was easily
+done. By degrees I marked all four, and three of the kings.</p>
+
+<p>"No one noticed, but I was nervous&mdash;I dared do no more. I replaced that
+pin. Soon I began to win&mdash;not very much. Then Tracy Belmanoir came
+across the room to watch our play. From that moment everything seemed to
+go awry. It was the beginning of the trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy stood behind me watching.... I could feel him there, like some
+black moth, hovering.... I don't know how long he stayed like that&mdash;it
+seemed hours. I could feel his eyes.... I could have shrieked&mdash;I'll
+swear my hands were trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Suddenly he moved. I had played the ace of hearts. He said: 'One
+moment!' in that soft, sinister voice of his.</p>
+
+<p>"Milward was surprised. I tried to tell myself that Devil had noticed
+nothing.... The mark on that card was so faint that I could scarce see
+it myself. I thought it impossible that he, a mere onlooker, should
+discover it. He stepped forward. I remember he brushed my shoulder. I
+remember how the light caught the diamonds he was wearing. I think my
+brain was numbed. I could only repeat to myself: 'Extravagant Devil!
+Extravagant Devil!' and stare at those winking jewels. Then I thought:
+'He is Lavinia's brother, but I do not like him; I do not like him...'
+&mdash;little foolish things like that&mdash;and my throat was dry&mdash;parched.</p>
+
+<p>"He bent over the table ... stretched out his white, white hand ...
+turned over the ace ... lifted his quizzing glass ... and stared down at
+the card. Then he dropped the glass and drew out his snuff-box.... It
+had Aphrodite enamelled on the lid. I remember it so distinctly.... I
+heard Tracy ask Milward to examine the ace. I wanted to spring up and
+strangle him.... I could scarce keep my hands still." Richard paused. He
+drew his hand across his eyes, shuddering.</p>
+
+<p>"Milward saw the scratch. He cried out that the cards were marked!
+Suddenly everyone seemed to be gathered about our table&mdash;all talking!
+Jack had his hand on my shoulder; he and Dare were running through the
+pack. But all the while I could look at no one but Tracy&mdash;Andover. He
+seemed so sinister, so threatening, in those black clothes of his. His
+eyes were almost shut&mdash;his face so white. And he was looking at me! He
+seemed to be reading my very soul.... For an instant I thought he knew!
+I wanted to shout out that he was wrong! I wanted to shriek to him to
+take his eyes away! Heaven knows what I should have done!... but he
+looked away&mdash;at Jack, with that sneering smile on his damned mask of a
+face! I could have killed him for that smile! I think Jack understood
+it&mdash;he dropped the cards, staring at Tracy.</p>
+
+<p>"Everyone was watching them ... no one looked at me. If they had they
+must surely have learnt the truth; but they were hanging on Andover's
+lips, looking from him to Jack and back again.... I remember Fitzgerald
+dropped his handkerchief&mdash;I was absurdly interested in that. I was
+wondering why he did not pick it up, when Andover spoke again.... 'And
+Carstares' luck turned...?' Like that, Warburton! With just that faint,
+questioning in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Before Jack could speak there was an outcry. Dare cried 'Shame!' to
+Andover. They laughed at him, as well they might. But I saw them
+exchange glances&mdash;they were wondering.... It was suspicious that Jack
+should have had that run of luck&mdash;and that he should lose as soon as he
+left that table.</p>
+
+<p>"Milward&mdash;poor, silly Milward&mdash;gaped at Tracy and stuttered that surely
+'twas another pack we had used. I could hardly breathe! Then Andover
+corrected him&mdash;How did he <i>know</i>? No one else remembered, or thought of
+noticing&mdash;only he!</p>
+
+<p>"I can see Jack now, standing there so stiffly, with his head thrown up,
+and those blue eyes of his flashing.</p>
+
+<p>"'Do I understand you to accuse me, Belmanoir?' he said. Oh, but he was
+furious!</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy never said a word. Only his eyes just flickered to my face and
+away again.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack's hand was gripping my shoulder hard. I could feel his anger....
+Dare called out that the suggestion was preposterous. That John should
+cheat!</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy asked him if the cards were his. Gad! I can hear his soft,
+mocking voice now!</p>
+
+<p>"Dare went purple&mdash;you know his way, Warburton.</p>
+
+<p>"'Opened in your presence on this table!' he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"'By Carstares!' smiled Tracy.</p>
+
+<p>"It was true. But why should Tracy remember it, and none other? They
+stared at him, amazed. Dare turned to Jack for corroboration. He nodded.
+I think he never looked haughtier....</p>
+
+<p>"You know how fond of Jack Dare was? He tried to bluster it off&mdash;tried
+to get control over the affair. It was to no avail. We were puppets,
+worked by that devil, Belmanoir! One man managing that ghastly scene....
+He pointed out that only three of us had used that pack: Jack, Milward
+and I.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"'Next you will accuse Dick!' he snapped scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"'One of you, certainly,' smiled Andover. 'Or Milward.'</p>
+
+<p>"Then everyone realised that one of us three must have marked the cards.
+Milward was upset, but no one suspected him. It was Jack&mdash;or me.</p>
+
+<p>"As long as I live I shall never forget the horror of those moments. If
+I were exposed it meant the end of everything between Lavinia and me. I
+tell you, Warburton, I would have committed any sin at that moment!
+Nothing would have been too black&mdash;I could not bear to lose her. You
+don't know what she meant to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I can guess, sir," said the lawyer, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! No one could imagine the depths of my love for her! I think not
+even Jack.... I felt his hand leave my shoulder.... The truth had dawned
+on him. I heard the way the breath hissed between his teeth as he
+realised.... Somehow I got to my feet, clutching at the table, facing
+him. I don't excuse myself&mdash;I know my conduct was beyond words
+dastardly. I looked across at him&mdash;just said his name, as though I could
+scarce believe my ears. So all those watching thought. But Jack knew
+better. He knew I was imploring him to save me. He understood all that I
+was trying to convey to him. For an instant he stared at me. I
+thought&mdash;I thought&mdash;God forgive me, I prayed that he might take the
+blame on himself. Then he smiled. Coward though I was, when I saw that
+hurt, wistful little smile on his lips, I nearly blurted out the whole
+truth. Not quite.... I suppose I was too mean-spirited for that.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack bowed to the room and again to Dare. He said: 'I owe you an
+apology, sir.'</p>
+
+<p>"Dare sprang forward, catching him by the shoulder&mdash;crying out that it
+could not be true! When Jack laughed&mdash;he fell away from him as from the
+plague. And all of them! My God, to see them drawing away&mdash;not looking
+at Jack! And Jack's face&mdash;growing paler and harder ... every moment....
+All his friends... turning their backs to him. Davenant&mdash;even Jim
+Davenant walked away to the fireplace with Evans.</p>
+
+<p>"I could not look at Jack. I dared not. I could not go to him&mdash;stand by
+him! I had not the right. I had to leave him there&mdash;in the middle of the
+room&mdash;alone. The awful hurt in his eyes made me writhe. The room was
+whirling round&mdash;I felt sick&mdash;I know I fell back into my chair, hiding my
+face. I hardly cared whether they suspected me or not. But they did not.
+They knew how great was the love between us, and they were not surprised
+that I broke down.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard Andover's soft voice ... he was telling some tale to Dare. Oh,
+they were well-bred those men! They skimmed over the unpleasant little
+episode&mdash;ignored Jack!</p>
+
+<p>"Jack spoke again. I could guess how bravely he was keeping a proud
+front. I know word for word what he said: 'Mr. Dare, your Grace,
+Gentlemen&mdash;my apologies for being the cause of so unpleasant an
+incident. Pray give me leave.'</p>
+
+<p>"They paid no heed. I heard him walk to the door&mdash;heard him open it. I
+could not look at him. He&mdash;he paused ... and said just one word: 'Dick!'
+quite softly. Heaven knows how I got to him! I know I overturned my
+chair. That drew Dare's attention. He said: 'You are not going, Dick?' I
+shouted 'Yes,' at him, and then Jack took my arm, leading me out.</p>
+
+<p>"And&mdash;and all he said was: 'Poor old Dick!'... He&mdash;he had no word of
+blame for me. He would not allow me to go back and tell the truth&mdash;as I
+would have done. Ay, Warburton, when Jack called me to him, I could have
+cried it aloud&mdash;but&mdash;he would not have it.... He said: 'For Lavinia's
+sake.'..."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton blew his nose violently. His fingers were trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"You know what happened afterwards. You know how my father turned Jack
+out penniless&mdash;you know how his friends shunned him&mdash;you know my poor
+mother's grief. And you know that he went away&mdash;that we could not find
+him when&mdash;my mother died.... His last words to me&mdash;were: 'Make
+Lavinia-happy&mdash;and try to forget&mdash;all this.' Forget it! Heavens! Try as
+I might, I could hear nothing further of him until two months ago, when
+he&mdash;waylaid me. Then I was half-dazed at the suddenness of it. He&mdash;he
+grasped my hand&mdash;and&mdash;laughed! It was so dark, I could scarce see him. I
+only had time to demand his address, and then&mdash;he was off&mdash;galloping
+away over the heath. I think&mdash;even then&mdash;he bore no malice."</p>
+
+<p>"He does not now!" said Warburton sharply. "But, Master Dick, if all
+this is true, why do you not even now clear him? Surely&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Richard turned his head slowly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I may not drag my wife's name through the mud. By clearing him&mdash;I
+ruin her."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton could find nothing to say. Only after some time did he clear
+his throat and say that he was honoured by Carstares' confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;ah&mdash;you dwell on the part played by his Grace on that evening.
+Surely your&mdash;shall we say&mdash;overwrought imagination magnified that?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard was disinterested.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so. Mayhap 'twas his extraordinary personality dominating me.
+He cannot have pulled the wires as I thought he did. Not even Belmanoir
+could make me act as I did. But&mdash;but at the time I felt that he was
+pushing&mdash;pushing&mdash;compelling me to accuse Jack. Oh, doubtless I was
+mad!"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton eyed the dejected figure compassionately. Then he seemed to
+harden himself and to regain some of his lost primness of manner.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;ah&mdash;you are determined not to accept the revenues, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not yet sunk so low, Mr. Warburton."</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship leaves Wyncham and all appertaining to it at your
+disposal. He would be grieved at your refusal."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not touch it."</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"I confess, Mr. Carstares, I am relieved to hear you say that. It will
+not be necessary again to communicate with his lordship. I think he does
+not desire any intercourse with&mdash;his family. He finds it too painful.
+But he wished to be remembered to you, sir. Also to her ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you.... You could&mdash;ascertain nothing of his situation? He did not
+confide in you?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was very reticent, sir. I think he is not unhappy."</p>
+
+<p>"And not&mdash;embittered?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not that, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton rose, plainly anxious to be gone.</p>
+
+<p>Reluctantly Richard followed his example.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;have nothing further to tell me of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I regret, sir&mdash;nothing."</p>
+
+<p>Richard went slowly to the door, and opened it.</p>
+
+<p>"You must allow me to thank you, sir, for your goodness in undertaking
+what I know must have been a painful task. I am very grateful."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton bowed low.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg you will not mention it, sir. Nothing I might do for the
+Carstares could be aught but a pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>Again he bowed, and the next instant was gone.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+<h3>INTRODUCING THE LADY LAVINIA CARSTARES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Richard went slowly back to his chair. After a moment he sat down,
+staring blankly out of the window, his hands loosely clasped on the desk
+before him. So he remained for a long while, immobile. At last, with the
+faintest of sighs, he moved and picked up a quill. He dipped it in the
+ink, and, with his other hand, drew towards him a sheaf of papers.
+Presently he was writing steadily.</p>
+
+<p>For perhaps twenty minutes the quill travelled to and fro across the
+pages; then it paused, and Richard looked up towards the door.</p>
+
+<p>It opened to admit Lady Lavinia. She came rustling into the room with
+her embroidery in her hand. She dropped her husband a mock curtsey and
+went over to a high-backed armchair, stretching out a dimpled hand to
+draw it forward. But even as her fingers touched it she had changed her
+mind, and fluttered over to the couch, there to seat herself with much
+swirling of brocades and arrangement of skirts. She then proceeded to
+occupy herself with her work, plying her needle hurriedly and jerkily.</p>
+
+<p>Richard watched her in silence, following each turn of the pretty hand
+and each movement of her fair head.</p>
+
+<p>The silence was evidently not to my lady's taste, for she presently
+began to beat an impatient tattoo on the floor with one slender foot.
+Still he said nothing, and she raised her pure china-blue eyes to his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>"Why so glum, Dick? Why do you not talk to me?" Her voice was rather
+high-pitched and childish, and she had a curious way of ending each
+sentence with an upward lilt and a long drawn-out accent, very
+fascinating to listen to.</p>
+
+<p>Richard smiled with an obvious effort.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I, my dear? I crave your pardon. Warburton has just been."</p>
+
+<p>Her face clouded over instantly, and the full-lipped mouth drooped
+petulantly.</p>
+
+<p>"He has seen him."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh?" She made the word twice its length, and filled it with
+disinterest.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Jack will have none of it. He asks me to be his steward and to use
+Wyncham as I will. He is very generous."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, oh yes. And you will, Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>He ignored the question.</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;Warburton&mdash;says he is not much changed."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh?" Again the long-drawn monosyllable, accompanied by a tiny yawn.</p>
+
+<p>"He says he does not think&mdash;Jack&mdash;bears me ill-will&mdash;" He paused, as if
+expecting her to speak, but she was absorbed in arranging two
+flowers&mdash;culled from a bowl at her side&mdash;at her breast, and took no
+notice. Carstares turned his head away wearily.</p>
+
+<p>"If it were not for you, my dear, I would tell the truth. I believe I
+shall go crazed an I do not."</p>
+
+<p>"Dick!" ... She dropped the flowers on the floor and thought no more
+about them. "Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you need have no fear! I do not suppose," bitterly, "that I have
+the courage to face them all now&mdash;after six years."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia moved restlessly, brushing her hand along the couch.</p>
+
+<p>"You will not do it, Richard? Promise! You <i>will</i> not? I could not bear
+the disgrace of it; promise me you will never do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," he said slowly, not looking at her. "No, I cannot promise that."</p>
+
+<p>She sprang to her feet, flinging her broidery from her carelessly, and
+waved fierce, agitated little hands.</p>
+
+<p>"That means you will do it. You <i>want</i> to disgrace me! You do not <i>care</i>
+how you hurt me by holding this threat over my head so cruelly! You&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia, for heaven's sake!" he implored, pushing back his chair. "Calm
+yourself!" He knew she was about to fly into one of her sudden passions,
+and frowned with acute vexation.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not! Oh yes, yes! You think me a shrew! I know! I know! But you
+need not frown on me, sir, for you are worse! No, I will not hush. I am
+a horrid woman, yes, but you are a cheat&mdash;a cheat&mdash;a cheat!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares strode over to her.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;no! Leave me alone! You make me miserable! You refuse me everything
+that I want most, and then you threaten to disgrace me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That is untrue!" cried Richard, goaded into replying. "I will not
+promise, that is all. What have I refused you that was within my means
+to give you? God knows you try your best to ruin me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There! There! 'Tis <i>I</i> who am to blame! Pray, did you not induce my
+lord to leave his money to John when you knew he would have willed it
+all to you an you had kept silence? You took no thought to me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake, Lavinia, be still! You do not know what you are
+saying!"</p>
+
+<p>She pressed her hands to her hot cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;I am unreasonable! I know it, but don't <i>tell</i> me so, for I cannot
+bear it! And don't look reproach at me, Richard! You drive me mad, I
+tell you!" She was sweeping up and down the room like some caged animal,
+lashing herself to a worse fury.</p>
+
+<p>"Say something, Richard! <i>Do</i> something! Don't stand there so quietly!
+Oh, you should never have married me! I displease you, and you make me
+worse; and you do not see how 'tis that I cannot live without pleasure,
+and money! I am despicable? Yes, yes, but what are you? Oh, why did you
+tell me you cheated <i>after</i> you had wedded me?" Angry sobs escaped her;
+her handkerchief was in shreds upon the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned his back to her, that she might not see how she had
+contrived to hurt him, and the movement drove her to fresh fury.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't do that! Don't! Don't! You make me worse by your dreadful
+silence! Oh, if you really loved me!"</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot doubt that!" he cried out, wheeling suddenly round. "You
+know how I love you! Don't you?" He gripped her by the shoulders and
+swung her to face him.</p>
+
+<p>She trembled and gave a sobbing little laugh. As suddenly as it had
+come, her anger left her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, yes! You do love me, Dicky?" She twined her arms about his
+neck and shrank closer.</p>
+
+<p>"God help me, yes!" he groaned, thrusting her away. "And you&mdash;you care
+for no one save yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"No! No!" she cried, pressing up to him again. "Do not say that, Dick.
+Indeed, I love you, but I cannot live without gaiety&mdash;you know I
+cannot. Oh, I do not doubt but what I am very selfish, but 'tis the way
+I am fashioned, and I cannot change my nature. And now I have hurt you,
+and I did not mean to! I did not mean to!"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, I know you did not; but try to be less a child, I beg of you!
+You are so uncontrolled, so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you would say that," she answered in a dead voice. "You do not
+understand me. You expect me to be good, and patient, and forbearing,
+and I tell you 'tis not in my nature."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Lavinia, you can control your passions," he said gently.</p>
+
+<p>"No! I cannot! We Belmanoirs&mdash;as God made us, so we are&mdash;and He made us
+spendthrift, and pleasure-loving, and mad!" She walked slowly to the
+door. "But you do not understand, and you try to make me staid, and
+thoughtful, and a good mother, when I am dying for <i>life</i>, and
+excitement, and care not that for housewifery!" She opened the door
+slowly. "And now my head aches, and you look grave and say 'tis my
+wicked temper, when I want you to be sorry, and to be ready to do
+anything to comfort me. Why can you not take me to London, when you know
+how I long to be there, instead of in this gloomy house with nought to
+do, save mind my child and my needle? I am so tired of it all! So very
+tired of it all!"</p>
+
+<p>She would have left the room then, but he detained her.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, Lavinia! You say you are unhappy?"</p>
+
+<p>She released the door handle and fluttered her hands expressively.</p>
+
+<p>"Unhappy? No, I am dull. I am ill-tempered. I am discontented. I am
+aught you please, so do not be sad, Richard. I cannot bear you to be
+solemn. Oh, why do we quarrel?" With one of her impulsive movements she
+was again at his side, with her beautiful face upturned. "Love me,
+Richard! Take me to London and never mind an I <i>do</i> squander your money.
+Say you do not care! Say that nothing matters so long as I am happy! Why
+do you not say it? Does anything matter? Don't be prudent, Dicky! Be
+wild! Be reckless! Be anything rather than grave and old!" Her arms
+crept up to his coaxingly. "Take me to London!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares smoothed the soft hair back from her forehead, very tenderly,
+but his eyes were worried.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, I will take you, but not just yet. There is so much to be done
+here. If you will wait a little longer&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, if I will wait! If I will be patient and good! But I cannot! Oh,
+you don't understand, Dicky&mdash;you don't understand!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, dear. I promise I will take you as soon as possible, and we
+will stay as long as you please."</p>
+
+<p>Her arms fell away.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to go now!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well&mdash;very well. We will go presently. Only don't reason with me."</p>
+
+<p>He looked at her concernedly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are overwrought, my love&mdash;and tired."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she agreed listlessly. "Oh yes; I will go now and rest. Forgive
+me, Dick!" She kissed her finger-tips and extended them to him. "I will
+be good one day." She turned and hurried out of the room and up the
+stairs, leaving the door open behind her.</p>
+
+<p>Richard stayed for a moment looking round at the signs of her late
+presence. Mechanically he stooped to pick up her embroidery and the
+pieces of her handkerchief. The two flowers were broken off short, and
+he threw them away. Then he left the room and went out on to the sunny
+terrace, gazing across the beautiful gardens into the blue distance.</p>
+
+<p>Across the lawn came a child of four or five, waving a grimy hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Father!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard looked down at him and smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, John?"</p>
+
+<p>The boy climbed up the terrace steps, calling his news all the way.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis Uncle Andrew, sir. He has rid over to see you, and is coming
+through the garden to find you."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he? Has he left his horse at the stables?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir. So I came to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right. Will you come with me to meet him?"</p>
+
+<p>The little rosy face lighted up with pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, may I?" he cried and slipped his hand in Richard's.</p>
+
+<p>Together they descended the steps and made their way across the lawn.</p>
+
+<p>"I have run away from Betty," announced John with some pride. "There's
+Uncle Andrew, sir!" He bounded away towards the approaching figure.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Andrew Belmanoir was Richard's brother-in-law, brother to the
+present Duke. He came up with John in his arms and tumbled him to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Good day, Dick! 'Tis a spoilt child you have here!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. He is but now escaped from his nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"Splendid! Come, John, you shall walk with us, and we'll confound fat
+Betty!" He slipped his arm through Richard's as he spoke. "Come, Dick!
+There's a deal I have to say to you." He grimaced ruefully.</p>
+
+<p>The child ran on ahead towards the woods, a great bull-mastiff at his
+heels.</p>
+
+<p>"What's to do now?" asked Richard, looking round into the mobile,
+dissipated countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"The devil's in it this time, and no mistake," answered his lordship
+with a rueful shake of his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Debts?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, yes! I was at Delaby's last night, and the stakes were high.
+Altogether I've lost about three thousand&mdash;counting what I owe Carew.
+And devil take me an I know where 'tis to come from! Here's Tracy turned
+saint and swears he'll see me damned before he hands me another penny. I
+doubt he means it, too."</p>
+
+<p>Tracy was the Duke. Richard smiled a little cynically; he had already
+had to lend his Grace a thousand guineas to pay off some "trifling
+debt."</p>
+
+<p>"He means it right enough. I believe it would puzzle him to find it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you say so? Why, 'tis impossible man! Tracy was in town scarce a
+fortnight since, and he had a run of the devil's own luck. I tell you
+Dick, I saw him walk off with a cool five thousand one night! And then
+he denies me a paltry three! Lord, what a brother! And all with the air
+of an angel, as if <i>he</i> had never lost at dice. And a homily thrown in!
+Anyone would think I had cheated, instead of&mdash;ahem!... Dick, I'm
+confoundedly sorry! Damned thoughtless of me&mdash;never thought about
+Jo&mdash;about what I was saying&mdash;I'm a fool!" For Richard had winced.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot help that," he said, forcing a laugh. "Have done with your
+apologies, and continue."</p>
+
+<p>They had come to the stream by now, and crossed the little bridge into
+the wood.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, there's not much more. 'Tis only that something must be done, for
+Carew won't wait, and stap me if I'd ask him, the lean-faced
+scarecrow!&mdash;so I came to you, Dick."</p>
+
+<p>He let go Richard's arm and flung himself down on a fallen tree-trunk,
+regardless of velvet and laces.</p>
+
+<p>"You're a good fellow, and you don't lecture a man as Tracy does, devil
+take him! And you play high yourself, or you did, though 'tis an age
+since I saw you win or lose enough to wink at. And, after all, you're
+Lavvy's husband, and&mdash;oh, damn it all, Dick, 'tis monstrous hard to ask
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares, leaning against a tree, surveyed the youthful rake amusedly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tush, Andrew!" he reassured him. "You're welcome to ask, but the Lord
+knows where I'm to find it! Gad, what a life! Here's Lavinia keeps
+buying silks, and I don't know what all, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"She was ever a spendthrift jade," said Andrew with a mighty frown.</p>
+
+<p>Richard laughed at him.</p>
+
+<p>"You're a thrifty fellow yourself, of course!"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew looked round for something to throw at him, and finding nothing,
+relapsed once more into deepest despondency.</p>
+
+<p>"You're in the right of't. We're a worthless lot. 'Tis the old man's
+blood in us, I doubt not, with a smattering of her Grace. You never knew
+my mother, Richard. She was French&mdash;Lavvy's the spit of her. There's
+Tracy&mdash;stap me, but Tracy's the very devil! Have you ever seen a face
+like his? No, I'll swear you've not! What with his sneering mouth and
+his green eyes&mdash;oh, 'tis enough to make a fellow go to the dogs to have
+a brother like it, 'pon my soul it is! Ay, you laugh, but I tell you
+'tis serious!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, go on!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well next there's Bob&mdash;damn it all, but I'm sorry for Bob! 'Tis a
+beggarly pittance they give one in the army, and he was never one to
+pinch and scrape. Well, as I say, there's Bob, and I never see him, but
+what it's: 'Lend me a hundred, Andy!' or the like. And all to buy his
+mistress some gewgaw. That's what sickens me! Why, Bob's for ever in
+some scrape with a petticoat, and as for Tracy! Gad, how they can! Then
+there's Lavinia, but I should think you know her by now, and lastly,
+there's your humble servant. And I tell you, Dick, what with the racing,
+and the cards, and the bottle, I shall be a ruined man before you can
+turn round! And the pother is I'll never be any different. 'Tis in the
+blood, so where's the use in trying?" He made a rueful grimace, and
+rose. "Come on, young rip! We're going back."</p>
+
+<p>John, engaged in the task of hunting for tadpoles in the water some
+yards distant, nodded and ran on.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear my lady is indisposed," said Richard hesitatingly. "You wished
+to see her?"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew winked knowingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Tantrums, eh? Oh, I know her. No, I do not care an I do not see her;
+'tis little enough she cares for me, though she's as thick as thieves
+with Tracy&mdash;oh, ay, I'll be dumb."</p>
+
+<p>They walked slowly back to the house, Andrew, silent for once, twirling
+his gold-mounted cane.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have the money, of course. When do you want it?" said Richard
+presently.</p>
+
+<p>"'Pon honour, you're a devilish good fellow, Dick! But if 'tis like to
+put you to any&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense. When do you need it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should pay Carew as soon as may be. Markham can wait over if&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Wednesday?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twill do excellently well. Dick, you're a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pshaw! 'Tis nought. I want your opinion on the bay mare I bought
+last week. You'll maybe think her a trifle long in the leg, but she's a
+fine animal."</p>
+
+<p>John had run indoors, and the two men proceeded to the stables alone,
+Andrew discoursing all the way, recounting for his brother-in-law's
+benefit the choicest morsels of scandal that were circulating town at
+the moment. That his auditor but attended with half an ear affected him
+not at all; he never paused for an answer, and, in any case, was far too
+good-natured to care if he received none.</p>
+
+<p>By the time they had duly inspected the mare and walked back to the
+house, it was nearly four o'clock, and, not altogether to Carstares'
+surprise, Lavinia was awaiting them on the terrace, clad in a totally
+different gown, and with her hair freshly arranged and curled.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould appear that Lavinia has recovered," remarked Andrew as they
+mounted the steps. "She was ever thus&mdash;not two minutes the same. Well,
+Lavvy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Andrew?" She gave him a careless hand to kiss, but smiled sweetly
+up at her husband. "My headache is so much better," she told him, "and
+they said that Andrew was come to see you. So I came downstairs." She
+turned eagerly to her brother. "Tell me, Andrew, is Tracy at home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, yes! He arrived yesterday, devil take him! Do you want him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," she nodded. "I want to see him again. I've not set eyes on
+him for an age. I want you to take me back with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, my dear, 'tis a trifle late in the day for such a drive?"
+demurred Richard, trying to conceal his annoyance. "Can you not wait
+until to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, you'll have to, Lavvy, for I'll not take you to-day, that's
+certain. I'm riding to Fletcher's when I leave here. Tracy can visit you
+to-morrow an he chooses."</p>
+
+<p>"Will he?" she asked doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew clapped his hand to his vest pocket. "If I had not forgot!" he
+exclaimed. "I've a letter from him for you. He intends waiting on you
+to-morrow, in any case. Lord, what it is to have a scatter brain like
+mine!" He pulled a handful of papers from his pocket and selected one,
+sealed, and addressed in a sloping Italian handwriting.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia pounced upon it joyfully, and tore it open. Andrew restored the
+rest of the documents to his pocket with yet another rueful laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Duns, Richard! Duns!"</p>
+
+<p>"Give them to me," answered the other, holding out his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no! But many thanks, Dick. These are quite unimportant."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not pay them all, and start afresh?" urged Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, no! Why, I should be so damned elated that before the day was out
+there'd be a score of fresh debts staring me in the face!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me lend you a thousand to begin on? Could you not keep out of
+debt?"</p>
+
+<p>"I keep out of debt? Impossible! Don't look so solemn, Dick; I told you
+'twas in the blood. We never have a penny to bless ourselves with, but
+what's the odds? I shall have a run of luck soon&mdash;a man can't always
+lose. Then I shall be able to repay you, but, of course, I shan't.
+It'll all go at the next table. <i>I</i> know!" He spoke so ingenuously that
+Richard could not be angry with him. There was a certain frankness about
+him that pleased, and though he might be spendthrift and heedless, and
+colossally selfish, Richard felt a genuine affection for him. He would
+have liked to argue the point further, but Lavinia came forward,
+refolding her letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy is coming to-morrow afternoon," she told her husband. "'Twill be
+prodigiously agreeable, will it not?"</p>
+
+<p>He assented, but with a lack of warmth that did not fail to strike her
+ears.</p>
+
+<p>"And he will stay to dine with us!" she cried challengingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, my love."</p>
+
+<p>"Look pleased, Dicky, look pleased! Why don't you like Tracy? He is my
+own brother; you <i>must</i> like him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I like him, Lavinia. Pray, do not be foolish."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am not! Don't be cross, Dicky dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you like him, I'm surprised," broke in Andrew. "I can't bear
+him! Ay, flash your eyes at me, Lavvy; I don't mind."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia opened her mouth to retaliate, but Richard hastily interposed.
+Their bickering was more than he could bear, and he never understood how
+Lavinia could stoop to quarrel with the boisterous youth, who tried so
+palpably to rouse her.</p>
+
+<p>He bore them both off to the house, feeling much like a nursemaid with
+two recalcitrant children.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h3>
+
+<h3>HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia dressed herself with even more than her usual care next
+afternoon, and well-nigh drove her maid distracted by her flashes of
+temper and impatient, contradictory orders. So lengthy was the toilet
+that she was only just in her boudoir when his Grace of Andover was
+announced. She had no time to tell the footman that she would receive
+his Grace, for almost before the words were out of James' mouth, he
+stood bowing in the doorway, sure of his welcome.</p>
+
+<p>He was curiously like his sister, this man, and at the same time
+curiously unlike. Hers were the high cheek-bones and pinched,
+aristocratic nostrils, but the mouth with its thin lips, and the
+heavy-lidded green eyes, were totally different. His Grace's brows
+slanted up at the corners, and his eyes, though piercing and bright,
+were constantly veiled by the black-lashed lids. He wore his own black
+hair, unpowdered, and that, together with the black and silver garments
+that he always affected, greatly enhanced the natural pallor of his
+countenance. Altogether it was a very striking figure that stood just
+before the closed white door and bowed to my lady.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia took an eager step towards him, swinging her pearl-grey
+brocades.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy!" she cooed, holding out both hands.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace advanced into the room and bent low over them.</p>
+
+<p>"I rejoice to find you within, Lavinia," he said, a faint tinge of
+sarcasm running through his smooth tones. "As you perceive, I rode
+over." He made a gesture towards his high boots with their
+wicked-looking spurs. "No doubt Andrew forgot to give you my letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," she said, slipping her hand in his arm. "He remembered in time,
+and&mdash;oh, Tracy, I was so vastly delighted to have it!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am indeed honoured," he replied. "I am come on a sufficiently
+important matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" She pulled her hand away disappointedly. "Money!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are really wonderful, my dear. As you so crudely remark&mdash;money!
+Will you not be seated?"</p>
+
+<p>She sank down on the couch dejectedly and watched him take a chair
+opposite her.</p>
+
+<p>"Your most noble lord and master lent me a trifling sum the other day,
+but very trifling. I am, as usual, hard-pressed. And that young fool
+Andrew must needs fall into debt."</p>
+
+<p>My lady opened wide her eyes in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you tell me you need money from Richard to pay Andrew's debts?" she
+asked, frankly incredulous.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not. Is it likely? The remark was purely by the way."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, in any case, Andrew borrowed three thousand from poor Dick only
+yesterday. I know, because I heard him speak of it."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace raised his black brows in patient exasperation.</p>
+
+<p>"How unnecessary of Andrew! And how typical! So 'poor Dick' has been
+squeezed already?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't speak like that, Tracy!" she cried. "Dicky is good to me!" She
+met his piercing look unflinchingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now this becomes interesting," drawled the Duke. "Since when have you
+come to that conclusion? And why this sudden loyalty?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have <i>always</i> been loyal to him, Tracy! You know I have! I worry
+him&mdash;and indeed he is very forbearing."</p>
+
+<p>"But how charming of him!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, do not sneer, Tracy! He has promised to take me to London for the
+whole winter&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace leant back in his chair again.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I understand," he said placidly. "I was at a loss before."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not that, Tracy! Indeed I realise how kind he is to me. And we
+have quarrelled again. We are always quarrelling, and I know 'tis all my
+fault."</p>
+
+<p>"What a comfortable conviction, my dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! 'Tis not comfortable, Tracy! For somehow I cannot change my
+disposition, though I <i>mean</i> to be patient and sweet. Tracy, I hate
+Wyncham!"</p>
+
+<p>"You hate Wyncham? There was a time&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know, I know! But I never meant to live here always like this! I want
+to go to London!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you said you were going?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am! But I want to go with someone who is gay-not&mdash;not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In fact, you want distraction, and not with the amiable Richard? Well,
+I can conceive that life with him might prove uninspiring. Safe, my
+dear, but not exciting."</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you would understand! You see, he does not like me to play at
+cards, because I cannot stop! And he cannot see how 'tis that I care
+nought for what he calls 'home-life' when there are routs, and the play,
+and <i>real</i> life. He&mdash;he is so&mdash;so&mdash;so <i>staid,</i> Tracy, and careful!"</p>
+
+<p>"A good trait in a husband, Lavinia," replied his Grace cynically. "'Tis
+because I do not possess it that I am single now."</p>
+
+<p>Her lips curled scornfully at this, for well she knew her brother.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Tracy, that is not so! It is because you are a devil! No woman
+would marry you!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is most interesting, my dear," purred his Grace. "But pray strive
+to be a little more original. Continue your analysis of Richard's
+sterling character."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis only that we are so different," she sighed. "I always desire to do
+things quickly&mdash;if I think of something, I want it at once&mdash;at once! You
+know, Tracy! And he likes to wait and think on it, and&mdash;oh, 'tis so
+tiresome, and it puts me in a bad humour, and I behave like a hysterical
+bourgeoise!" She got up swiftly, clasping her nervous little hands.
+"When he speaks to me in that gentle, reasoning way, I could scream,
+Tracy! Do you think I am mad?" She laughed unmusically.</p>
+
+<p>"No," he replied, "but the next thing to it: a Belmanoir. Perhaps it was
+a pity you ever married Richard. But there is always the money."</p>
+
+<p>"There is not," she cried out sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"Not? What mean you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, 'tis of this that I wanted to speak! You think my lord left his
+money to Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. He should be stupendously wealthy."</p>
+
+<p>"He is not!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, my good girl, the revenue must be enormous. He has the land,
+surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! No! He has not the land! Oh, but I am angry whenever I think on it!
+He induced my lord to leave it to John. <i>He</i> has but his younger son's
+portion!"</p>
+
+<p>"I still fail to understand. You informed me that the Earl left all to
+Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"He changed his will, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;changed&mdash;his&mdash;will! Then, my dear, must you have played your cards
+very badly!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas not my fault, Tracy&mdash;indeed 'twas not! I knew nought until the
+will was read. Richard never spoke a word to me about it! And now we are
+comparatively poor!" Her voice trembled with indignation, but his Grace
+only whistled beneath his breath.</p>
+
+<p>"I always knew, of course, that Dick was a fool, but I never guessed how
+much so till now!"</p>
+
+<p>At that she flared up.</p>
+
+<p>"He is not a fool! He is an honest man, and 'tis we<i>&mdash;we</i>, I tell
+you&mdash;who are mean and despicable and mercenary!"</p>
+
+<p>"Undoubtedly, Lavinia, but pray do not excite yourself over it. I
+suppose he is still devoted to that young hothead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes&mdash;'tis all Jack, Jack, Jack, until I am sick to death of the
+sound of his name&mdash;and&mdash;" She broke off, biting her lip.</p>
+
+<p>"And what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nought! But 'tis all so disagreeable, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly is slightly disturbing. You had better have chosen John,
+in spite of all, it seems."</p>
+
+<p>She stamped angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, where's the good in being flippant?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, where's the good in being anything else? The situation
+strikes me as rather amusing. To think of the worthy Richard so neatly
+overturning all my plans!"</p>
+
+<p>"If it had not been for you, I might never have married him. Why did you
+throw them both in my way? Why did I ever set eyes on either?"</p>
+
+<p>"It should have been a good match, my dear, and, if I remember rightly,
+no one was more alive to that fact than yourself."</p>
+
+<p>She pouted angrily and turned her shoulder to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Still," he continued reflectively, "I admit that for the smart lot we
+are, we do seem rather to have bungled the affair."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia swept round upon him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, do you care no more than that? How can you be so casual! Does it
+affect you not at all?"</p>
+
+<p>He wrinkled his thin nose expressively.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not weep over it, Lavinia, but 'tis a plaguey nuisance. But we
+must see what can be done. And that brings me back to the original
+subject. Despite these upsetting revelations, I still require that
+money."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear! How much must you have, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Five hundred might suffice."</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, do not the estates bring in anything?" she asked petulantly.
+"And Andrew told us you had a run of marvellous luck not a fortnight
+since?"</p>
+
+<p>"Since then, my dear, I have had three runs of marvellous ill-luck. As
+to the estates, they are mortgaged up to the hilt, as you very well
+know. What little there is is between three. And Robert is extravagant."</p>
+
+<p>"I hate Robert!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not partial to him myself, but it makes no odds."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish he might die!&mdash;oh no, no! Now I am become ill-natured again&mdash;I
+don't wish it&mdash;only I am so tired of everything. You shall have that
+money as soon as possible; but be careful, Tracy&mdash;please be careful!
+'Tis not easy to get money from Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I should imagine not. However, we have managed rather well up to
+the present, take it all in all."</p>
+
+<p>"Up to the present he has had all the money he wanted. My lord denied
+him nought!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, 'tis unfortunate, as I said before, but it must be endured. Where
+is Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not. You will stay to dinner, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you. I shall be charmed."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes&mdash;oh, how prodigiously pleasant it is to see you again! Soon I
+shall come to Andover. Will you let me stay a few days?"</p>
+
+<p>"The question is, will Richard allow you to stay so long in my
+contaminating presence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Richard would never keep me away, Tracy!" she replied proudly. "He
+<i>could</i> not. Oh, why is it that I don't love him more? Why do I not care
+for him as much as I care for you even?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, like all Belmanoirs, you care first for yourself and
+secondly for the man who masters you. That, alas! Richard has not yet
+succeeded in doing."</p>
+
+<p>"But I <i>do</i> love Richard. I do, I do, yet&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. 'Yet!' The 'grand passion' has not yet touched you, my dear,
+and you are quite self-absorbed."</p>
+
+<p>"Self-absorbed! Those are hard words."</p>
+
+<p>"But not too hard for the case. You think solely of yourself, your own
+pleasure, your own character, your own feelings. If you could cast
+yourself into the background a little, you would be less excitable and
+considerably less discontented."</p>
+
+<p>"How dare you, Tracy! Pray, what of you? Are you so selfless?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. I am precisely the same. I was merely suggesting that you
+might be happier an you could depose 'self.'"</p>
+
+<p>"You had best do the same yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, when I feel the need of greater happiness, I most
+undoubtedly shall. At present I am quite content."</p>
+
+<p>"You are unkind!" she protested. "And you sneer at me."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies! You shall come to Andover if the
+worthy Richard permits."</p>
+
+<p>Her face cleared as by magic.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy! Oh, I am so desirous to be gay once more! I cannot even
+receive now, on account of this mourning! But when I am at Andover&mdash;oh,
+we will not worry over anything, and I can be bad-tempered without
+feeling that someone is being hurt by me! Oh, come to Dicky at once&mdash;at
+once!"</p>
+
+<p>He rose leisurely.</p>
+
+<p>"I can imagine that you try Richard's patience somewhat," he remarked.
+"Happily, your impetuosity in no way disturbs me. We will go in search
+of Richard."</p>
+
+<p>Half-way down the great staircase she perceived her husband, and flew to
+meet him.</p>
+
+<p>"Richard, I was coming in search of you! Tracy has invited me to Andover
+for a week&mdash;he purposes to ask several people to stay, and there will be
+parties&mdash;and entertainment! You will let me go? Say yes, Dicky&mdash;say yes,
+quickly!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares bowed to his Grace, who stood watching them from the stairs.
+The bow was returned with exaggerated flourish. Carstares looked down at
+his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"So soon, Lavinia?" he remonstrated, and indicated her mourning. She
+shook his hand off impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Dicky, does it matter? What can it signify? I do not ask you to
+come&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No," he said half-sadly, half-amusedly. "I notice that, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! I did not mean to be unkind&mdash;you must not think that! You
+<i>don't</i> think it, do you, Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," he sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Dicky!" She patted his cheek coaxingly. "Then you will allow me to
+go&mdash;ah, but yes, yes, you must listen! You know how dull I am, and how
+silly&mdash;'tis because I need a change, and I <i>want</i> to go to Andover. I
+<i>want</i> to go!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dear, I know. But my father is not yet dead six weeks, and I
+cannot think it seemly&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Please, Dick, please! Please do not say no! 'Twill make me so unhappy!
+Oh, you will not be so unkind? You will not forbid me to go?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ask you not to, Lavinia. If you need a change, I will take you
+quietly to Bath, or where you will. Do not pain me by going to Andover
+just now."</p>
+
+<p>"Bath! Bath! What do I want with Bath at this time of the year? Oh, 'tis
+kind in you to offer, but I want to go to Andover! I want to see all the
+old friends again. And I want to get away from everything here&mdash;'tis all
+so gloomy&mdash;after&mdash;after my lord's death!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest, of course you shall go away&mdash;but if only you would remember
+that you are in mourning&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But 'tis what I wish to forget! Oh, Dicky, don't, don't, don't be
+unkind."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, dear. If you must go&mdash;go."</p>
+
+<p>She clapped her hands joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh thank you, Dicky! And you are not angry with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, dear, of course not."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Now I am happy! 'Tis sweet of you, Dicky, but confess you are
+secretly thankful to be rid of me for a week! Now are you not?" She
+spread out her fan in the highest good-humour and coquetted behind it.
+Richard was induced to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I shall miss you too sadly, dear."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" She dropped the fan. "But think how you will look forward to
+seeing me again, and I you. Why, I shall be so thankful to be back after
+a week away, that I shall be good for months!"</p>
+
+<p>His face lightened, and he caught her hands in his.</p>
+
+<p>"Darling, if I thought you would miss me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But of course I shall miss you, Dick&mdash;oh, <i>pray</i>, mind my frock! Shall
+I not miss him, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard suddenly remembered his brother-in-law's presence. He turned and
+went to the foot of the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>"So you are determined to wrest my wife from me?" he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy descended leisurely, opening his snuff-box.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I require a hostess," he said. "And I have"&mdash;he paused&mdash;"induced
+her to honour Andover with her presence. Shall we have the felicity of
+seeing you at any time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, no. I am not, you will understand, in the mood for the
+gaiety for which my poor Lavinia craves."</p>
+
+<p>The Duke bowed slightly, and they all three went out on to the terrace,
+Lavinia laughing and talking as Richard had not heard her laugh or talk
+for days. She was the life and soul of the little dinner-party, flirting
+prettily with her husband and exerting herself to please him in every
+way. She had won her point; therefore she was in excellent spirits with
+all the world, and not even the spilling of some wine on her new silk
+served to discompose her.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h3>
+
+<h3>BATH: 29 QUEEN SQUARE</h3>
+
+
+<p>The autumn and the winter passed smoothly, and April found the Carstares
+installed at Bath, whither Lady Lavinia had teased her husband into
+going, despite his desire to return to Wyncham and John. She herself did
+not care to be with the child, and was perfectly content that Richard
+should journey occasionally to Wyncham to see that all was well with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, she had enjoyed the winter, for she had induced Richard to
+open Wyncham House, Mayfair, the Earl's town residence, where she had
+been able to hold several entirely successful routs, and many select
+little card-parties. Admirers she had a-many, and nothing so pleased her
+vain little heart as masculine adulation. Carstares never entered his
+home without stumbling against some fresh flame of hers, but as they
+mostly consisted of what he rudely termed the lap-dog type, he was
+conscious of no jealous qualms, and patiently submitted to their
+inundation of his house. He was satisfied that Lavinia was happy, and,
+as he assured himself at times when he was most tried, nothing else
+signified.</p>
+
+<p>The only flaw to Lavinia's content was the need of money. Not that she
+was stinted, or ever refused anything that he could in reason give her;
+but her wants were never reasonable. She would demand a new town
+chariot, upholstered in pale blue, not because her own was worn or
+shabby, but because she was tired of its crimson cushions. Or she would
+suddenly take a fancy to some new, and usually fabulously expensive toy,
+and having acquired it, weary of it in a week.</p>
+
+<p>Without a murmur, Richard gave her lap-dogs (of the real kind), black
+pages, jewels, and innumerable kickshaws, for which she rewarded him
+with her brightest smiles and tenderest caresses. But when she required
+him to refurnish Wyncham House in the style of the French Court,
+throwing away all the present Queen Anne furniture, the tapestries, and
+the countless old trappings that were one and all so beautiful and so
+valuable, he put his foot down with a firmness that surprised her. Not
+for any whim of hers was Jack's house to be spoiled. Neither her coaxing
+nor her tears had any effect upon Richard, and when she reverted to
+sulks, he scolded her so harshly that she was frightened, and in
+consequence silenced.</p>
+
+<p>For a week she thought and dreamt of nothing but gilded French chairs,
+and then abruptly, as all else, the fancy left her, and she forgot all
+about it. Her mantua-maker's bills were enormous, and caused Richard
+many a sleepless night, but she was always so charmingly penitent that
+he could not find it in his heart to be angry; and, after all, he
+reflected, he would rather have his money squandered on her adornment
+than on that of her brothers. She was by turns passionate and cold to
+him: one day enrapturing him by some pretty blandishment, the next
+snapping peevishly when he spoke to her.</p>
+
+<p>At the beginning of the season he dutifully conducted her to routs and
+<i>bals masqués</i>, but soon she began to go always with either Andrew or
+Robert, both of whom were in town, and whose casual chaperonage she much
+preferred to Richard's solicitous care. Tracy was rarely in London for
+more than a few days at a time, and the Carstares, greatly to Richard's
+relief, saw but little of him. Carstares disliked Colonel Lord Robert
+Belmanoir, but the Duke he detested, not only for his habitual sneer
+towards him, but for the influence that he undoubtedly held over
+Lavinia. Richard was intensely jealous of this, and could sometimes
+hardly bring himself to be civil when his Grace visited my lady. Whether
+justly or not, he inwardly blamed Tracy for all Lavinia's crazy whims
+and periodical fits of ill-temper. It did not take his astute Grace long
+to discover this, and with amused devilry he played upon it, encouraging
+Lavinia in her extravagance, and making a point of calling on her
+whenever he was in town.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares never knew when not to expect to find him there; he came and
+went to and from London with no warning whatsoever. No one ever knew
+where he was for more than a day at a time, and no one was in the least
+surprised if he happened to be seen in London when he should, according
+to all accounts, have been in Paris. They merely shrugged their
+shoulders, and exchanged glances, murmuring: "Devil Belmanoir!" and
+wondering what fresh intrigue he was in.</p>
+
+<p>So altogether Richard was not sorry when my lady grew suddenly sick of
+town and was seized with a longing for Bath. He had secretly hoped that
+she might return to Wyncham, but when she expressed no such wish, he
+stifled his own longing for home, shut up the London house, and took her
+and all her baggage to Bath, installing her in Queen Square in one of
+the most elegantly furnished houses in the place.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia was at first charmed to be there again; delighted with the
+house, and transported over the excellencies of the new French milliner
+she had discovered.</p>
+
+<p>But the milliner's bills proved monstrous, and the drawing-room of her
+house not large enough for the routs she contemplated giving. The air
+was too relaxing for her, and she was subject to constant attacks of the
+vapours that were as distressing to her household as they were to
+herself. The late hours made her head ache as it never ached in London,
+and the damp gave her a cold. Furthermore, the advent of an attractive
+and exceedingly wealthy little widow caused her many a bitter hour, to
+the considerable detriment of her good-temper.</p>
+
+<p>She was lying on a couch in her white and gilt drawing room one
+afternoon&mdash;alas! the craze for French furniture was o'er-smelling-bottle
+in hand and a <i>bona fide</i> ache in her head, when the door opened and
+Tracy walked into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens!" she said faintly, and uncorked her salts.</p>
+
+<p>It was his Grace's first appearance since she had come to Bath, and the
+fact that he had politely declined an invitation that she had sent to
+him still rankled in her mind. He bowed over the limp hand that she
+extended, and looked her up and down.</p>
+
+<p>"I regret to find you thus indisposed, my dear sister," he said
+smoothly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis nought. Only one of my stupid headaches. I am never well here, and
+this house is stuffy," she answered fretfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You should take the waters," he said, scrutinising, through his
+eyeglass, the chair to which she had waved him. "It has an unstable
+appearance, my dear; I believe I prefer the couch." He moved to a
+smaller sofa and sat down.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, how long have you been in Bath?" she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"I arrived last Tuesday week."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia started up.</p>
+
+<p>"Last Tuesday week? Then you have been here ten days and not visited me
+until now!"</p>
+
+<p>He appeared to be examining the whiteness of his hands through the folds
+of black lace that drooped over them.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I had other things to do," he said coolly.</p>
+
+<p>A book of sermons that she had been trying to peruse slid to the ground
+as Lavinia jerked a cushion into place.</p>
+
+<p>"And you come to me when it suits you? How could you be so unkind as to
+refuse my invitation?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a rising, querulous note in her voice which gave warning of
+anger.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, if you exhibit your deplorable temper to me, I shall
+leave you, so have a care. I thought you would understand that your good
+husband's society, improving though it may be, would be altogether too
+oppressive for my taste. In fact, I was surprised at your letter."</p>
+
+<p>"You might have come for my sake," she answered peevishly, sinking back
+again. "I suppose you have been dancing attendance on the Molesly woman?
+Lud! but I think you men have gone crazed."</p>
+
+<p>Understanding came to his Grace, and he smiled provokingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that what upsets you? I wondered."</p>
+
+<p>"No, 'tis not!" she flashed. "And I do not see why you should think so!
+For my part, I cannot see that she is even tolerable, and the way the
+men rave about her is disgusting! Disgusting! But 'tis always the same
+when a woman is unattached and wealthy. Well! Well! Why do you not say
+something? Do you find her so lovely?"</p>
+
+<p>"To tell the truth, my dear, I have barely set eyes on the lady. I have
+been otherwise engaged, and I have done with all women, for the time,
+save one."</p>
+
+<p>"So I have heard you say before. Do you contemplate marriage? Lud! but I
+pity the girl." She gave a jeering little laugh, but it was evident that
+she was interested.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace was not in the least degree ruffled.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not contemplate marriage, Lavinia, so your sympathies are wasted.
+I have met a girl&mdash;a mere child, for sure&mdash;and I will not rest until I
+have her."</p>
+
+<p>"Lord! Another farmer's chit?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear sister, not another farmer's chit. A lady."</p>
+
+<p>"God help her! Who is she? Where does she live?"</p>
+
+<p>"She lives in Sussex. Her name I shall not tell you."</p>
+
+<p>Her ladyship kicked an offending cushion on to the floor, and snapped at
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, as you please! I shall not die of curiosity!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" The cynical lips curled annoyingly, and Lady Lavinia was seized
+with a mad desire to hurl her smelling-bottle at him. But she knew that
+it was worse than useless to be angry with Tracy, so she yawned
+ostentatiously, and hoped that she irritated him. If she did, she got no
+satisfaction from it, for he continued, quite imperturbably:</p>
+
+<p>"She is the daintiest piece ever a man saw, and I'll swear there's blood
+and fire beneath the ice!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible the girl will have none of your Grace?" wondered Lavinia
+in mock amazement, and had the pleasure of seeing him frown.</p>
+
+<p>The thin brows met over his arched nose, and the eyes glinted a little,
+while she caught a glimpse of cruel white teeth closing on a sensual
+under-lip. She watched his hand clench on his snuff-box, and exulted
+silently at having roused him. It was a very brief joy, however, for the
+next moment the frown had disappeared, the hand unclenched, and he was
+smiling again.</p>
+
+<p>"At present she is cold," he admitted, "but I hope that in time she will
+become more plastic. I think, Lavinia, I have some experience with your
+charming, if capricious sex."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt you have. Where did you meet this perverse beauty?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the Pump Room."</p>
+
+<p>"Lud! Pray, describe her."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be delighted. She is taller than yourself, and dark. Her hair
+is like a dusky cloud of black, and it ripples off her brow and over her
+little ears in a most damnably alluring fashion. Her eyes are brown, but
+there are lights in them that are purest amber, and yet they are dark
+and velvety&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>My lady had recourse to the smelling-bottle.</p>
+
+<p>"But I perceive I weary you. A man in love, my dear Lavinia&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She was up again at that.</p>
+
+<p>"In love? You? Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! You do not know what the
+word means. You are like a&mdash;like a fish, with no more of love in you
+than a fish, and no more heart than a fish, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Spare me the rest, I beg. I am very clammy, I make no doubt, but you
+will at least accord me more brain than a fish?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you have brain enough!" she raged. "Brain for evil! I grant you
+that!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is really very kind of you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The passion you feel now is not <i>love</i>. It is&mdash;it is&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Your pardon, my dear, but at the present moment I am singularly devoid
+of all strenuous emotions, so your remark is&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy, Tracy, I am even quarrelling with you!" she cried
+wretchedly. "Oh, why?&mdash;why?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are entirely mistaken, my dear. This is but the interchange of
+compliments. Pray, do not let me hinder you in the contribution of your
+share!"</p>
+
+<p>Her lip trembled.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, Tracy, go on."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. I had described her eyes, I think?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very tediously."</p>
+
+<p>"I will strive to be brief. Her lips are the most kissable that I have
+ever seen&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And, as you remarked, you have experience," she murmured. He bowed
+ironically.</p>
+
+<p>"Altogether she's as spirited a filly as you could wish for. All she
+needs is bringing to heel."</p>
+
+<p>"Does one bring a filly to heel? I rather thought&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"As usual, my dear Lavinia, you are right: one does not. One breaks in a
+filly. I beg leave to thank you for correcting my mixed metaphor."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pray do not mention it."</p>
+
+<p>"I will cease to do so. She needs breaking in. It should be amusing to
+tame her."</p>
+
+<p>"Should it?" She looked curiously at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Vastly. And I am persuaded it can be done. I will have her."</p>
+
+<p>"But what if she'll none of you?"</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the heavy lids were raised.</p>
+
+<p>"She will have no choice."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia shivered and sat up.</p>
+
+<p>"La, Tracy! Will you have no sense of decency?" she cried. "I suppose,"
+she sneered, "you think to kidnap the girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly," he nodded.</p>
+
+<p>She gasped at the effrontery of it.</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens, are you mad? Kidnap a lady! This is no peasant girl, remember.
+Tracy, Tracy, pray do not be foolish! How <i>can</i> you kidnap her?"</p>
+
+<p>"That, my dear, is a point which I have not yet decided. But I do not
+anticipate much trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"But goodness gracious me! has the child no protectors? No brothers? No
+father?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is a father," said Tracy slowly. "He was here at the beginning of
+their stay. He does not signify, and, which is important, he is of those
+that truckle. Were <i>I</i> to make myself known to him, I believe I might
+marry the girl within an hour. But I do not want that. At least&mdash;not
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Good God, Tracy! do you think you are living in the Dark Ages? One
+cannot do these things now, I tell you! Will you not at least remember
+that you represent our house? 'Twill be a pretty thing an there is a
+scandal!" She broke off hopelessly and watched him flick a remnant of
+snuff from his cravat.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy! 'Tis indeed a dangerous game you play. Pray consider!"</p>
+
+<p>"Really, Lavinia, you are most entertaining. I trust I am capable of
+caring for myself and mine own honour."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't sneer&mdash;don't sneer!" she cried. "Sometimes I think I quite
+hate you!"</p>
+
+<p>"You would be the more amusing, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>She swept the back of her hand across her eyes in a characteristic
+movement.</p>
+
+<p>"How cross I am!" she said, and laughed waveringly. "You must bear with
+me, Tracy. Indeed, I am not well."</p>
+
+<p>"You should take the waters," he repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I do!&mdash;I do! And that reminds me that I must look for your beauty."</p>
+
+<p>"She is not like to be there," he answered. "'Tis only very seldom that
+she appears."</p>
+
+<p>"What! Is she then <i>religieuse</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Religieuse</i>! Why, in heaven's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"But not to walk in the Rooms&mdash;!"</p>
+
+<p>"She is staying here with her aunt, who has been ill. They do not mix
+much in society."</p>
+
+<p>"How very dreadful! Yet she used to walk in the Rooms, for you met her
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he admitted coolly. "'Tis for that reason that she now avoids
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy, the poor child!" exclaimed his sister in a sudden fit of
+pity. "How can you persecute her, if she dislikes you?"</p>
+
+<p>"She does not."</p>
+
+<p>"Not! Then&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather, she fears me. But she is intrigued, for all that. I persecute
+her, as you call it, for her own (and my) ultimate good. But they quit
+Bath in a few days, and then, <i>nous verrons</i>!" He rose. "What of Honest
+Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't call him by that odious name! I will not have it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Odious, my dear? Odious? You would have reason an I called him
+<i>Dis</i>honest Dick."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't! Don't!" she cried, covering her ears. His Grace laughed softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Lavinia, you must get the better of these megrims of yours, for
+there is nought that sickens a man sooner, believe me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, go away!&mdash;go away!" she implored. "You tease me and tease me until
+I cannot bear it, and indeed I do not <i>mean</i> to be shrewish! Please go!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am on the point of doing so, my dear. I trust you will have in a
+measure recovered when next I see you. Pray bear my respects to Hon&mdash;to
+the Honourable Richard."</p>
+
+<p>She stretched out her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Come again soon!" she begged. "I shall be better to-morrow! 'Tis only
+to-day that my head aches till I could shriek with the worry and the
+pain of it! Come again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately I anticipate leaving Bath within a day or two. But
+nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to comply with your
+wishes." He kissed her hand punctiliously, and took his leave. At the
+door he paused, and looked back mockingly. "By the way&mdash;her name
+is&mdash;Diana." He bowed again and swept out, as Lavinia buried her face in
+the cushions and burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>It was thus that Richard found her, twenty minutes later, and his
+concern was so great that it in part restored her spirits, and she spent
+a quiet and, for him, blissful evening, playing at piquet.</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of a game she suddenly flung down her hand and caught at
+his wrist.</p>
+
+<p>"Dicky, Dicky&mdash;I will go home!"</p>
+
+<p>"Go home? What do you mean? Not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes&mdash;Wyncham! Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, do you mean it?" His voice quivered with joyful surprise, and
+the cards slipped from his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I mean it! But take me quickly before I change my mind! I can
+sleep at Wyncham, and here I lie awake all night, and my head aches.
+Take me home and I will try to be a better wife! Oh, Dicky, have I been
+tiresome and exacting? I did not mean to be! Why do you let me?" She
+came quickly round the table and knelt at his side, giving no heed to
+the crumpling of her billowing silks. "I have been a wicked, selfish
+woman!" she said vehemently. "But indeed I will be better. You must not
+<i>let</i> me be bad&mdash;you <i>must</i> not, I tell you!"</p>
+
+<p>He flung his arm about her plump shoulders and drew her tightly to him.</p>
+
+<p>"When I get you home at Wyncham, I promise you I will finely hector you,
+sweetheart," he said, laughing to conceal his deeper feelings. "I shall
+make you into a capital housewife!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I will learn to make butter," she nodded. "Then I must wear a
+dimity gown with a muslin apron and cap. Oh, yes, yes-a dimity gown!"
+She sprang up and danced to the middle of the room. "Shall I not be
+charming, Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very charming, Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course! Oh, we will go home at once&mdash;at once! But first I must
+procure some new gowns from Marguerite!"</p>
+
+<p>"To make butter in, dear?" he protested.</p>
+
+<p>She was not attending.</p>
+
+<p>"A dimity gown&mdash;or shall it be of tiffany with a quilted petticoat? Or
+both?" she chanted. "Dicky, I shall set a fashion in country toilettes!"</p>
+
+<p>Dicky sighed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h3>
+
+<h3>INTRODUCING SUNDRY NEW CHARACTERS</h3>
+
+
+<p>Not twenty minutes' walk from Lady Lavinia's house in Queen Square
+resided a certain Madam Thompson&mdash;a widow&mdash;who had lived in Bath for
+nearly fifteen years. With her was staying Miss Elizabeth Beauleigh and
+her niece, Diana. Madam Thompson had been at a seminary with Miss
+Elizabeth when both were girls, and they had ever afterwards kept up
+their friendship, occasionally visiting one another, but more often
+contenting themselves with the writing of lengthy epistles, full of
+unimportant scraps of news and much gossip, amusing only on Miss
+Elizabeth's side, and on the widow's uninteresting and rambling.</p>
+
+<p>It was a great joy to Madam Thompson when she received a letter from
+Miss Beauleigh begging that she and her niece might be allowed to pay a
+visit to her house in Bath, and to stay at least three weeks. The good
+lady was delighted at having her standing invitation at last accepted,
+and straightway wrote back a glad assent. She prepared her very best
+bedchamber for Miss Beauleigh, who, she understood, was coming to Bath
+principally for a change of air and scene after a long and rather trying
+illness.</p>
+
+<p>In due course the two ladies arrived, the elder very small and thin, and
+birdlike in her movements; the younger moderately tall, and graceful as
+a willow tree, with great candid brown eyes that looked fearlessly out
+on to the world, and a tragic mouth that belied a usually cheerful
+disposition, and hinted at a tendency to look on the gloomy side of
+life.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Thompson, whose first meeting with Diana this was, remarked on the
+sad mouth to Miss Elizabeth, or Betty as she was more often called, as
+they sat over the fire on the first night, Diana herself having retired
+to her room.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty shook her head darkly and prophesied that her precious Di
+would one day love some man as no man in <i>her</i> opinion deserved to be
+loved!</p>
+
+<p>"And she'll have love badly," she said, clicking her knitting-needles
+energetically. "<i>I</i> know these temperamental children!"</p>
+
+<p>"She looks so melancholy," ventured the widow.</p>
+
+<p>"Well there you are wrong!" replied Miss Betty. "'Tis the
+sunniest-tempered child, and the sweetest-natured in the whole wide
+world, bless her! But I don't deny that she can be miserable. Far from
+it. Why, I've known her weep her pretty eyes out over a dead puppy even!
+But usually she is gay enough."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear this house will be dull and stupid for her," said Madam Thompson
+regretfully. "If only my dear son George were at home to entertain
+her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My love, pray do not put yourself out! I assure you Diana will not at
+all object to a little quiet after the life she has been leading in town
+this winter with her friend's family."</p>
+
+<p>Whatever Diana thought of the quiet, she at least made no complaint, and
+adapted herself to her surroundings quite contentedly.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning they would all walk as far as the Assembly Rooms, and
+Miss Betty would drink the waters in the old Pump Room, pacing sedately
+up and down with her friend on one side and her niece on the other.
+Madam Thompson had very few acquaintances in Bath, and the people she
+did know were all of her own age and habits, rarely venturing as far as
+the crowded fashionable quarter; so Diana had to be content with the
+society of the two old ladies, who gossiped happily enough together, but
+whose conversation she could not but find singularly uninteresting.</p>
+
+<p>She watched the <i>monde</i> with concealed wistfulness, seeing Beau Nash
+strut about among the ladies, bowing with his extreme gallantry, always
+impeccably garbed, and in spite of his rapidly increasing age and bulk
+still absolute monarch of Bath. She saw fine painted madams in enormous
+hoops, and with their hair so extravagantly curled and powdered that it
+appeared quite grotesque, mincing along with their various cavaliers;
+elderly beaux with coats padded to hid their shrunken shoulders, and
+paint to fill the wrinkles on their faces; young rakes; stout dowagers
+with their demure daughters; old ladies who had come to Bath for their
+health's sake; titled folk of fashion, and plain gentry from the
+country&mdash;all parading before her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>One or two young bucks tried to ogle her, and received such indignant
+glances from those clear eyes, that they never dared annoy her again,
+but for the most part no one paid any heed to the unknown and plainly
+clad girl.</p>
+
+<p>Then came his Grace of Andover upon the stage.</p>
+
+<p>He drew Diana's attention from the first moment that he entered the Pump
+Room&mdash;a black moth amongst the gaily-hued butterflies. He had swept a
+comprehensive glance round the scene and at once perceived Diana.
+Somehow, exactly how she could never afterwards remember, he had
+introduced himself to her aunt and won that lady's good will by his
+smoothness of manner and polished air. Madam Thompson, who, left to
+herself, never visited the Assembly Rooms, could not be expected to
+recognise Devil Belmanoir in the simple Mr. Everard who presented
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>As he had told his sister, Diana was cold. There was something about his
+Grace that repelled her, even while his mesmeric personality fascinated.
+He was right when he said that she feared him; she was nervous, and the
+element of fear gave birth to curiosity. She was intrigued, and began to
+look forward to his daily appearance in the Pump Room with mingled
+excitement and apprehension. She liked his flattering attention, and his
+grand air. Often she would watch him stroll across the floor, bowing to
+right and left with that touch of insolence that characterised him, and
+rejoiced in the knowledge that he was coming straight to her, and that
+the painted beauties who so palpably ogled and invited him to their
+sides could not alter his course. She felt her power with a thrill of
+delight, and smiled upon Mr. Everard, giving him her hand to kiss, and
+graciously permitting him to sit with her beside her aunt. He would
+point out all the celebrities of town and Bath for her edification,
+recalling carefully chosen and still more carefully censured anecdotes
+of each one. She discovered that Mr. Everard was an entertaining and
+harmless enough companion, and even expanded a little, allowing him a
+glimpse of her whimsical nature with its laughter and its hint of tears.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover saw enough to guess at the unsounded depths in her
+soul, and he became lover-like. Diana recoiled instinctively, throwing
+up a barrier of reserve between them. It was not what he said that
+alarmed her, but it was the way in which he said it, and the vague
+something in the purring, faintly sinister voice that she could not
+quite define, that made her heart beat unpleasantly fast, and the blood
+rush to her temples. She began first to dread the morning promenade,
+and then to avoid it. One day she had a headache; the next her foot was
+sore; another time she wanted to work at her fancy stitchery, until her
+aunt, who knew how she disliked her needle, and how singularly free from
+headaches and all petty ailments she was wont to be, openly taxed her
+with no longer wishing to walk abroad.</p>
+
+<p>They were in the girl's bedroom at the time, Diana seated before her
+dressing-table, brushing out her hair for the night. When her aunt put
+the abrupt question she hesitated, caught a long strand in her comb, and
+pretended to be absorbed in its disentanglement. The clouds of rippling
+hair half hid her face, but Miss Betty observed how her fingers
+trembled, and repeated her question. Then came the confession. Mr.
+Everard was unbearable; his attentions were odious; his continued
+presence revolting to Mistress Di. She was afraid of him, afraid of his
+dreadful green eyes and of his soft voice. She wished they had never
+come to Bath, and still more that they had not met him. He looked at her
+as if&mdash;as if&mdash;oh, in short, he was hateful!</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty was horrified.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot mean it! Dear, dear, dear! Here was I thinking what a
+pleasant gentleman he was, and all the time he was persecuting my poor
+Di, the wretch! <i>I</i> know the type, my love, and I feel inclined to give
+him a good piece of my mind!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no&mdash;no!" implored Diana. "Indeed, you must do no such thing,
+Auntie! He has said nought that I could possibly be offended at&mdash;'tis
+but his <i>manner</i>, and the&mdash;and the way he looked at me. Indeed, indeed,
+you must not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, child! Of course I shall say nought. But it makes me so monstrous
+angry to think of my poor lamb being tormented by such as he that I
+declare I could tear his eyes out! Yes, my dear, I could! Thank goodness
+we are leaving Bath next week!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," sighed Diana. "I cannot help being glad, though Madam Thompson is
+very amiable! 'Tis so very different when there is no man with one!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right, my love. We should have insisted on your father's
+staying with us instead of allowing him to fly back to his fusty, musty
+old volumes. I shall not be so foolish another time, I can assure you.
+But we need not go to the Assembly Rooms again."</p>
+
+<p>"I need not go," corrected Diana gently. "Of course you and Madam
+Thompson will continue to."</p>
+
+<p>"To tell the truth, my love," confessed Miss Betty, "I shall not be
+sorry for an excuse to stay away. 'Tis doubtless most ill-natured of me,
+but I cannot but think that Hester has altered sadly since last I saw
+her. She is always talking of sermons and good works!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana twisted her luxuriant hair into a long plait, and gave a gurgling
+little laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Auntie, is it not depressing? I wondered how you could tolerate it!
+She is so vastly solemn, poor dear thing!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Miss Betty charitably, "she has seen trouble, has Hester
+Thompson, and I have my doubts about this George of hers. A worthless
+young man, I fear, from all accounts. But, unkind though it may be, I
+shall be glad to find myself at home again, and that's the truth!" She
+rose and picked up her candle. "In fact, I find Bath not half so amusing
+as I was told 'twould be."</p>
+
+<p>Diana walked with her to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not amusing at all when one has no friends; but last year, when my
+cousins were with us and papa took a house for the season on the North
+Parade, 'twas most enjoyable. I wish you had been there, instead of with
+that disagreeable Aunt Jennifer!"</p>
+
+<p>She kissed her relative most affectionately and lighted her across the
+landing to her room. Then she returned to her room and shut the door,
+giving a tired little yawn.</p>
+
+<p>It was at about that moment that his Grace of Andover was ushered into
+the already crowded card-room of my Lord Avon's house in Catharine
+Place, and was greeted with ribald cries of "Oho, Belmanoir!", and
+"Where's the lady, Devil?"</p>
+
+<p>He walked coolly forward into the full light of a great pendant
+chandelier, standing directly beneath it, the diamond order on his
+breast burning and winking like a living thing. The diamonds in his
+cravat and on his fingers glittered every time he moved, until he seemed
+to be carelessly powdered with iridescent gems. As usual, he was clad in
+black, but it would have been difficult to find any other dress in the
+room more sumptuous or more magnificent than his sable satin with its
+heavy silver lacing, and shimmering waistcoat. Silver lace adorned his
+throat and fell in deep ruffles over his hands, and in defiance of
+Fashion, which decreed that black alone should be worn to tie the hair,
+he displayed long silver ribands, very striking against his unpowdered
+head.</p>
+
+<p>He raised his quizzing glass and looked round the room with an air of
+surprised hauteur. Lord Avon, leaning back in his chair at one of the
+tables, shook a reproving finger at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Belmanoir, Belmanoir, we have seen her and we protest she is too
+charming for you!"</p>
+
+<p>"In truth, we think we should be allowed a share in the lady'th
+thmileth," lisped one from behind him, and his Grace turned to face
+dainty, effeminate little Viscount Fotheringham, who stood at his elbow,
+resplendent in salmon-pink satin and primrose velvet, with skirts so
+full and stiffly whaleboned that they stood out from his person, and
+heels so high that instead of walking he could only mince.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy made a low leg.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely shall you have a share in her smiles an she wills it so," he
+purred, and a general laugh went up which caused the fop to flush to the
+ears, as he speedily effaced himself.</p>
+
+<p>He had been one of those who had tried to accost Diana, and
+gossip-loving Will Stapely, with him at the time, had related the story
+of his discomfiture to at least half-a-dozen men, who immediately told
+it to others, vastly amused at the pertinacious Viscount's rebuff.</p>
+
+<p>"What was it Selwyn said?" drawled Sir Gregory Markham, shuffling cards
+at Lord Avon's table.</p>
+
+<p>Davenant looked across at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"George? Of Belmanoir? When?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, at White's one night&mdash;I forget&mdash;Jack Cholmondely was there&mdash;he
+would know; and Horry Walpole. 'Twas of Devil and his light o'
+loves&mdash;quite apt, on the whole."</p>
+
+<p>Cholmondely looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"Did I hear my name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. What was it George said of Belmanoir at White's the night Gilly
+made that absurd bet with Ffolliott?"</p>
+
+<p>"When Gilly&mdash;oh, yes, I remember. 'Twas but an old hexameter tag,
+playing on his name: '<i>Est bellum bellis bellum bellare puellis</i>.' He
+seemed to think it a fitting motto for a ducal house."</p>
+
+<p>There was another general laugh at this. Markham broke in on it:</p>
+
+<p>"Who is she, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace turned.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is who?" he asked languidly.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Avon burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, come now, Belmanoir, that won't do! It really will not! Who is she,
+indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, Belmanoir, who is the black-haired beauty, and where did you find
+her?" cried Tom Wilding, pressing forward with a glass in one hand and a
+bottle of port in the other. "I thought you were captivated by Cynthia
+Evans?"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy looked bewildered for the moment, and then a light dawned on him.</p>
+
+<p>"Evans! Ah, yes! The saucy widow who lived in Kensington, was it not? I
+remember."</p>
+
+<p>"He had forgotten!" cried Avon, and went off into another of the noisy
+laughs that had more than once caused Mr. Nash to shudder and to close
+his august eyes. "You'll be the death of me, Devil! Gad! but you will!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I trust not. Thank you, Wilding." He accepted the glass that Tom
+offered, and sipped delicately.</p>
+
+<p>"But you've not answered!" reminded Fortescue from another table. He
+dealt the cards round expertly. "Is it hands off, perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," replied his Grace. "It generally is, Frank, as you know."</p>
+
+<p>"To my cost!" was the laughing rejoinder, and Fortescue rubbed his sword
+arm as if in memory of some hurt. "You pinked me finely, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Clumsily, Frank, clumsily. It might have been quicker done."</p>
+
+<p>The Viscount, who had been a second at the meeting, tittered amiably.</p>
+
+<p>"Neatetht thing I ever thaw, 'pon my honour. All over in leth than a
+minute, Avon! Give you my word!"</p>
+
+<p>"Never knew you had fought Devil, Frank? What possessed you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was more mad than usual, I suppose," replied Fortescue in his low,
+rather dreamy voice, "and I interfered between Tracy and his French
+singer. He objected most politely, and we fought it out in Hyde Park."</p>
+
+<p>"Gad, yes!" exclaimed his partner, Lord Falmouth. "Why, I was Devil's
+second! But it was ages ago!"</p>
+
+<p>"Two years," nodded Fortescue, "but I have not forgotten, you see!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, I had! And 'twas the funniest fight I ever saw, with you as
+furious as could be and Devil cool as a cucumber. You were never much of
+a swordsman, Frank, but that morning you thrust so wildly that stap me
+if I didn't think Devil would run you through. 'Stead of that he pinks
+you neatly through the sword-arm, and damme if you didn't burst out
+laughing fit to split! And then we all walked off to breakfast with you,
+Frank, as jolly as sandboys. Heavens, yes. That was a fight!"</p>
+
+<p>"It was amusing," admitted Tracy at Fortescue's elbow. "Don't play,
+Frank."</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue flung his cards face downwards on the table. "Curse you,
+Tracy, you've brought bad luck!" he said entirely without rancour. "I
+had quite tolerable hands before you came."</p>
+
+<p>"Belmanoir, I will thtake my chestnut mare 'gaintht your new grey,"
+lisped the Viscount, coming up to the table, dice-box in hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Stap me, but that is too bad!" cried Wilding. "Don't take him, Devil!
+Have you seen the brute?"</p>
+
+<p>The four players had finished their card-playing and were quite ready
+for the dice.</p>
+
+<p>"Trust in your luck, Belmanoir, and take him!" advised Pritchard, who
+loved hazarding other men's possessions, but kept a tight hold on his
+own.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, take him!" echoed Falmouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't," said Fortescue.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I shall take him," answered his Grace tranquilly. "My grey
+against your chestnut and the best of three. Will you throw?"</p>
+
+<p>The Viscount rattled his box with a flourish. Two threes and a one
+turned up.</p>
+
+<p>With a hand on Fortescue's shoulder, and one foot on the rung of his
+chair, Tracy leaned forward and cast his own dice on to the table. He
+had beaten the Viscount's throw by five. The next toss Fotheringham won,
+but the last fell to his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>"Damnathion!" said the Viscount cheerfully. "Will you thtake your grey
+againtht my Terror?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thunder and turf, Fotheringham! You'll lose him!" cried Nettlefold
+warningly. "Don't stake the Terror!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonthenth! Do you take me, Belmanoir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," said the Duke, and threw.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, an you are in a gaming mood, I will play you for the right to try
+my hand with the dark beauty!" called Markham across the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Against what?" asked Fortescue.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what he wills!"</p>
+
+<p>The Viscount had cast and lost, and his Grace won the second throw.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears my luck is in," he remarked. "I will stake my beauty against
+your estates, Markham."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Gregory shook his head, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Keep the lady!"</p>
+
+<p>"I intend to, my dear fellow. She is not your style. I begin to wonder
+whether she altogether suits my palate." He drew out his snuff-box and
+offered it to his host, and the other men finding that he was proof
+against their railing, allowed the subject to drop.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of the evening his Grace won three thousand guineas&mdash;two
+at ombre and one at dice&mdash;lost his coveted grey hunter and won him back
+again from Wilding, to whom he had fallen. He came away at three o'clock
+in company with Fortescue, both perfectly cool-headed, although his
+Grace, for his part, had imbibed a considerable quantity of burgundy,
+and more punch than any ordinary man could take without afterwards
+feeling very much the worse for wear.</p>
+
+<p>As my Lord Avon's door closed behind them, Tracy turned to his friend:</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we walk, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Since our ways lie together, yes," replied Fortescue, linking his arm
+in the Duke's. "Down Brock Street and across the Circus is our quickest
+way."</p>
+
+<p>They strolled down the road for a few moments in silence, passing a
+linkman on the way. Fortescue bade him a cheery good-night, which was
+answered in a very beery voice, but the Duke said nothing. Frank looked
+into his dark-browed face thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You've had the luck, to-night, Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"Moderately. I hoped entirely to repair last week's losses."</p>
+
+<p>"You are in debt, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe so."</p>
+
+<p>"To what extent, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear fellow, I neither have, nor wish to have, the vaguest notion.
+Pray do not treat me to a sermon!"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not. I've said all I have to say on the subject."</p>
+
+<p>"Many times."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;many times. And it has had no more effect upon you than if I had
+not spoken."</p>
+
+<p>"Less."</p>
+
+<p>"I daresay. I wish it were not so, for there's good in you somewhere,
+Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"By what strange process of reasoning do you arrive at that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Fortescue laughing, "there's nearly always some good in the
+very worst of men. I count on that&mdash;and your kindness to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be interested to know when I have been kind to you&mdash;beyond the
+time when I was compelled to teach you to leave me and my affairs
+alone."</p>
+
+<p>"I was not referring to that occasion," was the dry answer. "I had not
+seen your act in that light. I meant well over the episode."</p>
+
+<p>"You could not damn yourself more effectually than by saying that," said
+his Grace calmly. "But we wander from the point. When have I done you an
+act of kindness?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know very well. When you extricated me from that cursed
+sponging-house."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember now. Yes, that <i>was</i> good of me. I wonder why I did it?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis what I want to know."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I must have had some sort of an affection for you. I would
+certainly never have done such a thing for anyone else."</p>
+
+<p>"Not even for your own brother!" said Frank sharply.</p>
+
+<p>They had crossed the Circus and were walking down Gay Street now.</p>
+
+<p>"Least of all for them," came the placid response. "You are thinking of
+Andrew's tragic act? Most entertaining, was it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"You evidently found it so."</p>
+
+<p>"I did. I wanted to prolong the sensation, but my esteemed
+brother-in-law came to the young fool's rescue."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you have assisted him?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the end I fear I should have had to."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe there must be a kink in your brain!" cried Fortescue. "I
+cannot else account for your extraordinary conduct!"</p>
+
+<p>"We Belmanoirs are all half-mad," replied Tracy sweetly, "but I think
+that in my case it is merely concentrated evil."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not believe it! You have shown that you can behave differently!
+You do not try to strip me of all I possess&mdash;why all those unfortunate
+youths you play with?"</p>
+
+<p>"You see, you possess so little," the Duke excused himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither do you sneer at me in your loathsome fashion. Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have hardly ever any desire to. I like you."</p>
+
+<p>"Tare an' ouns! you must like someone else in the world besides me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can think of no one. And I do not exactly worship the ground <i>you</i>
+tread on. The contemplation of my brothers appals me. I have loved
+various women, and shall no doubt love many more&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Tracy," interposed Fortescue, "you have never loved a woman in your
+life. 'Tis that that might save you. I do not allude to the lustful
+passion you indulge in, but real love. For God's sake Belmanoir, live
+clean!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray do not distress yourself, Frank. I am not worth it."</p>
+
+<p>"I choose to think that you are. I cannot but feel that if you had been
+loved as a boy&mdash;Your mother&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever see my mother?" inquired his Grace lazily.</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever seen my sister?"</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In a rage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Really, I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, if you have, you have seen my mother. Only she was ten times
+more violent. In fact, we were a pleasant party when we were all at
+home."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand."</p>
+
+<p>"Good Gad! I believe you are sorry for me?" cried Tracy scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I am. Is it a presumption on my part?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Frank, when I am sorry for myself you may be sorry too. Until
+then&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"When that day comes I shall no longer pity you."</p>
+
+<p>"Very deep, Frank! You think I shall be on the road to recovery? A
+pretty conceit. Luckily, the happy moment has not yet come&mdash;and I do not
+think it is like to. We appear to have arrived."</p>
+
+<p>They were standing outside one of the tall houses where Fortescue
+lodged. He turned and grasped his friend's shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, give up this mad life you lead! Give up the women and the drink,
+and the excessive gaming; for one day, believe me, you will overstep
+yourself and be ruined!"</p>
+
+<p>The Duke disengaged himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I very much object to being man-handled in the street," he complained.
+"I suppose you still <i>mean</i> well. You should strive to conquer the
+tendency."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder if you know how insolent is your tone, Belmanoir?" asked
+Fortescue steadily.</p>
+
+<p>"Naturally. I should not have attained such perfection in the art else.
+But pray accept my thanks for your good advice. You will forgive me an I
+do not avail myself of it, I am sure. I prefer the crooked path."</p>
+
+<p>"Evidently," sighed the other. "If you will not try the straight and
+narrow way, I can only hope that you will fall very deeply and very
+honestly in love; and that the lady will save you from yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"I will inform you of it when it comes to pass," promised his Grace.
+"And now: good-night!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night!" Frank returned the low bow with a curt nod. "I shall see
+you to-morrow&mdash;that is, this morning&mdash;at the Baths?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," was the smiling
+rejoinder. "Sleep soundly, Frank!" He waved an ironic farewell and
+crossed the road to his own lodgings, which stood almost directly
+opposite.</p>
+
+<p>"And I suppose <i>you</i> will sleep as soundly as if you had not a stain on
+your conscience&mdash;and had not tried your uttermost to alienate the regard
+of the only friend you possess," remarked Frank bitterly to the
+darkness. "Damn you, Tracy, for the villain you are!" He walked up the
+steps to his own front door and turned the key in the lock. He looked
+over his shoulder as a door slammed across the street. "Poor Devil!" he
+said. "Oh, you poor Devil!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h3>
+
+<h3>THE BITER BIT</h3>
+
+
+<p>With John Carstares the winter had passed quite uneventfully. He
+continued his highway robbery, but he made two bad blunders&mdash;not from
+the point of view of a thief, but from that of the gentleman in him. The
+first was when he stopped an opulent-looking chariot, which he found to
+contain two ladies, their maid and their jewels, and the second when the
+occupant of a large travelling coach chanced to be an old gentleman who
+possessed far greater courage than physical strength. On the first
+occasion my lord's dismay had been ludicrous, and he had hastily retired
+after tendering a naive apology. The old gentleman in the second episode
+had defied him so gallantly that he had impulsively offered him the butt
+end of one of his pistols. The old man was so surprised that he allowed
+the weapon to fall to the ground, where it exploded quite harmlessly,
+sending up a cloud of dust and smoke. Carstares then begged his pardon
+most humbly, assisted him back into his coach, and rode off before the
+astonished Mr. Dunbar had time to collect his wits.</p>
+
+<p>The robbing was not carried out in a very scientific manner, for, as has
+been seen, Carstares could not bring himself to terrorise women or old
+men, and there only remained the young and the middle-aged gentlemen,
+one of whom Jack offered to fight for the possession of his jewels. His
+challenge was promptly accepted by the man, who happened to possess a
+strong sense of humour, and probably saw a chance of saving his
+belongings in the offer. He had been speedily worsted, but Carstares was
+so pleased with a particularly neat thrust which he had executed, that
+he forwent half the booty, and the pair of them divided the contents of
+the jewel-box by the roadside, the sporting gentleman keeping his most
+valued belongings and giving Jack the surplus. They parted on the very
+best of terms, and all Carstares got out of the episode was a little
+sword practice and a few trinkets.</p>
+
+<p>When day came he was patrolling the west side of Sussex, beyond
+Midhurst, not because he thought it a profitable part, but because he
+knew and loved the country. One late afternoon towards the end of the
+month he rode gaily into one of the small villages that nestle amongst
+the Downs, and made his way down the quaint main street to the George
+Inn, where he drew rein and dismounted. At his call an aged ostler
+hobbled out of a side door, chewing an inevitable straw, and after
+eyeing the newcomer and his steed for an appreciable length of time,
+evidently decided that they were worthy of his attention, for he came
+forward, remarking that it had been a pleasant day.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares agreed with him, and volunteered the information that it would
+be another fine day to-morrow, if the sunset were to be trusted. To this
+the ostler replied that he, for one, never trusted to no red sunsets,
+and added darkly that there warn't nothing so deceitful to his manner o'
+thinking. He'd known it be such a red sunset as never was, and yet be
+a-pouring with rain all next day.... Should he take the mare?</p>
+
+<p>Carstares shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I thank you. I remain here but a few moments. I doubt she's thirsty
+though&mdash;eh, Jenny?"</p>
+
+<p>"Water, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"For her, yes. For myself I fancy a tankard of your home-brewed ale.
+Stand, Jenny!" He turned away and walked up the steps to the inn door.</p>
+
+<p>"Be you a-going to leave her there, sir&mdash;a-standing all by herself?"
+inquired the man, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes! She's docile enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Well! Seems to me a risky thing to leave a hoss&mdash;and a skittish hoss at
+that&mdash;a-standing loose in the road. Ye won't be tying her to a post,
+master?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares leaned his arms on the balustrade and looked down at them.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not. She'd be very hurt at such treatment, wouldn't you, lass?"</p>
+
+<p>Jenny tossed her head playfully, as if in agreement, and the ostler
+scratched his head, looking from her to my lord:</p>
+
+<p>"A'most seems as if she understands what you be a-saying to her, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she understands! Don't I tell you 'tis a clever little lady?
+If I call her now she'll come up these steps to me, and not all the
+ostlers in Christendom could stop her."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't'ee go for to do it, sir!" urged the old man, backing. "She must
+be uncommon fond o' ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"She'd be a deal fonder of you if you'd fetch her a drink," hinted Jack
+broadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir! I be a-going this werry instant!" And with many an anxious
+glance over his shoulder at the perfectly quiet mare, he disappeared
+through an open doorway into the yard.</p>
+
+<p>When Carstares, tankard of ale in hand, emerged from the inn and sat
+himself down on one of the benches that stood against the wall, the
+mare was drinking thirstily from a bucket which the ancient one held for
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a wunnerful fine mare, sir," he remarked at length, after a
+careful inspection of her points.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares nodded pleasantly, and surveyed Jenny through half-shut eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so every time I look at her," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I should think she could get a bit of a pace on her, sir? Mebbe ye've
+tried her racing?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, she wasn't brought up to that. But she's fast enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir. No vices?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, no!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't kick neither?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! they allus knows who'll stand it and who won't."</p>
+
+<p>Jack drained his tankard, and setting it down on the bench beside him,
+rose to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"She'd not dream of kicking a friend. Jenny!"</p>
+
+<p>The ostler watched her pick her way towards her master, coquetting with
+her head, and sidling round him in the most playful manner possible. A
+slow smile dawned on the man's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, it be a purty sight to watch her&mdash;so it be!" he said, and received
+a guinea from Jack, who never tired of listening to praise of his
+beloved Jenny.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares remounted, nodded farewell to the ostler and rode leisurely on
+down the street, soon branching off to the right into a typical Sussex
+lane, where he trotted between uneven hedges, sweet with blossom and
+with May, and placid fields rolling away on either side, upwards until
+they merged into the undulating hills, barely discernible in the gloom,
+that are the downs. It was a wonderfully calm evening, with only a
+gentle west wind blowing, and the moon already shining faintly in the
+dark sky. There was nothing beyond the sound of the mare's hoofs to
+break the beautiful stillness of it all.</p>
+
+<p>He rode for some way without meeting a soul, and when at the end of an
+hour someone did chance along the road it was only a labourer returning
+home to his supper after a long day in the fields. John bade him a
+cheery good evening and watched him pass on down the road humming.</p>
+
+<p>After that he met no one. He rode easily along for miles, into the
+fast-gathering darkness. He was frowning as he rode, thinking.</p>
+
+<p>Curiously enough, it was on his penniless days in France that his mind
+dwelt this evening. He had resolutely thrust that dark time behind him,
+determined to forget it, but there were still days when, try as he
+might, he could not prevent his thoughts flying back to it.</p>
+
+<p>With clenched teeth he recalled the days when he, the son of an Earl,
+had taught fencing in Paris for a living.... Suddenly he laughed
+harshly, and at the unusual sound the mare pricked up her ears and
+sidled uneasily across the road. For once no notice was taken of her,
+and she quickened her pace with a flighty toss of her head....</p>
+
+<p>He thought how he, the extravagant John, had pinched and scraped and
+saved rather than go under; how he had lived in one of the poorer
+<i>quartiers</i> of the city, alone, without friends&mdash;nameless.</p>
+
+<p>Then, cynically now, he reviewed the time when he had taken to drinking,
+heavily and systematically, and had succeeded in pulling himself up at
+the very brink of the pit he saw yawning before him.</p>
+
+<p>Next the news of his mother's death.... John passed over that quickly.
+Even now the thought of it had the power of rousing in him all the old
+misery and impotent resentment.</p>
+
+<p>His mind sped on to his Italian days. On his savings he had travelled to
+Florence, and from there he went gradually south, picking up all the
+latest arts and subtleties of fence on the way.</p>
+
+<p>The change of scene and of people did much to restore his spirits. His
+devil-may-care ways peeped out again; he started to gamble on the little
+money he had left. For once Fortune proved kind; he doubled and trebled
+and quadrupled the contents of his purse. Then it was that he met Jim
+Salter, whom he engaged as his servant. This was the first friend since
+he had left England. Together they travelled about Europe, John gambling
+his way, Jim keeping a relentless hand on the exchequer. It was entirely
+owing to his watchfulness and care that John was not ruined, for his
+luck did not always hold good, and there were days when he lost with
+distressing steadiness. But Jim guarded the winnings jealously, and
+there was always something to fall back on.</p>
+
+<p>At last the longing for England and English people grew so acute that
+John made up his mind to return. But he found that things in England
+were very different from what they had been abroad. Here he was made to
+feel acutely that he was outcast. It was impossible to live in town
+under an assumed name, as he would like to have done, for too many
+people knew Jack Carstares, and would remember him. He saw that he must
+either live secluded, or&mdash;and the idea of becoming a highwayman occurred
+to him. A hermit's existence he knew to be totally unsuited to a man of
+his temperament, but the free, adventurous spirit of the road appealed
+to him. The finding of his mare&mdash;J. the Third, as he laughingly dubbed
+her&mdash;decided the point; he forthwith took on himself the role of
+quixotic highwayman, roaming his beloved South Country, happier than he
+had been since he first left England; bit by bit regaining his youth and
+spirits, which last, not all the trouble he had been through had
+succeeded in extinguishing....</p>
+
+<p>Clip-clap, clip-clop.... With a jerk he came back to earth and reined-in
+his mare, the better to listen.</p>
+
+<p>Along the road came the unmistakable sound of horses' hoofs, and the
+scrunch-scrunch of swiftly-revolving wheels on the sandy surface.</p>
+
+<p>By now the moon was right out, but owing to the fact that she was
+playing at hide-and-seek in and out of the clouds, it was fairly dark.
+Nevertheless, Jack fastened his mask over his face with quick, deft
+fingers, and pulled his hat well over his eyes. His ears told him that
+the vehicle, whatever it was, was coming towards him, so he drew into
+the side of the road, and taking a pistol from its holster, sat waiting,
+his eyes on the bend in the road.</p>
+
+<p>Nearer and nearer came the horses, until the leader swung round the
+corner. Carstares saw that it was an ordinary travelling chariot, and
+levelled his pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Halt, or I fire!" He had to repeat the command before it was heard, and
+to ride out from the shadow of the hedge.</p>
+
+<p>The chariot drew up and the coachman leaned over the side to see who it
+was bidding them to stop in so peremptory a manner.</p>
+
+<p>"What d'ye want? Who are ye? Is there aught amiss?" he cried testily,
+and found himself staring at a long-nosed pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Throw down your arms!"</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't got none, blast ye!"</p>
+
+<p>"On your honour?" Jack dismounted.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay! Wish I had, and I'd see ye damned afore I'd throw 'em down!"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the door of the coach opened and a gentleman leapt
+lightly down on to the road. He was big and loose-limbed as far as
+Carstares could see, and carried himself with an easy grace.</p>
+
+<p>My lord presented his pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Stand!" he ordered gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>The moon peeped coyly out from behind a cloud and shed her light upon
+the little group as if to see what all the fuss was about. The big man's
+face was in the shadow, but Jack's pistol was not. Into its muzzle the
+gentleman gazed, one hand deep in the pocket of his heavy cloak, the
+other holding a small pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Me very dear friend," he said in a rich brogue, "perhaps ye are not
+aware that that same pistol ye are pointing at me is unloaded? Don't
+move; I have ye covered!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack's arm fell to his side, and the pistol he held clattered to the
+ground. But it was not surprise at Jim's defection that caused him that
+violent start. It was something far more overwhelming. For the voice
+that proceeded from the tall gentleman belonged to one whom, six years
+ago, he had counted, next to Richard, his greatest friend on earth.</p>
+
+<p>The man moved a little, and the moonlight shone full on his face,
+clearly outlining the large nose and good-humoured mouth, and above, the
+sleepy grey eyes. Miles! Miles O'Hara! For once Jack could find nothing
+amusing in the situation. It was too inconceivably hideous that he
+should meet his friend in this guise, and, further, be unable to reveal
+himself. A great longing to tear off his mask and to grasp Miles' hand
+assailed him. With an effort he choked it down and listened to what
+O'Hara was saying:</p>
+
+<p>"If ye will be so kind as to give me your word of honour ye'll not be
+afther trying to escape, I should be greatly obliged. But I tell ye
+first that if ye attempt to move, I shall shoot."</p>
+
+<p>Jack made a hopeless gesture with his hand. He felt dazed. The whole
+thing was ridiculous; how Miles would laugh afterwards. He went cold.
+There would be no "afterwards".... Miles would never know.... He would
+be given over to the authorities, and Miles would never know that he had
+helped Jack Carstares to the scaffold.... Perhaps, too, he would not
+mind so very much, now that he, Jack, was so disgraced. One could never
+tell; even if he risked everything now, and told his true identity,
+Miles might turn away from him in disgust; Miles, who could never stoop
+to a dishonourable act. Carstares felt that he would bear anything
+sooner than face this man's scorn....</p>
+
+<p>"Never tell me 'tis a dumb man ye are, for I heard ye shout meself! Do
+ye give me your word of honour, or must I have ye bound?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares pulled himself together and set his teeth as he faced the
+inevitable. Escape was impossible; Miles would shoot, he felt sure, and
+then his disguise would be torn away and his friend would see that Jack
+Carstares was nothing but a common highwayman. Whatever happened, that
+must not be, for the sake of the name and Richard. So he quietly held
+out his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, I give my word, but ye can bind me if ye choose." It was his
+highwayman voice: raucous, and totally unlike his own.</p>
+
+<p>But O'Hara's eyes were fixed on the slender white hands held out to him.
+In his usual haphazard fashion, Jack had quite forgotten to grime his
+hands. They were shapely and white, and carefully manicured.</p>
+
+<p>Miles took either wrist in his large hands and turned them palm upwards
+in the moonlight.</p>
+
+<p>"Singularly white hands ye have, for one in your profession," he
+drawled, and tightened his hold as Jack tried to draw them away. "No, ye
+do not! Now be so good as to step within, me friend."</p>
+
+<p>Jack held back an instant.</p>
+
+<p>"My mare?" he asked, and O'Hara noted the anxiety in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye need not be after worrying about her," he said. "George!" The
+footman sprang forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Yessir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye see that mare? I want ye to ride her home. Can ye do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yessir!"</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt it," murmured Jack.</p>
+
+<p>So did Jenny. She refused point blank to allow this stranger to mount
+her. Her master had left her in one spot, and there she would stand
+until he chose to bid her move. In vain did the groom coax and coerce.
+She ran round him and seemed a transformed creature. She laid her ears
+flat and gnashed at the bit, ready to lash out furiously at the first
+opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>Jack watched the man's futile struggles with the ghost of a smile about
+his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Jenny!" he said quietly, and O'Hara looked round at him sharply,
+frowning. Unconsciously, he had spoken naturally, and the voice was
+faintly familiar.</p>
+
+<p>Jenny twitched the bridle from the perspiring groom and minced up to the
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"Would ye allow me to have a hand free&mdash;sir?" he asked. "Mebbe I can
+manage her."</p>
+
+<p>Without a word Miles released him, and he caught the bridle, murmuring
+something unintelligible to the now quiet animal.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara watched the beautiful hand stroke her muzzle reassuringly, and
+frowned again. No ordinary highwayman this.</p>
+
+<p>"Mount her now, will 'ee?" Jack flung at the groom, and kept a warning
+hand on the rein as the man obeyed. With a final pat he turned away.
+"She'll do now, sir."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye've trained her well. Get in, please."</p>
+
+<p>Jack obeyed, and in a minute or two O'Hara jumped in after him, and the
+coach began to move forward.</p>
+
+<p>For a while there was silence, Carstares keeping himself well under
+control. It was almost unbearable to think that after this brief drive
+he would never set eyes on his friend again, and he wanted so badly to
+turn and grasp that strong hand....</p>
+
+<p>Miles turned in his seat and tried to see the masked face in the
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are a gentleman?" he asked, going straight to the point.</p>
+
+<p>Jack was prepared for this.</p>
+
+<p>"Me, sir? Lor' no, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not believe ye. Don't be forgettin' I've seen your hands!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hands, sir?" in innocent bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, ye don't think I'd be believing ye an ordinary rogue, with hands
+like that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't rightly understand ye, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bejabers then, ye'll be understanding me tomorrow!"</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. Ye may as well tell me now as then. I'm not such a daft fool
+as I look, and I know a gentleman when I see one, even an he does growl
+at me as you do!" he chuckled. "And I'd an odd feeling I knew ye when ye
+spoke to the mare. I'd be loth to send a friend to the gallows."</p>
+
+<p>How well Jack knew that soft, persuasive voice. His hands clenched as he
+forced himself to answer:</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think I've ever seen ye afore, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe ye have not. We shall see to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"What do ye mean by to-morrow, sir?" ventured Carstares uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, ye will have the honour of appearing before me, me friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Before <i>you</i>, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? I'm a Justice of the Peace, heaven save the mark!"</p>
+
+<p>There was a breathless pause, and then at last the funny side of it
+struck Jack, and his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. The
+exquisite irony of it was almost too much for him. He, the Earl of
+Wyncham, was to be formally questioned by his friend Sir Miles O'Hara,
+J.P.!</p>
+
+<p>"What ails ye now, man? Ye find it amusing?" asked Miles, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Lud, yes!" gasped Jack, and collapsed into his corner.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY O'HARA INTERVENES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara found that her big, indolent husband was unusually silent
+next morning at breakfast. She had not been married long enough to
+consent to being practically ignored, no matter what the time of day,
+but she had been married quite long enough to know that before she took
+any direct action against him, she must first allow him to assuage his
+appetite. Accordingly she plied him with coffee and eggs, and with a
+satisfied and slightly motherly air, watched him attack a sirloin of
+beef. She was a pretty, birdlike little lady, with big eyes, and soft
+brown curls escaping from under a demure but very becoming mob cap. She
+measured five foot nothing in her stockings, and was sometimes referred
+to by her large husband as the Midget. Needless to say, this flippant
+appellation was in no wise encouraged by the lady.</p>
+
+<p>She decided that Miles had come to the end of his repast, and, planting
+two dimpled elbows on the table, she rested her small chin in her hands
+and looked across at him with something of the air of an inquisitive
+kitten.</p>
+
+<p>"Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara leaned back in his chair, and at the sight of her fresh
+prettiness his brow cleared and he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, asthore?"</p>
+
+<p>A reproachful finger was raised and a pair of red lips pouted adorably.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Miles, confess you've been vastly disagreeable this morning. Twice
+have I spoken to you and you've not troubled to answer me&mdash;nay, let me
+finish! And once you growled at me like a nasty bear! Yes, sir, you
+did!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I now, Molly? 'Tis a surly brute you're after thinking me, then?
+Troth, and I've been sore perplexed, me dear."</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara got up and sidled round to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you so, Miles?"</p>
+
+<p>He flung an arm about her and drew her on to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, yes, Molly."</p>
+
+<p>"Well then, Miles, had you not better tell me what it is that troubles
+you?" she coaxed, laying a persuasive hand on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>He smiled up at her.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis just an inquisitive puss you are!"</p>
+
+<p>Again the pout.</p>
+
+<p>"And ye should not pout your pretty lips at me if ye are not wanting me
+to kiss them!" he added, suiting the action to the word.</p>
+
+<p>"But of course I do!" cried my lady, returning the kiss with fervour.
+"Nay, Miles, tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"I see ye mean to have the whole tale out of me, so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure I do!" she nodded.</p>
+
+<p>He laid a warning finger on her lips and summoned up a mighty frown.</p>
+
+<p>"Now will ye be done interrupting, me lady?"</p>
+
+<p>Not a whit abashed, she bit the finger, pushed it away, and folding her
+hands in her lap, cast her eyes meekly heavenwards.</p>
+
+<p>With a twinkle in his own eyes the Irishman continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, alanna, ye must know that yesterday evening I was at Kilroy's on
+a matter of business&mdash;and that reminds me, Molly, we had a hand or two
+at faro and the like before I left, and I had very distressing luck&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>On a sudden my lady's demure air vanished.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so, Miles? I make no doubt the stakes were prodigious high?
+Pray, how much have you lost?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht, darlin', 'tis a mere thrifle, I assure you.... Well, as I was
+saying, on me way home, what should happen but that we be held up by one
+of these highwaymen&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>My lady's eyes widened in horror, and two little hands clutched at his
+coat.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>His arm tightened round her waist.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, asthore, I'm still alive to tell the tale, though 'tis not far
+I'll be getting with you interrupting at every moment!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, Miles, how terrible! You might have been killed! And you never
+told me! 'Twas monstrous wicked of you, darling!"</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, Molly, how should I be telling you when 'twas yourself that was
+fast asleep? Now will you whisht?"</p>
+
+<p>She nodded obediently, and dimpled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as I say, here was this man standing in the road, pointing his
+pistol at me. But will ye believe me, me love, when I tell you that that
+same pistol was as empty as&mdash;my own?" Here he was shaken with laughter.
+"Lud, Molly, 'twas the drollest thing! I had me pistol in me hand,
+knowing 'twas unloaded, and wondering what the devil, saving your
+presence, was to do next, when the idea struck me that I should try to
+bluff me fine sir. So I cried out that his pistol was unloaded, and
+completely took him by surprise! Sure he hadn't time to ask himself how
+the devil I should be knowing that! He dropped it on the road. Afther&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, you are becoming very Irish!"</p>
+
+<p>"Never say so, alanna. <i>After</i> that 'twas simple enough, and me lord
+gave in. He held out his hands for me to bind&mdash;and here's where 'tis
+puzzling, Molly&mdash;I saw that they were a prodigious sight too white and
+fine for an ordinary highwayman. So I taxed him with it&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas a gentleman in disguise! How splendid, Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>"Will ye hold your tongue, asthore, and not be spoiling me story on me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, indeed I am sorry! I will be good!"</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;and he started and seemed monstrous put out. What's more, me dear, I
+heard him speak to his mare in an ordinary, gentleman's voice. Molly, ye
+never saw the like of that same mare! The sweetest&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, never mind the mare, dear! I am all agog to hear about the
+gentleman-highwayman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, me love, though 'twas a prodigious fine mare&mdash;When I heard
+him speak, it flashed across me brain that I knew him&mdash;no, ye don't,
+Molly!" His hand was over her mouth as he spoke, and her eyes danced
+madly. "But I could not for the life of me think where I had heard that
+voice: 'twas but the one word I heard him speak, ye understand, and when
+I held his wrists I felt that 'twas no stranger. And yet 'tis
+impossible. When I got him within the coach&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How imprudent! He might have&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht now! When I got him within the coach I tried to worm his
+identity out of him, but 'twas to no avail. But when I told him he would
+have to appear before me to-day, he went off into a fit of laughing,
+till I wondered what he was at, at all. And not another word could I get
+out of him after beyond 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir.' Still, I felt that
+'twas a gentleman all the same, so I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.</p>
+
+<p>"You dear Miles! You let him escape?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, alanna, is it meself that would be doing the like? And me a
+Justice of the Peace withal? I told them not to handcuff me lord."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I do so wish you had let him escape! But if 'tis really a
+gentleman, you will?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will not then, asthore. I'll be sending him to await the Assizes."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very cruel, then."</p>
+
+<p>"But, me darlin'&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And I wish to get off your knee." He drew her close.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll see what can be done for your protege, Molly. But don't be
+forgetting he tried to kill the only husband you have!" He watched the
+effect of this with that humorous twinkle in his eye. But my lady was
+not to be put off.</p>
+
+<p>"With an empty pistol? Fie on you, Miles! And may I hide behind the
+screen while you question him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye may not."</p>
+
+<p>"But I wish so much to see him!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara shook his head with an air of finality she knew full well.
+However easy-going and good-natured her husband might be, there were
+times when he was impervious to all blandishments. So after darkly
+hinting that she would be nearer than he imagined, she gave up the
+contest to go and visit young Master David in his nursery.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>For some time in lock-up Carstares had cudgelled his brain to think out
+a possible mode of escape next day, but try as he might he could light
+on nothing. If only Miles were not to question him! It was hardly likely
+that he would be allowed to retain his mask, yet therein lay his only
+chance of preserving his incognito. He prayed that by some merciful
+providence O'Hara would either fail to recognise him or would at least
+pretend that he did not. Having decided that there was nothing further
+to be done in the matter he lay down on his extremely hard pallet, and
+went to sleep as if he had not a care in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, after a long and wordy argument with the head gaoler on
+the subject of masks, he was haled in triumph to the house.</p>
+
+<p>As the little cavalcade was about to ascend the steps that led to the
+front door, my Lady O'Hara came gaily forth carrying a basket and a pair
+of scissors, and singing a snatch of song. At the sight of the
+highwayman the song broke off and her red lips formed a long-drawn "Oh!"
+She stood quite still on the top step, gazing down at my lord. The two
+gaolers stood aside to allow her to come down, just as a greyhound
+darted up the steps and flung itself against her in an exuberance of
+joy. My lady, none too securely balanced, reeled; the basket fell from
+her arm, her foot missed the next step, and she tumbled headlong down.
+But in the flash of an eyelid Carstares had sprung forward and received
+her in his arms. He lowered her gently to the ground. "I trust you are
+not hurt, madam?" he asked, and retrieved her basket, handing it to her.</p>
+
+<p>Molly took it with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you sir, not at all; though I fear I should have injured myself
+quite considerably had you not been so swift in catching me. 'Twas most
+kind of you, I am sure!" She extended her small hand, and her eyes
+devoured him.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment my lord hesitated, and then, sweeping off his hat, he bowed
+low over the hand.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas less than nothing, madam," he said in his own cultivated voice.
+"I beg you will dismiss it from your mind." He straightened himself as
+the gaolers came forward, and put on his hat again.</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara stepped aside and watched them disappear into the house. Her
+cheeks were rather flushed, and her eyes suspiciously bright. Suddenly
+she nodded her head decisively, and throwing away her luckless basket,
+hurried across the lawn and entered the house through a long window.</p>
+
+<p>My lord was conducted to the library, where O'Hara sat awaiting him, and
+slouched forward with his hands thrust deep into his pockets and his hat
+still on his head.</p>
+
+<p>The head gaoler eyed him gloomily, and looked pained when Carstares with
+studied boorishness leaned carelessly against a fine carved table.</p>
+
+<p>"We 'ave refrained from 'andcuffin' pris'ner, sir, at your horders," he
+said, in a tone that warned O'Hara that should harm come of it, on his
+head be the blame.</p>
+
+<p>Miles nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," he said pleasantly, and glanced at the cloaked and masked
+figure before him with more suspicion than ever.</p>
+
+<p>"But I regrets to 'ave to report very hobstinate be'aviour on part of
+pris'ner, sir," added the gaoler impressively.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed?" said Miles gravely. "How so?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack controlled an insane desire to laugh, and listened to the gaoler's
+complaint.</p>
+
+<p>"You see the pris'ner, sir, with that great mask on 'is face? Afore we
+set out to come 'ere, I told 'im to take it hoff. And 'e refoosed, sir.
+Seeing as 'ow you gave no horders, I did not force 'im to hobey."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! ... Your name, please?"</p>
+
+<p>"John Smith, sir," answered Carstares promptly and hoarsely. O'Hara
+wrote it down with a sceptical smile on his lips that Jack did not quite
+like.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps ye will have the goodness to unmask?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a momentary silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir, I thought ye might allow me to keep it on?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did ye now? I will not be allowing any such thing."</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis impossible. Off with it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"If ye don't take it off, I shall ask these men to assist ye," warned
+Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"May I not speak with ye alone, sir?" pleaded Jack. By now O'Hara was
+greatly intrigued.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye may not. Unmask!" He was leaning half across the table, his eyes
+fixed on Jack's face.</p>
+
+<p>With a quaint little laugh that made O'Hara's brows contract swiftly, my
+lord shrugged his shoulders French fashion and obeyed. The mask and hat
+were tossed lightly on to the table, and Miles found himself gazing into
+a pair of blue eyes that met his half defiantly, half imploringly. He
+drew in his breath sharply and the thin ivory rule he held snapped
+suddenly between his fingers. And at that crucial moment a door behind
+him that had stood ajar was pushed open, and my Lady O'Hara came
+tripping into the room.</p>
+
+<p>The two gaolers and her husband turned at once to see who it was, while
+Jack, who had recognised her, but had not the least idea who she was,
+fell to dusting his boots with his handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara rose, and for once looked severe.</p>
+
+<p>"What&mdash;" he began, and stopped, for without so much as a glance at him,
+my lady ran towards the prisoner, crying:</p>
+
+<p>"Harry! Oh, Harry!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack gathered that he was the person addressed, and instantly made her
+an elaborate leg.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment she was tugging at the lapels of his coat, with her face
+upturned to his.</p>
+
+<p>"Harry, you WICKED boy!" she cried, and added beneath her breath: "My
+name is Molly!"</p>
+
+<p>A laugh sprang to my lord's eyes and his beautiful smile appeared.</p>
+
+<p>In a stupefied fashion O'Hara watched him steal an arm about her waist,
+and place a hand beneath her chin. The next instant a kiss was planted
+full on the little lady's lips, and he heard Jack Carstares' voice
+exclaim:</p>
+
+<p>"Fie on you, Molly, for a spoil-sport! Here had I fooled Miles to the
+top of my bent&mdash;and 'pon rep.! he scarce knows me yet!"</p>
+
+<p>My lady disengaged herself, blushing.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Miles, you do know Harry&mdash;my cousin Harry?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara collected his scattered wits and rose nobly to the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do, me dear, though at first he gave me such a shock, I was
+near dumbfounded. Ye are a mad, scatter-brained fellow to play such a
+thrick upon us, devil take ye!" He laid his hands on Jack's shoulders.
+"Pray, what did ye do it for, boy?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack's brain worked swiftly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Miles, never tell me you've forgot our wager! Did I not swear I'd
+have you at a disadvantage&mdash;to be even with you for that night at
+Jasper's? But what must you do but see my pistol was unloaded and make
+me lose my wager! Still, 'twas worth that and a night in gaol to see
+your face when I unmasked!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara shook him slightly, laughing, and turned to the two amazed
+gaolers. The senior gaoler met his humorous glance with a cold and
+indignant stare, and gave a prodigious sniff.</p>
+
+<p>"Me good fellows," drawled Miles, "I'm mighty sorry ye've been worried
+over me young cousin here. He's fooled us all it appears, but now
+there's nought to be done in the matter, though I've a mind to send him
+to await the next sessions!" He slipped a guinea into each curiously
+ready palm, and replied to the head gaoler's haughty bow with a pleasant
+nod. In silence he watched them leave the room shaking their heads over
+the incomprehensible ways of the gentry. Then he turned and looked
+across at Carstares.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY O'HARA RETIRES</h3>
+
+
+<p>For a long minute silence reigned, all three actors in the little comedy
+listening to the heavy footsteps retreating down the passage, Carstares
+with one arm still around my lady's waist and a rather strained look on
+his face. Molly instinctively felt that something beyond her ken was in
+the air, and glanced fearfully up at the white face above her. The
+expression in the blue eyes fixed on her husband made her turn sharply
+to look at him. She found that he was staring at my lord as though he
+saw a ghost: She wanted to speak, to relieve the tension, but all words
+stuck in her throat, and she could only watch the <i>denouement</i>
+breathlessly. At last O'Hara moved, coming slowly towards them, reading
+John's countenance. Some of the wonder went out of his face, and, as if
+he sensed the other's agony of mind, he smiled suddenly and laid his
+hands once more on the straight, stiff shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack, ye rascal, what do ye mean by hugging and kissing me wife under
+me very eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>Molly all at once remembered the position of her "Cousin Harry's" arm,
+and gave a little gasp, whisking herself away.</p>
+
+<p>My lord put out his hands and strove to thrust his friend off.</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, don't forget&mdash;don't forget&mdash;what I am!"</p>
+
+<p>The words were forced out, but his head was held high.</p>
+
+<p>"Tare an' ouns, man! And is it meself that'll be caring what ye may or
+may not be? Oh, Jack, Jack, I'm so pleased to see ye, that I can scarce
+realise 'tis yourself I am looking at! When did ye come to England, and
+what-a-plague are you doing in that costume?" He jerked his head to
+where John's mask lay, and wrung the hand he held as though he would
+never stop.</p>
+
+<p>"I've been in England a year. As to the mask&mdash;!" He shrugged and
+laughed.</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara pushed in between them.</p>
+
+<p>"But please I do not understand!" she said plaintively.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares bowed over her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"May I be permitted to thank you for your kindly intervention, my lady?
+And to congratulate Miles on his marriage?"</p>
+
+<p>She dimpled charmingly and curtsied. Her husband caught her round the
+waist.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, the saucy minx! Oh, me cousin Harry, forsooth! If it had been
+anyone but Jack I should be angry with ye, asthore, for 'twas a wicked
+thrick to play entirely!"</p>
+
+<p>She patted his hand and smiled across at Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, I would never have done such a forward thing had I not known
+that he was indeed a gentleman&mdash;and had he not saved me from sudden
+death!" she added as an afterthought.</p>
+
+<p>Miles looked sharply round at her and then at Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"What's this?"</p>
+
+<p>"My lady exaggerates," smiled my lord. "'Tis merely that I had the
+honour to catch her as she fell down the steps this morning."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara looked relieved.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are not hurt, alanna?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious, no! But I had to do something to show my gratitude&mdash;and I was
+sure that you would never expose <i>my</i> fraud&mdash;so I&mdash;But," as a sudden
+thought struck her, "you seem to <i>know</i> my highwayman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure an' I do, Molly. 'Tis none other than Jack Carstares of whom ye've
+often heard me speak!"</p>
+
+<p>She turned round eyes of wonderment upon my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be&mdash;is it possible that you are my husband's dearest
+friend&mdash;Lord John?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack flushed and bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"I was once&mdash;madam," he said stiffly.</p>
+
+<p>"Once!" she scoffed. "Oh, if you could but hear him speak of you! But
+I'll let you hear him speak <i>to</i> you, which perhaps you'll enjoy more. I
+know you've a prodigious great deal to say to one another, so I shall
+run away and leave you alone." She smiled graciously upon him, blew an
+airy kiss to her husband and went quickly out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares closed the door behind her and came back to O'Hara, who had
+flung himself back into his chair, trying, manlike, to conceal the
+excitement he was feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, sit ye down, Jack, and let me have the whole story!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord divested himself of his long cloak and shook out his hitherto
+tucked-up ruffles. From the pocket of his elegant scarlet riding coat he
+drew a snuff-box, which he opened languidly. With his eyes resting
+quizzically on O'Hara's face, he took a delicate pinch of snuff and
+minced across the room.</p>
+
+<p>Miles laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"What's this?"</p>
+
+<p>"This, my dear friend, is Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart.!" He bowed with
+great flourish.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye look it. But come over here, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart., and tell
+me everything."</p>
+
+<p>Jack perched on the edge of the desk and swung his leg.</p>
+
+<p>"Well really, I do not think there is much to tell that you do not
+already know, Miles. You know all about Dare's card-party, for instance,
+precisely six years ago?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis just exactly what I do not know!" retorted O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>"You surprise me! I thought the tale was rife."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Jack, will ye have done drawling at me? Don't be forgetting I'm
+your friend&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But are you? If you know the truth about me, do you feel inclined to
+call me friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"There never was a time when I would not have been proud to call ye
+friend, as ye would very well have known, had ye been aught but a damned
+young hothead! I heard that crazy tale about the card-party, but do ye
+think I believed it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was the obvious thing to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe, but I fancy I know ye just a little too well to believe any
+cock-and-bull story I'm told about ye. And even if I had been fool
+enough to have believed it, do ye think I'd be going back on ye? Sure,
+'tis a poor friend I'd be!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack stared down at the toe of his right boot in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"I know something more than we guessed happened at that same party, and
+I have me suspicions, but 'tis your affair, and whatever ye did ye had
+your reasons for. But, Jack, why in the name of wonder must ye fly off
+to the devil alone knows where, without so much as a good-bye to
+anyone?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares never raised his eyes from the contemplation of that boot. He
+spoke with difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"Miles&mdash;in my place&mdash;would you not have done the same?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You know you would. Was it likely that I should inflict myself on you
+at such a time? What would you have thought of me had I done so?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara brought his hand down smartly on the other's knee.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd have thought ye less of a young fool! I would have gone away with
+ye, and nothing would have stopped me!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack looked up and met his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I know," he said. "'Twas the thought of that&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;I could not be
+sure. How should I know whether you would even receive me? Last
+night&mdash;last night&mdash;I was horribly afraid...."</p>
+
+<p>The hand on his knee tightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye foolish boy! Ye foolish boy!"</p>
+
+<p>Bit by bit he drew the story of the past six years out of Carstares, and
+though it was a very modified version, Miles understood his friend well
+enough to read between the lines.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said Jack, when the recital was over, "tell me about
+yourself. When did you marry the attractive lady whom I have just been
+kissing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye rogue! I married Molly three years ago. 'Tis a real darling she is,
+isn't she? And upstairs there's a little chap&mdash;your godson."</p>
+
+<p>"You lucky fellow! My godson, you say? Could you not find anyone more
+worthy for that? I want to see him."</p>
+
+<p>"So ye shall presently. Have ye seen Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"A year ago I held up his coach. 'Twas dark, and I could scarce see him,
+but I thought he seemed aged."</p>
+
+<p>"Aged! Ye wouldn't be afther knowing him! 'Tis an old man he is. Though
+I swear 'tis no wonder with that hussy about the house! Lord, Jack, you
+were well out of that affair with her ladyship!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares nursed his foot reflectively.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia? What ails her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought that I know of, save it be her shrewish temper. 'Tis a dog's
+life she leads poor Dick."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to say she does not love Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say&mdash;sometimes she's as affectionate as you please, but at
+others she treats him to a fine exhibition of rage. And the money she
+spends! Of course, she married him for what she could get. There was
+never anything else to count with her."</p>
+
+<p>Jack sat very still.</p>
+
+<p>"And anyone but a young fool like yourself would have seen that!"</p>
+
+<p>A gleam of amusement shot into the wistful blue eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably. Yourself, for instance?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara chuckled.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ay, I knew! 'Twas the money she was after all along; and now
+there's not so much, it seems, as Dick won't touch a penny that belongs
+to you."</p>
+
+<p>"M'm. Warburton told me. Foolish of him."</p>
+
+<p>A grunt was the sole response.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's eyes narrowed a little as he gazed out of the window. "So Lavinia
+never cared? Lord, what a mix-up! And Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid he still does."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor old Dick! Devil take the woman! Does she bully him? I know what he
+is&mdash;always ready to give in."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not so sure. Yet I'll swear if 'twere not for John his life would
+be a misery. He misses you, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is John?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did not Warburton tell you? John is the hope of the house. He's four
+and a half, and as spoilt a little rascal as you could wish for."</p>
+
+<p>"Dick's child? Good Lord!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, Dick's child and your nephew." He broke off and looked into the
+other's face. "Jack, cannot this mystery be cleared up? Couldn't ye go
+back?" He was clasping Jack's hand, but it was withdrawn, and the eyes
+looking down into his were suddenly bored and a little cold.</p>
+
+<p>"I know of no mystery," said Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack, old man, will ye be afther shutting me out of your confidence?"</p>
+
+<p>A faint, sweet smile curved the fine lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us talk of the weather, Miles, or my mare. Anything rather than
+this painful subject."</p>
+
+<p>With an impatient movement O'Hara flung back his chair and strode over
+to the window with his back to my lord. Jack's eyes followed him
+seriously.</p>
+
+<p>"If ye cannot trust me, sure I've no more to say, thin!" flashed O'Hara.
+"It seems ye do not value your friends too highly!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord said never a word. But the hand that rested on the desk clenched
+suddenly. O'Hara wheeled about and came back to his side.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, Jack, I never meant that! Forgive me bad temper!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares slipped off the table and straightened himself, linking his
+arm in the Irishman's.</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht, Miles, as you'd say yourself," he laughed, "I know that. 'Tis
+not that I don't trust you, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I understand. I'll not ask ye any more about it at all. Instead, answer
+me this: what made ye come out with unloaded pistols?"</p>
+
+<p>The laugh died out of Carstares' face.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, just carelessness!" he answered shortly, and he thought of the
+absent Jim with a tightening of the lips.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas that very same reason with meself thin!" Jack stared at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, don't tell me yours were unloaded, too?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Deed an' they were! Ecod, Jack! 'tis the best joke I've heard for a
+twelvemonth." They both started to laugh. "Sure 'twas bluff on my part,
+Jack, when I told ye yours was unloaded. And me lady was determined to
+set you free from the moment I told her all about it this morning. We
+were sure ye were no ordinary highwayman, though I was a fool not to
+have known ye right away. But now I have found ye out, ye'll stay with
+us&mdash;Cousin Harry?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot thank you enough, Miles, but I will not do that. I must get
+back to Jim."</p>
+
+<p>"And who the devil is Jim?"</p>
+
+<p>"My servant. He'll be worried nigh to death over me. Nay, do not press
+me, I could not stay here, Miles. You must see for yourself 'tis
+impossible&mdash;Jack Carstares does not exist; only Anthony Ferndale is
+left."</p>
+
+<p>"Jack, dear man, can I not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Miles, you can do nothing, though 'tis like you to want to help,
+and I do thank you. But&mdash;oh well! ... What about my mare?"</p>
+
+<p>"Plague take me if I'd not forgotten! Jack, that scoundrel of mine let
+her strain her fetlock. I'm demmed sorry."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Jenny! I'll swear she gave him an exciting ride, though."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be trying to buy her off ye, Jack, if I see much of her. 'Tis a
+little beauty she is."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not selling, though I intended to ask you to keep her, if&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>A quick pressure on his arm arrested him.</p>
+
+<p>"That will do! I'm too heavy for her anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"So was that devil of a groom you put on her."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. I'm a fool."</p>
+
+<p>"I always knew that."</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht now, Jack! Ye'll have to take one of my nags while she heals, if
+ye won't stay with us. Can ye trust her to me for a week, do ye
+suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. It seems as though I must&mdash;oh, I retract, I retract. You
+are altogether too large, the day is too hot, and my cravat too nicely
+tied&mdash;Egad, Miles! I wish&mdash;oh, I <i>wish</i> we were boys again, and&mdash;Yes.
+When may I see your son and heir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, ye may come now and find Molly, who'll be aching for the sight of
+you. Afther you, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD TURNS RESCUER AND COMES NIGH ENDING HIS LIFE</h3>
+
+
+<p>Late that afternoon Carstares left Thurze House on one of his friend's
+horses. He waved a very regretful farewell to O'Hara and his lady,
+promising to let them know his whereabouts and to visit them again soon.
+O'Hara had extracted a solemn promise that if ever he got into
+difficulties he would let him know:</p>
+
+<p>"For I'm not letting ye drift gaily out of me life again, and that's
+flat."</p>
+
+<p>Jack had assented gladly enough&mdash;to have a friend once more was such
+bliss&mdash;and had given Miles the name of the inn and the village where he
+would find him, for O'Hara had insisted on bringing the mare over
+himself. So Carstares rode off to Trencham and to Jim, with the memory
+of a very hearty handshake in his mind. He smiled a little as he thought
+of his friend's words when he had shown himself reluctant to give the
+required promise:</p>
+
+<p>"Ye obstinate young devil, ye'll do as I say, and no nonsense, or ye
+don't leave this house!"</p>
+
+<p>For six years no one had ordered him to obey; it had been he who had
+done all the ordering. Somehow it was very pleasant to be told what to
+do, especially by Miles.</p>
+
+<p>He turned down a lane and wondered what Jim was thinking. That he was
+waiting at the Green Man, he was certain, for those had been his orders.
+He was annoyed with the man over the incident of the pistols, for he had
+inspected them and discovered that they were indeed unloaded. Had his
+captor been other than O'Hara, on whom he could not fire, such
+carelessness might have proved his undoing. Apart from that, culpable
+negligence always roused his wrath. A rather warm twenty minutes was in
+store for Salter.</p>
+
+<p>For quite an hour Carstares proceeded on his way with no mishaps nor
+adventures, and then, suddenly, as he rounded a corner of a deserted
+road&mdash;little more than a cart-track&mdash;an extraordinary sight met his
+eyes. In the middle of the road stood a coach, and by it, covering the
+men on the box with two large pistols, was a seedy-looking ruffian,
+while two others were engaged in what appeared to be a life-and-death
+struggle at the coach-door.</p>
+
+<p>Jacked reined-in his horse and rose in his stirrups to obtain a better
+view. Then his eyes flashed, and he whistled softly to himself. For the
+cause of all the turmoil was a slight, graceful girl of not more than
+nineteen or twenty. She was frenziedly resisting the efforts of her
+captors to drag her to another coach, further up the road. Jack could
+see that she was dark and very lovely.</p>
+
+<p>Another, elderly lady, was most valiantly impeding operations by clawing
+and striking at one of the men's arms, scolding and imploring all in one
+breath. Jack's gaze went from her to a still, silent figure at the side
+of the road in the shadow of the hedge, evidently the stage-manager. "It
+seems I must take a hand in this," he told himself, and laughed joyously
+as he fixed on his mask and dismounted. He tethered his mount to a young
+sapling, took a pistol from its holster, and ran softly and swiftly
+under the lea of the hedge up to the scene of disaster, just as the man
+who covered the unruly and vociferous pair on the box made ready to
+fire.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's bullet took him neatly in the neck, and without a sound he
+crumpled up, one of his pistols exploding harmlessly as it fell to
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>With an oath the silent onlooker wheeled round to face the point of my
+lord's gleaming blade.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares drew in his breath sharply in surprise as he saw the white
+face of his Grace of Andover.</p>
+
+<p>"Damn you!" said Tracy calmly, and sprang back, whipping out his own
+rapier.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," agreed Jack pleasantly. "On guard, M. le Duc!"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy's lips curled back in a snarl. His eyes were almost shut. Over his
+shoulder he ordered curtly:</p>
+
+<p>"Keep watch over the girl. I will attend to this young jackanapes."</p>
+
+<p>On the word the blades clashed.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's eyes danced with the sheer joy of battle, and his point snicked
+in and out wickedly. He knew Tracy of old for an expert swordsman, and
+he began warily.</p>
+
+<p>The girl's persecutors retained a firm hold on either arm, but all their
+thoughts were centred on the duel. The men on the box got out their
+blunderbuss, ready to fire should the need arise, and the girl herself
+watched breathlessly, red lips apart, and eyes aglow with fright,
+indignation, and excitement. As for the old lady, she positively bobbed
+up and down shrieking encouragement to Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>The blades hissed continuously against one another; time after time the
+Duke thrust viciously, and ever his point was skilfully parried. He was
+absolutely calm, and his lips sneered. Who it was that he was fighting,
+he had not the faintest idea; he only knew that his opponent had
+recognised him, and must be speedily silenced. Therefore he fought with
+deadly grimness and purpose. Carstares, on the other hand, had no
+intention of killing his Grace. He had never liked him in the old days,
+but he was far too good-natured to contemplate any serious bloodshed. He
+was so used to Tracy's little affairs that he had not been filled with
+surprise when he discovered who the silent figure was. He did not like
+interfering with Belmanoir, but, on the other hand, he could no more
+stand by and see a woman assaulted than he could fly. So he fought on
+with the idea of disarming his Grace, so as to have him at a
+disadvantage and to be able to command his withdrawal from the scene.
+Once he feinted cleverly, and lunged, and a little blood trickled down
+over the Duke's hand. No sign made Belmanoir, except that his eyelids
+flickered a moment and his play became more careful.</p>
+
+<p>Once the Duke thrust in tierce and Jack's sword arm wavered an instant,
+and a splash of crimson appeared on his sleeve. He, for the most part,
+remained on the defensive, waiting for the Duke to tire. Soon his
+Grace's breath began to come unevenly and fast, and beads of moisture
+started on his forehead. Yet never did the sneer fade nor his temper go;
+he had himself well in hand, and although his face was livid, and his
+brain on fire with fury, no trace of it showed itself in his sword-play.</p>
+
+<p>Then Carstares changed his tactics, and began to put into practice all
+the arts and subtleties of fence that he had learnt abroad. He seemed
+made of steel and set on wires, so agile and untireable was he. Time
+after time he leapt nimbly aside, evading some wicked thrust, and all
+the while he was driving his Grace back and back. He was not panting,
+and now and again he laughed softly and happily. The blood from the
+wound on his arm was dripping steadily on to the ground, yet it seemed
+to Tracy to affect him not at all. But Jack himself knew that he was
+losing strength rapidly, and must make an end.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he feinted, and fell back. Tracy saw his advantage and pressed
+forward within the wavering sword-point.</p>
+
+<p>The next instant his sword was whirled from his grasp, and he lay on the
+ground, unhurt but helpless, gazing up at the masked face and at the
+shortened rapier. How he had been thrown he did not know, but that his
+opponent was a past master in the art of fence he was perfectly sure.</p>
+
+<p>My lord gave a little chuckle and twisted a handkerchief about his
+wounded arm.</p>
+
+<p>"I am aware, m'sieur, that this is most unusual&mdash;and, in
+duels&mdash;forbidden. But I am sure that milor' will agree that the
+circumstances are also&mdash;most unusual&mdash;and the odds&mdash;almost
+overwhelming!" He turned his head to the two men, one of whom released
+his hold on the girl's arm and started forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!" drawled my lord, shaking his head. "Another step and I spit
+your master where he lies."</p>
+
+<p>"Stand," said his Grace calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Bien</i>! Throw your arms down here at my feet, and&mdash;ah&mdash;release
+Mademoiselle!"</p>
+
+<p>They made no move to obey, and my lord shrugged deprecatingly, lowering
+his point to Tracy's throat.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Eh bien!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>They still hesitated, casting anxious glances at their master. "Obey,"
+ordered the Duke.</p>
+
+<p>Each man threw down a pistol, eyeing Jack furtively, while the girl ran
+to her aunt, who began to soothe and fuss over her.</p>
+
+<p>Jack stifled a yawn.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not my intention to remain here all night. Neither am I a
+child&mdash;or a fool. <i>Dépêchez!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Belmanoir saw that the coachman had his blunderbuss ready and was only
+too eager to fire it, and he knew that the game was up. He turned his
+head towards the reluctant bullies who looked to him for orders.</p>
+
+<p>"Throw down everything!" he advised.</p>
+
+<p>Two more pistols and two daggers joined their comrades.</p>
+
+<p>"A thousand thanks!" bowed my lord, running a quick eye over the men.
+"M. le Duc, I pray you be still. Now, you with the large nose&mdash;yes, <i>mon
+ami</i>, you&mdash;go pick up the pistol our defunct friend dropped."</p>
+
+<p>The man indicated slouched over to the dead body and flung another
+pistol on to the heap.</p>
+
+<p>My lord shook his head impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Mais non</i>. Have I not said that I am not entirely a fool? The
+unexploded pistol, please. You will place it here, <i>doucement.</i> Very
+good."</p>
+
+<p>His eye travelled to the men on the box. The coachman touched his hat
+and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm ready, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is very well. Be so good as to keep these gentlemen covered, but do
+not fire until I give the order. And now, M. le Duc, have I your parole
+that you will return swiftly from whence you came, leaving this lady
+unmolested, an I permit you to rise?"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy moved his head impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no choice."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, that is not an answer. Have I your parole?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, curse you!"</p>
+
+<p>"But certainly," said Jack politely. "Pray rise."</p>
+
+<p>He rested his sword-point on the ground, and watched Tracy struggle to
+his feet.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant the Duke stood staring at him, with face slightly
+out-thrust.</p>
+
+<p>"I almost think I know you," he said softly, caressingly.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's French accent became a shade more pronounced.</p>
+
+<p>"It is possible. I at least have the misfortune to know monsieur by
+sight."</p>
+
+<p>Tracy ignored the insult, and continued very, very silkily:</p>
+
+<p>"One thing is certain: I shall know you again&mdash;if I meet you!"</p>
+
+<p>Even as the words left his mouth Jack saw the pistol in his hand and
+sprang quickly to one side, just in time to escape a shot that would
+have gone straight through his head. As it was, it caught him in his
+left shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fire!" he called sharply to the coachman, and bowed to his
+Grace. "As I was saying, m'sieu&mdash;do not let me detain you, I beg."</p>
+
+<p>The Duke's green eyes flashed venom for a minute, and then the heavy
+lids descended over them again, and he returned the bow exaggeratedly.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Au revoir</i>, monsieur," he smiled, and bent to pick up his sword.</p>
+
+<p>"It will&mdash;not be necessary for&mdash;m'sieu to&mdash;take his sword," said Jack.
+"I have a&mdash;desire to keep&mdash;it as a&mdash;souvenir. Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"As you will, monsieur," replied Tracy carelessly, and walked away to
+his coach, his men following close on his heels.</p>
+
+<p>My lord stood leaning heavily on his sword, watching them go, and not
+until the coach had swung out of sight did he give way to the weakness
+that was overwhelming him. Then he reeled and would have fallen, had it
+not been for two cool hands that caught his, steadying him.</p>
+
+<p>A tremulous, husky voice sounded in his ears:</p>
+
+<p>"You are hurt! Ah, sir, you are hurt for my sake!"</p>
+
+<p>With a great effort Jack controlled the inclination to swoon, and lifted
+the girl's hand shakily to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a&mdash;pleasure&mdash;mademoiselle," he managed to gasp. "Now&mdash;you may&mdash;I
+think&mdash;proceed&mdash;in safety."</p>
+
+<p>Diana slipped an arm under his shoulder and cast an anxious glance at
+the footman, hurrying towards them.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick!" she commanded. "Sir, you are faint! You must allow my servant
+to assist you to the coach."</p>
+
+<p>Jack forced a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"It is&mdash;nothing&mdash;I assure you&mdash;pray do not&mdash;I&mdash;" and he fainted
+comfortably away into stout Thomas's arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Carry him into the coach, Thomas!" ordered the girl. "Mind his arm,
+and&mdash;oh! his poor shoulder. Aunt, have you something to bind his wounds
+with?"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty hurried forward.</p>
+
+<p>"My darling child, what an escape! The dear, brave gentleman! Do have a
+care, Thomas! Yes, lay him on the seat."</p>
+
+<p>My lord was lowered gently on to the cushions, and Miss Betty fluttered
+over to him like a distracted hen. Then Diana told Thomas to take charge
+of my lord's horse that they could see, quietly nibbling the grass
+further down the road, stooped and picked up his Grace of Andover's
+sword, with its curiously wrought hilt, and jumped into the coach to
+help Miss Betty to attend to Jack's wounds.</p>
+
+<p>The slash on the arm was not serious, but where the pistol had taken him
+was very ugly-looking. While she saw to that, Miss Betty loosened the
+cravat and removed my lord's mask.</p>
+
+<p>"Di, see what a handsome boy 'tis! The poor, brave gentleman! What a
+lucky thing he came up! If only this bleeding would stop!" So she ran
+on, hunting wildly for her salts.</p>
+
+<p>Diana looked up as her aunt finished, and studied the pale face lying
+against the dark cushions. She noted the firm, beautifully curved mouth,
+the aristocratic nose and delicately pencilled eyebrows, with a little
+thrill. The duel had set her every nerve tingling; she was filled with
+admiration for her preserver, and the sight of his sensitive, handsome
+countenance did nothing to dispel that admiration.</p>
+
+<p>She held the salts to his nostrils and watched eagerly for some sign of
+life. But none was forthcoming, and she had to be content with placing
+cushions beneath his injured shoulder, and guarding him as best she
+might from the jolts caused by the uneven surface of the road.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty bustled about and did all she could to stanch the bleeding,
+and when they had comfortably settled my lord, she sat down upon the
+seat opposite and nodded decisively.</p>
+
+<p>"We can do no more, my dear&mdash;but, yes&mdash;certainly bathe his forehead with
+your lavender water. Dear me, what an escape! I must say I would never
+have thought it of Mr. Everard! One would say we were living in the
+Stone Age! The wretch!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew he was dreadful, but never <i>how</i> dreadful! How can he have found
+out when we were to leave Bath&mdash;and why did he waylay us so near home?
+Oh, I shall never be safe again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, my dear! Fiddlesticks! You saw how easily he was vanquished.
+Depend upon it, he will realise that he has made a bad mistake to try to
+abduct you, and we shall not be worried with him again."</p>
+
+<p>With this comfortable assurance, she nodded again and leant back against
+the cushions, watching her niece's ministrations with a professional and
+slightly amused air.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD DICTATES A LETTER AND RECEIVES A VISITOR</h3>
+
+
+<p>My lord came sighing back to life. He opened his eyes wearily, and
+turned his head. A faint feeling of surprise stole over him. He was in a
+room he had never been in before, and by the window, busy with some
+needlework, sat a little old lady who was somehow vaguely familiar.</p>
+
+<p>"Who&mdash;are&mdash;you?" he asked, and was annoyed to find his voice so weak.</p>
+
+<p>The little lady jumped, and came across to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Praise be to God!" she ejaculated. "Likewise, bless the boy! The fever
+is passed." She laid a thin hand on his brow, and smiled down into his
+wondering eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"As cool as a cucumber, dear boy. What a mercy!"</p>
+
+<p>It was a long time since anyone had called Jack dear, or boy. He
+returned the smile feebly and closed his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;do not&mdash;understand&mdash;anything," he murmured drowsily.</p>
+
+<p>"Never trouble your head then. Just go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>He considered this gravely for a moment. It seemed sensible enough, and
+he was so very, very tired. He shut his eyes with a little sigh.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>When he awoke again it was morning of the next day, and the sun streamed
+in the window, making him blink.</p>
+
+<p>Someone rustled forward, and he saw it was the lady who had called him
+dear and bidden him go to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>He smiled, and a very thin hand came out of the bedclothes.</p>
+
+<p>"But who are you?" he demanded a little querulously.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty patted his hand gently.</p>
+
+<p>"Still worrying your poor head over that? I am Di's Aunt Betty&mdash;though,
+to be sure, you don't know who Di is!"</p>
+
+<p>Remembrance was coming back to my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;why&mdash;you are the lady in the coach!&mdash;Tracy&mdash;I remember!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I know nought of Tracy, but I'm the lady in the coach."</p>
+
+<p>"And the other&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That was Diana Beauleigh, my niece&mdash;the pet. You will see her when you
+are better."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but&mdash;where am I, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now don't get excited, dear boy!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm thirty!" protested Jack with a wicked twinkle.</p>
+
+<p>"I should not have thought it, but thirty's a boy to me, in any case!"
+retorted Miss Betty, making him laugh. "You are in Mr. Beauleigh's
+house&mdash;Di's father, and my brother. And here you will stay until you are
+quite recovered!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack raised himself on his elbow, grimacing at the pain the movement
+caused him.</p>
+
+<p>"Egad, madam! have I been here long?" he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>Very firmly was he pushed back on to his pillows.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be still? A nice thing 'twould be if you were to aggravate
+that wound of yours! You will have been here a week to-morrow. Bless my
+heart, what ails the boy?" For Jack's face took on an expression of
+incredulous horror.</p>
+
+<p>"A <i>week</i>, madam? Never say so!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis as true as I stand here. And a nice fright you have given us, what
+with nearly dying, and raving about your Dicks and your Jims!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord glanced up sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! So I&mdash;talked?"</p>
+
+<p>"Talk? Well, yes, if you can call all that mixture of foreign jargon
+talking. Now you must be still and wait till the doctor comes again."</p>
+
+<p>For a while Carstares lay in silence. He thought of Jim and smiled a
+little. "I could not have thought of a better punishment had I tried,"
+he told himself, and then frowned. "Poor fellow! He'll be off his head
+with fright over me. Miss&mdash;er&mdash;Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and are you not asleep yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Asleep, Madam? Certainly not!" he said with dignity. "I must write a
+letter."</p>
+
+<p>"'Deed, an' you shall not!"</p>
+
+<p>"But I must! 'Tis monstrous important, madam."</p>
+
+<p>She shook her head resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>"Not until Mr. Jameson gives permission," she said firmly.</p>
+
+<p>Jack struggled up, biting his lip.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall get up!" he threatened.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant she was by his side.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Now lie down and be good!"</p>
+
+<p>"I will not lie down and be good!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shan't let you touch a pen for weeks!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack became very masterful and frowned direfully upon her.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I insist on being allowed to write that letter!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I insist on your lying down!"</p>
+
+<p>He controlled a twitching lip.</p>
+
+<p>"Woe betide you unless you bring me pen and paper, Miss Betty!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, dear boy, reflect! You could not use your arm."</p>
+
+<p>"I will use it!" replied Jack indomitably, but he sank back on to the
+pillows with his eyes closed and a tiny furrow of pain between his
+straight brows.</p>
+
+<p>"I told you so!" scolded Miss Betty, not without a note of triumph in
+her voice, and proceeded to rearrange the disorderly coverlet.</p>
+
+<p>The blue eyes opened wide, pleadingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, indeed 'tis very important."</p>
+
+<p>She could not withstand that look.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," she compromised, "I'll not let you write yourself, that's
+certain&mdash;but could you not dictate to me?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack brightened, and caught her hand to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Betty, you are an angel!" he told her.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah now, get along with you!" She hurried away to fetch paper and ink.</p>
+
+<p>When she returned she found him plucking impatiently at the sheet, and
+frowning.</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, madam. 'Tis very kind in you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>He laughed weakly.</p>
+
+<p>"I want you to write to my servant, to bid him bring my baggage to the
+nearest inn&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That will I not! I shall tell him to bring it here."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Miss Betty, I cannot possibly trespass upon&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you have done? Trespass indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive I shall be much put upon," sighed Jack, and watched her
+lightning smile.</p>
+
+<p>"You BOY! Will you dictate?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, ma'am. No, I have changed my mind. I'll have it writ to a
+friend, please: 'Dear Miles.... True to my promise.... I write to
+you.... In case ... you should be worried ... over my disappearance ...
+be it known ... that I am at'&mdash;pray, madam, where am I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Horton Manor, Littledean," she replied, writing it down.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you. 'I had the misfortune to injure my shoulder in a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'And arm,'" put in the scribe, inexorably.</p>
+
+<p>"'And arm, in a fight ... and a certain very ... kind lady&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"I refuse to write that rubbish! 'One of the ladies whom I rescued&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens, madam, you've not put that?" cried Jack horrified.</p>
+
+<p>She smiled reassuringly.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not. I have put: 'My nurse is writing this for me.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, you are of a teasing disposition," reproved my lord.
+"M&mdash;yes&mdash;'When you take Jenny&mdash;over to Trencham ... will you please tell
+Jim to bring my baggage ... here at once?' Have you that, Miss Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Remember me to Lady ... Molly, I beg ... and accept my apologies ...
+and thanks.'" He paused. "Will you sign it J.C., please, and address it
+to Sir Miles O'Hara, Thurze House, Maltby?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Miles O'Hara! Is he your friend, Mr.&mdash;Mr.&mdash;I do not know your
+name."</p>
+
+<p>"Car&mdash;" began Jack, and stopped, biting his lip. "Carr," he continued
+imperturbably, "John Carr. Do you know O'Hara, Miss Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Me? No! Will he come to see you, do you think?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you let him in, madam!"</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious! Well, well! I'll tell Thomas to ride over with this at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Betty, you are marvellously good. I vow I can never thank&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Bless the boy! And what about yourself, pray? I shudder to think of
+what might have happened to Di if you had not come up! 'Tis we can never
+thank you enough."</p>
+
+<p>Jack reddened boyishly and uncomfortably.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, you exaggerate&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, tut! Well, go to sleep, and never worry about anything till I
+return. And you won't try and get up?"</p>
+
+<p>He shook with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"I swear I will not! Even an you never return, I will lie here, wasting
+away&mdash;" But he spoke to space, for with a delighted laugh she had left
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until late that afternoon that O'Hara arrived, and he was
+conducted, after a brief conversation with Diana and her father, to my
+lord's room, where Miss Betty received him with her cheery smile and
+jerky curtsey.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll not excite Mr. Carr?" she said, but was interrupted by my lord's
+voice from within, weak but very gay.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, Miles, and never listen to Miss Betty! She is a tyrant and
+denies me my wig!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara laughed in answer to Miss Betty's quizzical smile, and strode
+over to the bed. He gripped my lord's thin hand and frowned down at him
+with an assumption of anger.</p>
+
+<p>"Young good-for-nought! Could ye find nought better to do than to smash
+yourself up and well-nigh drive your man crazy with fright?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pshaw! Did you find Jim?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara looked round and saw that Miss Betty had discreetly vanished. He
+sat gingerly down on the edge of the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. I took the mare over as soon as I had your letter&mdash;and a fine scare
+you gave me, Jack, I can tell you! She recognised him, and I accosted
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll swear you did not get much satisfaction from Jim!" said my lord.
+"Did he look very foolish?"</p>
+
+<p>"To tell ye the truth, I thought the man was half daft, and wondered
+whether I'd been after making a mistake. But in the end I got him to
+believe what I was trying to tell him, and he has taken the mare, and
+will bring your baggage along this evening. By the way, John, I told him
+of our little meeting, and of your pistols being unloaded. He said 'twas
+his fault, and ye never saw aught to touch his face! Put out was not the
+word for it."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so. Look here, Miles, this is a damned funny affair!"</p>
+
+<p>"What happened to you exactly?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis what I am about to tell you. After I had left you, I rode on quite
+quietly for about an hour, and then came upon Miss Beauleigh's coach
+stopped by three blackguards who were trying to drag her to another
+coach belonging to the gentleman who conducted the affair. So, of
+course, I dismounted, and went to see what was to be done."</p>
+
+<p>"You <i>would</i> be after poking your nose into what didn't concern ye. Four
+men, and ye had the audacity to tackle them all? 'Tis mad ye are
+entirely!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, if you had been in my place you would have ridden off in
+another direction&mdash;or aided the scoundrels?" was the scathing reply.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara chuckled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, go on, Jack. I'm not saying I don't wish I had been with ye."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould have been superb. I suppose Miss Beauleigh has told you most of
+the tale, but there is one thing that she could not have told you, for
+she did not know it: the man I fought with was Belmanoir."</p>
+
+<p>"Thunder and turf! Not the Duke?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"Zounds! Did he know ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot be certain. I was masked, of course, but he said he thought he
+did. 'Twas at that moment he fired his pistol at me."</p>
+
+<p>"The dirty scoundrel!"</p>
+
+<p>"M'm&mdash;yes. 'Tis that which makes me think he did not know me. Damn it
+all, Miles, even Tracy would not do a thing like that!"</p>
+
+<p>"Would he not? If ye ask me, I say that Tracy is game enough for any
+kind of devilry."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear fellow, that is too black! He could not try to kill in
+cold blood a man he had hunted with, and fenced with-and&mdash;and&mdash;no man
+could!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara looked extremely sceptical.</p>
+
+<p>"Because ye could not yourself, is not to say that a miserable spalpeen
+like Belmanoir could not."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe it of him. We were always quite friendly&mdash;if it had
+been Robert now&mdash;But I am not going to believe it. And don't say
+anything to these people, O'Hara, because they do not know Devil. I
+gather from what Miss Betty says, that he calls himself Everard. He met
+the girl&mdash;Diana&mdash;at Bath; you know his way. She'd none of him: hence the
+abduction."</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens, but 'tis a foul mind the man's got!"</p>
+
+<p>"Where women are concerned, yes. Otherwise&mdash;'tis not such a bad fellow,
+Miles."</p>
+
+<p>"I've no use for that kind of dirt myself, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't know. I daresay we are none of us exactly saints." He
+changed the subject abruptly. "How is Jenny?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather off her feed; missing you, I expect. I left her with your man.
+He should be arriving soon, I should think. I don't fancy he'll waste
+much time."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither do I. Poor fellow, he must have worried terribly over his
+worthless master."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, his face was as white as your own when I told him ye were
+wounded!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned his head quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"What's this about my face? Just be so kind as to hand me that mirror,
+Miles."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara laughed and obeyed, watching my lord's close scrutiny of his
+countenance with some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Interesting pallor, my dear friend, interesting pallor. Nevertheless, I
+am glad that Jim is on his way." He met O'Hara's eyes as he looked up,
+and his lips quivered irrepressibly.</p>
+
+<p>"You think me very vain, Miles?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it a pose of yours, John? Is it Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I believe it is myself. You see, when one has but one's self to
+live for and think for&mdash;one makes the most of one's self! Hence my
+vanity. Take the mirror away, please&mdash;the sight of my countenance
+offends me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, ye are free with your orders, me lord!" said O'Hara, putting the
+glass down on the table. "And, while I think of it&mdash;what might your name
+be now?"</p>
+
+<p>"John Carr&mdash;a slip of the tongue on my part, stopped in time. I hear my
+mentor returning&mdash;and&mdash;Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Come again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Come again! My dear boy, ye'll be sick of the sight of me soon! I shall
+be here every day."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks! It will take a good deal to sicken me, I think." He bit his
+lip, turning his head away as Miss Betty came into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid that you ought to leave my patient now, Sir Miles," she
+said. "He has had enough excitement for one day, and should sleep." She
+glanced at the averted head inquiringly. "I doubt he is tired?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack turned and smiled at her.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Miss Betty, I'm not. But I know you will refuse to believe me."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear boy, do you know you have black lines beneath your eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>"More remarks about my face!" he sighed, and glanced at O'Hara, who had
+risen.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right, Miss Beauleigh, I must go. May I come again
+to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely," she beamed. "We shall be delighted to welcome you."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara bent over the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then <i>au revoir</i>, Jack. My lady sent her love to her 'Cousin
+Harry'&mdash;the saucy puss!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did she? How prodigious kind of her, Miles! And you'll give her mine,
+and kiss her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes?" said O'Hara with dangerous calm. "I'll kiss her what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Her hand for me!" ended Carstares, bubbling over. "Good-bye, and thank
+you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That will suffice!" said Miles, cutting him short.</p>
+
+<p>He bowed to Miss Betty and left the room.</p>
+
+<p>The business-like little lady fluttered over to the bedside and
+rearranged the pillows.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and are you satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, most extraordinarily so, I thank you. I shall be getting up
+soon."</p>
+
+<p>"H'm!" was all she vouchsafed, and left him to his meditations.</p>
+
+<p>As she had foreseen, he dozed a little, but his shoulder would not allow
+him to sleep. He lay in a semi-comatose condition, his eyes shut, and a
+deep furrow, telling of pain, between his brows.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of a shutting door made him open his eyes; he turned his head
+slightly and saw that Jim Salter was standing in the middle of the room
+looking at him anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>My lord returned his gaze crossly, and Jim waited for the storm to
+break.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' heart melted, and he managed to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm monstrous glad to see you, Jim," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you can't mean that, sir! 'Twas I left your pistols unloaded."</p>
+
+<p>"I know. Damned careless of you, but it's the sort of thing I should do
+myself, after all."</p>
+
+<p>Jim advanced to the bedside.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean you forgive me, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course! I could not have fired on my best friend in any case."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, but that don't make it any better."</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't, of course, and I was rather annoyed at the time&mdash;Oh, devil
+take you, Jim, don't look at me like that! I'm not dead yet!"</p>
+
+<p>"If&mdash;if you had been killed, sir&mdash;'twould have been my fault."</p>
+
+<p>"Rubbish! I'd a sword, hadn't I? For heaven's sake don't worry about it
+any more! Have you brought all my baggage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. It shan't occur again, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. Jenny is well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Splendid, sir. Will you still trust me with your pistols, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares groaned.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you have done? 'Twas an accident, and I have forgotten it. Here's
+my hand on it!" He grasped Jim's as he spoke, and seemed to brush the
+whole subject aside.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you disposed of that horrible coat you tried to make me wear the
+other day?"</p>
+
+<p>"I gave it to the landlord, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I should have burned it, but perhaps he liked it."</p>
+
+<p>"He did, sir. Will you try to go to sleep now?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you had a shoulder on fire and aching as mine does, you wouldn't ask
+such a ridiculous question," answered Jack snappishly.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sorry, sir. Is there aught I can do?"</p>
+
+<p>"You can change the bandages, if you like. These are prodigious hot and
+uncomfortable."</p>
+
+<p>Without another word Salter set about easing his master, and he was so
+painstaking and so careful not to hurt the ugly wound, and his face
+expressed so much concern, that Carstares controlled a desire to swear
+when he happened to touch a particularly tender spot, and at the end
+rewarded him with a smile and a sigh of content.</p>
+
+<p>"That is much better," he said. "You have such a light touch, Jim."</p>
+
+<p>The man's face reddened with pleasure, but he said nothing, and walked
+away to the window to draw the curtains.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD MAKES HIS BOW</h3>
+
+
+<p>After Jim's arrival my lord recovered quickly, each day making great
+progress, much to the doctor's satisfaction, who never tired of telling
+Mr. Beauleigh and Miss Betty that it was entirely owing to his treatment
+that the patient had recovered at all. As his idea of treatment mainly
+consisted of copiously bleeding John, which process Miss Betty very soon
+put an end to, he and she had many arguments on the subject, in which he
+was completely routed. She held that Mr. Carr was well on the strength
+of her nursing and his own constitution&mdash;and very probably she was
+right. In any case, hardly a fortnight after O'Hara's first visit, my
+lord was standing before his mirror, surveying himself, with his head
+speculatively on one side and a worried look in his eyes. Salter watched
+him anxiously, knowing this to be a critical moment. His master was
+somewhat of an enigma to him; the important things in life never
+appeared to affect him, but over a question of two cravats as opposed to
+each other, or some equally trivial matter, he would become quite
+harassed.</p>
+
+<p>After contemplating his appearance for several moments, Carstares
+frowned and looked over his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"I have changed my mind, Jim. I will wear blue after all." Salter sighed
+despairingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye look very well in what ye have on, sir," he grunted. Jack sat down
+obstinately.</p>
+
+<p>"I have conceived a dislike&mdash;nay, a veritable hatred&mdash;for puce. I will
+wear blue."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, sir, do ha' done changing your clothes! Ye'll be tired out before
+ever ye get downstairs, and ye know what the doctor said."</p>
+
+<p>My lord consigned the doctor and his words of wisdom to a place of great
+heat.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The doctor is a worthy individual, Jim, but he knows even less of the
+art of dressing than you do. He does not understand the soul-agony of a
+man who makes his first appearance in puce."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The blue coat laced with gold."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I order it! I insist; the blue coat or nought!"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir." Resignedly Jim walked to the cupboard.</p>
+
+<p>When at length his lordship was dressed to his entire satisfaction it
+was midway through the hot June afternoon, and Miss Betty was tapping at
+the door, wishing to know whether Mr. Carr was coming down, or whether
+he was not.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares shifted his sling, and taking up his hat, moved just a little
+shakily to the door.</p>
+
+<p>Salter opened it, and cast a triumphant glance at Miss Betty, as though
+he were showing off all my lord's graces. He proffered an arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I help ye, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty curtsied low.</p>
+
+<p>"La, Mr. Carr!"</p>
+
+<p>John bowed profoundly.</p>
+
+<p>"Give ye good den, madam," he said. "I am just about to descend. Thank
+you, Jim." He leaned heavily on the man's arm.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty walked round him admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Lud! 'Tis mighty elegant, I vow! But I protest, I am shy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Egad, Miss Betty! and why?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are not so young as I imagined," she replied candidly.</p>
+
+<p>"Bear in mind, madam, that I never sought to deceive you. I am an aged
+man."</p>
+
+<p>"Thirty!" she scoffed, and went on ahead. "Come, child, and mind the
+first step!"</p>
+
+<p>At the bottom of the staircase stood Mr. Beauleigh, a man of medium
+height, thin-lipped and grey-eyed. He came forward with one hand
+outstretched.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to see you so much better, sir. I trust your shoulder no
+longer pains you?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord pushed Jim gently to one side and placed his hand in Mr.
+Beauleigh's.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, sir, it is almost well. But for Miss Betty, who, I fear,
+has the makings of a true tyrant, I should not wear this obnoxious
+sling."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh smiled a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, she keeps us all in order, does Betty. Pray, will you not walk
+a little in the garden? There are chairs on the lawn&mdash;and here is my
+daughter."</p>
+
+<p>He waved to the door, and Carstares, turning, beheld Diana.</p>
+
+<p>She stood framed by the dark wood, gowned in amber silk, with old lace
+falling from her elbows and over the bosom of her dress. Her hair was
+dark as night, with little tendrils curling over her broad, white brow.
+One rolling curl fell over her shoulder, the rest were gathered up under
+a small lace cap, which was secured by means of a riband passed beneath
+her chin.</p>
+
+<p>Jack gazed, and gazed again, and in her turn Diana studied him with wide
+brown eyes of almost childlike innocence. Then her lids fluttered and
+curling lashes veiled the glorious depths, as a slow blush mounted to
+her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>My lord recovered his manners and made his most approved leg as her
+father presented him.</p>
+
+<p>"My love, this is Mr. Carr&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Diana sank into a curtsey.</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;and, Mr. Carr, this is my daughter, Diana."</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to make Miss Beauleigh's acquaintance," said John, and
+raised her hand to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>The delicate, tapering fingers trembled a little in his hold, and
+tremulous lips parted in the shyest and most adorable smile that he had
+ever seen.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir, we are already acquainted. I am not like to forget my
+rescuer."</p>
+
+<p>"I am happy to think that I was able to be of some service to you,
+mademoiselle. Believe me, it was an honour to fight in your cause." His
+eyes were on the fascinating dimple that played about her mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis very kind of you to say so, sir. I fear we greatly incommoded
+you&mdash;and&mdash;" She made a gesture towards his sling.</p>
+
+<p>"That, mademoiselle, is less than nothing. All the obligation is on my
+side."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty bustled forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Now that will do! I never heard such a foolish set of compliments! You
+are looking tired, Mr. Carr; come into the garden and rest."</p>
+
+<p>Salter stepped forward, but Diana stayed him with uplifted finger.</p>
+
+<p>"If Mr. Carr will accept my arm?" she hazarded.</p>
+
+<p>Jack flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, no, Miss Beauleigh&mdash;I can&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, tut-tut!" cried Miss Betty. "Have done dilly-dallying! Take him
+out, Di!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh had already disappeared. His world lay in his library, and
+he was never far from it for any length of time. Now he had seized the
+moment when his sister was not looking to withdraw quietly, and, when
+she turned round, she was only in time to see the library door close
+softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Your papa has gone again," she remarked to her niece. "What a trying
+man he is, to be sure!"</p>
+
+<p>She followed the pair out on to the lawn, and helped to make Carstares
+seat himself in a long chair under a great elm. A cushion was placed
+under his wounded shoulder and another at his back.</p>
+
+<p>"And are you sure that you are quite comfortable?" inquired Miss Betty,
+anxiously bending over him.</p>
+
+<p>Jack laughed up at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite sure, thank you, madam. But where will you sit?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall sit in this chair, and Di will sit on a cushion"&mdash;throwing one
+down&mdash;"at my feet&mdash;so."</p>
+
+<p>"I see that you are all ruled with a rod of iron, mademoiselle," he
+said, and watched the dimple tremble into being.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, yes, sir. 'Tis very sad."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty chuckled, and unrolled a packet of silks which she threw into
+her niece's lap.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you have the goodness to sort those for me, love?" she asked,
+taking out her embroidery.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray allow me to assist!" pleaded John.</p>
+
+<p>Diana rose and planted her cushion down beside his chair. She then knelt
+down upon it and emptied the multi-coloured strands on to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well! You must be very careful to separate the different pinks,
+though. See, we will have the rose here, the salmon here, the deeper
+rose here, the pale pink over there, and the reds&mdash;there is no more
+room&mdash;we will put the reds in this paper."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," agreed Carstares. "Are we to leave the other colours until
+the pinks are sorted?"</p>
+
+<p>She nodded and bent her head over the silks.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Sir Miles coming this afternoon, Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why yes, Miss Betty&mdash;now you mention it, I remember that he is. Miss
+Beauleigh, I defy you to put that one on the rose pile; 'tis a shade too
+deep."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure 'tis not! Where is one to compare with it?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares produced a long thread and held it next to hers. The two heads
+were bent close over it. Diana sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right; I can just see the difference. But 'tis <i>very</i> slight!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty peeped over their shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious, what an eye you must have! I can detect no difference." Her
+eye ran along the row of silks laid out on my lord's white satin leg.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Carr," said Diana suddenly, "I want to ask you something&mdash;something
+that has been puzzling me."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, what is it, Miss Beauleigh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just this: why did you call Mr. Everard M. le Duc?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a tiny pause. My lord looked down into the gold-flecked eyes
+and frowned a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Did I call him that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I remember it distinctly. Was it just&mdash;a manner of speaking?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just a manner of speaking.... You may call it that, mademoiselle. Do
+you not think that he looks rather ducal?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tried not to think of him at all. I hate him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Almost I begin to pity this Mr. Everard," quoth Jack.</p>
+
+<p>The dimple peeped out.</p>
+
+<p>"Then 'tis most ungallant of you, sir!" she reproved. "Do you know Mr.
+Everard?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have certainly seen him before, madam."</p>
+
+<p>Diana sat back on her heels and eyed him wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you do not wish to answer me," she said slowly. "Tell me, is
+'Everard' that man's real name?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord twisted the ring on his finger uneasily. He did not feel himself
+at liberty to expose Belmanoir, and if he should reveal his true
+identity, it was quite possible that Mr. Beauleigh might seek him out,
+in which case he himself might be recognised. He looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, mademoiselle, but whence this cross-examination?"</p>
+
+<p>Diana nodded placidly.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would refuse, but I have discovered something that will
+confound you, sir!" She rose to her feet. "I will go and get it." She
+walked gracefully away towards the house, and my lord watched her go.</p>
+
+<p>"Now <i>I</i> am going to ask a question," broke in Miss Betty's voice.</p>
+
+<p>He threw out an imploring hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I beg you will consider my feeble condition. Am I fit to bear
+the strain, think you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do!&mdash;Is it usual for gentlemen to ride masked, as you were?"</p>
+
+<p>At that he laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam, but for the gentlemen of the High Toby, it is <i>de régie</i>."</p>
+
+<p>She paused, with her needle held in mid-air:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what mean you by that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just that I am a common highwayman, Miss Betty."</p>
+
+<p>She stared at him for a moment, and then resumed her work.</p>
+
+<p>"You look it."</p>
+
+<p>John cast a startled glance down his slim person.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so, madam? And I rather flattered myself I did not!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was only laughing at you. You do not expect me to believe that
+fabrication&mdash;surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I do," he sighed. "'Tis very true, alack!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, indeed? Also a friend of Sir Miles O'Hara, <i>J.P</i>.&mdash;and of Mr.
+Everard?"</p>
+
+<p>"At least the last-named is not an acquaintance to be proud of," he
+retorted.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not. My Di says he is some great gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive that your Di is by nature suspicious. Why does she think
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will see. Di, love, here is Mr. Carr trying to make me believe that
+he is a highwayman!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana came up to them smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear he teases you, aunt. Do you remember this, sir?" Into Jack's
+hands she put his Grace of Andover's sword.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares took it, surprised, and glanced casually at the hilt. Then he
+started up.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, 'tis his sword. And I thought 'twas left on the roadside. Can it
+be&mdash;did <i>you</i> bring it, mademoiselle?"</p>
+
+<p>She dropped him a curtsey, and laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"You are surprised, sir? You demanded the sword, so I naturally supposed
+that you required it. Therefore I brought it home."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas monstrous thoughtful of you then. I dared not hope that it had not
+been forgotten. I am very grateful&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Then pray show your gratitude by sitting down again!" advised the elder
+Miss Beauleigh. "Remember that this is your first day up, and have a
+care!"</p>
+
+<p>John subsided obediently, turning the sword over in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>Diana pointed to the wrought gold hilt with an accusing finger.</p>
+
+<p>"An I mistake not, sir, that is a coronet."</p>
+
+<p>My lord's eyes followed the pink-tipped finger and rested wrathfully
+upon the arms of Andover. It was like Tracy to flaunt them on his
+sword-hilt, he reflected.</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly has that appearance," he admitted cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Also, those are not paste, but real diamonds, and that is a ruby."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not dispute it, madam," he answered meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"And I believe that that big stone is an emerald."</p>
+
+<p>"I am very much afraid that it is."</p>
+
+<p>"An expensive toy!" she said, and looked sharply at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Ornate, I agree, but as true a piece of steel as ever I saw," replied
+my lord blandly, balancing the rapier on one finger.</p>
+
+<p>"A very expensive toy!" she repeated sternly.</p>
+
+<p>John sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"True, madam&mdash;true." Then with a brightened air: "Perhaps Mr. Everard
+has expensive tastes?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is very possible. And I think that Mr. Everard must have been more
+than a simple country gentleman to indulge those tastes."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares bit his lip to hide a smile at the thought of Tracy in the
+light of a simple country gentleman, and shook his head sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you infer that he came by this sword dishonestly, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>The dimple quivered and was gone.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I believe that you are playing with me," she said with great
+dignity.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I am abashed."</p>
+
+<p>"I am very glad to hear it, then. I infer that Mr. Everard was something
+more than he pretended to be."</p>
+
+<p>"In truth, a sorry rogue to deceive a lady."</p>
+
+<p>"And I want to know if I am right. Is he, perhaps, some grand
+gentleman?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can assure you, madam, that there is very little of the gentleman
+about Mr. Everard."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty began to laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Have done, my dear! 'Tis of no avail, and 'tis impolite to press Mr.
+Carr too hard."</p>
+
+<p>Diana pouted.</p>
+
+<p>"He is monstrous provoking, I think," she said, and eyed him
+reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I am desolated," mourned Jack, but his eyes danced.</p>
+
+<p>"And now you are laughing!"</p>
+
+<p>"But then, mademoiselle, so are you!"</p>
+
+<p>She shook her head, resolutely repressing the dimple.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am inconsolable."</p>
+
+<p>The brown eyes sparkled and her lips parted in spite of her efforts to
+keep them in a stern line.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but you are ridiculous!" she cried, and sprang to her feet. "And
+here is Sir Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara came across the lawn towards them, bowed to the ladies, and
+glanced inquiringly from one to the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it a joke ye have?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Diana answered him.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed no, sir. 'Tis Mr. Carr who is so provoking."</p>
+
+<p>"Provoking, is it? And what has he been doing?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you the whole truth, Miles," interposed the maligned one.
+"'Tis Mistress Diana who is so inquisitive!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" Diana blushed furiously "I protest you are unkind, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, 'tis no gentleman he is, at all!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas on the subject of gentlemen that we&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Quarrelled," supplied her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"Disagreed," amended his lordship.</p>
+
+<p>"Disagreed," nodded Diana. "I asked him whether Mr. Everard was not some
+grand gentleman, and he evaded the point."</p>
+
+<p>"I vow 'tis slander!" cried Jack. "I merely said that Everard was no
+gentleman at all."</p>
+
+<p>"There! And was not that evading the point, Sir Miles?"</p>
+
+<p>"Was it? Sure, I'm inclined to agree with him."</p>
+
+<p>"I declare you are both in league against me!" she cried, with greater
+truth than she knew. "I mean, was he perhaps a <i>titled</i> gentleman?"</p>
+
+<p>"But how should Jack know that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I am sure he knows him&mdash;or, at least, of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Mistress Di," broke in my lord, shooting a warning glance at
+O'Hara. "I will tell you all about Mr. Everard, and I hope you will be
+satisfied with my tale." He paused and seemed to cudgel his brain.
+"First he is, of course, titled&mdash;let me see&mdash;yes, he is a Duke. Oh, he
+is certainly a Duke&mdash;and I am not sure but what he is royal&mdash;he&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Now you are ridiculous!" cried Miss Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very teasing," said Diana, and tried to frown. "First you
+pretend to know nothing about Mr. Everard, and then you tell me foolish
+stories about him. A Duke, indeed! I believe you <i>really</i> do know
+nothing about him!"</p>
+
+<p>As Carstares had hoped, she refused to believe the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"He is playing with ye, child," said O'Hara, who had listened to Jack's
+tale with a face of wonder. "I warrant he knows no Everard&mdash;eh, Jack?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I cannot say that I do," laughed his lordship.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but&mdash;you said&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind what he said, Miss Di. 'Tis a scurvy fellow he is."</p>
+
+<p>She regarded him gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I almost think so."</p>
+
+<p>But the dimple peeped out for all that! The next instant it was gone,
+and Diana turned a face of gloom to her aunt, pouting her red lips
+adorably, so thought my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Bettison," she said in accents of despair.</p>
+
+<p>At these mystic words, Jack saw Miss Betty frown, and heard her
+impatient remark: "Drat the man!"</p>
+
+<p>He looked towards the house, and perceived a short, rather stout, young
+man to be walking with a peculiar strutting gait towards them. The boy
+was good-looking, Carstares acknowledged to himself, but his eyes were
+set too close. And he did not like his style. No, certainly he did not
+like his style, nor the proprietary way in which he kissed Diana's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"How agreeable it is to see you again, Mr. Bettison!" said Miss Betty
+with much affability. "I declare 'tis an age since we set eyes on you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Aunt," contradicted Diana sweetly. "Why, it was only a very
+short while ago that Mr. Bettison was here, <i>surely</i>!" She withdrew the
+hand that the young man seemed inclined to hold fast to, and turned to
+John.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you do not know Mr. Bettison, Mr. Carr?" she said. "Mr.
+Bettison, allow me to present you to Mr. Carr. Sir Miles I think you
+know?"</p>
+
+<p>The squire bowed with a great deal of stiff hostility. Carstares
+returned the bow.</p>
+
+<p>"You will excuse my not rising, I beg," he smiled. "As you perceive&mdash;I
+have had an accident."</p>
+
+<p>Light dawned on Bettison. This was the man who had rescued Diana,
+confound his impudence!</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, sir! Your arm, was it not? My faith, I should be proud of such
+a wound!"</p>
+
+<p>It seemed to Carstares that he smiled at Diana in a damned familiar
+fashion, devil take his impudence!</p>
+
+<p>"It was indeed a great honour, sir. Mistress Di, I have finished sorting
+your green silks."</p>
+
+<p>Diana sank down on the cushion again, and shook some more strands out on
+to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"How quick you have been! Now we will do the blue ones." Bettison
+glared. This fellow seemed prodigious intimate with Diana, devil take
+him! He sat down beside Miss Betty, and addressed my lord patronisingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see&mdash;er&mdash;Mr. Carr. Have I met you in town, I wonder? At Tom's,
+perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>This country bumpkin <i>would</i> belong to Tom's, reflected John savagely,
+for no reason at all. Aloud he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I think it extremely unlikely, sir. I have been abroad some years."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, indeed, sir? The 'grand tour,' I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison's tone was not the tone of one who supposes any such thing.</p>
+
+<p>John smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Not this time," he said, "that was seven years ago."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison had heard rumours of this fellow who, it was murmured, was
+nought but a common highwayman.</p>
+
+<p>"Really? After Cambridge, perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oxford," corrected Carstares gently.</p>
+
+<p>Curse his audacity! thought Mr. Bettison.</p>
+
+<p>"Seven years ago&mdash;let me think. George must have been on the tour
+then&mdash;Selwyn, I mean, Miss Beauleigh."</p>
+
+<p>Jack, who had made the tour with several other young bucks fresh down
+from college, accompanied as far as Paris by the famous wit himself,
+held his peace.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison then launched forth into anecdotes of his own tour, and
+seeing that his friend was entirely engrossed with Miss Diana and her
+silks, O'Hara felt it incumbent on him to draw the enemy's fire, and,
+taking his own departure, to bear the squire off with him. For which he
+received a grateful smile from my lord, and a kiss blown from the tips
+of her fingers from Mistress Di, with whom he was on the best of terms.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h3>
+
+<h3>MISTRESS DIANA IS UNMAIDENLY</h3>
+
+
+<p>The idyllic summer days passed quickly by, and every time that my lord
+spoke of leaving, the outcry was so indignant and so firm that he
+hastily subsided and told himself he would stay just another few days.
+His shoulder, having mended up to a certain point, refused quite to
+heal, and exertion brought the pain back very swiftly. So his time was
+for the most part spent with Mistress Di out of doors, helping her with
+her gardening and her chickens&mdash;for Diana was an enthusiastic poultry
+farmer on a small scale&mdash;and ministering to her various pets. If Fido
+had a splinter in his paw, it was to Mr. Carr that he was taken; if
+Nellie, the spaniel, caught a live rabbit, Mr. Carr would assuredly know
+what to do for it, and the same with all the other animals. The young
+pair grew closer and closer together, while Miss Betty and O'Hara
+watched from afar, the former filled with pride of her darling, and
+satisfaction, and the latter with apprehension. O'Hara knew that his
+friend was falling unconsciously in love, and he feared the time when
+John should realise it. He confided these fears to his wife, who, with
+young David, was staying at her mother's house in Kensington, in a long
+and very Irish letter. She replied that he must try and coax my lord
+into coming to stay with them, when her charms would at once eclipse
+Mistress Diana's, though to be sure, she could not understand why Miles
+should not wish him to fall in love, for as he well knew, 'twas a
+prodigious pleasant sensation. If he did not know it, then he was indeed
+most disagreeable. And had he ever heard of anything so
+wonderful?&mdash;David had drawn a picture of a horse! Yes, really, it was a
+horse! Was he not a clever child? Further, would her dearest Miles
+please come and fetch her home, for although Mamma was prodigious
+amiable, and wanted her to stay several weeks, she positively could not
+live without her husband an instant longer than was necessary!</p>
+
+<p>As soon as O'Hara read the last part of the letter he brushed Carstares
+and his love affairs to one side, and posted straight to London to obey
+the welcome summons.</p>
+
+<p>Bit by bit my lord discovered that he was very much in love with Diana.
+At first his heart gave a great bound, and then seemed to stop with a
+sickening thud. He remembered that he could not ask her to marry him,
+disgraced as he was, and he immediately faced the situation, realising
+that he must go away at once. His first move was to Mr. Beauleigh, to
+tell him of his decision. On being asked why he must so suddenly leave
+Horton House, he explained that he loved Diana and could not in honour
+speak of love to her. At which Mr. Beauleigh gasped and demanded to know
+the reason. Carstares told him that he was by profession a highwayman,
+and watched him bridle angrily. Before so agreeable and so smiling, Mr.
+Beauleigh now became frigidly polite. He quite understood Mr. Carr's
+position, and&mdash;er&mdash;yes, he honoured him for the course on which he had
+decided. But Mr. Beauleigh was very, very cold. Carstares gave Jim
+orders to pack immediately, that he might depart next day, and
+reluctantly informed Miss Betty of his going. She was startled and
+bewildered. She had imagined that he would spend all June with them.
+Circumstances, he regretted, willed otherwise. He should always remember
+her great kindness to him, and hoped that she would forgive the brusque
+nature of his departure.</p>
+
+<p>When he told Diana her eyes opened very wide and she laughed, pointing
+an accusing finger at him.</p>
+
+<p>"You are teasing, Mr. Carr!" she cried, and ran into the house.</p>
+
+<p>That evening Miss Betty confirmed Jack's words, and seeing the hurt look
+in the girl's eyes, wisely held her peace.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning in the pleasaunce Diana came across my lord, and went up to
+him, gravely questioning.</p>
+
+<p>"You are really leaving us to-day, Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I must, Mistress Di."</p>
+
+<p>"So suddenly? Then you were not teasing yesterday?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, mademoiselle&mdash;I was not. I fear I have tarried too long, taking
+advantage of your kindness."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no!" she assured him. "Indeed, you have not! Must you <i>really</i>
+go?"</p>
+
+<p>Looking down into her big eyes, John read the answering love in them,
+and grew pale. It was worse to think that she cared, too. If only he
+thought she was indifferent, parting would not seem so unbearable.</p>
+
+<p>"Mademoiselle&mdash;you overwhelm me&mdash;I must go."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but I am sorry. Your being here has been such a pleasure! I&mdash;" She
+stopped, and looked away across the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"You?" prompted Jack before he could check himself.</p>
+
+<p>With a tiny laugh she brought her gaze back.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry you must leave us, naturally."</p>
+
+<p>She sat down beneath an arbour of roses, and patted the place beside her
+invitingly, with just the same unconscious friendliness that she had
+always shown him. My lord stayed where he was, with one hand on a tree
+trunk and the other fidgeting with his quizzing glass.</p>
+
+<p>"Mistress Di&mdash;I think it only right that I should tell you what I have
+told your father, and what I told your aunt some time ago, when she
+refused to believe me. To some extent I am here under false pretences. I
+am not what you think me."</p>
+
+<p>Diana laced and unlaced her fingers, and thought that she understood.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Mr. Carr!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid yes, mademoiselle. I am&mdash;a common felon ... a highwayman!"
+He bit the words out, not looking at her.</p>
+
+<p>"But I knew that," she said softly.</p>
+
+<p>"You <i>knew</i> it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes! I remember when you told Aunt Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"You believed me?"</p>
+
+<p>"You see," she apologised, "I always wondered why you were masked."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you permitted me to stay&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How silly of you, Mr. Carr! Of course I do not care what you are! I owe
+so much to you!"</p>
+
+<p>He wheeled round at that, and faced her.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I can bear anything rather than gratitude! Is it only that which
+has made you tolerate me all this time?"</p>
+
+<p>Her fingers gripped one another.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir&mdash;why, sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The flame died out of his eyes, and he drew himself up stiffly, speaking
+with a curtness that surprised her.</p>
+
+<p>"I crave your pardon. I should be whipped at the cart-tail for asking
+such an impertinent question. Forget it, I beg."</p>
+
+<p>Diana looked up at the stern face, half amazed, half affronted.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think I quite understand you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"There is nought to understand, mademoiselle," he answered with dry
+lips. "'Twere merely that I was coxcomb enough to hope that you liked me
+a little for mine own sake."</p>
+
+<p>She glanced again at his averted head with a wistful little smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" she murmured. "<i>Oh!</i>"&mdash;and&mdash;"It is very dreadful to be a
+highwayman!" she sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>"But surely you could cease to be one?" coaxingly.</p>
+
+<p>He did not trust himself to answer.</p>
+
+<p>"I know you could. Please do!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is not all," he forced himself to say. "There is worse."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Is</i> there?" she asked wide-eyed. "What else have you done, Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;once&mdash;" heavens, how hard it was to say! "I once ... cheated ... at
+cards." It was out. Now she would turn from him in disgust. He shut his
+eyes in anticipation of her scorn, his head turned away.</p>
+
+<p>"Only <i>once</i>?" came the soft voice, filled with awed admiration.</p>
+
+<p>His eyes flew open.</p>
+
+<p>"Mademoiselle&mdash;!"</p>
+
+<p>She drooped her head mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid I always cheat," she confessed. "I had no idea 'twas so
+wicked, although Auntie gets very cross and vows she will not play with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>He could not help laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not wicked in you, child. You do not play for money."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, did you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, child."</p>
+
+<p>"Then that <i>was</i> horrid of you," she agreed.</p>
+
+<p>He stood silent, fighting the longing to tell her the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but&mdash;do not look so solemn, sir," the pleading voice went on. "I
+am sure you must have had a very strong excuse?"</p>
+
+<p>"None."</p>
+
+<p>"And now you are letting it spoil your life?" she asked reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"It does not wait for my permission," he answered bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but what a pity! Must one moment's indiscretion interfere with all
+else in life? That is ridiculous. You have&mdash;what is the word?&mdash;expiated!
+yes, that is it&mdash;expiated it, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"The past can never be undone, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"That, of course, is true," she nodded, with the air of a sage, "but it
+can be forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>His hand flew out eagerly and dropped back to his side. It was hopeless.
+He could not tell her the truth and ask her to share his disgrace; he
+must bear it alone, and, above all, he must not whine. He had chosen to
+take Richard's blame and he must abide by the consequences. It was not a
+burden to be cast off as soon as it became too heavy for him. It was for
+ever&mdash;for ever. He forced his mind to grasp that fact. All through his
+life he must be alone against the world; his name would never be
+cleared; he could never ask this sweet child who sat before him with
+such a wistful, pleading look on her lovely face, to wed him. He looked
+down at her sombrely, telling himself that she did not really care: that
+it was his own foolish imagination. Now she was speaking: he listened to
+the liquid voice that repeated:</p>
+
+<p>"Could it not be forgotten?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, mademoiselle. It will always be there."</p>
+
+<p>"To all intents and purposes, might it not be forgotten?" she persisted.</p>
+
+<p>"It will always stand in the way, mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>He supposed that mechanical voice was his own. Through his brain
+thrummed the thought: "It is for Dick's sake ... for Dick's sake. For
+Dick's sake you must be silent." Resolutely he pulled himself together.</p>
+
+<p>"It will stand in the way&mdash;of what?" asked Diana.</p>
+
+<p>"I can never ask a woman to be my wife," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>Diana wantonly stripped a rose of its petals, letting each fragrant leaf
+flutter slowly to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not see why you cannot, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"No woman would share my disgrace."</p>
+
+<p>"No?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"You seem very certain, Mr. Carr. Pray have you asked the lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam." Carstares was as white as she was red, but he was holding
+himself well in hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Then&mdash;" the husky voice was very low, "then&mdash;why don't you?"</p>
+
+<p>The slim hand against the tree trunk was clenched tightly, she observed.
+In his pale face the blue eyes burnt dark.</p>
+
+<p>"Because, madam, 'twere the action of a&mdash;of a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Of a what, Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"A cur! A scoundrel! A blackguard!"</p>
+
+<p>Another rose was sharing the fate of the first.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard it said that some women like&mdash;curs, and-and&mdash;and
+scoundrels; even blackguards," remarked that provocative voice. Through
+her lashes its owner watched my lord's knuckles gleam white against the
+tree-bark.</p>
+
+<p>"Not the lady I love, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh? But are you sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure. She must marry a man whose honour is spotless; who is not&mdash;a
+nameless outcast, and who lives&mdash;not&mdash;by dice&mdash;and highway robbery."</p>
+
+<p>He knew that the brown eyes were glowing and sparkling with unshed
+tears, but he kept his own turned inexorably the other way. There was no
+doubting now that she cared, and that she knew that he did also. He
+could not leave her to think that her love had been slighted. She must
+not be hurt, but made to understand that he could not declare his love.
+But how hard it was, with her sorrowful gaze upon him and the pleading
+note in her voice. It was quivering now:</p>
+
+<p>"Must she, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"But supposing&mdash;supposing the lady did not care? Supposing she&mdash;loved
+you&mdash;and was willing to share your disgrace?"</p>
+
+<p>The ground at her feet was strewn with crimson petals, and all around
+and above her roses nodded and swayed. A tiny breeze was stirring her
+curls and the lace of her frock, but John would not allow himself to
+look, lest the temptation to catch her in his arms should prove too
+great for him. She was ready to give herself to him; to face anything,
+only to be with him. In the plainest language she offered herself to
+him, and he had to reject her.</p>
+
+<p>"It is inconceivable that the lady would sacrifice herself in such a
+fashion, madam," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Sacrifice!" She caught her breath. "You call it that!"</p>
+
+<p>"What else?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ... I ... I do not think that you are very wise, Mr. Carr. Nor ...
+that you ... understand women ... very well. She might not call it by
+that name."</p>
+
+<p>"It would make no difference what she called it, madam. She would ruin
+her life, and that must never be."</p>
+
+<p>A white rose joined its fallen brethren, pulled to pieces by fingers
+that trembled pitifully.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Carr, if the lady ... loved you ... is it quite fair to her&mdash;to say
+nothing?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a long silence, and then my lord lied bravely.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope that she will&mdash;in time&mdash;forget me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Diana sat very still. No more roses were destroyed; the breeze wafted
+the fallen petals over her feet, lightly, almost playfully. Somewhere in
+the hedge a bird was singing, a full-throated sobbing plaint, and from
+all around came an incessant chirping and twittering. The sun sent its
+bright rays all over the garden, bathing it in gold and happiness; but
+for the two in the pleasaunce the light had gone out, and the world was
+very black.</p>
+
+<p>"I see," whispered Diana at last. "Poor lady!"</p>
+
+<p>"I think it was a cursed day that saw me come into her life," he
+groaned.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it was," her hurt heart made answer.</p>
+
+<p>He bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I can only hope that she will not think too hardly of me," he said,
+very low. "And that she will find it in her heart to be sorry&mdash;for
+me&mdash;also."</p>
+
+<p>She rose and came up to him, her skirts brushing gently over the grass,
+holding out her hands imploringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Carr...."</p>
+
+<p>He would not allow himself to look into the gold-flecked eyes.... He
+must remember Dick&mdash;his brother Dick!</p>
+
+<p>In his hand he took the tips of her fingers, and bowing, kissed them.
+Then he turned on his heel and strode swiftly away between the hedges
+towards the quiet woods, with a heart aflame with passion, and with
+rebellion and impotent fury. He would go somewhere quite alone and fight
+the devil that was prompting him to cry the truth aloud and to throw
+aside his burden for love, forgetting duty.</p>
+
+<p>But Diana remained standing among the scattered flowers, very still,
+very cold, with a look of hopeless longing in her eyes and a great
+hurt.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h3>
+
+<h3>O'HARA'S MIND IS MADE UP</h3>
+
+
+<p>Jim Salter folded one of my lord's waistcoats, and placed it carefully
+in an open valise; then he picked up a coat, and spread it on the bed
+preparatory to folding it in such wise that no crease should afterwards
+mar its smoothness. All about him my lord's clothing was strewn; Mechlin
+ruffles and cravats adorned one chair, silk hose another; gorgeous coats
+hung on their backs; shoes of every description, red-heeled and white,
+riding boots and slippers, stood in a row awaiting attention; wigs
+perched coquettishly on handy projections, and piles of white cambric
+shirts peeped out from an almost finished bag.</p>
+
+<p>Jim laid the coat tenderly in the valise, coaxing it into decorous
+folds, and wondering at the same time where his master was. He had been
+out all the morning, and on his return had looked so ill that Jim had
+been worried, and wished that they were not leaving Horton House quite
+so soon. A little while ago my lord had been closeted with his host; Jim
+supposed he must still be there. He reached out his hand for another
+waistcoat, but before his fingers had touched it, he stopped, and lifted
+his head, listening. Hasty, impetuous footsteps sounded on the stairs,
+and came furiously along the corridor. The door was twisted open, and my
+lord stood on the threshold. Jim scanned the tired face anxiously, and
+noted with a sinking heart that the blue eyes were blazing and the fine
+lips set in a hard, uncompromising line. The slender hand gripping the
+door-handle twitched in a way that Jim knew full well; evidently my lord
+was in an uncertain mood.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you finished?" rapped out Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to leave this year and not next, if 'tis all the same to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. I didn't know you was in a hurry, sir."</p>
+
+<p>There was no reply to this. My lord advanced into the room and cast one
+glance at his scattered baggage and another all round him.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is my riding dress?"</p>
+
+<p>Jim shivered in his luckless shoes.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;er&mdash;'tis packed, sir. Do ye want it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I want it! Do you suppose that I am going to ride in what I
+have on?"</p>
+
+<p>"I rather thought ye were driving, your honour."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not. The scarlet suit at once, please."</p>
+
+<p>He flung himself down in a chair before his dressing-table and picked up
+a nail-file.</p>
+
+<p>Salter eyed his reflection in the glass dismally, and made no movement
+to obey. After a moment my lord swung round.</p>
+
+<p>"Well! What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir, I did, but&mdash;your pardon, sir&mdash;but do ye think 'tis wise to
+ride to-day for&mdash;for the first time?"</p>
+
+<p>The file slammed down on to the table.</p>
+
+<p>"I am riding to Horley this afternoon!" said his master dangerously.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a matter of fifteen miles or so, your honour. Hadn't ye better&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Damn you, Jim, be quiet!"</p>
+
+<p>Salter gave it up.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir," he said, and unearthed the required dress. "I'll see
+the baggage goes by coach, and saddle the mare and Peter."</p>
+
+<p>"Not Peter. You go in the coach."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>What!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>My lord stared at him. There had been a note of finality in the
+respectful tone. My lord became icy.</p>
+
+<p>"You forget yourself, Salter."</p>
+
+<p>"I ask your pardon, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You will travel in charge of my things, as usual."</p>
+
+<p>Jim compressed his lips, and stowed a shoe away in one corner of the
+bag.</p>
+
+<p>"You understand me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I understand ye well enough, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Then that is settled."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>My lord dropped his eye-glass.</p>
+
+<p>"What the devil do you mean&mdash;'No, sir'?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ask your pardon, sir, an I presume, but I can't and won't let ye ride
+alone with your wound but just healed." There was not a hint of defiance
+or impertinence in the quiet voice, but it held a great determination.</p>
+
+<p>"You won't, eh? Do you imagine I am a child?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Or unable to take care of myself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think ye are weaker than ye know, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you do, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>Jim came up to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye'll let me ride with ye, sir? I won't trouble ye, and I can ride
+behind, but I can't let ye go alone. Ye might faint&mdash;sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I can assure you I am not like to be a pleasant companion!" said
+Carstares with a savage little laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir, I understand there's something troubling ye. Will ye let me
+come?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord scowled up at him, then relented suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"As you please."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank ye, sir." Salter returned to his packing, cording one bag and
+placing it near the door, and quickly filling another. The piles of
+linen grew steadily smaller until they disappeared, and he retired into
+a cupboard to reappear with a great armful of coats and small-clothes.</p>
+
+<p>For a long while my lord sat silent staring blankly before him. He
+walked to the window and stood with his back to the room, looking out,
+then he turned and came back to his chair. Jim, watching him covertly,
+noted that the hard glitter had died out of his eyes, and that he looked
+wearier than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares studied his nails for a moment in silence. Presently he spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"Jim."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be&mdash;going abroad again shortly."</p>
+
+<p>If Carstares had remarked that it was a fine day the man could not have
+shown less surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>John looked across at him, smiling faintly.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll come, Jim?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would go anywhere with ye, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And what about that little girl at Fittering?"</p>
+
+<p>Salter blushed and stammered hopelessly.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear fellow, since when have I been blind? Did you think I did not
+know?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir&mdash;well, sir&mdash;er&mdash;yes, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I knew! Can you leave her to come with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't leave ye to stay with her, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure? I do not want you to come against your inclinations."</p>
+
+<p>"Women ain't everything, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they not? I think they are ... a great deal," said my lord
+wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm mighty fond o' Mary, but she knows I must go with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Does she? But is it quite fair to her? And I believe I am not minded to
+drag you 'cross Continent again."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye won't leave me behind, sir? Ye couldn't do that! Sir-ye're never
+thinking of going by yourself? I&mdash;I&mdash;I won't let ye!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I cannot spare you. But if you should change your mind,
+tell me. Is it a promise?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir. If I <i>should</i> change my mind." Salter's smile was grimly
+sarcastic.</p>
+
+<p>"I am selfish enough to hope you'll not change. I think no one else
+would bear with my vile temper as you do. Help me out of this coat, will
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll never change, sir. And as to tempers&mdash;As if I minded!"</p>
+
+<p>"No. You are marvellous. My breeches. Thanks."</p>
+
+<p>He shed his satin small-clothes, and proceeded to enter into white
+buckskins. "Not those boots, Jim, the other pair." He leaned against the
+table as he spoke, drumming his fingers on a chair-back.</p>
+
+<p>A knock fell on the door, at which he frowned and signed to Jim, who
+walked across and opened it, slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"Is your master here?" inquired a well-known voice, and at the sound of
+it my lord's face lighted up, and Salter stood aside.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>The big Irishman complied and cast a swift glance round the disordered
+room. He raised his eyebrows at sight of Jack's riding boots and looked
+inquiringly across at him.</p>
+
+<p>My lord pushed a chair forward with his foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, man! I thought you were in London?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was. I brought Molly home yesterday, the darlint, and I heard that ye
+were leaving here this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah?"</p>
+
+<p>"And as I'm not going to let ye slip through me fingers again, I thought
+I would come and make sure of ye. Ye are a deal too slippery, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet I was coming to see you again whatever happened."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. Ye are coming now&mdash;to stay."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara placed his hat and whip on the table, and stretched his legs with
+a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, 'tis stiff I am! Jim, I've a chaise outside for the baggage, so
+ye may take it down as soon as may be."</p>
+
+<p>"Leave it where it is, Jim. Miles, 'tis monstrous good of you, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Keep your buts to yourself, Jack. Me mind's made up."</p>
+
+<p>"And so is mine! I really cannot&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Me good boy, ye are coming to stay with us until ye are recovered, if I
+have to knock ye senseless and then carry ye!"</p>
+
+<p>The lightning smile flashed into Jack's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"How ferocious! But pray do not be ridiculous over a mere scratch.
+Recovered, indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye still look ill. Nay, Jack, take that frown off your face; 'tis of no
+avail, I am determined."</p>
+
+<p>The door closed softly behind Jim as Carstares shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't, Miles. You must see 'tis impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh! No one who comes to Thurze House knows ye or anything about ye.
+Ye need not see a soul, but come ye must!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, Miles&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Jack, don't be a fool! I want ye, and so does Molly. 'Tis no trap, so
+ye need not look so scared."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not. Indeed, I am very grateful, but&mdash;I cannot. I am going abroad
+almost at once."</p>
+
+<p>"What?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I mean it."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara sat up.</p>
+
+<p>"So it has come! I knew it would!"</p>
+
+<p>"What mean you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye've found out that ye love Mistress Di."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>"And she you."</p>
+
+<p>Jack looked at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ay! I'm a tactless oaf, I know, and me manners are atrocious to be
+for trying to break through the barriers ye've put up round yourself.
+But, I tell ye, Jack, it hurts to be kept at the end of a pole! I don't
+want to force your confidence, but for God's sake don't be treating me
+as if I were a stranger!"</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, Miles. It's confoundedly hard to confide in anyone
+after six years' solitude." He struggled into his coat as he spoke, and
+settled his cravat. "If you want to know the whole truth, 'tis because
+of Diana that I am going."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. Ye are in love with her?"</p>
+
+<p>"It rather points that way, does it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then why the divil don't ye ask her to marry ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't I ask her? Because I will not offer her a smirched name!
+Because I love her so much that&mdash;" He broke off with a shaky, furious
+laugh. "How can you ask me such a question? I am a desirable <i>parti,
+hein? Nom d'un nom</i>! For what do you take me?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara looked up, calmly studying the wrathful countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Chivalrous young fool," he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>Again the short, angry laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so likely that I should ask her to marry me, is it not?
+'Mademoiselle, you see in me an improvident fool: I began life by
+cheating at cards, and since then&mdash;' Oh, I shall believe it myself ere
+long! I seem to have told it to so many people. And I lay myself open to
+the impertinences of&mdash;" he checked himself, thinking of the interview
+downstairs with Mr. Beauleigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Rubbish, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not rubbish. I have one recommendation&mdash;only one."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, have ye as much? What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord laughed bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"I dress rather well."</p>
+
+<p>"And fence better, as far as I remember."</p>
+
+<p>"I have reason to. That is but another point to damn me. What woman
+would marry a fencing-master? Oh, my God! what a mess I have made of my
+life." He tried to laugh and failed miserably.</p>
+
+<p>"I rather fancy Mistress Di would."</p>
+
+<p>"She will not be asked thus to demean herself," was the proud answer.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Jack, ye forget ye are the Earl of Wyncham."</p>
+
+<p>"A pretty earl! No thank you, Miles. Richard's son will be Earl&mdash;no son
+of mine."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara brought his fist down on the table with a crash.</p>
+
+<p>"Damn Richard and his son!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord picked up a jewelled pin and, walking to the glass, proceeded to
+fasten it in his cravat. The other followed him with smouldering eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Retired into your shell again?" he growled.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares, with his head slightly on one side, considered the effect of
+the pin. Then he came back to his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Miles, the long and short of it is that I am an unreasonable
+grumbler. I made my bed, and I suppose I must-on it."</p>
+
+<p>"And will ye be afther telling me who helped ye in the making of it?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares sat down and started to pull on one boot.</p>
+
+<p>"I foresee we shall be at one another's throats ere long," he prophesied
+cheerfully. "Did I tell you that I informed Mr. Beauleigh of
+my&mdash;er&mdash;profession to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>Miles forgot his anger in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye never told him ye were a highwayman?" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I did. Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? Why wot? God help us all! are ye daft, man? Do ye intend to
+tell every other person ye meet what ye are? Bedad, 'tis mad ye are
+entirely!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"I was afraid you would not understand."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould take a wizard to understand ye! Another chivalrous impulse, I
+doubt not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Chiv&mdash;! No. It is just that I could not let him think me an honourable
+gentleman. He took it well, on the whole, and is now frigidly polite."</p>
+
+<p>"Polite! I should hope so! The ould scarecrow, after ye'd saved his
+daughter on him, too! And 'twas he made ye so furious?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"He and myself. You see&mdash;he&mdash;lectured me&mdash;oh! quite kindly&mdash;on the error
+of my ways, and&mdash;it hurt."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis as well ye are coming to me then, the way things are with ye at
+present."</p>
+
+<p>My lord opened his mouth to speak, encountered a fiery glance, and shut
+it again.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything to say?" inquired O'Hara with a threatening gleam in his eye.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," replied Jack meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye will come?"</p>
+
+<p>"Please."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara sprang up joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Good lad! Lud! but I was afraid at one time&mdash;Put on your other boot
+while I go and look for that rascal of yours!" He hurried out of the
+room to find Jim, who, having foreseen the result of the contest, was
+already stowing the luggage away on the chaise.</p>
+
+<p>Half-an-hour later, his <i>adieux</i> made, Jim and the baggage following, my
+lord rode out with O'Hara on his way to Thurze House.</p>
+
+<p>For some time there was silence between the two men, with only a
+perfunctory remark or two on the fineness of the day and the freshness
+of the mare to break it. Carstares' mind was, as his friend well knew,
+dwelling on all that he had left behind him. His parting with Diana had
+been quite ordinary, she at least making no sign that he was anything
+beyond a chance acquaintance; indeed, it had almost seemed to him that
+her attitude was slightly aloof, as if she had drawn a little into
+herself. Her hand when he had kissed it had been lifeless and cold, her
+smile sweetly remote. He knew that he had held the hand a fraction of a
+minute longer than was strictly in accordance with the rules of good
+manners, and he feared that he had clasped it in most unseemly wise,
+pressing it hard against his lips. He wondered whether she had remarked
+it. He little guessed that long after he had ridden out of sight, she
+continued to feel that pressure. If he could have seen her passionately
+kissing each finger separately for fear her lips might pass over the
+exact spot his had touched, his heart might have been lighter.</p>
+
+<p>It was true that she had retired into her shell, a little hurt at what
+she termed his man's blind obstinacy. She had laid her heart bare for
+him to read; she had offered herself to him as plainly as if she had
+spoken in terms less general than in the pleasaunce; she had fought
+desperately for her happiness, thrusting aside all thought of maiden
+modesty, and when she afterwards had realised what she had done, and
+tried to imagine what he must think of her, she had blushed dark, and
+mentally flayed herself for her lack of proper pride and manners.
+Terrified that he might think her immodest, overwhelmed with sudden
+shyness, she had been colder in her attitude towards him, than she had
+intended, even in her anxiety not to appear forward. But in spite of
+her coldness, how intensely had she hoped that he would sense her love
+and all that she wanted him to know! Incomprehensible the ways of women!</p>
+
+<p>Not endowed with feminine perspicacity or intuition, how could John hope
+to understand her dual feelings? He only knew that he had hurt her, and
+that she had drawn back that she might not lay herself open to more. He
+could not hope to understand her when she did not fully understand
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>Reflecting on the swiftness with which love had come to them, he
+believed that with a like swiftness it might fade, at least from Diana's
+memory. He told himself that he hoped for that end, but he was honest
+enough to know that it was the last thing in the world he wanted. The
+mere thought of Diana indifferent to him, or worse, another man's bride,
+made him bite on his underlip and tighten his hold on the rein.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara cast many a surreptitious glance at the stern young profile
+beside him, wondering whether his lordship would last out the tedious
+ride or no. He knew enough of Carstares' indomitable courage to believe
+that he would, but he feared that it would prove too great a strain on
+him in his present weakened condition.</p>
+
+<p>Very wisely he made no attempt to draw Carstares out of his abstraction,
+but continued to push on in silence, past fields knee-deep in grass,
+soon to be hay, with sorrel and poppies growing apace, along lanes with
+hedges high above their heads on either side, over hill and down
+dale&mdash;always in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Presently O'Hara fell a little to the rear that he might study his
+friend without palpably turning to do so. He thought he had never seen
+Jack's face wear such a black look. The fine brows almost met over his
+nose with only two sharp furrows to separate them; the mouth was
+compressed, the chin a little prominent, and the eyes, staring ahead
+between Jenny's nervous ears, seemed to see all without absorbing
+anything. One hand at his hip was clenched on his riding-whip, the other
+mechanically guided the mare.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara found himself admiring the lithe grace of the man, with his
+upright carriage and splendid seat.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, as if aware that he was being studied, my lord half turned his
+head and met O'Hara's eyes. He gave a tiny shrug and with it seemed to
+throw off his oppression. The frown vanished, and he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, Miles. I am a surly fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Mayhap your shoulder troubles you," suggested O'Hara tactfully.</p>
+
+<p>"N-no, I am barely conscious of it. I've no excuse beyond bad manners
+and a worse temper."</p>
+
+<p>From thence onward he set himself to entertain his friend, and if his
+laugh was sometimes rather forced, at least his wit was enough to keep
+O'Hara in a pleasurable state of amusement for some miles.</p>
+
+<p>By the time they arrived at Thurze House, Carstares was suspiciously
+white about the mouth, and there was once more a furrow&mdash;this time of
+pain&mdash;between his brows. But he was able to greet my Lady O'Hara with
+fitting elegance and to pay her at least three neat, laughing
+compliments before O'Hara took him firmly by the arm and marched him to
+his room, there to rest and recover before the dinner hour.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after, Jim arrived, highly contented with his new surroundings,
+and able to give a satisfactory verdict on Jenny's stalling. He had
+quite accepted O'Hara as a friend, after some jealous qualms, and was
+now well pleased that his master should be in his house instead of
+roaming the countryside.</p>
+
+<p>At five o'clock, as the gong rang, my lord descended the stairs
+resplendent in old gold and silver trimmings, determined to be as gay
+and light-hearted as the occasion demanded, as though there had never
+been a Diana to upset the whole course of a man's life.</p>
+
+<p>Not for nothing had he fought against the world for six long years.
+Their teaching had been to hide all feeling beneath a perpetual mask of
+nonchalance and wit; never for an instance to betray a hurt, and never
+to allow it to appear that he was anything but the most care-free of
+men. The training stood him in good stead now, and even O'Hara wondered
+to see him in such spirits after all that had passed. Lady Molly was
+delighted with her guest, admiring his appearance, his fine, courtly
+manners, and falling an easy victim to his charm.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara, watching them, saw with content that his capricious little wife
+was really attracted to my lord. It was a high honour, for she was hard
+to please, and many of O'Hara's acquaintances had been received, if not
+with actual coldness, at least not with any degree of warmth.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the meal she withdrew with the warning that they were not
+to sit too long over their wine, and that Miles was not to fatigue his
+lordship.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara pushed the decanter towards his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"I've a piece of news I daresay will interest ye!" he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares looked at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. 'Tis that his Grace of Andover has withdrawn his precious person to
+Paris."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares raised one eyebrow.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he would naturally wish to remain in the background after our
+little fracas."</p>
+
+<p>"Does he ever wish to be in the background?"</p>
+
+<p>"You probably know him better than I do. Does he?"</p>
+
+<p>"He does not. 'Tis always in front he is, mighty prominent. Damn him!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord was faintly surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Why that? Has he ever interfered with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has interfered with me best friend to some purpose."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear the boot was on the other leg!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I know something of how he interferes with Dick."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares put down his glass, all attention now.</p>
+
+<p>"With Dick? How?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara seemed to regret having spoken</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well&mdash;I've no sympathy with <i>him</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"What has Tracy done to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis nothing of great moment. Merely that he and that worthless brother
+of his seek to squeeze him dry."</p>
+
+<p>"Robert?"</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew. I know very little of Robert."</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew! But he was a child&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he's grown up now, and as rakish a young spendthrift as ye could
+wish for. Dick seems to pay their debts."</p>
+
+<p>"Devil take him! Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven knows! I suppose Lavinia insists. We all knew that 'twas for
+that reason Tracy flung you both in her way."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense! We went of our own accord. She had but returned from school."</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. And whose doing was that but Tracy's?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares opened his eyes rather wide and leant both arms on the table,
+crooking his fingers round the stem of his wine glass.</p>
+
+<p>"Do the debts amount to much?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't tell ye that. 'Twas but by chance I found it out at all. The
+Belmanoirs were never moderate in their manner of living."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor were any of us. Don't be so hard on them, Miles!... I knew, of
+course, that the Belmanoir estate was mortgaged, but I did not guess to
+what extent."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know that either, but Dick's money does not go to pay it off.
+'Tis all frittered away on gambling and pretty women."</p>
+
+<p>My lord's brow darkened ominously.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye-s. I think I shall have a little score to settle with Tracy on that
+subject&mdash;some day."</p>
+
+<p>Miles said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>"But how does Dick manage without touching my money?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know." O'Hara's tone implied that he cared less.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope he is not in debt himself," mused Carstares, "'Tis like enough
+he is in some muddle. I wish I might persuade him to accept the
+revenue." He frowned and drummed his fingers on the table.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara exploded.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, 'twould be like you to be doing the same. Let the man alone for
+the Lord's sake, and don't be after worrying your head over a miserable
+spalpeen that did ye more harm than&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, I cannot allow you to speak so of Dick! You do not understand."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand well enough. 'Tis too Christian ye are entirely. And let
+us have an end of this farce of yours! I know that Dick cheated as well
+as you do, and I say 'tis unnatural for you to be wanting him to take
+your money after he's done you out of honour and all else!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares sipped his wine quietly, waiting for Miles' anger to
+evaporate, as it presently did, leaving him to glower balefully. Then he
+started to laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Miles, let me go my own road! I'm a sore trial to you, I know."
+Then suddenly sobering: "But I want you not to think so hardly of Dick.
+You know enough of him to understand a little how it all came about. You
+know how extravagant he was and how often in debt&mdash;can you not pardon
+the impulse of a mad moment?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I could pardon. What I cannot forgive is his&mdash;unutterable meanness
+in letting you bear the blame."</p>
+
+<p>"O'Hara, he was in love with Lavinia&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"So were you."</p>
+
+<p>"Not so deeply. With me 'twas a boy's passion, but with him 'twas
+serious."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara remained silent, his mouth unusually hard.</p>
+
+<p>"Put yourself in his place," pleaded Jack. "If you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you!" O'Hara laughed unpleasantly. "No, Jack, we shall not agree
+on this subject, and we had best leave it alone. I do not think you need
+worry about him, though. I believe he is not in debt."</p>
+
+<p>"Does he have fair luck with his racing and his&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara smiled grimly.</p>
+
+<p>"Dick is a very changed man, John. He does not keep racehorses, neither
+does he play cards, save for appearance's sake."</p>
+
+<p>"Dick not play! What then does he do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Manages your estates and conducts his wife to routs. When in town,"
+bitterly, "he inhabits your house."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there is none else to use it. But I cannot imagine Dick turned
+sober!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis easy to be righteous after the evil is done, I'm thinking!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord ignored this remark. A curious smile played about his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Egad, Miles, 'tis very entertaining! I, the erstwhile sober
+member&mdash;what is the matter?&mdash;am now the profligate: I dice, I gamble, I
+rob. Dick the ne'er-do-weel is a saint. He&mdash;er&mdash;lives a godly and
+righteous life, and&mdash;er&mdash;is robbed by his wife's relations. After all, I
+do not think I envy him overmuch."</p>
+
+<p>"At least, you enjoy life more than he does," said O'Hara, grinning.
+"For ye have no conscience to reckon with."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' face was inscrutable. He touched his lips with his napkin and
+smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"As you say, I enjoy life the more&mdash;but as to conscience, I do not think
+it is that."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara glanced at him sitting sideways in his chair, one arm flung over
+its back.</p>
+
+<p>"Will ye be offended if I ask ye a question?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not."</p>
+
+<p>"Then&mdash;do ye intend to go back to this highroad robbery?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not."</p>
+
+<p>"What then will you do?"</p>
+
+<p>The shadows vanished, and my lord laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"To tell you the truth, Miles, I've not yet settled that point. Fate
+will decide&mdash;not I."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h3>
+
+<h3>MR. BETTISON PROPOSES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison could make nothing of Diana of late. Her demeanour, at
+first so charming and so cheerful, had become listless, and even
+chilling. She seemed hardly to listen to some of his best tales, and
+twice she actually forgot to laugh at what was surely a most witty
+pleasantry. It struck him that she regarded him with a resentful eye, as
+if she objected to his presence at Horton House, and had no desire to be
+courted. But Mr. Bettison was far too egotistic to believe such a thing,
+and he brushed the incredible suspicion away, deciding that her coldness
+was due to a very proper shyness. He continued his visits until they
+became so frequent that scarce a day passed without his strutting step
+being heard approaching the house and his voice inquiring for the Miss
+Beauleighs. Mr. Beauleigh, who secretly hoped for Mr. Bettison as a
+son-in-law, would not permit the ladies to deny themselves, and he
+further counselled Miss Betty to absent herself after the first few
+moments, leaving the young couple together. Thus it was that it so
+continually fell to Diana's lot to receive the Squire and to listen to
+his never-ending monologues. She persistently snubbed him, hoping to
+ward off the impending proposal, but either her snubs were not severe
+enough, or Mr. Bettison's skin was too thick to feel them; for not a
+fortnight after my lord's departure, he begged her hand in marriage. It
+was refused him with great firmness, but, taking the refusal for
+coquettishness, he pressed his suit still more amorously, and with such
+a self-assured air that Mistress Di became indignant.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," she cried, "it seems you have indeed misread my attitude towards
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison was struck dumb with amazement. It had never entered his
+brain that Diana could seriously refuse him. He could hardly believe his
+ears at this quite unmistakable tone of voice, and sat gaping.</p>
+
+<p>"I must beg," continued Diana, "I must beg that you will discontinue
+your all-too-frequent visits here. Please do not deem me unkind, but
+your persecution of me&mdash;I can call it nothing else&mdash;is
+wearying&mdash;and&mdash;you will forgive the word&mdash;tiresome. I confess I am
+surprised that you had not perceived your attentions to be distasteful
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>"Distasteful!" cried Mr. Bettison, recovering after two or three
+unsuccessful attempts from his speechlessness. "Do you mean what you
+say, Miss Diana? That you will not wed me?"</p>
+
+<p>She nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Mr. Bettison, I do."</p>
+
+<p>"And that my attentions are displeasing to you! Well, Miss Beauleigh!
+Well, indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana softened a little.</p>
+
+<p>"I am indeed sorry that you should have misconstrued&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No misconstruction, madam!" snapped the Squire, who was fast losing
+control over his temper. "Do you dare aver that you did not encourage me
+to visit you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do, most emphatically!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I see what 'tis! You cannot hoodwink me. 'Twas never thus with you
+before that fellow came!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Bettison, I am entirely at a loss, but I desire you to leave this
+room before you say aught you may afterwards regret."</p>
+
+<p>He disregarded her.</p>
+
+<p>"You are infatuated by that over-dressed popinjay&mdash;that insufferable
+Carr, who, from all I hear, is but a shady fellow, and who&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>With a sweeping movement Diana had risen and walked to the bell-rope.
+She now pulled it with such vigour that a great peal sounded throughout
+the house.</p>
+
+<p>She stood perfectly still, a statue of Disdain, tall, beautiful and
+furious, with compressed lips and head held high. Mr. Bettison broke off
+and mopped his brow, glaring at her.</p>
+
+<p>Startled Thomas appeared at the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ring, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"Show Mr. Bettison out," was the proud answer.</p>
+
+<p>The Squire got up awkwardly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I apologise if I said aught that was untrue," he mumbled. "I
+hope you will not take my words amiss&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall try to forget your insults, sir," she replied. "The door,
+Thomas!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison went out, and his step had lost some of its self-confident
+swagger.</p>
+
+<p>For a full minute after the great front door had shut behind him, Diana
+stood where she was, and then the colour suddenly flamed in her cheeks,
+and she turned and ran out of the room, up the stairs, to her own
+chamber, where she indulged in a luxurious fit of crying. From this
+enjoyable occupation she was interrupted by a rap on the door, and Miss
+Betty's voice desiring to know if she was within.</p>
+
+<p>She instantly started up and with hasty fingers straightened her tumbled
+curls.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray enter!" she called, trying to sound jaunty. To complete the
+illusion, she started to hum. Her aunt entered.</p>
+
+<p>"I came to see if you had my broidery. I cannot find it, and I am sure
+'twas you brought it in from the garden this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;oh, yes&mdash;I am so sorry! 'Tis in that corner on the chair, I
+think," replied Diana, keeping her face averted.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty cast a shrewd glance at her, and sat down on the sofa with
+the air of one who means to stay.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, my love?" she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>Diana pretended to search for something in a cupboard.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, aunt! What should there be?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know. 'Tis what I want to find out," answered Miss Betty
+placidly.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nought amiss, I assure you!" To prove the truth of this
+statement, Diana essayed a laugh. It was a poor attempt, and wavered
+pitifully into a sob.</p>
+
+<p>"My pet, don't tell me! You are crying!"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I'm n-not!" avowed Diana, hunting wildly for her
+pocket-handkerchief. "'Tis a cold in the head I have had these three
+days."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, my love? Longer than that, I fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;perhaps so&mdash;I&mdash;What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt but what you caught it the day that Mr. Carr left us."</p>
+
+<p>Diana started.</p>
+
+<p>"P-pray, do not be ridiculous, auntie!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear. Come and sit beside me and tell me all about it," coaxed
+Miss Betty.</p>
+
+<p>Diana hesitated, gave a damp sniff, and obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty drew her head down on to her shoulder soothingly.</p>
+
+<p>"There, there! Don't cry, my sweet! What has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis that odious Mr. Bettison!" sobbed Diana "He&mdash;he had the audacity
+to ask me to m-marry him!"</p>
+
+<p>"You don't say so, my love! I thought I heard him arrive. So you sent
+him about his business?"</p>
+
+<p>"N-not before he had time to insult m-me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Insult you? Di!"</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;he dared to insinuate&mdash;oh no! he accused me outright&mdash;of being
+infatuated by Mr. Carr! Infatuated!"</p>
+
+<p>Over her head Miss Betty opened her eyes at her own reflection in the
+glass.</p>
+
+<p>"The brute! But, of course, 'tis true?"</p>
+
+<p>No answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not?"</p>
+
+<p>The sobs came faster.</p>
+
+<p>"Of&mdash;of course 'tis true, but h-how dared he say so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Di, my love, you really are in love with that boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I&mdash;I asked him to marry me&mdash;and he wouldn't!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good gracious heavens!" Miss Betty was genuinely horrified. "My dear
+Diana!"</p>
+
+<p>"N-not outright&mdash;b-but he understood&mdash;and&mdash;he loves me! And I'd do it
+again to-morrow, if I could&mdash;immodest or no! So there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes," soothed Miss Betty hastily. "Tell me all about it." Diana
+lifted her head.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all. And he loves me&mdash;he does&mdash;he does!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say so?"</p>
+
+<p>"N-no&mdash;but I could tell. And I love him"&mdash;sob&mdash;"and I'd sooner die than
+live without him, and he won't ask me b-because he has not got a
+spotless p-past, and he'd be a cur, and horrid things, and my husband
+must not be an&mdash;an&mdash;outcast, and-and&mdash;and I don't care!"</p>
+
+<p>Her bewildered aunt unravelled this with difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"He'd be a cur if he asked you to marry him?" she asked, with knitted
+brows.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Because he's a highwayman."</p>
+
+<p>"A highwayman! Then 'twas true what he said? Well, well! I should never
+have thought it! That nice boy!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana disengaged herself; in her eyes was a threatening gleam.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't dare say a word against him!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no&mdash;of course not! I was only surprised. But I am thankfully glad
+he did not ask you, for all that!"</p>
+
+<p>"Glad? How can you be so cruel?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, you could not possibly marry&mdash;a&mdash;a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Common felon!" sobbed Diana. "I can&mdash;I can!"</p>
+
+<p>"And heaven alone knows what else he may have done! Why, child, he said
+himself that he had a&mdash;a spotty past!"</p>
+
+<p>At this her niece gave a tearful giggle.</p>
+
+<p>"La! What ails you now, Di?"</p>
+
+<p>"H-he never said&mdash;spotty."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty smiled reluctantly.</p>
+
+<p>"A doubtful past, then."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe it!"</p>
+
+<p>Her aunt pursed up her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't believe it. He couldn't be wicked. You forget he saved me!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty relented.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I do not, my love; and, to be sure, I think he is a dear boy, but I
+also think 'twas very right of him to go away."</p>
+
+<p>She was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.</p>
+
+<p>"Auntie, you know you love him almost as much as I do?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, that I do not!" was the grim retort. "<i>I</i> am not like to want to
+marry him!"</p>
+
+<p>There was another watery giggle at this, and Diana went over to the
+dressing-table to tidy her hair.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt I shall never see him again," she said wretchedly. "Oh, auntie,
+if you could but have seen his dear, unhappy eyes!"</p>
+
+<p>"Stuff and nonsense! Not see him again, forsooth! He will call upon us
+in town. 'Tis but common politeness."</p>
+
+<p>"You forget he is a highwayman, and not like to come nigh us again."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dear, if he cares for you as you say he does, he will see to
+it that he takes up some decent occupation. Mayhap, he will go into the
+army, or what not. Then wait and see if he does not come to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think so?" doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do, sweetheart! And if he does not try to mend his ways,
+and you see him no more&mdash;why then, snap your fingers at him, my love,
+for he will not be worth one tear!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana sighed and poured out some water to bathe her face with.</p>
+
+<p>"Is not that sensible?" coaxed her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>She raised her head and looked unutterable scorn.</p>
+
+<p>"I think 'tis remarkable silly," she answered. Then her dignity fell
+from her. "Oh, are all men such big stupids?" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Most of 'em," nodded her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"But can't he tell that I shall be&mdash;oh, so miserable, and that I should
+not ruin my life if I married him?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, once a man gets an idea into his head, 'tis the very devil to
+get it out of him! Not but what I think Master Jack is right, mind you.
+And your dear papa and I had looked higher for you. After all&mdash;what is
+Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is the only man I will ever marry! So you may cease looking higher
+for me! I suppose you want me to marry that great gaby, Sir Denis
+Fabian, you are for ever inviting to the house? Or, perhaps, this
+gallant Mr. Bettison? Or Mr. Everard? How <i>can</i> you be so unkind?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not. But I could not bear to see you throw yourself away on a
+highwayman, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>Diana ran to her, putting her arms round her neck.</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest auntie, forgive my rudeness! I know you did not mean to be
+unkind! But you do not understand&mdash;I <i>love</i> him."</p>
+
+<p>"I always said you'd take it badly," nodded Miss Betty gloomily.</p>
+
+<p>"Take what badly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Love. And no man is worth one tear-drop, sweet."</p>
+
+<p>The confident, tender little laugh that answered this statement made her
+look at her suddenly changed niece in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know," said Diana. Her eyes were soft and luminous. "You just
+do not know."</p>
+
+<p>Before Miss Betty could think of a suitable retort, a knock fell on the
+door. It was opened, and Thomas was found to be without.</p>
+
+<p>"My Lady O'Hara is below, madam."</p>
+
+<p>For an instant the two ladies stared at one another. Then:</p>
+
+<p>"La and drat!" said Miss Betty. "With the drawing-room in a muddle after
+cleaning!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana nodded to the man.</p>
+
+<p>"We will come, Thomas." Then as soon as he had withdrawn, she stared
+again at her aunt. "Lady O'Hara! But why?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose she felt she must call after Sir Miles had been here so
+often. But why, for goodness' sake, must she choose the one day that the
+drawing-room is all untidy? Drat again, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana was powdering her little nose, and anxiously looking to see if the
+tear-stains had quite vanished.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not untidy, Aunt Betty. Oh, I am quite eager to see her&mdash;I think
+she must be charming, from all Sir Miles said. Do hurry, aunt!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty stuck a pin into her hair and smoothed out her dress.</p>
+
+<p>"And me in this old taffeta!" she grumbled.</p>
+
+<p>Diana swirled round, her own peach-coloured silk rustling fashionably.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, dear&mdash;you look very sweet. But <i>do</i> be quick!" Miss Betty
+suffered herself to be led to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis all very fine for you, my love, with a new gown fresh on to-day!
+Will you just take a look at my petticoat, though?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, you are beautiful! Come!"</p>
+
+<p>Together they descended the stairs, and went into the drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p>A dainty, very diminutive little lady arose from a chair at their entry,
+and came forward with outstretched hands, and such a fascinating smile
+that Miss Betty's ill-humour vanished, and she responded to her
+visitor's deep curtsy with one of her best jerky dips.</p>
+
+<p>"I am vastly delighted to welcome you, madam," she said primly. "'Tis
+good in you to come this long way to see us."</p>
+
+<p>She drew a chair forward for my lady, and presented her niece. Lady
+O'Hara gave the girl a swift, scrutinising glance, and curtsied again.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a great pleasure to me to meet you at last, Miss Beauleigh," she
+smiled. "My husband has told me so much of you, I declare I was all agog
+to meet you!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana warmed instantly to the little lady's charm.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, madam, we, too, have heard much of you from Sir Miles. <i>We</i>
+have wanted to meet <i>you</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara seated herself and nodded briskly.</p>
+
+<p>"I expect he told you some dreadful tales of me," she said happily. "I
+must ask your pardon for not having visited you before, but, as I
+daresay you know, I have been away, and, gracious me, when I returned
+everything seemed topsy-turvy!" She laughed across at Miss Betty. "I
+promise you I have had my hands full putting things to rights, Miss
+Beauleigh!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty drew her chair closer, and in a minute they were deep in
+truly feminine conversation: the prodigious extravagance of the
+servants; the helplessness of men-folk when left to themselves, and then
+London, its shops, its parks, the newest play.</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara was begged to take a dish of Miss Betty's precious Bohea&mdash;a
+very high honour indeed&mdash;and when Mr. Beauleigh came into the room he
+found his sister and daughter seated on either side of a pretty,
+animated little lady whom he had never before seen, talking hard, and
+partaking of tay and angel cakes. Whereupon he retired hastily and shut
+himself up in his library.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY O'HARA WINS HER POINT</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara looked across at her sleeping husband with no little
+severity in her glance. He was stretched in a chair beneath a giant oak,
+and she was busied with some needlework a few paces from him. O'Hara's
+eyes were shut and his mouth open. My lady frowned and coughed. She
+rasped her throat quite considerably, but it was not without effect; her
+spouse shut his mouth and opened one lazy eyelid. Immediately my lady
+assumed an air of gentle mournfulness, and the eye regarding her
+twinkled a little, threatening to close. Molly looked reproachful, and
+began to speak in an aggrieved tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, and I do not think it at all kind in you to go to sleep when I
+want to talk, sir."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara hastily opened the other eye.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my love, I was not asleep! I was&mdash;er&mdash;thinking!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you say so, sir? And do you usually think with your mouth
+open&mdash;<i>snoring</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara started up.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll swear I did not snore!" he cried. "Molly, 'tis a wicked tease ye
+are!"</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, 'tis a big baby you are!" she mimicked. "There is a caterpillar
+on your wig, and 'tis on crooked."</p>
+
+<p>"The caterpillar?" asked O'Hara, bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"No, stupid, the wig. I had best straighten it for you, I suppose." She
+rose and stooped over him, settling the wig and removing the caterpillar
+by means of two leaves, judiciously wielded. Then she dropped a kiss on
+her husband's brow and sat down at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"First, you have never asked me where I was gone to all yesterday
+afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara had been carefully broken in, and he now knew what was expected
+of him, and put on an expression of great interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Where <i>did</i> ye go, my lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"I went to call on Miss Beauleigh and her niece, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>She looked up at him triumphantly and a little challengingly.</p>
+
+<p>"The devil ye did!"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir. I knew that there was something in the air, and I
+remembered your letter to me saying that Jack was in love with Diana. So
+I thought I would go and see her for myself."</p>
+
+<p>Miles looked down at her half indulgently, half vexedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you, puss?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did. And I found that she was in love with him as well as he with
+her&mdash;of course."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who could help falling in love with him? He's so monstrous captivating,
+I would like to marry him myself."</p>
+
+<p>She bent her head to hide the roguish smile that had sprung to her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon?" asked O'Hara, startled.</p>
+
+<p>My lady traced patterns on his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Provided, of course, that I had not already married you, Miles."</p>
+
+<p>But O'Hara had seen the smile. He heaved a great sigh, and said in
+lugubrious tones:</p>
+
+<p>"There is always the river, madam."</p>
+
+<p>My lady's finger wavered and stopped, and her hand tucked itself away
+into his.</p>
+
+<p>"That is not a nice joke, Miles."</p>
+
+<p>He laughed, and tweaked one of her curls.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, and did ye not ask for it, asthore?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I did not. But about Jack, dear&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought it <i>was</i> about Jack?"</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, will you be quiet and attend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, m'dear."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then. As I have told you, I drove over to Littledean
+yesterday afternoon, and made the acquaintance of the Miss Beauleighs."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did ye think of them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought Diana was wonderfully beautiful&mdash;such eyes, Miles!&mdash;and such
+hair! Miss Beauleigh is very amiable, and so droll! I drank a dish of
+tay with them, and I spoke of Jack&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Madcap, never tell me ye called him Carstares?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, you great gaby! Of course I did not. As it chanced, Miss Beauleigh
+mentioned him first, and she called him Mr. Carr. So I did, too. And I
+noticed that Diana said scarce a word about him, and when she did 'twas
+of the coolest. That, of course, made me all the more certain that she
+loved him."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara was plainly puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"But why should you be certain if she did not speak of him, alanna?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis what you'll never understand, my dear, because you are but a man.
+But no matter&mdash;I knew. I quite adored Diana, and determined to talk to
+her alone. So I admired the roses, and she offered to escort me round
+the garden, which was what I wanted. We went out together. I think Diana
+must have liked me, for&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet, Miles!&mdash;for she dropped her ice and became quite friendly.
+And I talked a lot."</p>
+
+<p>She was aware of a convulsive movement above her, and a suppressed
+cough. She raised inquiring eyebrows.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, asthore&mdash;nothing. Go on with the tale&mdash;you were saying&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That I talked a lot." She paused, and her eyes dared him; then she
+dimpled and dropped her lashes over them. "I shan't tell you all I
+said&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>A relieved sigh interrupted her.</p>
+
+<p>"And if you continue to behave in this disagreeable fashion I shall not
+say another word about anything!"</p>
+
+<p>Having satisfied herself that he was not going to venture a retort, she
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>"We had a long chat, and I gathered, from all she said and left unsaid,
+that Jack, for some foolish reason, will not ask her to marry him."</p>
+
+<p>"Foolish reason, asthore?" he interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know you consider it a remarkable fine reason, but I tell you,
+'tis rank cruelty to that poor child. As if she cared about highwaymen!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas not so much that, I take it, as&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but he could tell her he was innocent&mdash;oh, Miles, do not look so
+provoking! Of course he could! I vow if you had treated me so, I would
+never have let you go until you had truly repented! I am of a mind to
+speak to Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould be an entertaining sight, but ye'll kindly have a care how you
+touch him, my lady."</p>
+
+<p>"He does not understand. I <i>know</i> she would be proud to marry him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And ye'd think it a fine thing in Jack to ask her, the way things are
+with him at present?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;oh, I don't know!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, me love. Jack is right: he must first clear his name."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, gracious goodness me, why does he not?" cried Molly, exasperated.</p>
+
+<p>This time it was O'Hara's turn to look superior.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, alanna, that's a question ye cannot hope to understand&mdash;because
+ye are but a woman."</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara ignored the challenge.</p>
+
+<p>"But what is to be done?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought. He will have to work it out himself. He bound me to secrecy
+some time ago, or I would be tempted to speak to Richard."</p>
+
+<p>"I quite <i>hate</i> Richard!" she cried. "He must be a selfish, unkind
+person. And now Jack swears he must go away almost at once&mdash;and, oh! you
+should have seen Diana's face of despair when I mentioned that he was
+going abroad again. Miles, we must keep him here as long as ever we can!
+Oh, dear! 'tis all very worrying."</p>
+
+<p>She broke off as O'Hara pressed her hand warningly. My lord was coming
+across the lawn towards them.</p>
+
+<p>"I am in dire disgrace," he said. "I was left with your ferocious baby,
+Molly, and to quiet him, I gave him a string of beads that you had left
+on the table."</p>
+
+<p>"My precious Indian wooden beads!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;I believe so. Anyway, the paint came off, and when Jane returned,
+David looked as though he had some horrible disease. She was most
+annoyed about it." He sat down in Molly's lately vacated chair, and
+carefully wiped a daub of green from his forefinger.</p>
+
+<p>Molly laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Jane! She will have such a task to clean him. But you've arrived
+most opportunely. We were talking of you."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara groaned inwardly, and tried to frown her down.</p>
+
+<p>"You were? I am flattered! May I ask what you were saying?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that we do not want you to go back to France."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara breathed again.</p>
+
+<p>"That is very kind of you, my lady. I regret the necessity myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure it is necessary? You might just as well live in a nice
+place near here, with a dear old woman to keep house for you&mdash;and&mdash;and
+Jim&mdash;and&mdash;lots of pleasant things."</p>
+
+<p>My lord shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"No, thank you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes! And later on you could choose a wife!" she continued
+audaciously.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. There would be no choice; I should be made to marry the
+dear old woman. You would bully me into it."</p>
+
+<p>She laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Seriously, Jack, could you not settle down near here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not with that old woman, Molly."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind her; won't you consider it? No one need know you&mdash;in fact,
+you need see no one&mdash;and&mdash;oh, Jack! don't look like that. Miles, is he
+not ridiculous?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, alanna, 'tis a dreary life he'd be leading," chuckled O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>"I see what it is, Molly. You have planned to make me a recluse, <i>and</i>
+to marry me to my housekeeper. I protest, 'tis great ill-usage!"</p>
+
+<p>Molly eyed him doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you <i>much</i> object to the life, John?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," he replied solemnly, "you would find my corpse in the garden at
+the end of the first week."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I should not like that," she pondered. "But I do not see what
+else we can do for you. Oh, and that reminds me! I drove over to
+Littledean yesterday&mdash;Miles, my love, will you be so kind as to fetch me
+my hat? I protest, the sun&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"We will move more into the shade," said her disobliging husband.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well! 'tis of no account, though I did hear that Brown was wanting
+to speak to you about the new cob&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis prodigious thoughtful of you, Molly, but I met Brown some time
+ago."</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara gave it up.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as I was saying, Jack, I went to call at Horton House. Dear me,
+what a beautiful girl Diana is, to be sure!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares tried to think of something to say, and failing, made a
+non-committal sound.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. They both sent their kind wishes, and hoped you were better.
+Goodness! 'tis very close here. I wonder if you will give me your arm
+round the garden? And would <i>you</i> fetch me my hat? I left it in the
+hall, I think. Thank you very much!"</p>
+
+<p>She waited until he was out of earshot before she turned to her husband.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Miles, you must please to stay where you are. I am not going to do
+anything indiscreet."</p>
+
+<p>"Molly, I can't have ye worry him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No such thing! I am going to coax him to stay here instead of going
+abroad. I feel sure that if we can but persuade him to stay, something
+will happen."</p>
+
+<p>"What will happen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Something!"</p>
+
+<p>"How do ye know?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know; I only feel it."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, asthore. If you can tease Jack into staying, I'll bless ye."</p>
+
+<p>"That will be most enjoyable, I make no doubt!" she answered, and
+stepped back out of reach.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, thank you, John!" She tied the hat over her curls, and placed her
+hand on my lord's arm. "Lazy Miles is going to sleep again!" she said.
+"And I so dislike to hear him snore, so let's go a long way away&mdash;into
+the rose garden!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go so far as all that!" drawled Miles, closing his eyes. "You
+will tire yourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you allow him to make these ribald remarks?" inquired Jack, waiting
+for her to extricate a stone from her shoe.</p>
+
+<p>"Not usually," she answered. "He takes advantage when you are here." She
+dropped the pebble on top of O'Hara and strolled away with my lord.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they had rounded a corner in the shrubbery, she commenced the
+attack.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to speak to you of Miles," she confided. "He is so worried."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he, Molly? Faith, I hadn't noticed it!"</p>
+
+<p>She reflected that neither had she, but continued, nothing daunted:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but he is!"</p>
+
+<p>"What worries him?"</p>
+
+<p>"You," sighed the lady mournfully. "'Tis the thought of your leaving us.
+I feel it myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"He had hoped you would be with us for a long time&mdash;as I had."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis monstrous good of you both, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I do not know what I shall do with Miles when you are gone.
+He was so looking forward to having you with him."</p>
+
+<p>"Molly&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And, indeed, it has come as a great disappointment to both of us to
+hear you talk of leaving. Won't you think better of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Molly, you overwhelm me.... How can I remain here indefinitely?"</p>
+
+<p>"If only you would! You don't know how happy it would make us. I declare
+Miles will worry himself quite ill if you persist in being so unkind."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Molly, you rogue!"</p>
+
+<p>She could not repress a smile, but checked it almost at once. "I mean
+it, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"What! That Miles is worrying himself ill over me? Fie!"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not as bad as that," she admitted. "But, indeed, he is much
+perturbed ... and, oh! I wish that you would not make us so unhappy."
+She dabbed at her eyes with a wispy handkerchief, but managed to watch
+his face all the same. "David loves you so, the pet! and Miles is so
+delighted to have found you again&mdash;and <i>I</i> like you&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;and I
+think 'twill be indeed rude and horrid if you do go&mdash;besides being so
+silly!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you, Molly? You make me feel I should be an ungrateful boor to
+refuse&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The handkerchief was whisked away.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, of course you won't try to refuse! You'll stay? Promise!"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot thank you enough&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you nice Jack! Till the autumn? Promise!"</p>
+
+<p>"Molly, I really&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Promise! I shall cry if you do not!"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot! How could I prey upon your hospitality for so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What rubbish, Jack! As if Miles had not spent months and months at
+Wyncham when you were boys&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That was different&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;when you were boys, and now you are so proud that you refuse to stay
+three miserable little months with us&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Molly; indeed, 'tis not that!"</p>
+
+<p>"Confess, if Miles were a bachelor, you would not hesitate?" He was
+silent, nonplussed.</p>
+
+<p>"You see! And just because he has a wife you are disagreeable and proud.
+You feel you cannot bear to stay with me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I swear I do not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then why do you refuse?" she triumphed.</p>
+
+<p>"Molly&mdash;really, I&mdash;" He broke off, laughing. "You little wretch, you
+leave me nothing to say!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will stay, as I ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite sure&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you very much, I will stay. 'Tis monstrous good of you, I vow.
+When you are tired of me, say so."</p>
+
+<p>"I will," she promised. "Oh, but we shall do famously! How pleased Miles
+will be! By the way," she continued, airily, "I asked the Miss
+Beauleighs to honour us on Wednesday, but, unfortunately, they could
+not. Still, perhaps some other d&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She stopped, a little frightened, for he was standing before her,
+gripping her shoulders in a very elder-brotherly fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen to me, Molly. I know that you have discovered that I love Diana,
+and I know that you think to be very kind and to bring us together. But
+I tell you that 'twill not be kind at all, only very cruel to us both.
+If you worry her to come here, I must go. Do you see?"</p>
+
+<p>Molly looked into the stern eyes, and her lip trembled.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm very&mdash;sorry!" she faltered.</p>
+
+<p>Jack drew her arm through his once more.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis nothing to be sorry about; and, indeed, I am very grateful to you
+for trying to make me happy. But please do not!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I promise I will not. But&mdash;but do you think you are being quite
+fair to&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Molly, tell me this: do you think you are being quite good to disobey
+your husband?"</p>
+
+<p>The blue eyes were dancing. She smiled doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, Jack?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you tell me that Miles did not expressly forbid you to mention this
+subject to me?"</p>
+
+<p>She pulled her hand away, her mouth forming a soundless</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;well&mdash;well, how horrid of you!" she cried, and shook her fist at
+him. "I'm going now!"</p>
+
+<p>Later, she found her husband in the library, and ran into his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mind holding me tightly?" she asked. "I've&mdash;I've been put in the
+corner!"</p>
+
+<p>"What?" O'Hara drew her on to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;figuratively&mdash;by Jack. I think, perhaps, I shouldn't like to marry
+him after all!"</p>
+
+<p>"What has he done?"</p>
+
+<p>"N-nothing. I'm <i>afraid</i>," polishing one of his buttons with an
+assiduous finger, "I'm <i>afraid</i> that it was rather my own fault!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;but I only said <i>very</i> little about the Miss Beauleighs, and he
+suddenly turned into an iceberg and made me feel like a naughty little
+girl. But he is going to stay, all the same; so kiss me, Miles!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h3>
+
+<h3>ENTER CAPTAIN HAROLD LOVELACE</h3>
+
+
+<p>At the end of August, after having spent a moderately quiet summer in
+the country, Lady Lavinia was again seized with a longing for town and
+its attractions. She would not listen to Richard's warnings of the
+atrocious condition of the roads, declaring that she cared not one jot,
+and go to London she must. After that one protest he desisted, and
+promised to take her there the following week, secretly counting himself
+lucky to have kept her so long at Wyncham in comparative cheerfulness of
+spirits. Lavinia was overjoyed, kissed him again and again, scolded
+herself for being such a wicked tease, and set about making her
+preparations for the journey.</p>
+
+<p>The roads proved even worse than Richard had prophesied, and twice the
+coach nearly upset, and times without number stuck fast in the mire,
+causing the inmates much inconvenience. Carstares rode by the side of
+the heavy vehicle, in which were his wife, her maid, her tiny dog, and
+countless bandboxes and small parcels. In spite of the worry the
+constant stoppages entailed, he quite enjoyed the journey, for Lavinia
+was in excellent spirits, and made light of their mishaps, receiving
+each fresh one with roguish laughter and some witty remark. Even when
+the chimney of her bed-chamber, at one of the inns at which they halted,
+smoked most vilely, she did not, as Richard quite expected she would,
+fly into a rage and refuse to spend another moment in the house, but
+after looking extremely doleful, cheered up and told dear Dicky that she
+would have his room while he should have hers. Then in the morning she
+would find him all dried up and <i>smoked</i>! In high good humour she went
+down to dinner with him, voted the partridges excellent, the pasties
+quite French, and the wine marvellously tolerable for such an
+out-of-the-way place, and kept him laughing at her antics until
+bed-time.</p>
+
+<p>The journey was, of necessity, very slow, not only on account of the bad
+roads, but because whenever my lady caught sight of wild roses growing
+on the hedges, she must stop to pluck some. Then she and Richard would
+stroll along for some way, he leading his horse, the coach following at
+a walking pace. All of which was very idyllic, and had the effect of
+sending Richard to the seventh heaven of content.</p>
+
+<p>When at length they arrived at Wyncham House, Mayfair, they found that
+the servants had arrived a week before, and had made good use of their
+time. Never, declared Lavinia, had the house looked so inviting&mdash;so
+spick and span.</p>
+
+<p>One of her black pages proffered a small monkey with much bowing and
+grinning, and the murmur of: "Massa's present."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia flew to embrace her Dicky. How did he guess that she had
+for so long yearned for a monkey? Surely she had but once or twice
+mentioned it? Oh, he was the very best of husbands! She danced off to
+her apartments in a state of ecstasy.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>beau monde</i> was returning to town, and when, a few days later,
+Carstares conducted his wife to Ranelagh, they found the gardens fairly
+crowded and very gay. Lamps hung from tree branches, although it was
+still quite light; the fiddlers scraped away almost without a pause;
+fireworks shot up from one end; the summer-houses had all been freshly
+painted, and the Pavilion was a blaze of light.</p>
+
+<p>Consciousness of her beauty and the smartness of her Georgia silk gown,
+with its petticoat covered in gold net, considerably added to Lavinia's
+enjoyment. Her hair she wore powdered and elaborately curled down on
+both sides with dainty escalloped lace half concealing it, and a grey
+<i>capuchin</i> over all. Her tippet was gold-laced to match her petticoat,
+and to fasten it she wore a brooch composed of clustered rubies. Rubies
+also hung in her earrings, which last were of such length that the other
+ladies turned to stare in envy, and the bracelets that she wore over her
+long gloves flashed also with the great red stones. She was well-pleased
+with Richard's appearance, and reflected that, when he chose, he could
+be very fashionable indeed. The claret-coloured velvet he was wearing
+was most distinguished, and the gold clocks to his hose quite ravishing.</p>
+
+<p>They had not been in the Gardens ten minutes before a little crowd of
+men had gathered around them, professing themselves enraptured to behold
+the fair Lady Lavinia once more. One of them fetched her a chair,
+another a glass of negus, and the rest hovered eagerly about her.</p>
+
+<p>Becomingly flushed with triumph, my lady gave her little hand to Mr.
+Selwyn, who had been once a very ardent admirer, laughed at his neat
+compliment, and declared that he was a dreadful flattering demon, and
+positively she would not listen to him!</p>
+
+<p>Sir Gregory Markham, who brought her the negus, she discovered to have
+just returned from Paris. On hearing this, she broke off in the middle
+of a conversation with an enchanted French Chevalier and turned to him,
+raising her china-blue eyes to his face and clasping tight-gloved
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Sir Gregory! Paris? Then tell me&mdash;please, tell me&mdash;have you seen my
+darling Devil?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes, madam," responded Markham, handing her the glass he held.</p>
+
+<p>She sipped the negus, and gave it to the Chevalier to take care of.</p>
+
+<p>"I declare, I quite love you then!" she exclaimed. "What is he doing,
+and, oh! <i>when</i> will he return to England?"</p>
+
+<p>Sir Gregory smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"How can I say?" he drawled. "I fear <i>monsieur s'amuse</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>She flirted her fan before her face.</p>
+
+<p>"Dreadful creature!" she cried. "How dare you say such things?"</p>
+
+<p>"Belmanoir?" inquired Lord D'Egmont, twirling his cane.</p>
+
+<p>"Enamoured of the Pompadour, is he not&mdash;saving your presence, Lady
+Lavvy!"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia let fall her fan.</p>
+
+<p>"The Pompadour! He had best have a care!"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe there has already been some unpleasantness between his
+Majesty and the fair Jeanne on the subject of Devil. Since then she is
+supposed to have turned on him a cold shoulder."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> heard 'twas he wearied of madame," said Markham.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, whichever it was, I am glad the episode is closed," decided
+Lavinia. "'Tis too dangerous a game to play with Louis' mistresses. Oh,
+mon cher Chevalier! if I had not forgot your presence! But I am sure you
+say dreadful ill-natured things of our George, now don't you? Oh, and
+have you held my negus all this time? How monstrous good of you! There,
+I will drink it, and Julian shall take the glass away.... <i>Voila</i>!" She
+handed it to D'Egmont and rapped Mr. Selwyn's knuckles with her fan,
+looking archly up at him as he stood behind her chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Naughty man! Will you have done whispering in my ear? I vow I will not
+listen to your impudences! No, nor laugh at them neither! Sir Gregory,
+you have given me no answer. When will Tracy return? For the Cavendish
+rout on Wednesday week? Ah, say yes!"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I will say yes, fair tormentor! But, to tell the truth, Tracy
+said no word of coming to London when I saw him."</p>
+
+<p>She pouted.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I hate you, Sir Gregory! And he has been absent since May! Oh,
+Julian, back already? You shall escort me to the fireworks then. Oh, my
+fan! Where is it? I know I dropped it on the ground&mdash;Selwyn, if you have
+taken it&mdash;Oh, Dicky, you have it! Thank you! See, I am going with
+Julian, and you may ogle Mrs. Clive, whom I see walking over there&mdash;yes,
+positively you may, and I shall not be jealous! Very well, Julian, I am
+coming! Chevalier, I shall hope to see you at the rout on Wednesday
+week, but you must wait upon me before then."</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman brightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame is too good. I may then call at Wyncham 'Ouse? <i>Vraiment</i>, I
+shall but exist until then!" In a perfectly audible whisper, he confided
+to Wilding that "<i>miladi etait ravissante! mais ravissante!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia went off on her gratified cavalier's arm, encountering many
+bows and much admiration as she passed down the walk, leaving her
+husband not to ogle the beautiful Kitty, as she had advised, but to
+saunter away in the direction of the Pavilion in company with Tom
+Wilding and Markham.</p>
+
+<p>D'Egmont guided my lady into one of the winding alleys, and they
+presently came out on a large lawn, dotted over with people of all
+conditions. Towards them was coming Lavinia's brother&mdash;Colonel Lord
+Robert Belmanoir&mdash;very richly clad and rakish in appearance. When he saw
+his sister, a look of surprise came into his florid face, and he made
+her a sweeping leg.</p>
+
+<p>"'Pon my honour&mdash;Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>My lady was not fond of her brother, and acknowledged the salutation
+with a brief nod.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to see you, Robert," she said primly.</p>
+
+<p>"The mere word 'delighted' in no way expresses my sensations," replied
+the Colonel in the drawling, rather unpleasant voice peculiar both to
+him and to the Duke. "Your servant, D'Egmont. I imagined, Lavvy, that
+you were in the country?"</p>
+
+<p>"Richard brought me to town last Tuesday," she answered.</p>
+
+<p>"How unwise of him!" taunted the Colonel. "Or had he no choice?"</p>
+
+<p>She tossed her head angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"If you are minded to be disagreeable, Robert, pray do not let me detain
+you!" she flashed.</p>
+
+<p>D'Egmont was quite unembarrassed by this interchange of civilities. He
+knew the Belmanoir family too well to be made uncomfortable by their
+bickerings.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we leave him?" he asked Lavinia, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she pouted. "He is determined to be unpleasant."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sister! On the contrary, I believe I can offer you some
+amusement. Lovelace is in town."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain <i>Harold</i>?" she cried incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>"The same."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Bob!" Impulsively she withdrew her hand from Julian's arm,
+transferring it to the Colonel's. "I must see him at once! To think he
+is returned after all these years! Quick, Julian, dear lad&mdash;go and find
+him&mdash;and tell him 'tis I, Lavinia, who want him! You know him, do you
+not? Yes&mdash;I thought you did. Send him to me at once!&mdash;at once!"</p>
+
+<p>D'Egmont looked very crestfallen at having his walk with the goddess
+thus cut short, but he had perforce to kiss her hand and to obey.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I thought you would be pleased," remarked Lord Robert, and
+chuckled. "Allow me to point out to you that there is a chair&mdash;two
+chairs&mdash;in fact, quite a number of chairs&mdash;immediately behind you."</p>
+
+<p>She sat down, chattering excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, 'tis nigh on five years since I saw Harry! Has he changed? Lud!
+but he will deem me an old woman! Is he like to be in town for long, I
+wonder?&mdash;Dear me, Bob, look at the two ladies over behind that
+seat!&mdash;Gracious! what extraordinary <i>coifs</i>, to be sure! And cherry
+ribbons, too!... Tell me, Bob, where did you meet Harry Lovelace?"</p>
+
+<p>The Colonel, who, far from attending to her monologue, had been sending
+amorous glances across to a palpably embarrassed girl, who hung on her
+papa's arm while that gentleman stopped to speak to a stout dowager,
+brought his gaze reluctantly back to his sister.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that you say, Lavvy?"</p>
+
+<p>"How provoking of you not to listen to me! I asked where you met
+Harold."</p>
+
+<p>"Where I met him? Let me see&mdash;where did I meet him? Oh, I remember! At
+the Cocoa-Tree, a fortnight since."</p>
+
+<p>"And he is altered?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not in any way, dear sister. He is the same mad, reckless rake-hell as
+ever. And unmarried."</p>
+
+<p>"How delightful! Oh, I shall be so glad to see him again!"</p>
+
+<p>"You must present him to Richard," sneered the Colonel, "as an old
+flame."</p>
+
+<p>"I must, indeed," she agreed, his sarcasm passing over her head. "Oh, I
+see him! Look! Coming across the grass!"</p>
+
+<p>She rose to meet the tall, fair young Guardsman who came swiftly towards
+her, curtsying as only Lady Lavinia could curtsy, with such stateliness
+and coquetry.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Lovelace!"&mdash;she put forward both her hands.</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace caught them in his, and bent his head over them so that the
+soft, powdered curls of his loose wig fell all about his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Lady Lavinia!&mdash;Enchantress!&mdash;I can find no words! I am dumb!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I!"</p>
+
+<p>"In that case," drawled the Colonel, "you are not like to be very
+entertaining company. Pray give me leave!" He bowed and sauntered away
+down the path with a peculiarly malicious smile on his lips.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia and Lovelace found two chairs, slightly apart from the rest, and
+sat down, talking eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Lovelace, I believe you had forgot me?" she rallied him.</p>
+
+<p>"Never!" he answered promptly. "Not though you well-nigh broke my
+heart!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! I did not do that. I never meant to hurt you."</p>
+
+<p>He shook his head disbelievingly.</p>
+
+<p>"You rejected me to marry some other man: do you say you did not mean
+to?"</p>
+
+<p>"You naughty Harry!... You never married yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I?" The delicate features expressed a species of hurt horror. "I marry?
+No! I was ever faithful to my first love."</p>
+
+<p>She unfurled her fan, fluttering it delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Oh! <i>Always</i>, Harold? Now speak the truth!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly always," he amended.</p>
+
+<p>"Disagreeable man! You admit you had lapses then?"</p>
+
+<p>"So very trivial, my dear," he excused himself. "And I swear my first
+action on coming to London was to call at Wyncham House. Imagine my
+disappointment&mdash;my incalculable gloom (on the top of having already
+dropped a thousand at faro) when I found the shell void, and Venus&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She stopped him, her fan held ready for chastisement.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir! You said your <i>first</i> action was to call upon me!"</p>
+
+<p>He smiled, shaking back his curls.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have said: my first action of any importance."</p>
+
+<p>"You do not deem losing a thousand guineas important?" she asked
+wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;hardly. One must enjoy life, and what's a thousand, after all? I
+had my pleasure out of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes!" she breathed, her eyes sparkling. "That is how I think! What
+pleasure can one get if one neither hazards nor spends one's money? Oh,
+well!" She shrugged one shoulder, dismissing the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen Tracy of late?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was at a court ball I attended at Versailles, but I did not have a
+chance of speaking with him. I heard he was very popular at Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay!" she said proudly. "He has the French air.... I so desire to see
+him again, but I fear he does not think of returning. I know he was
+promised for the Duchess of Devonshire's rout months ago&mdash;before even
+the date was fixed, she so dotes on him&mdash;but I do not expect to see him
+there." She sighed and drummed on the ground with her diamond-buckled
+shoe. "Harry, I am chilled! Take me to the Pavilion! I doubt they are
+dancing&mdash;and Dicky will be there."</p>
+
+<p>"Dicky?" he repeated. "Dicky! Lavinia, do not tell me there is another
+claimant to your heart?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wicked, indelicate creature! 'Tis my husband!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your <i>husband</i>! Enfin&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She cast him a sidelong glance of mingled coquetry and reproof.</p>
+
+<p>"Your mind is at rest again, I trust?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course! A husband? Pooh, a bagatelle, no more!"</p>
+
+<p>"My husband is not a bagatelle!" she laughed. "I am very fond of him."</p>
+
+<p>"This grows serious," he frowned. "'Tis very unfashionable, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>She met his teasing eyes and cast down her lashes.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Lovelace, you may take me to the Pavilion."</p>
+
+<p>"Sweet tormentor, not until you cease so to misname me."</p>
+
+<p>"Harold, I am indeed chilly!" she said plaintively and snatched her hand
+from his lips. "No, no! People will stare&mdash;look, there is my odious
+brother returning! I declare I will not stay to listen to his hateful,
+sneering remarks!... Come!"</p>
+
+<p>They walked across the grass together, keeping up a running fire of
+raillery, punctuated on his side by extravagant compliments filled with
+classical allusions, all more or less erroneous, and on hers by
+delighted little laughs and mock scoldings. So they came to the
+Pavilion, where the musicians fiddled for those who wished to dance, and
+where most of the company had assembled now that it was growing chilly
+without. Down one end of the hall, card-tables were set out, where
+members of both sexes diced and gambled, drinking glasses of burgundy or
+negus, the men toasting the ladies, and very often the ladies returning
+the toasts with much archness and low curtseying.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia cast off her <i>capuchin</i> and plumed her feathers, giving a
+surreptitious shake to her ruched skirts and smoothing her ruffles. She
+rustled forward with great stateliness, fan unfurled, head held high,
+her gloved fingers resting lightly on Lovelace's velvet-clad arm.
+Richard, hearing the little stir caused by her entry, glanced up, and
+perceived her. He did not recognise her companion, but the sparkle in
+her eyes and the happy curve to her full lips were quite enough to tell
+him that it was someone whom she was very contented to have met. He had
+ample opportunity for studying Lovelace as the good-looking pair drew
+near, and he could not but admire the delicate, handsome face with the
+grey eyes that held a laugh in them, the pleasure-loving, well-curved
+mouth, and the chin that spoke of determination. Here was not one of
+Lavinia's lisping, painted puppy-dogs, for in spite of the effeminate
+curls, it was easy to see that this man had character and a will of his
+own, and, above all, a great charm of manner. He saw Lavinia blush and
+rap the Captain's knuckles in answer to some remark, and his heart sank.
+He rose and came to meet them.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia smiled sweetly upon him, and patted his arm with a
+possessive little air.</p>
+
+<p>"Dicky dear, I have found an old friend&mdash;a very old friend! Is it not
+agreeable? Captain Lovelace&mdash;Mr. Carstares."</p>
+
+<p>The two men bowed, Richard with reluctancy, the Captain with easy
+<i>bonhomie</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I claim to be a worshipper at the shrine of which you, I believe,
+are High Priest!" he said impudently, and bowed again, this time to my
+lady.</p>
+
+<p>"You are one of many, sir," smiled Richard.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Devereux came tripping up to them, and kissed Lavinia with a great
+show of affection.</p>
+
+<p>"My dearest life! My sweet Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia presented a powdered cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest Fanny, how charming to see you again!" she cooed. Through her
+lashes she gazed at her friend's enormous headdress, with its rolls of
+powdered curls and the imitation flowers perched upon the top of the
+erection.</p>
+
+<p>"But, my angel!" exclaimed Lady Fanny, stepping back to view her,
+"surely you have been ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"How strange!" smiled Lavinia. "I was about to ask you that same
+question, my dear! 'Tis age, I doubt not. Do we both look such dreadful
+hags?" She turned her bewitching little countenance to the men, and
+smiled appealingly.</p>
+
+<p>Compliments showered upon her, and Lady Devereux, who was conscious that
+her own sallow countenance, in spite of rouge and powder, must appear
+even more sallow beside Lavinia's pink-and-whiteness, flushed in
+annoyance and turned away, begging her dearest Lavvy to come to the faro
+with her. But Lavinia, it appeared, was going to watch the dicing at
+Richard's table: she vowed she should bring him monstrous good luck.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt it, my dear," replied her husband, "but I am not playing
+to-night. Will you not take your luck to Bob?" He nodded to where the
+Colonel was lounging, dice-box in hand.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia pouted.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I want you to play!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis of no avail, Lady Lavinia!" drawled Sir Gregory. "Richard is the
+very devil to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Selwyn, rattling his dice, paused, and looked round at Markham with a
+face of innocent surprise. Then he turned slowly and stared at
+Carstares' grave, almost stern countenance, with even more surprise. He
+started to rattle the dice again, and shifted back to face his opponent,
+with pursed lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he?" he inquired with studied depression.</p>
+
+<p>Even Lavinia joined in the general laugh, not so much at the wit's words
+as at his comic expression, and the extreme deliberation with which he
+had enacted the little scene.</p>
+
+<p>Someone cried a bet to Lovelace, which was promptly accepted, and
+Lavinia's eyes glowed afresh as she followed the Captain to a table.</p>
+
+<p>Richard went to fetch her some refreshment, and on his return, found her
+leaning over Lovelace's chair, her hand on his shoulder, eagerly casting
+the dice on to the table. He was in time to see her clap her hands and
+to hear her cry of: "My luck! Oh, my luck is in! I will throw again!"</p>
+
+<p>Glancing round she caught sight of her husband, and her face fell.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you <i>mind</i>, Dicky?" she pleaded.</p>
+
+<p>He did mind, but he could not appear churlish before all these men; so
+he laughed and shook his head, and went to her elbow to watch her play.</p>
+
+<p>When she at length ceased, her luck had run out, and she had lost her
+much-prized ruby earring to Mr. Selwyn, who placed it carefully in his
+vest pocket, vowing he should wear it next his heart for ever. Then, and
+then only, did she consent to leave the gaming tables for the dancing
+hall, and for another hour Richard had the felicity of watching her
+tread the minuet with various young bloods, but most often with her
+new-found Harry Lovelace.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h3>
+
+<h3>THE REAPPEARANCE OF HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER</h3>
+
+
+<p>It seemed to Richard in the days that followed, that Captain Lovelace
+was never out of his house. If he went to his wife's boudoir, there was
+Lovelace, hanging over her while she played upon the spinet or glanced
+through the pages of the <i>Rambler</i>. If Lavinia went to a ball or
+masquerade, the Captain was always amongst the favoured ones admitted to
+her chamber for the express purpose of watching her don her gown and
+judiciously place her patches. If Carstares begged his wife's company
+one morning, she was full of regrets: Harry was calling to take her to
+Vauxhall or to Spring Gardens. When he entered his door, the first sight
+that met his eyes was the Captain's amber-clouded cane and point-edged
+hat; and when he looked out of the window, it was more often to see a
+chair draw up at the house and Lovelace alight. After patiently enduring
+a week of his continued presence, Carstares remonstrated with his wife:
+she must not encourage her friend to spend all his time at Grosvenor
+Square. At first she had looked reproachful, and then she inquired his
+reason. His reluctant answer was that it was not seemly. At that her
+eyes had opened wide, and she demanded to know what could be more seemly
+than the visits of such an old friend? With a gleam of humour, Richard
+replied that it was not Captain Harold's age that he objected to, but,
+on the contrary, his youth. On which she accused him of being jealous.
+It was true enough, but he indignantly repudiated the suggestion. Very
+well, then, he was merely stupid! He must not be cross; Harry was her
+very good friend, and did not Richard admire the new device for her
+hair? Richard was not to be cajoled: did she clearly understand that
+Lovelace's visits must cease? She only understood one thing, and that
+was that Dicky was marvellous ill-tempered and ridiculous to-day. And he
+must not tease her! Yes, she would be very good, but so must he! And now
+she was going shopping, and she would require at least twenty guineas.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of her promise to "be good," she made no attempt to discourage
+Lovelace's attentions, always smiling charmingly upon him and beckoning
+him to her side.</p>
+
+<p>It was the morning of the Duchess of Devonshire's rout that Carstares
+again broached the subject. My lady was in bed, her fair hair unpowdered
+and streaming all about her shoulders, her chocolate on a small table at
+her side and countless <i>billets doux</i> from admirers scattered on the
+sheet. In her hand she held a bouquet of white roses with a card
+attached bearing, in bold, sprawling characters, the initials "H. L."
+Perhaps it was the sight of those incriminating letters that roused
+Richard's anger. At all events, with a violence quite unlike his usual
+gentle politeness, he snatched the flowers from her hand, and sent them
+whizzing into a corner.</p>
+
+<p>"Let there be an end to all this folly!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia raised herself on one elbow, astonished.</p>
+
+<p>"H-how <i>dare</i> you?" she gasped.</p>
+
+<p>"It has come to that!" he answered. "How dare I, your husband, try to
+control your actions in any way? I tell you, Lavinia, I have had enough
+of your antics, and I will not longer put up with them!"</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you&mdash;What in heaven's name ails you, Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"This! I will not countenance that puppy's invasion of my house!" He
+made a furious gesture towards the wilted bouquet.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither will I permit you to make yourself the talk of London through
+him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I? I? <i>I</i> make myself the talk of London? How dare you? Oh! how dare
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I beg you will cease that foolishness. There is no question of my
+daring. How dare <i>you</i> disobey me, as you have been doing all this past
+week?"</p>
+
+<p>She cowered away from him.</p>
+
+<p>"Dicky!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis very well to cry 'Dicky,' and to smile, but I have experienced
+that before. Sometimes I think you are utterly without heart!&mdash;a
+selfish, vain, extravagant woman!"</p>
+
+<p>The childish lips trembled. Lady Lavinia buried her face in the pillows,
+sobbing.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' face softened.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, my dear. Mayhap that was unjust."</p>
+
+<p>"And cruel! And cruel!"</p>
+
+<p>"And cruel. Forgive me."</p>
+
+<p>She twined white, satiny arms about his neck.</p>
+
+<p>"You did not <i>mean</i> it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I mean that I will not allow Lovelace to dangle after you,
+however."</p>
+
+<p>She flung away from him.</p>
+
+<p>"You have no right to speak like that. I knew Harry long before I ever
+set eyes on <i>you</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>He winced.</p>
+
+<p>"You infer that he is more to you than I am?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! Though you try to make me hate you. No! I love you best. But I will
+not send Harry away!"</p>
+
+<p>"Not if I order it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Order it? Order it? No! No! A thousand times no!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do order it!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I refuse to listen to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"By God, madam, you need a lesson!" he flamed. "I am minded to take you
+back to Wyncham this very day! And I promise you that, an you do not
+obey me in this, to Wyncham you <i>shall</i> go!" He stamped out of the room
+as he spoke, and she sank back amongst her pillows, white and trembling
+with fury.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as she was dressed, she flounced downstairs, bent on finishing
+the quarrel. But Carstares had gone out some time since, and was not
+expected to return until late. For a moment Lavinia was furious, but the
+timely arrival of a box from her mantua-maker's chased away the frowns
+and wreathed her face in smiles.</p>
+
+<p>Richard did not return until it was time to prepare for the rout, and on
+entering the house he went straight to his chamber, putting himself into
+the hands of his valet. He submitted to the delicate tinting of his
+finger-nails, the sprinkling of his linen with rosewater and the
+stencilling of his brows. He was arrayed in puce and gold, rings slipped
+on to his fingers, his legs coaxed into hose with marvellous clocks
+splashed on their sides, and a diamond buckle placed above the large
+black bow of his tie-wig. Then, powdered, painted and patched, he went
+slowly across to his wife's room.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia, who had by now quite forgotten the morning's <i>contretemps</i>,
+greeted him with a smile. She sat before the mirror in her under-gown,
+with a loose <i>déshabillé</i> thrown over her shoulders. The <i>coiffeur</i> had
+departed, and her hair, thickly powdered, was dressed high above her
+head over cushions, twisted into curls over her ears and allowed to fall
+in more curls over her shoulders. On top of the creation were poised
+ostrich feathers, scarlet and white, and round her throat gleamed a
+great necklet of diamonds. The room was redolent of some heavy perfume;
+discarded ribbons, laces, slippers and gloves strewed the floor; over
+the back of a chair hung a brilliant scarlet domino, and tenderly laid
+out on the bed was her gown, a mass of white satin and brocade, with
+full ruffles over the hips and quantities of foaming lace falling from
+the corsage and from the short sleeves. Beside it reposed her fan, her
+soft lace gloves, her mask and her tiny reticule.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares gingerly sat down on the extreme edge of a chair and watched
+the maid tint his wife's already perfect cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall break hearts to-night, shall I not?" she asked gaily, over her
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt it," he answered shortly.</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Dicky?" She turned round to look at him. "Puce... 'tis not the
+colour I should have chosen, but 'tis well enough. A new wig, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay."</p>
+
+<p>Her eyes questioned his coldness, and she suddenly remembered the events
+of the morning. So he was sulky? Very well! Monsieur should see!</p>
+
+<p>Someone knocked at the door; the maid went to open it.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Douglas Faversham, Sir Gregory Markham, Moosso le Chevalier and
+Captain Lovelace are below, m'lady."</p>
+
+<p>A little devil prompted Lavinia.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, la-la! So many? Well, I cannot see all, 'tis certain. Admit Sir
+Gregory and Captain Lovelace."</p>
+
+<p>Louisa communicated this to the lackey and shut the door.</p>
+
+<p>Richard bit his lip angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure I am not <i>de trop</i>?" he asked, savagely sarcastic.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia cast aside her <i>déshabillé</i> and stood up.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, 'tis no matter&mdash;I am ready for my gown, Louisa."</p>
+
+<p>There came more knocking at the door, and this time it was Carstares who
+rose to open it.</p>
+
+<p>There entered Markham, heavily handsome in crimson and gold, and
+Lovelace, his opposite, fair and delicately pretty in palest blue and
+silver. As usual, he wore his loose wig, and in it sparkled three
+sapphire pins.</p>
+
+<p>He made my lady a marvellous leg.</p>
+
+<p>"I am prostrated by your beauty, fairest!"</p>
+
+<p>Sir Gregory was eyeing Lavinia's white slippers through his quizzing
+glass.</p>
+
+<p>"Jewelled heels, 'pon my soul!" he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>She pirouetted gracefully, her feet flashing as they caught the light.</p>
+
+<p>"Was it not well thought on?" she demanded. "But I must not waste
+time&mdash;the dress! Now, Markham&mdash;now Harry&mdash;you will see the creation!"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace sat down on a chair, straddle-wise, his arms over the back, and
+his chin sunk in his hands. Markham leant against the <i>garde-robe</i> and
+watched through his glass.</p>
+
+<p>When the dress was at last arranged, the suggested improvements in the
+matter of lace, ribbons, and the adjustment of a brooch thoroughly
+discussed, bracelets fixed on her arms and the flaming domino draped
+about her, it was full three-quarters of an hour later, and Carstares
+was becoming impatient. It was not in his nature to join with the two
+men in making fulsome compliments, and their presence at the toilette
+filled him with annoyance. He hated that Lavinia should admit them, but
+it was the <i>mode</i>, and he knew he must bow the head under it.</p>
+
+<p>My lady was at last ready to start; her gilded chair awaited her in the
+light of the <i>flambeaux</i> at the door, and with great difficulty she
+managed to enter it, taking absurd pains that her silks should not
+crush, nor the nodding plumes of her huge head-dress become disordered
+by unseemly contact with the roof. Then she found that she had left her
+fan in her room, and Lovelace and Markham must needs vie with one
+another in the fetching of it. While they wrangled wittily for the
+honour, Richard went quietly indoors and presently emerged with the
+painted chicken-skin, just as Lovelace was preparing to ascend the
+steps. At last Lavinia was shut in and the bearers picked up the poles.
+Off went the little cavalcade down the long square, the chair in the
+middle. Lovelace walked close beside it on the right, and Richard and
+Markham on the left. So they proceeded through the uneven streets,
+carefully picking their way through the dirtier parts, passing other
+chairs and pedestrians, all coming from various quarters into South
+Audley Street. They were remarkably silent: Markham from habitual
+laziness, Lovelace because he sensed Richard's antagonism, and Richard
+himself on account of his extremely worried state of mind. In fact,
+until they reached Curzon Street no one spoke, and then it was only
+Markham, who, glancing behind him at the shuttered windows of the great
+corner house, casually remarked that Chesterfield was still at Wells. An
+absent assent came from Carstares, and the conversation came to an end.</p>
+
+<p>In Clarges Street they were joined by Sir John Fortescue, an austere
+patrician, and although some years his senior, a close friend of
+Richard's. They fell behind the chair, and Fortescue took Richard's
+proffered arm.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not see you at White's to-day, John?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I had some business with my lawyer. I suppose you did not stumble
+across my poor brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Frank? I did not&mdash;but why the 'poor'?"</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue shrugged slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"I think the lad is demented," he said. "He was to have made one of
+March's supper-party last night, but at four o'clock received a
+communication from heaven knows whom which threw him into a state of
+unrest. What must he do but hurry off without a word of explanation.
+Since then I have not set eyes on him, but his man tells me he went to
+meet a friend. Damned unusual of him is all I have to say."</p>
+
+<p>"Very strange. Do you expect to see him to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should hope so! My dear Carstares, who is the man walking by your
+lady's chair?"</p>
+
+<p>"Markham?"</p>
+
+<p>"The other."</p>
+
+<p>"Lovelace."</p>
+
+<p>"Lovelace? And who the devil is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot tell you&mdash;beyond a captain in the Guards."</p>
+
+<p>"That even is news to me. I saw him at Goosetree's the other night, and
+wondered. Somewhat of a rake-hell, I surmise."</p>
+
+<p>"I daresay. I do not like him."</p>
+
+<p>They were entering the gates of Devonshire House now, and had to part
+company, for the crush was so great that it was almost impossible to
+keep together. Carstares stayed by Lavinia's chair, and the other men
+melted away into the crowd. Chairs jostled one another in the effort to
+get to the door, town coaches rolled up, and having let down their fair
+burdens, passed out again slowly, pushing through the throng.</p>
+
+<p>When the Carstares' chair at last drew near the house, it was quite a
+quarter of an hour later. The ball-room was already full and a blaze of
+riotous colour. Lavinia was almost immediately borne off by an
+infatuated youth for whom she cherished a motherly affection that would
+have caused the unfortunate to tear his elegant locks, had he known it.</p>
+
+<p>Richard distinguished Lord Andrew Belmanoir, one of a group of bucks
+gathered about the newest beauty, Miss Gunning, who, with her sister
+Elizabeth, had taken fashionable London by storm. Andrew wore a mask,
+but he was quite unmistakable by his length of limb and carelessly
+rakish appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Wilding, across the room, beckoned to Richard, and on his approach,
+dragged him to the card-room to play at lansquenet with March, Selwyn
+and himself.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares found the Earl in great good-humour, due, so Selwyn remarked,
+to the finding of an opera singer even more lovely than the last. From
+lansquenet they very soon passed to dice and betting, with others who
+strolled up to the table. Then Carstares excused himself and went back
+to the ball-room. He presently found himself by the side of one Isabella
+Fanshawe, a sprightly widow, greatly famed for her wittiness and good
+looks. Carstares had met her but once before, and was now rather
+surprised that she motioned him to her side, patting the couch with an
+inviting, much be-ringed hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Come and sit by me, Mr. Carstares. I have wanted to speak with you this
+long time." She lowered her mask as she spoke and closely scrutinised
+his face with her bright, humorous eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, madam, I am flattered," bowed Richard.</p>
+
+<p>She cut him short.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not in the mood for compliments, sir. Nor am I desirous of making
+or hearing clever speeches. You are worrying me."</p>
+
+<p>Richard sat down, intrigued and attracted by this downright little
+woman.</p>
+
+<p>"I, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"You, sir. That is, your face worries me." Seeing his surprise, she
+laughed, fanning herself. "'Tis comely enough, I grant you! I mean there
+is such a strong likeness to&mdash;a friend of mine."</p>
+
+<p>Richard smiled politely and relieved her of the fan.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I knew&mdash;this other gentleman in Vienna, three years ago. I should
+judge him younger than you, I think. His eyes were blue, but very
+similar to yours. His nose was almost identical with yours, but the
+mouth&mdash;n-no. Yet the whole expression&mdash;" She broke off, noticing her
+companion's sudden pallor. "But you are unwell, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam, no! What was your friend's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ferndale," she answered. "Anthony Ferndale."</p>
+
+<p>The fan stopped its swaying for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know him?" she inquired eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Many years ago, madam, I was&mdash;acquainted with him. Can you tell me&mdash;was
+he in good spirits when last you saw him?"</p>
+
+<p>She pursed her lips thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"If you mean was he gay, was he witty&mdash;yes. But sometimes I thought&mdash;Mr.
+Carstares, when he was silent, his eyes were so sad&mdash;! Indeed, I do not
+know why I tell you this."</p>
+
+<p>"You may be sure, madam, your confidence is safe with me. I had&mdash;a great
+regard for this gentleman." He opened and shut her fan as he spoke,
+fidgeting with the slender sticks. "You, too, were interested in him,
+madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think ever anyone knew him and was not, sir. It was something
+in his manner, his personality&mdash;I cannot explain&mdash;that endeared him to
+one. And he once&mdash;aided me&mdash;when I was in difficulties."</p>
+
+<p>Richard, remembering scraps of gossip concerning the widow's past,
+merely bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>She was silent for a time, staring down at her hands, but presently she
+looked up smiling, and took her fan away from him.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot abide a fidget, sir!" she told him. "And I see Lord
+Fotheringham approaching. I am promised to him this dance." She rose,
+but Richard detained her.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Fanshawe, will you permit me to call upon you? I would hear more
+of&mdash;your friend. You, mayhap, think it strange&mdash;but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No," she answered. "I do not. Certainly call upon me, sir. I lodge in
+Mount Street with my sister&mdash;No. 16."</p>
+
+<p>"I protest, madam, you are too good&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Again, no. I have told you, I like a man to talk as a man and not as an
+affected woman. I shall be pleased to welcome you."</p>
+
+<p>She curtsied and went away on the Viscount's arm.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment a voice at Richard's elbow drawled:</p>
+
+<p>"Do I see you at the vivacious widow's feet, my good Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned to face his brother-in-law, Colonel Belmanoir.</p>
+
+<p>"Is not all London?" he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no! Not since the beautiful Gunnings' arrival. But I admit she is a
+dainty piece. And Lavinia? Will she break her heart, I wonder?" He
+laughed beneath his breath as he saw Richard's eyes flash.</p>
+
+<p>"I trust not," replied Carstares. "Are you all here to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Our illustrious head is absent, I believe. Andrew is flirting with the
+Fletcher girl in the Blue Salon; I am here, and Lavinia is amusing
+herself with Lovelace. Yes, Richard, Lovelace! Be careful!" With another
+sneering laugh he walked on, bowing to Elizabeth Gunning, who passed by
+on the arm of her partner, his Grace of Hamilton, most palpably <i>épris</i>.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment two late-comers entered the room and made their way
+towards their hostess, who appeared delighted to see them, especially
+the taller of the two, whose hand she slapped with good-humoured
+raillery. The shorter gentleman wore no mask, and the Colonel recognised
+Frank Fortescue. His eyes travelled to the other, who, unlike most of
+the men who only held their masks, had fastened his across his eyes, and
+they widened in surprise. The purple domino, worn carelessly open,
+revealed black satin encrusted with silver and diamonds. The natural
+hair was raven-black, the nostrils were pinched and the lips thin.</p>
+
+<p>"The Devil!" ejaculated Robert, and strolled over to him.</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue walked away when he saw who approached, and his Grace of
+Andover turned slowly towards his brother.</p>
+
+<p>"I rather thought you were in Paris," yawned the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"I am always sorry to disillusion you," bowed his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all; I am transported with joy at seeing you. As is Lavinia, it
+appears."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia, on recognising his Grace, had dropped her partner's hand
+and fled incontinent towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"You, Tracy!" She clasped delighted hands on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"This is very touching," sneered Robert. "It only needs Andrew to
+complete the happy reunion. Pray excuse me!"</p>
+
+<p>"With pleasure," replied the Duke gently, and bowed as if to a stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"He grows tedious," he remarked, as soon as the Colonel was out of
+earshot.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Bob! I take no account of <i>him</i>! But, Tracy, how is it you have
+come to-day? I thought&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, do I wear an air of mystery? I imagined you knew I was
+promised to Dolly Cavendish to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but&mdash;oh, what matters it? I am so charmed to see you again, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"You flatter me, Lavinia."</p>
+
+<p>"And now that you have come, I want to hear why you ever went! Tracy,
+take me into the room behind us. I know 'tis empty."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, child, as you will." He held back the curtain for her and
+followed her into the deserted chamber.</p>
+
+<p>"You want to know why I went?" he began, seating himself at her side. "I
+counsel you, my dear, to cast your mind back to the spring&mdash;at Bath."</p>
+
+<p>"Your <i>affaire</i>! Of course! So the lady proved unkind?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. But I bungled it."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You</i>? Tell me at once!&mdash;at once!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace stretched out his leg and surveyed his shoe-buckle through
+half-closed lids.</p>
+
+<p>"I had arranged everything," he said, "and all would have been well but
+for an interfering young jackanapes who chanced along the track and saw
+fit to espouse Madam Diana's cause." He paused. "He tripped me up by
+some trick, and then&mdash;<i>que veux-tu</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who was it?"</p>
+
+<p>"How should I know? At first he seemed familiar. At all events, he knew
+me. He may be dead by now. I hope he is."</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious! Did you wound him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I managed to fire at him, but he was too quick, and the bullet took him
+in the shoulder. It may, however, have been mortal."</p>
+
+<p>"And so you went to Paris?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. To forget her."</p>
+
+<p>"And have you forgotten?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not. She is never out of my thoughts. I plan again."</p>
+
+<p>His sister sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"She is then more beautiful than the Pompadour?" she asked meaningly.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy turned his head.</p>
+
+<p>"The Pompadour?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay! We heard you contrived to amuse yourself in a pretty fashion,
+Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Really? I had no idea people were so interested in my affairs. But
+'amuse' is an apt word."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah? You were not then <i>épris</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"I? With that low-born cocotte? My dear Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>She laughed at his haughty tone.</p>
+
+<p>"You've not always been so nice, Tracy! But what of your Diana? An you
+are so infatuated, you had best wed her."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, so I think."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia gasped.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy! You do not mean it? Goodness me, but a marriage!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not, Lavinia?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, a respectable married man, forsooth! And how long will the passion
+last?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot be expected to foretell that, surely? I hope, for ever."</p>
+
+<p>"And you'll tie yourself up for the sake of one chit? Lud!"</p>
+
+<p>"I can conceive a worse fate for a man."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you? Well, tell me more! 'Tis monstrous exciting. Do you intend to
+court her?"</p>
+
+<p>"At this stage of the proceedings? That were somewhat tactless, my dear.
+I must abduct her, but I must be more careful. Once I have her, I can
+propitiate Papa."</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, 'tis the maddest scheme ever I heard! What will the others say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really suppose I care?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I suppose not. Oh, will not Bob be furious, though!"</p>
+
+<p>"It were almost worth while&mdash;just for the sake of foiling him. He would
+so like to succeed me. But I really do not think he must." His elbow was
+on his knee, his chin in his hand, and a peculiar smile on his lips.
+"Can you imagine him stepping into my ducal shoes, Lavinia?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very easily!" she cried. "Oh, yes, yes, Tracy! Marry the girl!"</p>
+
+<p>"If she will."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, 'tis not like you to underrate your persuasive powers!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up in a curious grimace.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe one cannot force a girl to the altar," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Unless she is a fool, she'll have you."</p>
+
+<p>"Her parent would be influenced by my dukedom, but she, no. Not even if
+she knew of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Does she not know?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. I am Mr. Everard."</p>
+
+<p>"How wise of you, Tracy! So you've nought to fear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fear?" He snapped his fingers. "I?"</p>
+
+<p>The heavy curtain swung noiselessly aside. Richard Carstares stood in
+the opening.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy turned his head and scrutinised him languidly. Then he put up his
+hand and removed his mask.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible the husband scented an intrigue? It seems I am doomed to
+disappoint to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia, smarting from her morning's wrongs, laughed savagely.</p>
+
+<p>"More probable he mistook me for someone else!" she snapped.</p>
+
+<p>Richard bowed, his hand on the curtain. He had shown no surprise at
+seeing the Duke.</p>
+
+<p>"Far more probable, my dear. I thought you Lady Charlwood! Pray give me
+leave." He was gone on the word.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy replaced his mask, chuckling.</p>
+
+<p>"Honest Dick grows cold, eh? But what a snub, Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>Her little hand clenched.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how dare he! How dare he insult me so?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sister, in all justice to him, you must admit the boot was
+rather on the other leg."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know&mdash;I know! But he is so provoking!&mdash;so jealous!&mdash;so
+unreasonable!"</p>
+
+<p>"Jealous? And why?"</p>
+
+<p>With an impatient twitch at her petticoat she made answer, not looking
+at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I do not know! Nor he! Take me back to the ball-room."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, my dear." He rose and led her out. "I shall do myself the
+honour of waiting on you&mdash;to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes? How delightful 'twill be! Come to dine, Tracy! Richard is promised
+to the Fortescues."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case, I have much pleasure in accepting your invitation.... In
+heaven's name, who is this?"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace was bearing down upon them.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia! I have been seeking you everywhere!&mdash;ah&mdash;your servant, sir!"
+He bowed to his Grace, and took Lavinia's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;oh, Harold!&mdash;you remember Tracy?" she said nervously.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy! I did not know you masked! I saw you last in Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"Really? I regret I was not aware of your presence. It is a good many
+years since I had the honour of seeing you."</p>
+
+<p>"Five," nodded Lovelace, and sent a smiling, amorous glance at Lavinia.</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly," bowed his Grace. "You have, I perceive, renewed your
+acquaintance with my sister."</p>
+
+<p>When they were gone he caressed his chin, thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Lovelace ... and Richard is so jealous, so unreasonable. Now I do hope
+Lavinia will do nothing indiscreet&mdash;Yes, Frank, I was talking to myself;
+a bad habit."</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue, who had come up behind him, took his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"A sign of lunacy, my dear. Jim Cavendish demands you."</p>
+
+<p>"Does he? May I ask why?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is in the card-room. There is some bet on, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case I shall have to go. You had best accompany me, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. You have seen Lady Lavinia?"</p>
+
+<p>Beneath the mask his Grace's eyes narrowed.</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen Lavinia. Also I have seen an old friend&mdash;Lovelace by name."</p>
+
+<p>"The captain with the full-bottomed wig? Your friend, you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I say so? I should correct myself: a friend of my sister's."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed? Yes, I believe I have seen him in her company."</p>
+
+<p>Tracy smiled enigmatically.</p>
+
+<p>"I daresay."</p>
+
+<p>"And what of you, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well? <i>What</i> of me?"</p>
+
+<p>"You told me this morning that you had at last fallen in love. It is
+true? You are honestly in love?"</p>
+
+<p>"Honestly? How do I know? I only know that I have felt this passion for
+four months, and now it is stronger than ever. It sounds like love."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, an she is a good woman, I hope she will consent to take you, such
+as you are, and make of you such as she can!"</p>
+
+<p>"Now that is very neat, Frank. I congratulate you. Of course she will
+take me; as to the rest&mdash;I think not."</p>
+
+<p>"Tare an' ouns, Tracy! but an that is the tone you take with her, she'll
+have none of you!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have never found it unsuccessful."</p>
+
+<p>"With your common trollops, no! But if your Diana is a lady, she will
+dispatch you about your business! Woo her, man! Forget your own damned
+importance, for I think you will need to humble yourself to the dust if
+all that you tell me has passed between you is true!"</p>
+
+<p>They had paused outside the card-room. A curtain shut it off from the
+ball-room, and with his hand on it, Tracy stared arrogantly down at his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Humble myself? 'Fore Gad, you must be mad!"</p>
+
+<p>"Belike I am; but I tell you, Tracy, that if your passion is love, 'tis
+a strange one that puts yourself first. I would not give the snap of a
+finger for it! You want this girl, not for her happiness, but for your
+own pleasure. That is not the love I once told you would save you from
+yourself. When it comes, you will count yourself as nought; you will
+realise your own insignificance, and above all, be ready to make any
+sacrifice for her sake. Yes, even to the point of losing her!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's lips sneered.</p>
+
+<p>"Your eloquence is marvellous," he remarked. "I have not been so amused
+since I left Paris."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h3>
+
+<h3>HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the Duke of Andover dined next day at Grosvenor Square, he
+contrived, by subtle means, to make his sister feel inexplicably ill at
+ease. He let fall pleasant little remarks concerning her friendship with
+Captain Lovelace, in which she read disapproval and a sinister warning.
+She was afraid of him, as she was not of her husband, and she knew that
+if he ever guessed at the depths of her affection for the old flame, he
+would take very effective measures towards stopping her intercourse with
+him. It was, then, entirely owing to his return that she told Lovelace
+that he must not so palpably adore her. Neither must he visit her so
+frequently. They were both in her boudoir at the time, one morning, and
+no doubt Lavinia looked very lovely and very tempting in her wrapper,
+with her golden curls free from powder and loosely dressed beneath her
+escalloped lace ruffle. At all events, Lovelace abandoned his daintily
+bantering pose and seized her in his arms, nearly smothering her with
+fierce, passionate caresses.</p>
+
+<p>Her ladyship struggled, gave a faint shriek, and started to cry. As his
+kisses seemed to aggravate her tears, he picked her up, and carrying her
+to a chair, lowered her gently into it. Then, having first dusted the
+floor with his handkerchief, he knelt down beside her and possessed
+himself of both her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia! Goddess! I adore you!"</p>
+
+<p>Bethinking herself that tears were ruinous to her complexion, Lady
+Lavinia pulled her hands away and dabbed at her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Harold!" she reproached him.</p>
+
+<p>"I have offended you! Wretch that I am&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no!" Lady Lavinia gave him her hand again. "But 'twas wicked of
+you, Harry! You must never, never do it again!"</p>
+
+<p>His arm crept round her waist.</p>
+
+<p>"But I love you, sweetheart!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Oh! Think of Dicky!"</p>
+
+<p>He released her at that, and sprang to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I think of him? 'Tis of you and myself I think! Only a week
+ago you vowed he was unkind&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You are monstrous wicked to remind me of that! We were both cross&mdash;and
+then we were both sorry. I am very fond of poor Dicky."</p>
+
+<p>"Fond of him! Ay, so you may be, but you do not love him! Not as a woman
+loves a man&mdash;do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Harold!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you do not! You used to love me&mdash;no, do not shake your head,
+'tis true! You would have married me had it not been for Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Harry! How can you say so? What had he to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"What, indeed! Whose fault was it that I was time after time refused
+admittance at Andover? Whose fault was it that you were induced to marry
+Carstares?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not Tracy's. 'Twas my own wish."</p>
+
+<p>"Fostered by his influence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!"</p>
+
+<p>"You never loved Carstares&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I did! I do!"</p>
+
+<p>"You may think so, but I know better. Why, he is not even suited to you!
+You were made for life and pleasure and hazard! With me you would have
+had all that; with him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She had risen to her feet and drawn nearer to him, her eyes sparkling,
+but now she covered her ears with her hands and stamped pettishly.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not listen! I will not, I tell you! Oh, you are unkind to plague
+me so!"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace took her into his arms once more, and drawing down her hands,
+kissed her again and again. She resisted, trying to thrust him off, but
+she was crushed against him, and he would have kissed her again, had not
+there come an interruption.</p>
+
+<p>A knock fell on the door, and the footman announced:</p>
+
+<p>"His Grace of Andover, m'lady!"</p>
+
+<p>The guilty pair sprang apart in the nick of time, she fiery red, he
+pale, but composed.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace stood in the doorway, his quizzing glass raised inquiringly.
+His eyes went swiftly from one to the other and widened. He bowed
+elaborately.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia! Captain Lovelace, your very obedient!"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace returned the bow with much flourish.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Grace!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, Tracy!" cried Lavinia, advancing. "What an unexpected visit!"</p>
+
+<p>"I trust I have not arrived at an inopportune moment, my dear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!" she assured him. "I am quite charmed to see you! But at such
+an early hour&mdash;! I confess, it quite astonishes me!" She brought him to
+a chair, chattering like a child, and so innocent was his expression, so
+smiling his attitude towards the Captain, that she imagined that he
+suspected nothing, and had not noticed her blushes.</p>
+
+<p>It was only when Lovelace had departed that she was undeceived. Then,
+when his Grace moved to a chair opposite her, she saw that he was
+frowning slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you are put out over something, Tracy?" she asked nervously.</p>
+
+<p>The frown deepened.</p>
+
+<p>"N-no. I am not 'put out.' I merely anticipate the sensation."</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I don't understand. What mean you?"</p>
+
+<p>"At present, nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, please do not be mysterious! Are you like to be put out?"</p>
+
+<p>"I trust not, Lavinia."</p>
+
+<p>"But what annoys you?"</p>
+
+<p>Instead of answering, he put a question:</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you amused yourself well&mdash;last night, my dear sister?"</p>
+
+<p>She flushed. Last night had been Lady Davenant's masquerade, to which
+Lord Robert had conducted her. She had danced almost exclusively with
+Lovelace the whole evening, but as they were both masked, she was rather
+surprised at the question.</p>
+
+<p>"I enjoyed myself quite tolerably, thank you. You were there?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Lavinia, I was not there."</p>
+
+<p>"Then how do you kn&mdash;" She stopped in confusion, biting her lips. For an
+instant she caught a glimpse of his eyes, piercing and cold.</p>
+
+<p>"How do I know?" smoothly finished his Grace "One hears things, Lavinia.
+Also&mdash;" he glanced round the room, "one sees things."</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I don't understand you!" she shot out, twisting the lace of her gown
+with restless, uneasy fingers.</p>
+
+<p>"No? Must I then be more explicit?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes! Yes! I should be glad!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then let me beg of you, my dear Lavinia, that you will commit no
+indiscretion."</p>
+
+<p>Her cheeks flamed.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that you have grown too friendly with Harold Lovelace."</p>
+
+<p>"Well! What of it?"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace put up his eye-glass, faintly astonished.</p>
+
+<p>"What of it? Pray think a moment, Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not likely that <i>I</i> shall be the one to disgrace the name, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"I sincerely hope not. I give you my word I should do all in my power to
+prevent any foolhardy action on your part. Pray do not forget it."</p>
+
+<p>She sat silent, biting her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"It is, my child, unwise to play with fire. Sooner or later one gets
+burnt. And remember that your gallant captain has not one half of
+Richard's wealth."</p>
+
+<p>Up she sprang, kicking her skirts as she always did when angered.</p>
+
+<p>"Money! money!&mdash;always money!" she cried. "I do not care one rap for it!
+And Richard is not wealthy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Richard is heir to wealth," replied his Grace calmly. "And even an you
+are so impervious to its charms, I, my dear, am not. Richard is
+extremely useful to me. I beg you will not leave him for any such mad
+rake as Lovelace, who would be faithful to you for perhaps three months,
+certainly not longer."</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, I will not have you speak to me like this! How dare you insult
+me so? I have given you no cause! I did not say I had any desire to run
+away with him&mdash;and he <i>would</i> be faithful to me! He has been faithful
+all these years!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace smiled provokingly.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear&mdash;!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know there have been episodes&mdash;indiscretions. Do you think I
+count him the worse for that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Evidently not."</p>
+
+<p>"There has never been another serious love with him! I hate you!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are overfree with your emotions, my dear. So you do indeed
+contemplate an elopement?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, no! I do not! I am <i>fond</i> of Dicky!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I shall not leave him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why then, I am satisfied," he answered, and rose to his feet. "I shall
+look to see Captain Lovelace more out of your company." He picked up his
+hat and cane and stood directly in front of her. One dead white hand, on
+which blazed a great ruby seal ring, took her little pointed chin in a
+firm clasp and tilted her head up until she was forced to meet his eyes.
+They held hers inexorably, scorchingly.</p>
+
+<p>"You understand me?" he asked harshly.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia's eyes filled with tears and her soft underlip trembled.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she fluttered, and gave a tiny sob. "Oh, yes, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>The eyes lost something of their menacing gleam, and he smiled, for once
+without a sneer, and releasing her chin, patted her cheek indulgently.</p>
+
+<p>"Bear in mind, child, that I am fifteen years your senior, and I have
+more worldly wisdom in my little finger than you have in the whole of
+your composition. I do not wish to witness your ruin."</p>
+
+<p>The tears brimmed over, and she caught his handkerchief from him,
+dabbing at her eyes with one heavily-laced corner.</p>
+
+<p>"You do love me, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the recesses of my mind I believe I cherish some affection for you,"
+he replied coolly, rescuing his handkerchief. "I used to class you with
+your deplorable brothers, but I think perhaps I was wrong."</p>
+
+<p>She gave an hysterical laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, how can you be so disagreeable? Lud! but I pity Diana an she
+marries you!"</p>
+
+<p>To her surprise he flushed a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Diana, an she marries me, will have all that her heart could desire,"
+he answered stiffly, and took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>Once outside in the square he looked for a sedan, and not seeing one,
+walked away towards Audley Street. He went quickly, but his progress was
+somewhat retarded by two ladies, who, passing in their chairs down the
+street, perceived him and beckoned him to their sides. Escaping
+presently from them, he turned into Curzon Street, and from thence down
+Half Moon Street, where he literally fell into the arms of Tom Wilding,
+who had much to say on the subject of March's last bet with Edgecumbe.
+His Grace affected interest, politely declined Wilding's proffered
+escort, and hurried down into Piccadilly, walking eastwards towards St.
+James's Square, where was the Andover town house. He was fated to be
+again detained, for as he walked along Arlington Street, Mr. Walpole was
+on the point of descending the steps of No. 5. He also had much to say
+to his Grace. He had no idea that Belmanoir had returned from Paris. A
+week ago he had arrived? Well, he, Walpole, had been out of town all the
+week&mdash;at Twickenham. He hoped Bel. would honour him with his company at
+the small card-party he was giving there on Thursday. George was coming,
+and Dick Edgecumbe; he had asked March and Gilly Williams, but the Lord
+knew whether both would be induced to appear! Bel. had heard of Gilly's
+absurd jealousy? Wilding was promised, and Markham; several other
+answers he was awaiting.</p>
+
+<p>Andover accepted gracefully and parted from Mr. Walpole. He made the
+rest of his journey in peace, and on arriving at his house, went
+straight to the library, where sat a sleek, eminently
+respectable-looking individual, dressed like a groom. He stood up as his
+Grace entered, and bowed.</p>
+
+<p>Belmanoir nodded shortly and sat down at his desk.</p>
+
+<p>"I have work for you, Harper."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir&mdash;your Grace, I should say."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know Sussex?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, your Grace, I don't know as how&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Do you know Sussex?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"No, your Grace&mdash;er&mdash;yes, your Grace! I should say, not well, your
+Grace!"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard of a place called Littledean?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, s&mdash;your Grace."</p>
+
+<p>"Midhurst?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, your Grace."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. Littledean is seven miles west of it. You will find that
+out&mdash;also an inn called, I think, 'The Pointing Finger.' There you will
+lodge."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your Grace, certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"At a very little distance from there is a house&mdash;Horton House, where
+lives a certain Mr. Beauleigh, with his sister and daughter. You are to
+watch the comings and goings of these people with the utmost care.
+Eventually you will become groom to Mr. Beauleigh."</p>
+
+<p>"B-but, your Grace!" feebly protested the astonished Harper.</p>
+
+<p>"You will approach their present groom, and you will insinuate that I,
+Andover, am in need of a second groom. You will tell him that I pay
+handsomely&mdash;treble what Mr. Beauleigh gives him. If I know human nature,
+he will apply for the post. You then step in. If Mr. Beauleigh asks for
+some recommendation, you are to refer him to Sir Hugh Grandison, White's
+Chocolate House, St. James's Street. When you are engaged I will send
+further instructions."</p>
+
+<p>The man gaped, shut his mouth, and gaped again.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you fully understand me?" asked Belmanoir calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;er&mdash;yes, your Grace!"</p>
+
+<p>"Repeat what I have said, then."</p>
+
+<p>Harper stumbled through it and mopped his brow unhappily.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. In addition, I pay you twice as much as Mr. Beauleigh gives
+you, and, at the end, if you serve me well&mdash;fifty guineas. Are you
+satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>Harper brightened considerably.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your Grace! Thank you, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy laid twenty guineas before him.</p>
+
+<p>"That is for your expenses. Remember this: the sooner the thing is done,
+the more certain are your fifty guineas. That is all. Have you any
+questions to ask?"</p>
+
+<p>Harper cudgelled his still dazed brain, and finding none, shook his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"No, your Grace."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you may go."</p>
+
+<p>The man bowed himself out, clutching his guineas. He was comparatively a
+newcomer in his Grace's service, and he was by no means accustomed to
+the Duke's lightning method of conducting his affairs. He was not sure
+that he quite appreciated it. But fifty guineas were fifty guineas.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h3>
+
+<h3>MRS. FANSHAWE LIGHTS A FIRE AND O'HARA FANS THE FLAME</h3>
+
+
+<p>Richard Carstares very soon availed himself of Mrs. Fanshawe's
+permission to call upon her, and duly put in an appearance at No. 16,
+Mount Street. He found the house very tastefully appointed, the sister
+elderly and good-natured, and the widow herself an excellent hostess.
+The first time he called he was not the only visitor; two ladies whom he
+did not know and a young cousin were already there, and later, a bowing
+acquaintance, Mr. Standish, also arrived. Seeing that he would have no
+opportunity to talk with the widow on the subject of his brother, he
+very soon took his leave, promising to wait upon her again at no very
+distant date. When, three days later, he again sent in his name and was
+admitted, he found the lady alone, and was gratified to hear her order
+the servant to deny her to all other visitors.</p>
+
+<p>He bowed over her hand and hoped she was well.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Fanshawe drew him down beside her on the settee.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very well, Mr. Carstares. And you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Also," he smiled, but his looks belied his words.</p>
+
+<p>She told him so, laughing, and he pleaded a worried week.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, I presume you did not come to talk to me about your health,
+but about my friend&mdash;eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"I assure&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, no vapid compliments!" she besought.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, madam, yes. I want to hear about&mdash;Ferndale. You see, I&mdash;like
+you&mdash;took a great interest in him."</p>
+
+<p>She sent him a shrewd glance, and nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. I will tell you all I know, Mr. Carstares, but it is not
+very much, and maybe you will be disappointed. But I only knew him the
+short time we were both in Vienna, and&mdash;he was not very communicative."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!&mdash;he did not confide in you, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. If one attempted to draw his confidence, he became a polite
+iceberg."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, madam, please tell me all that you know."</p>
+
+<p>"It will not take long, I fear. I met him in '48 at Vienna, in the
+Prater, where I was walking with my husband, who had come to Vienna for
+his health. I chanced to let fall my reticule when Sir Anthony was
+passing us, and he picked it up, speaking the most execrable German."
+She smiled a little at the remembrance. "Mr. Fanshawe, who had the
+greatest dislike for all foreigners, was overjoyed to hear the English
+accent. He induced Sir Anthony to continue his walk with us, and
+afterwards he called at our lodgings. I think he, too, was glad to meet
+a fellow-countryman, for he came often, and once when I had been talking
+with him for some time he let fall&mdash;what shall I say?&mdash;his reserve&mdash;his
+guard&mdash;and told me that he had scarcely spoken his own language for four
+years. Afterwards he seemed to regret having said even that much, and
+turned the subject." She paused and looked up to see if her auditor was
+interested.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes?" urged Richard. "And then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not remember. He came, as I said, often, mostly to talk to my
+husband, who was a great invalid, but sometimes to see me. He would
+hardly ever speak of England&mdash;I think he did not trust himself. He never
+mentioned any relations or any English friends, and when I spoke of
+home, he would shut his mouth very tightly, and look terribly sad. I
+saw that for some reason the subject pained him, so I never spoke of it
+if I could help it.</p>
+
+<p>"He was a most entertaining companion, Mr. Carstares; he used to tell my
+husband tales that made him laugh as I had not heard him laugh for
+months. He was very lively, very witty, and almost finickingly well
+dressed, but what his occupation was I could not quite ascertain. He
+said he was a gentleman of leisure, but I do not think he was at all
+wealthy. He frequented all the gaming houses, and I heard tales of his
+marvellous luck, so one day I taxed him with it, and he laughed and said
+he lived by Chance&mdash;he meant dice. Yet I know, for I once had
+conversation with his servant, that his purse was at times very, very
+slender."</p>
+
+<p>"The time he aided you, Mrs. Fanshawe, when was that?"</p>
+
+<p>She flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a few months after we first met him. I was&mdash;foolish; my
+married life was not&mdash;very happy, and I was&mdash;or, rather, I fancied
+myself&mdash;in love with an Austrian nobleman, who&mdash;who&mdash;well, sir, suffice
+it that I consented to dine with him one evening. I found then that he
+was not the <i>galant homme</i> I had thought him, but something quite
+different. I do not know what I should have done had not Sir Anthony
+arrived."</p>
+
+<p>"He did arrive then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. You see, he knew that this Austrian had asked me to dine&mdash;I told
+him&mdash;and he counselled me to refuse. But I&mdash;well, sir, I have told you,
+I was young and very foolish&mdash;I would not listen. When he called at our
+house and found that I was out, he at once guessed where I had gone, and
+he followed me to the Count's house, gave an Austrian name, and was
+announced just as the Count tried to&mdash;tried to&mdash;kiss me. I think I shall
+never forget the relief of that moment! He was so safe, and so English!
+The Count was furious, and at first I thought he would have his lackeys
+throw Anthony out. But when he heard all that Anthony had to say, he
+realised that it was useless to try to detain me&mdash;and I was taken home.
+Anthony was very kind&mdash;he did not scold, neither had he told my husband.
+Two days after, he and the Count fought a duel, and the Count was
+wounded in the lung. That was all. But it made me very grateful to him
+and interested in his affairs. Mr. Fanshawe left Vienna a few weeks
+after that, and I have never seen my <i>preux chevalier</i> since." She
+sighed and looked steadily across at Carstares. "And you&mdash;you are so
+like him!"</p>
+
+<p>"You think so, madam?" was all he could find to say.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, sir. And something more, which, perhaps, you will deem an
+impertinence. Is Anthony your brother?"</p>
+
+<p>The suddenness of the attack threw Carstares off his guard. He went
+white.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam!"</p>
+
+<p>"Please be not afraid that mine is the proverbial woman's tongue, sir.
+It does not run away with me, I assure you. When I saw you the other
+night for the first time, I was struck by the resemblance, and I asked
+my partner, Mr. Stapely, who you were. He told me, and much more beside,
+which I was not at the time desirous of hearing."</p>
+
+<p>"Trust Will Stapely!" exclaimed Richard, and mentally cursed the amiable
+gossip-monger.</p>
+
+<p>"Among other things he told me of your elder brother-who&mdash;who&mdash;in fact,
+he told me the whole story. Of course, my mind instantly leapt to my
+poor Sir Anthony, despite that in appearance he is younger than you. Was
+I right?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard rose to his feet and walked away to the window, standing with
+his back to her.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was sure of it," she nodded. "So that was why he would not speak of
+England? Poor boy!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard's soul writhed under the lash of her pity.</p>
+
+<p>"So he will always be outcast," she continued. "Alone, unhappy, without
+friends&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No!" he cried, turning. "'Fore Gad, no, madam!"</p>
+
+<p>"Will society&mdash;cruel, hard society&mdash;receive him, then?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Society will&mdash;one day&mdash;receive him, Mrs. Fanshawe. You will see."</p>
+
+<p>"I long for that day," she sighed. "I wish I had it in my power to help
+him&mdash;to repay in part the debt I owe him."</p>
+
+<p>At that he lifted his head.</p>
+
+<p>"My brother, madam, would count it not a debt, but an honour," he
+answered proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she smiled. "You are like him; when you speak like that you might
+almost be he."</p>
+
+<p>"He is worth a thousand of me, Mrs. Fanshawe!" he replied vehemently,
+and broke off, staring down at the table.</p>
+
+<p>"And his name?" she asked softly.</p>
+
+<p>"John Anthony St. Ervine Delaney Carstares," he said, "Earl of Wyncham."</p>
+
+<p>"So the Anthony was real! I am so glad, for he would always be Anthony
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>There was a long silence, broken at last by the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I have made you sad, Mr. Carstares. You will drink a dish of
+Bohea with me, before you go? And we will not speak of this again."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very good, madam. Believe me, I am grateful to you for telling
+me all that you have. I beg you will allow me to wait on you again ere
+long?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be honoured, sir. I am nearly always at home to my friends."</p>
+
+<p>Her sister entered the room soon after, and private conversation came to
+an end.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares lay awake long that night, hearing the hours toll by and the
+owls screech in the square. The widow's words had sunk deep into his
+ever-uneasy conscience, and he could not sleep for the thought of John,
+"alone, unhappy, without friends." ... Time after time had he argued
+this question with himself: John or Lavinia? ... He fell to wondering
+where his brother now was; whether he was still roaming the South
+Country, a highwayman. No one would ever know how he, Richard, dreaded
+each fresh capture made by the military. Every time he expected John to
+be among the prisoners, and he visited Newgate so often that his friends
+twitted him on it, vowing he had Selwyn's love of horrors.</p>
+
+<p>He would argue that the matter rested in John's own hands: if he were
+minded to come back to society, he would do so; but deep within himself
+he knew that such a decision was unworthy of one even so debased as was
+he. Then his mind went to Lavinia, who alternately enchanted and
+exasperated him. Only a week ago she had defied him openly in the matter
+of her friendship with Lovelace, yet had she not afterwards apologised,
+and thrust the Captain aside for his sake? She was so sweetly naughty,
+so childishly unreasonable. Selfish? Yes, he supposed so, but he loved
+her!&mdash;loved her so greatly that it were a pleasure to him to die for her
+sake. Yet John&mdash;John was his brother&mdash;the adored elder brother, and by
+obeying Lavinia he was wronging him, hurting him. If only Lavinia would
+consent to the truth being told! It always came back to that point: if
+only she would consent. And she never would. She insisted that, having
+married her under false pretences, he had no right to disgrace her now.
+She was right, he knew, but he wished she could be for once unselfish.</p>
+
+<p>So he worried on through the night, tossing to and fro in his great bed,
+a weight on his mind, a ceaseless ache in his heart.</p>
+
+<p>Towards dawn he fell asleep and did not wake again until his chocolate
+was brought to him. Bitterly he reflected that at least John had no
+conscience to prey upon him; he did not fall asleep with his brain
+seething with conflicting arguments, and awake with the decision as far
+off as ever. To-day his head ached unbearably, and he stayed in bed for
+some time contemplating the grey morning. A fog hung over the Square,
+and through it the trees, with their withered autumn leaves, loomed
+dismally before the windows. There was something infinitely depressing
+about the dull outlook, and presently he rose and allowed his valet to
+dress him, not able to stand the inaction any longer. His headache was
+better by the time he had visited his wife in her room, and listened to
+her enthusiastic account of last night's rout, and, going out into the
+square, he called a chair, ordering the men to carry him to White's,
+where he intended to write two letters. Somehow, Wyncham House was too
+poignantly full of memories of John to-day, and he was thankful to be
+out of it.</p>
+
+<p>White's was crowded even at that hour of the morning, and the noise
+seemed to cut through his head. Men hailed him from all sides, offering
+him bets; someone tried to tell him some piece of scandal; they would
+not let him alone, and at last his jagged nerves would no longer support
+it, and he left the house to go further down the street to his other
+club, the Cocoa-Tree, which he hoped to find less rowdy. It was fuller
+than he expected, but many of the men had come as he had, to write
+letters and to be quiet. Very little gaming was as yet in swing.</p>
+
+<p>Richard wrote steadily for perhaps an hour, and sealed his last letter
+preparatory to leaving. As he affixed the wafer, he was conscious of a
+stir behind him, and heard exclamations of:</p>
+
+<p>"Where in thunder did you spring from?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gad, 'tis an age since I've seen you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, 'tis O'Hara!"</p>
+
+<p>Then came the soft Irish voice in answer, and he slewed round in his
+chair to face them all. Miles O'Hara was the centre of a little group of
+interested and welcoming clubmen, explaining his arrival.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, I was in town on a matter of business, and I thought I must come
+to the club to see ye all while I was here, for 'tis not often I get the
+chance&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Richard rose, gathering up his letters and stared across at this man who
+had been Jack's greatest friend. He took a step towards him. As he did
+so, O'Hara turned and caught sight of him. Richard was about to hail
+him, when he suddenly noticed the change in his expression. The good
+humour died out of the Irishman's eyes and left them hard and scornful.
+His pleasant mouth curved into a disdainful line. Carstares stood still,
+one hand on the back of a chair, his eyes rivetted to O'Hara's face,
+reading all the reproach, the red-hot anger that Miles was trying to
+convey to him. O'Hara achieved a sneer and turned his shoulder,
+continuing to address his friends.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's head swam. O'Hara was ignoring him, would not speak to him....
+O'Hara knew the truth! He walked blindly to the door, and groped for the
+handle.... O'Hara knew! He was in the passage, on the front steps, in
+the road, shuddering. O'Hara knew, and he had looked at him as if&mdash;as
+if&mdash;again he shuddered, and seeing an empty chair, hailed it, bidding
+the men carry him to Grosvenor Square.... O'Hara despised
+him!&mdash;reproached him! Then Jack was in trouble? He had seen him and
+learnt the truth? God, but his brain was reeling! ...</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h3>
+
+<h3>DEVELOPMENTS</h3>
+
+
+<p>After the encounter with O'Hara, whatever peace of mind Richard had had,
+left him. He knew not a moment's quiet; all day, and sometimes all
+night, his brain worried round and round the everlasting question: John
+or Lavinia? He had quite decided that it must be either the one or the
+other; the idea that he might conceivably retain his wife <i>and</i> confess
+the truth, never occurred to him. So often had Lavinia assured him that
+he had no right to expect her to share his disgrace, that now he
+believed it. He thought that she would elope with Lovelace, whom, his
+tortured mind decided, she really loved. Any attempt to frustrate such
+an action would, he supposed wretchedly, be the essence of selfishness.
+Of course he was not himself, and his brain was not working normally or
+rationally; had he but known it, he was mentally ill, and if Lavinia had
+thought to examine him closely she could not have failed to observe the
+fever spots on each cheek, the unnaturally bright eyes and the dark
+rings encircling them. Richard wore the look of one goaded beyond
+endurance, and utterly tired and overwrought. As he told Mrs. Fanshawe,
+when she exclaimed at his appearance&mdash;he could not rest; he must always
+be moving, thinking. She saw that he was not entirely himself, and
+counselled him to consult a doctor. His half-angry repudiation of all
+illness did not surprise her, but she was considerably startled when, in
+answer to her pleading that he should have a care for himself, he
+vehemently said: "If I could die, I should be glad!" She wondered what
+his wife was about not to see his condition, and wished that she might
+do something. But she was not acquainted with Lady Lavinia, and she
+felt it would be a piece of gross presumption on her part to speak to
+her of Richard. If she had thought his malady to be physical, she
+reflected, she might venture a word, but as she perceived it to be
+mental, she could only hope that it would pass in time, and that he
+would recover from his run-down condition.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia was pursuing her butterfly existence, heeding nothing but
+her own pleasure, bent on enjoying herself. She succeeded very well, on
+the whole, but she could not help wishing that Dicky were a little more
+cheerful and wishful to join in her gaiety. Of late he was worse than
+ever, and although he supplied her wants uncomplainingly, she would
+almost rather he had refused her and shown a little life, than give way
+to her with this dreadful apathy.</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace was out of town for a week, and Lavinia was surprised to find
+how little she missed him. To be sure, playing with fire was very
+pleasant, but when it was removed out of her reach, it really made no
+odds. She missed Harry's adulation and his passionate love-making, for
+she was one of those women who must always have admiration and
+excitement, but she was not made miserable by his absence. She continued
+to flutter round to all the entertainments of the season with one or
+other of her brothers, and when Lovelace returned he was disturbed by
+her casual welcome. However, she was undoubtedly pleased to see him, and
+soon fell more or less under his spell, allowing him to be by her side
+when Tracy was not near, and to charm her ears with compliments and
+gallantry.</p>
+
+<p>To do him justice, Captain Harold was really in love with her and was
+quite ready to relinquish his commission if only she would run away with
+him. He had private means of his own, and promised her that her every
+whim should be satisfied. But Lavinia scolded him and shook her head.
+Apart from any ulterior consideration, Richard was, after all, her
+husband; he, too, loved her, and she was very, very fond of him,
+although she did plague him dreadfully.</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace assured her that her husband did not love her nearly as much as
+he, and when she smiled her disbelief, lost his temper and cried that
+all the town knew Carstares to be at Mrs. Fanshawe's feet!</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia stiffened.</p>
+
+<p>"Harold!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am only surprised that you have been blind to it," he continued.
+"Where do you think he goes every day for so long? White's? No. To 16,
+Mount Street! Stapely called there and met him; another day Lady
+Davenant saw him with her; Wilding has also met him at her house. He
+spends nearly every afternoon with her!"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia was a Belmanoir, and she had all the Belmanoir pride. Rising to
+her feet she drew her cloak about her with her most queenly air.</p>
+
+<p>"You forget yourself, Harold," she said haughtily. "Never dare to speak
+to me of my husband again in that tone! You may take me at once to my
+brother."</p>
+
+<p>He was very penitent, wording his apology most cleverly, smoothing her
+ruffled plumage, withdrawing his words, but at the same time contriving
+to leave their sting behind. She forgave him, yes, but he must never
+offend her so again.</p>
+
+<p>Although she had indignantly refused to believe the scandal, it
+nevertheless rankled, and she found herself watching her husband with
+jealous eyes, noticing his seeming indifference towards her and his
+many absences from home. Then came a day when she caused her chair to be
+borne down Mount Street at the very moment when Richard was coming out
+of No. 16.</p>
+
+<p>That was enough for Lavinia. So he was indeed tired of her! He loved
+another woman!&mdash;some wretched widow! For the first time a real worry
+plagued her. She stayed at home that evening and exerted all her arts to
+captivate her husband. But Richard, seeing John unhappy, reproachful,
+every way he turned, his head on fire, his brain seething with
+conflicting arguments, hardly noticed her, and as soon as he might
+politely do so, left her, to pace up and down the library floor, trying
+to make up his mind what to do.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia was stricken with horror. She had sickened him by her
+megrims, as Tracy had prophesied she would! He no longer cared for her!
+<i>This</i> was why he continually excused himself from accompanying her when
+she went out! For once in her life she faced facts, and the prospect
+alarmed her. If it was not already too late, she must try to win back
+his love, and to do this she realised she must cease to tease him for
+money, and also cease to snap at him whenever she felt at all out of
+sorts. She must charm him back to her. She had no idea how much she
+cared for him until now that she thought he did not care for her. It was
+dreadful: she had always been so sure of Dicky! Whatever she did,
+however exasperating she might be, he would always adore her.</p>
+
+<p>And all the time, Richard, far from making love to Mrs. Fanshawe, was
+hearing anecdotes of his brother from her, little details of his
+appearance, things he had said. He drank in all the information,
+clutching eagerly at each fresh scrap of gossip, greedy to hear it if it
+in any way concerned John. His brain was absorbed with this one
+subject, and he never saw when Lavinia smiled upon him, nor did he seem
+to hear her coaxing speeches. When she remarked, as she presently did,
+on his pallor, he almost snapped at her, and left the room. Once she put
+her arms about him and kissed him on the lips; he put her gently aside,
+too worried to respond to the caress, but, had she known it&mdash;grateful
+for it.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover meeting his sister at Ranelagh Gardens, thought her
+face looked pinched, and her eyes unhappy. He inquired the reason, but
+Lady Lavinia refused to confide even in him, and pleaded a headache.
+Andover, knowing her, imagined that she had been refused some kickshaw,
+and thought no more about it.</p>
+
+<p>He himself was very busy. Only two days before a groom had presented
+himself at St. James's Square, bearing a missive from Harper, very
+illegible and ill-spelt, but to the point:</p>
+
+<p>"YR. GRACE,</p>
+
+<p>"I have took the liberty of engageing this Man, Douglas, in Yr. Name. I
+hope I shall soon be Able to have carrid out the Rest of yr. Grace's
+Instructions, and trust my Connduct will met with Yr. Grace's Approvall.</p>
+
+<p>Very Obed'tly,</p>
+
+<p>M. HARPER."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Tracy confirmed the engagement and straightway dispatched the man to
+Andover, where the head groom would undoubtedly find work for him to do.
+He was amused at the blind way in which the man had walked into his
+trap, and meditated cynically on the frailty of human nature, which
+will always follow the great god Mammon.</p>
+
+<p>Not three days later came another letter, this time from Mr. Beauleigh,
+addressed to him at White's, under the name of Sir Hugh Grandison. It
+asked for the man Harper's character.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover answered it in the library of his own home, and
+smiled sarcastically as he wrote Harper down "exceeding honest and
+trustworthy, as I have always found."</p>
+
+<p>He was in the middle of the letter when the door was unceremoniously
+pushed open and Andrew lounged into the room.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace looked up frowning. Not a whit dismayed by the coolness of his
+reception, his brother kicked the door to and lowered his long limbs
+into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask to what I owe the honour of this intrusion?" smiled Tracy
+dangerously.</p>
+
+<p>"Richard," was the cheerful reply, "Richard."</p>
+
+<p>"As I am not interested in either him or his affairs&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How truly amiable you are to-day! But I think you'll be interested in
+this, 'tis so vastly mysterious."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed? What is the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just what I want to know!"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy sighed wearily.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray come to the point, Andrew&mdash;if point there be. I have no time to
+waste."</p>
+
+<p>"Lord! Busy? Working? God ha' mercy!" The young rake stretched his legs
+out before him and cast his eyes down their shapeliness. Then he
+stiffened and sat up, staring at one white-stockinged ankle.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, damn and curse it! where did that come from?" he expostulated
+mildly.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did <i>what</i> come from?"</p>
+
+<p>"That great splash of mud on my leg. Brand new on this morning, and I've
+scarce set my nose without doors. Damn it, I say! A brand new&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Leg?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hey? What's that you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought. When you have quite finished your eulogy, perhaps you would
+consent to tell me your errand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ay!&mdash;but twenty shillings the pair! Think of it! ... Well, the
+point&mdash;there is one, you see&mdash;is this: it is Richard's desire that you
+honour him with your presence at Wyncham on Friday week, at three in the
+afternoon exactly. To which effect he sends you this." He tossed a
+letter on to the desk. "You are like to have the felicity of meeting me
+there."</p>
+
+<p>Tracy ripped open the packet and spread the single sheet on the desk
+before him. He read it through very deliberately, turned it over, as if
+in search of more, re-read it, folded it, and dropped it into the
+wastebasket at his side. He then picked up his quill and dipped it in
+the ink again.</p>
+
+<p>"What think you?" demanded Andrew, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace wrote tranquilly on to the end of the line.</p>
+
+<p>"What think I of what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the letter, of course! What ails the man? 'Something of great
+import to impart to us,' forsooth! What means he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I noticed 'twas very badly worded," commented Tracy. "I have not
+the vaguest notion as to his meaning."</p>
+
+<p>"But what do you make of it? Lord, Tracy, don't be such a fish! Dick is
+summoning quite a party!"</p>
+
+<p>"You appear to be in his confidence, my dear Andrew. Allow me to
+congratulate you. No doubt we shall know more&mdash;ah&mdash;on Friday week, at
+three o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you'll go, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite possibly." He went on writing unconcernedly.</p>
+
+<p>"And you've no idea of what 'tis about? Dick is very strange. He hardly
+listens to what one has to say, and fidget&mdash;Lord!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>"I think he looks ill, an' 'pon my soul, so does Lavvy! Do you suppose
+there is aught amiss?"</p>
+
+<p>"I really have no idea. Pray do not let me detain you."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew hoisted himself out of his chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm not staying, never fear! ... I suppose you cannot oblige me
+with&mdash;say&mdash;fifty guineas?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should be loth to upset your suppositions," replied his Grace
+sweetly.</p>
+
+<p>"You will not? Well, I didn't think you would somehow! But I wish you
+might contrive to let me have it, Tracy. I've had prodigious ill-luck of
+late, and the Lord knows 'tis not much I get from you! I don't want to
+ask Dick again."</p>
+
+<p>"I should not let the performance grow monotonous, certainly," agreed
+the other. "Fifty, you said?"</p>
+
+<p>"Forty-five would suffice."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you may have it!" shrugged his Grace. "At once?"</p>
+
+<p>"Blister me, but that's devilish good of you, Tracy! At once would be
+convenient to <i>me</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace produced a key from his vest pocket and unlocked a drawer in
+the desk. From it he took a small box. He counted out fifty guineas, and
+added another to the pile. Andrew stared at it.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that for?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"The stockings," replied Tracy, with a ghost of a smile. Andrew burst
+out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"That's good! Gad! but you're devilish amusing, 'pon rep. you are!" He
+thanked his Grace profusely and gathering up the money, left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Outside he gave vent to a low whistle of astonishment. "Tare an' ouns!
+he must be monstrous well-pleased over something!" he marvelled. "I
+shall awaken soon, I doubt not." He chuckled a little as he descended
+the staircase, but his face was full of wonderment.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Lovelace called nearly every day at Wyncham House, but was always
+refused admittance, as Lady Lavinia deemed it prudent not to see him.
+There came a day, however, when he would not be gainsaid, and was
+ushered into her drawing-room. He kissed her hands lingeringly, holding
+them for a long while in his.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia! Cruel fair one!"</p>
+
+<p>She drew her hands away, not too well pleased at his intrusion.</p>
+
+<p>"How silly, Harold! I cannot have you tease me every day!"</p>
+
+<p>She allowed him to sit by her on the window seat, and he again possessed
+himself of her hands. Did she love him? She hoped he was not going to be
+foolish. Of course not. He did not believe her, and started to plead his
+suit, imploring her to come away with him. In vain Lady Lavinia begged
+him to be quiet; she had stirred up a blaze, and it threatened to
+consume her. He was so insistent that, expecting Richard at any moment,
+and terrified lest there should be a disturbance, she promised to give
+him an answer next evening, at the theatre. She managed to be rid of him
+in this way, and, with a relieved sigh, watched him walk down the
+square. She was very fond of dear Harry, but really, he was dreadfully
+tiresome at times.</p>
+
+<p>She brought her tiny mirror out from her pocket and surveyed her
+reflection critically, giving a tweak to one curl, and smoothing another
+back. She was afraid she was looking rather old this evening, and hoped
+that Richard would not think so. She glanced up at the clock, wondering
+where he was; surely he should be in by now? Then she arranged a chair
+invitingly, pushed a stool up to it and sat down opposite. With a sigh,
+she reflected that it was an entirely new departure for her to strive to
+please and captivate her husband, and she fell a-thinking of how he must
+have waited on her in the old days, waiting as she was waiting
+now&mdash;hoping for her arrival. Lady Lavinia was beginning to realise that
+perhaps Dick's life had not been all roses with her as wife.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened and Richard came into the room. Deep lines were between
+his brows, but his mouth was for once set firmly. He looked sombrely
+down at her, thinking how very beautiful she was.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia smiled and nodded towards the chair she had prepared.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, Dicky! I am so glad you have come! I was monstrous dull and
+lonely, I assure you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Were you?" he said, fidgeting with her scissors. "No, I will not sit
+down. I have something to say to you, Lavinia. Something to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, <i>have</i> you?" she asked. "Something nice, Dicky?"</p>
+
+<p>"I fear you will hardly think so. I am about to make an end."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;oh, are you? Of <i>what</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of this&mdash;this deceitful life I am leading&mdash;have been leading. I&mdash;I&mdash;I
+am going to confess the whole truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Rich-ard!"</p>
+
+<p>He let fall the scissors and paced restlessly away down the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I tell you, Lavinia, I cannot endure it! I cannot! I cannot! The
+thought of what John may be bearing is driving me crazy! I must speak!"</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you can't!" she gasped. "After seven years! Dicky, for heaven's
+sake&mdash;!" The colour ebbed and flowed in her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot continue any longer this living of a lie&mdash;I have been feeling
+it more and more ever since&mdash;ever since I met&mdash;Jack&mdash;that time on the
+road. And now I can no longer stand it. Everywhere I go I seem to see
+him&mdash;looking at me&mdash;you don't understand&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia cast aside her work.</p>
+
+<p>"No! No! I do not! 'Pon rep., but you should have thought of this
+before, Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it. Nothing can excuse my cowardice&mdash;my weakness. I know all
+that, but it is not too late even now to make amends. In a week they
+will all know the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"What&mdash;what do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have requested all whom it concerns to come to Wyncham the Friday
+after this."</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens! Dick, Dick, <i>think</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought. God! <i>how</i> I have thought!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not fair to me! Oh, think of your honour&mdash;Wyncham!"</p>
+
+<p>"My honour is less than nothing. 'Tis of his that I think."</p>
+
+<p>She sprang up, clutching at his arm, shaking him.</p>
+
+<p>"Richard, you are mad! You must not do this! You must not, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>"I implore you, Lavinia, not to try to make me change my decision. It is
+of no use. Nothing you can say will make any difference."</p>
+
+<p>She flew into a passion, flinging away from him, her good resolutions
+forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>"You have no right to disgrace me! If you do it, I will never forgive
+you! I won't stay with you&mdash;I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He broke in&mdash;this was what he had expected; he must not whine; this was
+retribution.</p>
+
+<p>"I know. I have faced that."</p>
+
+<p>She was breathless for a moment. He knew! He had faced it! He had taken
+her seriously&mdash;he always expected her to leave him! Oh, he must indeed
+be tired of her, and wanted her to go! What was he saying?</p>
+
+<p>"I know that you love Lovelace. I&mdash;I have known it for some time."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia sank into the nearest chair. To what depths had her folly led
+her?</p>
+
+<p>"I shall put no obstacle in the way of your flight, of course...."</p>
+
+<p>This was dreadful! Lady Lavinia buried her face in her hands and burst
+into tears. It was true then&mdash;he did not love her&mdash;he loved Mrs.
+Fanshawe&mdash;<i>she</i> was to elope. She sobbed pitifully as the full horror of
+the situation struck her.</p>
+
+<p>The temptation to gather her into his arms almost overmastered Richard,
+but he managed to choke it down. If he allowed himself to kiss her, she
+would try to break his resolution&mdash;mayhap, she would succeed. So he
+looked away from her, tortured by the sound of her crying.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia wept on, longing to feel his arms about her, ready to consent to
+anything if only he would show that he loved her. But when he made no
+movement towards her, pride came back, and flicking her handkerchief
+across her eyes, she rose to her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"You are cruel!&mdash;cruel!&mdash;cruel! If you do this thing I <i>shall</i> leave
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Now surely he would say something&mdash;contradict her!</p>
+
+<p>With an immense effort, Richard controlled himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I am&mdash;sorry&mdash;Lavinia," he said in a queer, constrained voice.</p>
+
+<p>It was of no avail. She had killed his love, and he was longing to be
+rid of her. She walked to the door, and turned.</p>
+
+<p>"I see that you do not love me," she said, with deadly calmness. "I
+understand perfectly." Then, as she wrenched the handle round: "I hate
+you!" she cried, and fled, her silken skirts rustling furiously down the
+corridor. A door slammed in the distance, and there was silence.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares stood very still, staring down at her crumpled broidery.
+Presently he stooped to pick it up, and her violet scent was wafted up
+to him. He carried it to his lips, passionately.</p>
+
+<p>If Lavinia had been able to see him, it would have changed the whole
+state of affairs; as it was she locked herself into her room and
+continued her cry in private. When she had no more tears to shed, she
+sat up and tried to think that she wanted to elope. Harold would be very
+good to her, she was sure, and she would doubtless lead a very exciting
+life, but&mdash;somehow the more she thought of it, the less she wanted to
+elope. Then she remembered that Dicky&mdash;why had she never realised how
+much she cared for him?&mdash;was in love with some horrid widow, and did not
+want her to remain with him. The idea was not to be borne, she was not
+going to be the unwanted wife. She would have to go away, though not
+with Lovelace. Dicky should <i>not</i> force her to elope with another man.
+She would go somewhere alone&mdash;she had forgotten&mdash;she had no money. The
+dowry that had been hers was spent years ago. She was utterly dependent
+on her husband. That settled it: she <i>must</i> elope with Harry!</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, was anyone ever so beset!" she sobbed as her misery swept in upon
+her with full force. "Why should I run away if I don't want to?"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY LAVINIA GOES TO THE PLAY</h3>
+
+
+<p>Richard was away from home all next day, and his wife had plenty of time
+in which to meditate upon her situation. She had quite come to the
+conclusion that she must elope with Lovelace, and was only waiting for
+to-night to tell him so. She would never, never ask Richard to let her
+stay with him now that she knew he loved another. Truly a most trying
+predicament. The Carstares were going to-night to Drury Lane to see
+Garrick play one of his most successful comedies: the <i>Beaux'
+Stratagem</i>. The <i>monde</i> that would flock to see the inimitable Archer
+was likely to be a very distinguished one, especially as the cast held
+the added attraction of Mrs. Clive, and ordinarily Lady Lavinia would
+have looked forward with much excitement to seeing the piece. To-day,
+however, she felt that she would far rather go to bed and cry. But
+Lovelace had to be answered, and besides that, she had invited two
+cousins, new come from Scotland, to accompany her, and she could not
+fail them.</p>
+
+<p>So that evening saw her seated in her box, wonderfully gowned as usual,
+scanning the house. Behind her stood her husband&mdash;when she thought that
+this was the last time she would ever go with him to the theatre she had
+much ado to keep from bursting into tears before them all&mdash;and in the
+chair at her side was the cousin, Mrs. Fleming. Mr. Fleming stood with
+his hands behind his back, exclaiming every now and then as his kinsman,
+young Charles Holt, pointed out each newcomer of note. He was a short,
+tubby little man, dressed in sober brown, very neat as regards his
+wrists and neckband, but attired, so thought Lavinia, for the country,
+and not for town. His dark suit contrasted strangely with Mr. Holt's
+rather garish mixture of apple-green and pink, with waistcoat of yellow,
+and Richard's quieter, but far more handsome apricot and silver. His
+wig, too, was not at all modish, being of the scratch type that country
+gentlemen affected. His wife was the reverse of smart, but she was loud
+in her admiration of her more affluent cousin's stiff silks and laces.</p>
+
+<p>She had married beneath her, had Mrs. Fleming, and the Belmanoirs had
+never quite forgiven the shocking <i>mesalliance</i>. William Fleming was
+nought but a simple Scotsman, whose father&mdash;even now the family
+shuddered at the thought&mdash;had been a farmer!</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia was not over-pleased that they should have elected to visit
+London, and still less pleased that they should evince such an affection
+for the Hon. Richard and his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to be sure, Lavvy, 'tis pleasant to sit here and admire all the
+people!" exclaimed Mrs. Fleming, for perhaps the twentieth time. "I
+declare I am grown positively old-fashioned from having lived for so
+long in the country!&mdash;yes, my dear, positively old-fashioned! ... I
+cannot but marvel at the great hoops everyone is wearing! I am sure mine
+is not half the size of yours, and the lady down there in the stage-box
+has one even larger!"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia directed her gaze towards the box in question. At any other time
+she would have been annoyed to see that the occupant was Lady Carlyle,
+her pet rival in all matters of fashion. Now she felt that nothing
+signified, and merely remarked that she considered those absurd garlands
+of roses on the dress quite grotesque.</p>
+
+<p>Behind, Holt was directing Mr. Fleming's attention to a box at the back
+of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"'Pon my soul, William! 'Tis the Duchess of Queensberry and her
+son&mdash;March, you know. I assure you there is no one more amiable in town.
+When I last visited her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Charles knows well-nigh everyone here," remarked Mrs. Fleming
+ingenuously, and wondered why her cousin laughed.</p>
+
+<p>When the curtain rose on the first act, Lovelace was nowhere to be seen,
+and Lavinia tried to interest herself in the play. But it is difficult
+to be interested in anything when one's whole mind is occupied with
+something else far more overwhelming. She was not the only one of the
+party that Garrick failed to amuse. Richard sat wretchedly in the shadow
+of the box, thinking how, in a short while, he would never again conduct
+his wife to the theatre and never again sit at her side watching her
+every change of expression.</p>
+
+<p>In the first interval Lovelace had still not arrived, but many other
+acquaintances had arrived and called to see the Carstares. Markham,
+Wilding, Devereux, Sir John Fortescue&mdash;all came into the box at
+different times, paid homage to Lavinia, were introduced to Mrs.
+Fleming, laughed and cracked jokes with the men, and drifted away again.</p>
+
+<p>How was it she had never before realised how much she enjoyed her life?
+wondered Lavinia. She settled down to listen to the second act, and
+Garrick's skill caught her interest and held it. For a moment she forgot
+her woes and clapped as heartily as anyone, laughing as gaily.</p>
+
+<p>The next instant she remembered again, and sank back into unutterable
+gloom.</p>
+
+<p>But Richard had heard her merry laugh, and his heart was even gloomier
+than hers. There was no help for it: Lavinia was delighted at the
+thought of leaving him.</p>
+
+<p>As the curtain fell, Mrs. Fleming suddenly demanded if it was not Tracy
+seated in the box over on the other side. Lavinia turned to look. In the
+box, alone, sat his Grace, seemingly unaware of her presence.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not Tracy?" persisted Mrs. Fleming. "I remember his face so
+well."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," nodded Lavinia, and waved to him.</p>
+
+<p>Andover rose, bowed, and left his box. In a few moments he was in their
+own, kissing his cousin's hand.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia now caught sight of Lovelace standing on the floor of the
+theatre looking up at her. He, too, disappeared from view, and she
+guessed that he was coming to speak with her. He had evidently failed to
+perceive the Duke, who was just a little behind her in the shadow.</p>
+
+<p>Richard and Mr. Fleming had left the box, and only Charles Holt
+remained, engaging Mrs. Fleming's whole attention. If only Tracy would
+go! How was she ever to give Lovelace her answer with him sitting there
+so provokingly.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lovelace knocked at the door. Carelessly she bade him enter, and
+affected surprise on seeing him. His Grace looked at her through
+narrowed lids, and shot a swift glance at Lovelace, whose discomfiture
+at finding him there was palpable. Not a trace of emotion was visible on
+that impassive countenance, but Lavinia felt her brother's attitude to
+be sinister, as if he divined her wishes and was determined to frustrate
+them. She watched him smile on Lovelace and beg him to be seated.
+Whether by accident or design, she was not sure which, he had so placed
+the chairs that he himself was between her and the captain. Skilfully
+he drew Mrs. Fleming into the conversation, and rearranged his stage.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia found herself listening to the amiable Mr. Holt, and out of the
+tail of her eye observed that Lovelace had fallen a victim to her
+cousin. She could find no way of speaking to him, and dared not even
+signal, so adroitly was his Grace stage-managing the scene. Lavinia was
+now quite certain that he was managing it. Somehow he had guessed that
+she had arranged to speak to Lovelace to-night, and was determined to
+prevent her. How he had found out, she could not imagine, but she was
+too well acquainted with him to be surprised. He would never let her
+disgrace herself if he could help it&mdash;she knew that. In whatever manner
+he himself might behave, his sister's conduct must be above reproach; he
+would find some means of separating them until he could cause Lovelace
+to be removed. She did not in the least know how he would contrive to do
+this, but she never doubted that he could and would. And then she would
+have to stay with Richard&mdash;Richard, who did not want her. If only Tracy
+would go! Ah! he was rising!</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover begged Captain Lovelace to bear him company in his
+box. He would brook no refusal. He bore his captive off in triumph.</p>
+
+<p>A minute later Mr. Fleming re-entered the box. The third act had just
+begun when Richard re-appeared, and softly took his seat. On went the
+play. Neither Tracy nor Lovelace came to the box during the next
+interval, and from her point of vantage Lavinia could see that Andrew
+had been introduced to the latter. She could guess how cleverly his
+Grace was keeping the Captain by him....</p>
+
+<p>Lord Avon, who had only a week ago returned from Bath, came to pay his
+respects. He had much to tell dear Lady Lavinia. How Cholmondely and
+Falmouth had dared to fight a duel in Crescent Fields, and had been
+arrested. How furious the Beau was, but how his age was beginning to
+tell on him, and how it was whispered that his power was waning. All of
+which at any ordinary time would have interested my lady quite
+prodigiously, but now bored and even annoyed her.</p>
+
+<p>On went the play. Scrub and Boniface kept the house in a roar; all but
+Richard and his wife were enthralled. The incomparable Kitty failed to
+hold Lavinia's attention. Would Lovelace manage to speak to her in the
+last interval? A solicitous enquiry from Mrs. Fleming roused her, and
+she had perforce to smile&mdash;to own to a slight headache, and to evince
+some interest in the play. One more interval: would he come? She became
+aware of a hand laid on her shoulder. Richard's voice, gravely
+courteous, sounded in her ears.</p>
+
+<p>"You are heated, my dear. Will you walk outside a little?"</p>
+
+<p>She felt a mad desire to cling to his hand, and suppressed it forcibly.
+She rose, hesitating. Mrs. Fleming decided the point.</p>
+
+<p>"The very thing. How considerate of you, Mr. Carstares! I shall like to
+walk amongst all the people, to be sure! Here is Charles offering to
+escort us, too! What say you, Lavvy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;oh, I shall be pleased to do what suits you best, cousin," she
+answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us go, my love. Charles has an arm for each, so we may leave
+our husbands to chat."</p>
+
+<p>They went out into the broad passage and walked towards the foyer. There
+Lord March espied Lavinia, who was always a favourite with him, and came
+forward, offering his arm. Lavinia took it, thankful to escape from Mr.
+Holt's vapid conversation. She let March conduct her to where his mother
+was sitting, with Mr. Selwyn at her elbow. Someone fetched her a glass
+of ratafie, and Montagu came to talk to her.</p>
+
+<p>Stepping out of his box, Richard fell into the arms of his Grace of
+Andover.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard eyed him coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"You wanted me?"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy saw Mr. Fleming approaching</p>
+
+<p>"Only to ask if I may return with you to Grosvenor Square. I have
+something important to say."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," bowed Richard, and turned aside.</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace, who had succeeded in escaping from the Belmanoir claws,
+hurried in search of Lavinia. Not finding her in her box, he gathered
+she must be in the foyer and made his way towards it. As soon as she saw
+him coming she set down her glass and rose to her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Captain Lovelace! Have you come to fetch me back to my seat? I have
+scarce set eyes on you this evening. No, Markham, you may <i>not</i> come!
+No, nor you, my lord! Madam&mdash;" She curtsied low to the old Duchess and
+walked away on Harold's arm.</p>
+
+<p>When they were once in the deserted passage behind the boxes, he turned
+eagerly towards her.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dearest? Well?"</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia's mouth drooped miserably.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she said, "I shall have to come with you."</p>
+
+<p>The tone was damping, to say the least of it, but he did not seem to
+notice it.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia! You mean it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she assented, still more dejectedly.</p>
+
+<p>"My beautiful love! You will really come? When? At once?"</p>
+
+<p>"At&mdash;Oh, no, no!"</p>
+
+<p>"Darling, the sooner the better. I understand 'tis a great step to
+expect you to take in a hurry, but I assure you 'tis wisest. Can you
+come to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>Her big eyes dilated.</p>
+
+<p>"No! No! I&mdash;oh, I cannot leave Dicky so soon!" She ended with a sob.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Lavinia, my dearest! You surely do not want to <i>stay</i> with him?"
+he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes I do!" she answered. "I&mdash;I don't want ever to leave him!"</p>
+
+<p>This blighting speech left him gasping.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;but&mdash;heavens! what are you saying? You love <i>me</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't!" she contradicted. "I always s-said I d-didn't. I love my
+husband!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are distraught!" he exclaimed. "If you love him, why do you consent
+to elope with me?"</p>
+
+<p>She looked at him reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no one else," she said mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Lord! What&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have to elope with someone&mdash;because&mdash;Dick&mdash;d-doesn't love me any
+more&mdash;you see. I will come with you, and I will try to be good."</p>
+
+<p>He kissed her hand quickly</p>
+
+<p>"Sweetheart! ... I still think you are not yourself. You will think
+differently to-morrow&mdash;you do not really love Carstares."</p>
+
+<p>She shut her mouth obstinately, tilting her regal little head.</p>
+
+<p>He watched her anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"If you really do love him, 'tis ridiculous to elope with me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Her fingers tightened on his wrist.</p>
+
+<p>"But I must! You don't understand, Harry! You <i>must</i> take me! Don't you
+want me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do, but not if you are longing to be somewhere else all the
+time. The whole thing seems preposterous!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis all dreadful!&mdash;dreadful! I have never been so unhappy in my life!
+I&mdash;oh, I wish I had not been so heedless and selfish!"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace pondered for a moment, as they stood outside her box; then,
+seeing that people were returning to their seats, he opened the door and
+took her in.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, dear! This is the maddest scheme ever I heard; but if you are
+determined, you shall carry it through. Come to my lodgings to-morrow
+evening! Bring as little baggage as possible; I will have all ready, and
+we will post at once to Dover. Then in time I hope you will forget
+Richard and come to care for me a little."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very, very good, Harry! Yes, I will do just as you say and, oh,
+I am sorry to put you out like this! I am nought but a plague to
+everyone, and I wish I were dead! You don't really love me, and I shall
+be a burden!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do indeed love you!" he assured her, but within himself he could not
+help wishing that he had not fallen quite so passionately in love with
+her. "I'll leave you now, sweet, for your husband will be returning at
+any moment." He kissed her hands lightly "<i>A demain</i>, fairest!"</p>
+
+<p>How she sat through the last act Lavinia could never afterwards imagine.
+She was longing to be at home&mdash;so soon to be home no longer&mdash;and quiet.
+Her head ached now as Richard's had ached for weeks. More than anything
+did she want to rest it against her husband's shoulder, so temptingly
+near, and to feel his sheltering arms about her. But Dick was in love
+with Isabella Fanshawe, and she must sit straight and stiff in her chair
+and smile at the proper places.</p>
+
+<p>At last the play was ended! The curtain descended on the bowing Archer,
+and the house stamped and clapped its appreciation. The curtain rose
+again&mdash;what! not finished yet? Ah, no! it was but Garrick leading Mrs.
+Clive forward. Would they never have done?</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Fleming was standing; she supposed they were going, and got up.
+Someone put her cloak about her shoulders; Richard&mdash;for the last time.
+Mr. Holt escorted her to her coach, and put her and her cousin into it.
+He and Mr. Fleming had their chairs; so only Richard and Tracy went with
+the ladies. The Flemings were staying with friends in Brook Street, just
+off Grosvenor Square, so that when they had put Harriet down, only a few
+more yards remained to be covered.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia wondered dully why Tracy had elected to come with them. What did
+he want? Was he going to warn Dick of her intended flight? He little
+knew the true state of affairs!</p>
+
+<p>At the foot of the staircase at Wyncham House she turned to say
+good-night.</p>
+
+<p>She merely nodded to Tracy, but to Dick she extended her hand. He took
+it in his, kissing it, and she noticed how cold were his fingers, how
+burning hot his lips. Then he released her, and she went slowly up the
+stairs to her room.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace watched her through his eyeglass. When she was out of sight he
+turned and surveyed Richard critically.</p>
+
+<p>"If that is the way you kiss a woman, Lavinia has my sympathies," he
+remarked.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's lips tightened. He picked up a stand of lighted candles and
+ushered his Grace into the drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p>"I presume you did not come to tell me that?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Your presumption is correct, Richard. I have come to open your eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"You are too kind."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace laid his hat on the table, and sat down on the arm of a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I think perhaps I am. It may interest you to hear that Lavinia intends
+to elope with our gallant friend the Captain." Richard bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"You knew it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>Andover looked him over.</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask what steps you are taking to prevent her?"</p>
+
+<p>"None."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's expression was quite indescribable. For a moment he was
+speechless, and then he reverted to heavy sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray remember to be at hand&mdash;to conduct her to her chair!" he drawled.
+"Upon my soul, you sicken me!</p>
+
+<p>"I am grieved. There is a remedy," replied Carstares significantly.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy ignored the suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it is nothing to you that you lose her? No; It is nothing to
+you that she disgraces her name? Oh, no!"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>My</i> name, I think."</p>
+
+<p>"Our name! Is it possible for her to disgrace yours?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard went white and his hand flew instinctively to his sword hilt.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy looked at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think I would soil my blade with you?" he asked, very softly.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's hand fell from the hilt: his eyes searched the other's face.</p>
+
+<p>"You know?" he asked at last, quite calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"You fool," answered his Grace gently. "You fool, do you think I have
+not always known?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard leaned against the mantel-shelf.</p>
+
+<p>"You never thought I was innocent? You knew that night? You guessed?"</p>
+
+<p>The Duke sneered.</p>
+
+<p>"Knowing both, could I suspect other than you?" he asked insultingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my God!" cried Carstares suddenly. "Why could you not have said so
+before?"</p>
+
+<p>The Duke's eyes opened wide.</p>
+
+<p>"It has chafed you&mdash;eh? I knew it would. I've watched you." He chuckled
+beneath his breath. "And those fools never looked beneath the surface.
+One and all, they believed that John would cheat. John! They swallowed
+it tamely and never even guessed at the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"You, at least, did not believe?"</p>
+
+<p>"I? Hardly. Knowing you for a weak fool and him for a quixotic fool, I
+rather jumped to conclusions."</p>
+
+<p>"Instead, you tried to throw the blame on him. I would to God you had
+exposed me!"</p>
+
+<p>"So you have remarked. I confess I do not understand this heroic
+attitude. Why should I interfere in what was none of my business? What
+proof had I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you raise no demur? What motive had you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should have thought it fairly obvious."</p>
+
+<p>Richard stared at him, puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"Gad, Richard! but you are singularly obtuse. Have I not pointed out
+that John was a quixotic fool? When did I say he was a weak one?"</p>
+
+<p>"You mean&mdash;you mean you wanted Lavinia to marry me&mdash;because you thought
+to squeeze me as you willed?" asked Carstares slowly.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up.</p>
+
+<p>"You are so crude," he complained.</p>
+
+<p>"It suited you that Jack should be disgraced? You thought I should seize
+his money. You&mdash;you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Rogue? But you will admit that I at least am an honest rogue. You
+are&mdash;er&mdash;a dishonest saint. I would sooner be what I am."</p>
+
+<p>"I know there is nothing on God's earth more vile than I am!" replied
+Carstares, violently.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace sneered openly.</p>
+
+<p>"Very pretty, Richard, but a little tardy, methinks." He paused, and
+something seemed to occur to him. "'Tis why you purpose to let Lavinia
+go, I suppose? You confess the truth on Friday&mdash;eh?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the right to stop her. She&mdash;chooses her own road."</p>
+
+<p>"She knows?" sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"She has always known."</p>
+
+<p>"The jade! And I never guessed it!" He paused. "Yes, I understand your
+heroic attitude. I am sorry I cannot pander to it. In spite of all this,
+I cannot permit my sister to ruin herself."</p>
+
+<p>"She were as effectually ruined an she stayed with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw! After seven years, who is like to care one way or the other
+which of you cheated? Play the man for once and stop her!"</p>
+
+<p>"She <i>loves</i> Lovelace, I tell you!"</p>
+
+<p>"What of it? She will recover from that."</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;I cannot ask her to stay with me&mdash;'twould be damnably selfish."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace appeared exasperated.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore Gad, you are a fool! Ask her! <i>Ask</i> her! Force her! Kick Lovelace
+from your house and abandon the heroic pose, I beg of you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose I want to lose her?" cried Carstares. "'Tis because I
+love her so much that I will not stand in the way of her happiness!"</p>
+
+<p>The Duke flung round and picked up his hat.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry I cannot join with you in your heroics. I must take the
+matter into my own hands, as usual, it seems. Lord, but you should have
+learnt to make her obey you, my good Dick! She has led you by the nose
+ever since she married you, and she was a woman who wanted mastering!"
+He went over to the door and opened it. "I will call upon you to-morrow,
+when I shall hope to find you more sane. They do not purpose to leave
+until late, I know, for Lovelace is promised to Mallaby at three
+o'clock. There is time in which to act."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not interfere," repeated Richard.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace sneered.</p>
+
+<p>"So you have remarked. It remains for me to do. Good-night."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h3>
+
+<h3>RICHARD PLAYS THE MAN</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia's frame of mind when she awoke next morning was hardly
+befitting one who contemplated an elopement. A weight seemed to rest on
+her chest, hopeless misery was gathered about her head. She could not
+bring herself to drink her chocolate, and, feeling that inaction was the
+worst of all, she very soon crawled out of bed and allowed her maid to
+dress her. Then she went with dragging steps to her boudoir, wondering
+all the time where Richard was and what he was doing. She seated herself
+at her window and looked out on to the square, biting the edge of her
+handkerchief in the effort to keep back her tears.</p>
+
+<p>Richard was in a no more cheerful mood. He, too, left his chocolate
+untouched, and went presently down to the breakfast table and looked at
+the red sirloin with a feeling of acute nausea. He managed to drink a
+cup of coffee, and immediately afterwards left the room and made his way
+to his wife's boudoir. He told himself he was acting weakly, and had far
+better avoid her, but in the end he gave way to his longing to see her,
+and knocked on one white panel.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia's heart leapt. How well she knew that knock!</p>
+
+<p>"Come in!" she called, and tried to compose her features.</p>
+
+<p>Richard entered and shut the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;oh&mdash;good-morning!" she smiled. "You&mdash;wanted to speak with
+me&mdash;Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;yes&mdash;that is&mdash;er&mdash;have you the Carlyles' invitation?"</p>
+
+<p>It was, perhaps, an unlucky excuse. Lavinia turned away and fought
+against her tears.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I believe&mdash;'tis in my&mdash;escritoire," she managed to say. "I&mdash;I will
+look for it."</p>
+
+<p>She rose and unlocked the bureau, standing with her back to him.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis no matter," stammered Carstares. "I&mdash;only&mdash;'twas but that I could
+not find it. Pray do not disturb yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;not&mdash;at all," she answered, scattering a handful of letters before
+her. "Yes&mdash;here 'tis." She came up to him with the note in her hand,
+extending it.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares looked down at the golden head, and at the little face with
+its eyes cast down, and red mouth set so wistfully. Heavens, how could
+he bear to live without her! Mechanically he took the letter.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia turned away, and as she stepped from him something snapped in
+Richard's brain. The luckless invitation was flung down.</p>
+
+<p>"No, by God you shall not!" he cried suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia stopped, trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;oh, what do you mean?" she fluttered.</p>
+
+<p>The mists were gone from his mind now, everything was clear. Lavinia
+should not elope with Lovelace. In two strides he was at her side, had
+caught her by the shoulders and swung her to face him.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not leave me! Do you understand? I cannot live without you!"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia gave a little cry full of relief, joy and wonderment, and shrank
+against him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, please, please forgive me and keep me with you!" she cried, and
+clung to the lapels of his coat.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares swept her right off the ground in the violence of his embrace,
+but she did not mind, although the crushing was ruinous to her silks.
+Silks were no longer uppermost in her brain. She returned his kisses
+eagerly, sobbing a little.</p>
+
+<p>When Carstares was able to say anything beyond how he loved her, he
+demanded if she did not love him?</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do!" she cooed. "I always, always did, only I was so
+selfish and so careless!"</p>
+
+<p>He carried her to the sofa and sat down with her on his knee, trying to
+look into her face. But she had somehow contrived to hide it on his
+shoulder, and he did not succeed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you never loved that puppy?" he asked, amazed.</p>
+
+<p>One hand crept up to his other shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Dicky, no! And&mdash;and you&mdash;you don't love that horrid Mrs. Fanshawe,
+do you?"</p>
+
+<p>He was still more amazed.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Fanshawe? Great heavens, no! You never thought that, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did&mdash;I did! Since you were always at her house, and so cold to
+me&mdash;how could I help it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cold to <i>you</i>? My dearest, surely not?"</p>
+
+<p>"You were&mdash;you truly were&mdash;and I was so miserable&mdash;I&mdash;I thought I had
+been so unreasonable and so horrid that you had ceased to I-love me&mdash;and
+I did not know what to do. And&mdash;and then you told me that you were going
+to&mdash;to confess&mdash;and I lost my temper and said I would n-not stay with
+you&mdash;But I never, never meant it&mdash;and when you seemed to expect me to
+go&mdash;I&mdash;I did not know what to do again!"</p>
+
+<p>He patted her shoulder comfortingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Sweetheart, don't cry! I had no idea of all this&mdash;why, I was sure that
+you loved Lovelace&mdash;I never doubted it&mdash;why in the world did you not
+tell me the truth?"</p>
+
+<p>She sat up at that, and looked at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how could I?" she demanded. "I was quite certain that you loved
+Isabella Fanshawe. I felt I had to go away, and I could not do it
+alone&mdash;so&mdash;so&mdash;so, of course I had to elope. And I told Harold last
+night that I would go with him&mdash;and I'm afraid he didn't quite want me
+when he heard that I loved you. Oh, Dicky darling, you'll tell him that
+I won't go with him, won't you?"</p>
+
+<p>He could not help laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, I'll tell him. 'Pon rep., sweetheart, I can find it in me to be
+sorry for him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he will not mind for long," she said philosophically. "He loves so
+<i>easily</i>, you see! But you, Dick&mdash;why did you go so often&mdash;so <i>very</i>
+often to see Mrs. Fanshawe?"</p>
+
+<p>His face grew solemn.</p>
+
+<p>"She knew&mdash;Jack&mdash;in Vienna&mdash;I&mdash;I wanted to hear all she could tell me of
+him&mdash;I could think of nothing else."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Dicky! How&mdash;how wickedly foolish I have been! And 'twas that that
+made you so cold&mdash;and I thought&mdash;oh, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>He drew her head down on to his shoulder again.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor love! Why, 'tis the kindest lady imaginable, but as to loving
+her&mdash;!" He kissed her hand lingeringly. "I love&mdash;and have always
+loved&mdash;a far different being: a naughty, wilful, captivating little
+person, who&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia clasped her arms about his neck.</p>
+
+<p>"You make me feel so very, very dreadful! I have indeed been
+naughty&mdash;I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And you'll be so many times again," he told her, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! I&mdash;will&mdash;try to be good!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not want you good!" Richard assured her. "I want you to be your
+own dear self!" ... Lady Lavinia disengaged herself with a contented
+little sigh, and stood up.</p>
+
+<p>"How charming it is to be happy again, to be sure!" she remarked
+naively. "To think that only half an hour ago I was wishing to be dead!"
+She went over to the glass and straightened her hair.</p>
+
+<p>Richard looked at her rather anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia&mdash;you&mdash;you quite understand, I am going to tell everyone the
+truth&mdash;next Friday?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I do, of course&mdash;'tis dreadfully disagreeable of you, but I
+suppose you will do it. I do <i>hope</i> people will not refuse to recognise
+us, though."</p>
+
+<p>"No one would ever refuse to recognise you, dearest."</p>
+
+<p>She brightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really think so? Well, perhaps after all, 'twill not be so
+<i>very</i> horrid. And&mdash;and you will like to have Jack again, won't you?
+Yes&mdash;I knew you would. Oh, 'twill all be quite comfortable after a
+little while, I make no doubt!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover arose betimes, and early sallied forth into the
+street. He called a chair, and drove to an address in the Strand, where
+lodged a certain Colonel Shepherd. Half-an-hour did he spend with the
+Colonel, and when he at length emerged from the house the curl of his
+lip betokened satisfaction. He did not at once hail a chair, but walked
+along in the direction of St. James's, entering the park in company
+with one Dare, who, seven years before, had given a certain memorable
+card-party.</p>
+
+<p>Dare was pleasantly intrigued over Richard's latest oddity.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you an idea what 'tis about, Belmanoir?" he inquired. "Has he
+written you to come as well?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I did receive some communication from Carstares; yes&mdash;I
+remember, Andrew brought it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what does it mean? Fortescue is bidden, and Davenant. 'Tis very
+curious."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Dare, I am not in Richard's confidence. We shall doubtless hear
+all that there is to hear at the given time. Mysteries do not interest
+me. But 'twill be a pleasant reunion.... Fortescue and Davenant, you
+say? Strange! I have heard that Evans and Milward have also received
+their sum&mdash;invitations. It should be most entertaining."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis prodigious curious," repeated Dare. "No one can imagine what 'tis
+all about!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah?" His Grace's thin lips twitched.</p>
+
+<p>Midway through the afternoon he repaired to Wyncham House and was
+ushered into the library.</p>
+
+<p>Richard sat writing, but rose on seeing him, and came forward.</p>
+
+<p>It struck his Grace that Carstares was looking quite happy.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem cheerful, Richard!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am," smiled his brother-in-law.</p>
+
+<p>"I am much relieved to hear it. I have seen Shepherd."</p>
+
+<p>"Shepherd?" interrogated Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"Lovelace's colonel, my dear Richard. You may count on Captain Harold's
+departure&mdash;on an important mission&mdash;in, say, forty-eight hours."</p>
+
+<p>"You may count on Captain Harold's departure in very much less, Tracy,"
+said Carstares, a twinkle in his eye.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke started forward.</p>
+
+<p>"She has gone?" he almost hissed.</p>
+
+<p>"Gone? No! She is in the drawing-room with him."</p>
+
+<p>"With Lovelace! And you permit it? You stand by and watch another man&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Say farewell to my wife. But I am not watching it, as you see."</p>
+
+<p>The anger died out of his Grace's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Farewell? Do you tell me you at last came to your senses?"</p>
+
+<p>"We found that we both laboured under a delusion," replied Carstares
+pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to hear you say so. I hope you will for the future keep
+a stricter hold over Lavinia."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do. I think I will not undo what I have done; Lovelace were perhaps
+better out of the way for a time."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I have no objection to that," bowed Richard.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace nodded shortly and picked up his hat.</p>
+
+<p>"Then there remains nothing more to be done in the matter."</p>
+
+<p>He looked piercingly across at Carstares. "She did not love him?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard gave a happy little sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"She loves me."</p>
+
+<p>The heavy lids drooped again.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot conceive my delight. If she indeed loves you, she is safe. I
+thought she had not got it in her. Pray bear my respects to her." His
+hand was on the door-knob, when something seemed to occur to him.</p>
+
+<p>"I take it my presence at Wyncham on Friday will not be necessary?" he
+said cynically.</p>
+
+<p>Richard flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"It will not be necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am sure you will excuse me an I do not appear. I have other,
+more important affairs on hand.....But I shall be loth to miss the
+heroics," he added pensively, and chuckled. "<i>Au revoir,</i> my good
+Richard!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard bowed him out thankfully.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the front door opened and shut again, and looking out of the
+window he saw that Captain Harold Lovelace had taken his departure.</p>
+
+<p>He was now awaiting Mr. Warburton, whom he had sent in search of John
+some days ago. He should have been here by now, he thought, but perhaps
+he had been detained. Richard was aching to hear news of his brother,
+longing to see him once more. But at the same time he was dreading the
+meeting; he shrank from the thought of looking into Jack's eyes,
+cold&mdash;even scornful. It was not possible, so he reasoned, that Jack
+should feel no resentment....</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Warburton, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned and came eagerly forward to greet the newcomer.</p>
+
+<p>"Well? Well?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton spread out deprecating hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! Mr. Carstares."</p>
+
+<p>Richard caught his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"What mean you? He is not&mdash;dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You could not find him? Quick! Tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! no, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Chequers&mdash;he said&mdash;Surely they knew something?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought, Mr. Carstares." Out came Mr. Warburton's snuff-box. Very
+deliberately he took a pinch, shaking the remains from his finger-tips.
+"The host, Chadber&mdash;an honest man, though lacking in humour&mdash;has not set
+eyes on my lord for well-nigh six months. Not since I went to advise my
+lord of the Earl's death."</p>
+
+<p>"But Warburton, he cannot be far? He is not dead! Oh, surely not that?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Master Dick," soothed the lawyer. "We should have heard of it
+had he been killed. I fear he has gone abroad once more. It seems he
+often spoke of travelling again."</p>
+
+<p>"Abroad? God! don't let me lose him again!" He sank into a chair, his
+head in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Tut! I implore you, Mr. Carstares! Do not despair yet. We have no proof
+that he has left the country. I daresay we shall find him almost at
+once. Chadber thinks it likely he will visit the inn again ere long.
+Calm yourself, Master Dick!" He walked up to the man and laid a hand on
+one heaving shoulder. "We shall find him, never fear! But do not&mdash;I know
+'twould grieve him to see you so upset, Master Dick&mdash;pray, do not&mdash;!"</p>
+
+<p>"If I could only make amends!" groaned Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, are you not about to? He would not wish you to distress
+yourself like this! He was so fond of you! Pray, pray do not!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares rose unsteadily and walked to the window. "I crave your
+pardon, Mr. Warburton&mdash;you must excuse me&mdash;I have been&mdash;living in
+hell&mdash;this last week."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton came over to his side.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Dick&mdash;I&mdash;you know I have never cared for you-as&mdash;well&mdash;as&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You cared for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes, sir, exactly!&mdash;and of late years I may, perhaps, have been
+hard. I would desire to&mdash;er&mdash;apologise for any unjust&mdash;er&mdash;thoughts I
+may have harboured against you. I&mdash;I&mdash;possibly, I never quite
+understood. That is all, sir."</p>
+
+<p>He blew his nose rather violently, and then his hand found Richard's.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Richard Carstares had plenty to occupy him for the rest of the week.
+Arrangements had to be made, a house acquired for Lavinia, Wyncham House
+to be thoroughly cleaned and put in order, awaiting its rightful owner.
+Once she had made up her mind to face the inevitable, Lavinia quite
+enjoyed all the preparations. The new house in Great Jermyn Street she
+voted charming, and she straightway set to work to buy very expensive
+furniture for it, and to superintend all the alterations. In her present
+penitent mood she would even have accompanied her husband to Wyncham on
+Monday, to stand by him on the fateful Friday; but this he would not
+allow, insisting that she remain in town until his return. So she
+fluttered contentedly from Grosvenor Square to Jermyn Street, very busy
+and quite happy.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares was to travel to Wyncham on Monday, arriving there the
+following evening in company with Andrew, whom he was taking as far as
+Andover. His lordship had lately embroiled himself in a quarrel over a
+lady when deep in his cups, and owing to the subsequent duel at Barn
+Elms and the almost overpowering nature of his debts, he deemed it
+prudent to go into seclusion for a spell. Tracy disappeared from town in
+the middle of the week, whither no one knew, but it was universally
+believed that he had gone to Scotland on a visit.</p>
+
+<p>Monday at length dawned fair and promising. After bidding his wife a
+very tender farewell, and gently drying her wet eyelashes with his own
+handkerchief, Richard set out with his brother-in-law in the big
+travelling chaise soon after noon. Andrew had quite recovered his
+hitherto rather dampened spirits, and produced a dice-box from one
+pocket and a pack of cards from the other wherewith to beguile the
+tedium of the journey.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h3>
+
+<h3>HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER CAPTURES THE QUEEN</h3>
+
+
+<p>Diana stood in the old oak porch, riding-whip in hand, and the folds of
+her voluminous gown over her arm. Miss Betty stood beside her, surveying
+her with secret pride.</p>
+
+<p>Diana's eyes seemed darker than ever, she thought, and the mouth more
+tragic. She knew that the girl was, to use her own expression, "moping
+quite prodigiously for that Mr. Carr." Not all that she could do to
+entertain Diana entirely chased away the haunting sadness in her face;
+for a time she would be gay, but afterwards the laughter died away and
+she was silent. Many times had Miss Betty shaken her fist at the absent
+John.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Diana gave a tiny sigh, and looked down at her aunt, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"You would be surprised how excellently well Harper manages the horses,"
+she said. "He is quite a godsend. So much nicer than that stupid
+William."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, yes," agreed Miss Betty. "Only think, my dear, he was groom to
+Sir Hugh Grandison&mdash;I saw the letter Sir Hugh writ your Papa&mdash;a
+remarkable elegant epistle, I assure you, my love."</p>
+
+<p>Diana nodded and watched the new groom ride up, leading her mount. He
+jumped down, and, touching his hat, stood awaiting his mistress's
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>Diana went up to the cob, patting his glossy neck.</p>
+
+<p>"We are going towards Ashley to-day, aunt," she said. "I am so anxious
+to find some berries, and Harper tells me they grow in profusion not far
+from here."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my dear, pray do not tire yourself by going too far&mdash;I doubt it
+will rain before long and you will catch your death of cold!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana laughed at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, aunt! Why, the sky is almost cloudless! But we shall not be
+long, I promise you. Only as far as Crossdown Woods and back again."</p>
+
+<p>She gave her foot to the groom just as Mr. Beauleigh came out to watch
+her start.</p>
+
+<p>"Really, my dear, I must ride with you to-morrow," he told her. "'Tis an
+age since we have been out together."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Papa, will you not accompany me this afternoon?" cried Diana
+eagerly. "I should so like it!"</p>
+
+<p>It struck her aunt that Harper awaited the answer to this question
+rather anxiously. She watched him, puzzled. However, when Mr. Beauleigh
+had refused she could not see any change in his expression, and
+concluded that she must have been mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>So with a wave of her hand, Diana rode away, the groom following at a
+respectful distance. Yet somehow Miss Betty was uneasy. A presentiment
+of evil seemed to touch her, and when the riders had disappeared round a
+bend in the road she felt an insane desire to run after them and call
+her niece back. She gave herself a little shake, saying that she was a
+fond old woman, over-anxious about Diana. Nevertheless, she laid a
+detaining hand on her brother's arm as he was about to go indoors.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, Horace! You&mdash;you <i>will</i> ride with Di more frequently, will you
+not?"</p>
+
+<p>He looked surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"You are uneasy, Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;uneasy&mdash;! Well, yes&mdash;a little. I do not like her to go alone with a
+groom, and we do not know this man."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear! I had the very highest references from Sir Hugh Grandison,
+who, I am sure, would never recommend anyone untrustworthy. Why, you saw
+the letter yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes. Doubtless I am very stupid. But you <i>will</i> ride with her
+after to-day, will you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I will accompany my daughter when I can spare the time," he
+replied with dignity, and with that she had to be content.</p>
+
+<p>Diana rode leisurely along the lane, beside great trees and hedges that
+were a blaze of riotous colour. Autumn had turned the leaves dull gold
+and flame, mellow brown and deepest red, with flaming orange
+intermingled, and touches of copper here and there where some beech tree
+stood. The lane was like a fairy picture, too gorgeous to be real; the
+trees, meeting overhead, but let the sunlight through in patches, so
+that the dusty road beneath was mottled with gold.</p>
+
+<p>The hedges retained their greenness, and where there was a gap a vista
+of fields presented itself. And then they came upon a clump of berries,
+black and red, growing the other side of the little stream that
+meandered along the lane in a ditch. Diana drew up and addressed her
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"See, Harper&mdash;there are berries! We need go no further." She changed the
+reins to her right hand and made as if to spring down.</p>
+
+<p>"The place I spoke of is but a short way on, miss," ventured the man,
+keeping his seat.</p>
+
+<p>She paused.</p>
+
+<p>"But why will these not suffice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, miss, if you like. But those others were a deal finer. It seems a
+pity not to get some."</p>
+
+<p>Diana looked doubtfully along the road.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not far?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, miss; but another quarter of a mile, and then down the track by the
+wood."</p>
+
+<p>Still she hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not want to be late," she demurred.</p>
+
+<p>"No, miss, of course not. I only thought as how we might come back by
+way of Chorly Fields."</p>
+
+<p>"Round by the mill? H'm...."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, miss. Then as soon as we get past it there is a clear stretch of
+turf almost up to the house."</p>
+
+<p>Her eye brightened.</p>
+
+<p>"A gallop? Very well! But let us hurry on."</p>
+
+<p>She touched the cob with her heel, and they trotted on briskly out of
+the leafy canopy along the road with blue sky above and pasture land
+around. After a little while the wood came in sight, and in a minute
+they were riding down the track at right angles to the road. Harper was
+at Diana's heels, drawing nearer. Half unconsciously she quickened her
+pace. There was not a soul in sight.</p>
+
+<p>They were coming to a bend in the road, and now Harper was alongside.</p>
+
+<p>Choking a ridiculous feeling of frightened apprehension, Diana drew
+rein.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not perceive those berries!" she said lightly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, miss," was the immediate response. "They are just a step into the
+wood. If you care to dismount here I can show you."</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more respectful than the man's tone. Diana shook off
+her nervous qualms and slipped down. Harper, already on the ground, took
+the cob's rein and tied both horses to a tree.</p>
+
+<p>Diana gathered her skirts over her arm and picked her way through the
+brambles to where he had pointed.</p>
+
+<p>The blackberry hedges he held back for her entrance swung back after
+they had passed, completely shutting out all view of the road. There
+were no berries.</p>
+
+<p>Diana's heart was beating very fast, all her suspicions springing to
+life again, but she showed no sign of fear as she desired him to hold
+the brambles back again for her to pass out.</p>
+
+<p>"For there are no berries here, as you can see for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>She swept round and walked calmly towards the bushes.</p>
+
+<p>Then, how she could never quite remember, she was seized from behind,
+and before she had time to move, a long piece of silk was flung over her
+head and drawn tight across her mouth, while an arm, as of steel, held
+and controlled her.</p>
+
+<p>Fighting madly, she managed to get one arm free, and struck out
+furiously with her slender crop. There was a brief struggle, and it was
+twisted from her grasp, and her hands tied behind her, despite all her
+efforts to be free.</p>
+
+<p>Then her captor swung her writhing into his arms, and strode away
+through the wood without a word.</p>
+
+<p>Diana was passive now, reserving her strength for when it might avail
+her something, but above the gag her eyes blazed with mingled fright and
+fury. She noticed that she was being carried not into the wood, but
+along it, and was not surprised when they emerged on to the road where
+it had rounded the bend.</p>
+
+<p>With a sick feeling of terror, she saw a coach standing in the road, and
+guessed, even before she knew, what was her fate. Through a haze she saw
+a man standing at the door, and then she was thrust into the coach and
+made to sit down on the softly-cushioned seat. All her energies were
+concentrated in fighting against the faintness that threatened to
+overcome her. She won gradually, and strained her ears to catch what was
+being said outside.</p>
+
+<p>She caught one sentence in a familiar, purring voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Set them loose and tie this to the pummel." Then there was silence.</p>
+
+<p>Presently she heard footsteps returning. An indistinguishable murmur
+from Harper, and the door opened to allow his Grace of Andover to enter
+the coach. It gave a lurch and rumbled on.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy looked down with a slight smile into the gold-flecked eyes that
+blazed so indignantly into his.</p>
+
+<p>"A thousand apologies, Miss Beauleigh! Allow me to remove this scarf."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he untied the knot, and the silk fell away from her face.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment she was silent, struggling for words wherewith to give vent
+to her fury; then the red lips parted and the small, white teeth showed,
+clenched tightly together.</p>
+
+<p>"You cur!" she flung at him in a panting undertone. "Oh, you cur!&mdash;you
+coward! Undo my hands!"</p>
+
+<p>"With pleasure." He bowed and busied himself with this tighter knot.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies for incommoding you so grievously.
+I am sure that you will admit the necessity."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that there were a <i>man</i> here to avenge me!" she raged.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace tugged at the stubborn knot.</p>
+
+<p>"There are three outside," he answered blandly. "But I do not think they
+are like to oblige you."</p>
+
+<p>He removed her bonds and sat back in the corner, enjoying her. His eyes
+fell on her bruised wrists, and at once his expression changed, and he
+frowned, leaning forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Believe me, I did not mean that," he said, and touched her hands.</p>
+
+<p>She flung him off.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not touch me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, my dear." He leaned back again nonchalantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you taking me?" she demanded, trying to conceal the fear in
+her voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Home," replied his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>"Home!" Incredulously she turned to look at him, hope in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Home," he reiterated. "<i>Our</i> home."</p>
+
+<p>The hope died out.</p>
+
+<p>"You are ridiculous, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis an art, my dear, most difficult to acquire."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;Mr. Everard&mdash;whoever you are&mdash;if you have any spark of manliness
+in you, of chivalry, if you care for me at all, you will this instant
+set me down!"</p>
+
+<p>Never had she seemed more beautiful, more desirable. Her eyes shone with
+unshed tears, soft and luminous, and the tragic mouth pleaded, even
+trying to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"It would appear that none of these attributes belongs to me," murmured
+his Grace, and wondered if she would weep. He had never a taste for a
+weeping woman.</p>
+
+<p>But Diana was proud. She realised that tears, prayers and all would
+avail her nothing, and she was determined not to break down, at least in
+his presence. Tracy was surprised to see her arrange her skirts and
+settle back against the cushions in the most unconcerned manner
+possible.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, since you are so ungallant, sir, pray tell me what you purpose
+doing with me?" The tone was light, even bantering, but with his
+marvellous, almost uncanny perspicacity, he sensed the breathless terror
+behind it.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my dear, I had planned to marry you," he answered, bowing.</p>
+
+<p>The knuckles gleamed white on her clenched hand. "And if I refuse?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not <i>think</i> you will refuse, my dear." She could not repress a
+shiver.</p>
+
+<p>"I do refuse!" she cried sharply.</p>
+
+<p>The smile with which he received this statement drove the blood cold in
+her veins.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait. I think you will be glad to marry me&mdash;in the end," he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>Her great eyes were hunted, desperate, and her face was very white. The
+dry lips parted.</p>
+
+<p>"I think&mdash;you will be&mdash;very sorry&mdash;when my father&mdash;comes."</p>
+
+<p>The indulgent sneer brought the blood racing back to her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"And he will come!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace was politely interested.</p>
+
+<p>"Really? But I do not doubt it, Diana, an he knows where to come."</p>
+
+<p>"He will find a way, never fear!"</p>
+
+<p>She laughed with a confidence she was far from feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not fear&mdash;not in the least&mdash;I shall be delighted to welcome him,"
+promised his Grace. "I do not anticipate a refusal of your hand from
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"No?" Diana, too, could sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear. Not after a little&mdash;persuasion."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" she shot at him.</p>
+
+<p>His shoulders shook in the soundless laugh peculiar to him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am several people, child."</p>
+
+<p>"So I apprehend," she retorted smoothly. "Sir Hugh Grandison amongst
+them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you have guessed that?"</p>
+
+<p>"It rather leaps to the eye, sir." She spoke in what was almost an exact
+imitation of his sarcastic tone.</p>
+
+<p>"True. It was neatly done, I flatter myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite marvellous, indeed."</p>
+
+<p>He was enjoying her as he had rarely enjoyed a woman before. Others had
+sobbed and implored, railed and raved; he had never till now met one who
+returned him word for word, using his own weapons against him.</p>
+
+<p>"Who else have you the honour to be?" she asked, stifling a yawn.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Mr. Everard, child, and Duke of Andover."</p>
+
+<p>Then she turned her head and looked at him with glittering eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard of you, sir," she said, evenly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are like to hear more, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"That is as may be, your Grace."</p>
+
+<p>Now she understood the elaborate hilt of the mysterious sword with the
+coronet on it, wrought in jewels. She wondered whether Jack had it
+still, wherever he was. If only some wonderful providence would bring
+him to her now in her dire need! There was no one to strike a blow for
+her; she was entirely at the mercy of a ruthless libertine, whose
+reputation she knew well, and whose presence filled her with dread and a
+speechless loathing. She felt very doubtful that her father would
+succeed in finding her. If only Jack were in England! He would come to
+her, she knew.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace leaned towards her, laying a thin, white hand on her knee.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, be reasonable. I am not such a bad bargain after all."</p>
+
+<p>The tenderness in his voice filled her with horror. He felt her shrink
+away.</p>
+
+<p>"Take your hand away!" she commanded throbbingly. "Do not touch me!" He
+laughed softly and at the sound of it she controlled her terrors and
+dropped again to the mocking tone she had adopted. "What? Ungallant
+still, your Grace? Pray keep your distance!"</p>
+
+<p>The pistol holster on the wall at her side caught her attention.
+Instantly she looked away, hoping he had not observed her. Very little
+escaped his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>"I am desolated to have to disappoint you, my dear. It is empty."</p>
+
+<p>She laid a careless hand on the holster, verifying his statement.</p>
+
+<p>"This? Oh, I guessed it, your Grace!"</p>
+
+<p>He admired her spirit more and more. Was there ever such a girl?</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Tracy," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>She considered it with her head tilted to one side.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not like your name, sir," she answered.</p>
+
+<p>"'There was no thought of pleasing you when I was christened,'" he quoted
+lazily.</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly, sir," she said. "You might be my father."</p>
+
+<p>It was a master stroke, and for an instant his brows drew together. Then
+he laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Merci du compliment, mademoiselle</i>! I admire your wit."</p>
+
+<p>"I protest I am overwhelmed. May I ask when we are like to arrive at our
+destination?"</p>
+
+<p>"We should reach Andover soon after eight, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>So it was some distance he was taking her?</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you had the wit to provide food for the journey?" she yawned.
+"You will not wish to exhibit me at an inn, I take it?"</p>
+
+<p>He marvelled at her indomitable courage</p>
+
+<p>"We shall halt at an inn certainly, and my servant will bring you
+refreshment. That will be in about an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"So long?" she frowned. "Then, pray excuse me an I compose myself to
+sleep a little. I am like to find the journey somewhat tedious, I fear."</p>
+
+<p>She shifted farther into the corner, leaned her head back against the
+cushions and closed her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Thus outwitting his Grace. For it is impossible to be passionate with a
+girl who feigns sleep when she should be struggling to escape from you.
+So Tracy, who, whatever else he might lack, possessed a keen sense of
+humour, settled himself in his corner and followed her example. So they
+jogged on....</p>
+
+<p>Arrived at length at the inn, the coach pulled up slowly. Diana opened
+her eyes with a great assumption of sleepiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Already?" she marvelled.</p>
+
+<p>"I trust you have slept well," said his Grace suavely.</p>
+
+<p>"Excellently well, I thank you, sir," was the unblushing reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I am relieved to hear you say so, my dear. I had thought you unable
+to&mdash;your mouth kept shut so admirably. Doubtless you have schooled your
+jaw not to drop when you sleep sitting up? I wish I might do the same."</p>
+
+<p>The triumph in his voice was thinly veiled. She found nothing to say.</p>
+
+<p>He rose.</p>
+
+<p>"With your leave, I will go to procure you some refreshment, child. Do
+not think me uncivil if I remind you that a servant stands without
+either door."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you for the kind thought," she smiled, but her heart was sick
+within her.</p>
+
+<p>He disappeared, returning a few moments later with a glass of wine and
+some little cakes.</p>
+
+<p>"I deplore the scanty nature of your repast," he said. "But I do not
+wish to waste time. You shall be more fittingly entertained when we
+reach Andover."</p>
+
+<p>Diana drank the wine gratefully, and it seemed to put new life into her.
+The food almost choked her, but rather than let him see it, she broke a
+cake in half and started to eat it, playing to gain time: time in which
+to allow her father a chance of overtaking them before it was too late.
+She affected to dislike the cake, and rather petulantly demanded a 'maid
+of honour.'</p>
+
+<p>Tracy's eyes gleamed.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I cannot oblige you, my dear. When we are married you can go to
+Richmond, and you shall have maids of honour in plenty."</p>
+
+<p>He relieved her of her glass, taking it from hands that trembled
+pitifully.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the journey was as some terrible nightmare. She felt that
+she dared no longer feign sleep. She was terrified at what his Grace
+might do, and kept him at arm's length by means of her tongue and all
+her woman's wit. As a matter of fact, Andover had himself well in hand,
+and had no intention of letting his passion run away with him. But as
+the time went on and the light went, some of Diana's control seemed to
+slip from her, and she became a little less the self-possessed woman,
+and a little more the trapped and frightened child. When they at last
+reached Andover Court, and his Grace assisted her to alight her legs
+would barely carry her up the steps to the great iron-clamped door. She
+trembled anew as he took her hand.</p>
+
+<p>On the threshold he paused and bowed very low. "Welcome to your future
+home, my queen," he murmured, and led her in, past wooden-faced footmen
+who stared over her head, to his private room, where a table was set for
+two. He would have taken her in his arms then, but she evaded him and
+slipped wearily into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I protest," she managed to say, "I protest, I am faint through want of
+food."</p>
+
+<p>Andover, looking at her white lips, believed her. He took a seat
+opposite.</p>
+
+<p>Two footmen came to wait on them, and although her very soul was shamed
+that they should see her there, she was thankful for their restraining
+presence.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD RIDES TO FRUSTRATE HIS GRACE</h3>
+
+
+<p>My lord yawned most prodigiously and let fall the <i>Spectator.</i> His eyes
+roved towards the clock, and noted with disgust that the hands pointed
+to half after five. He sighed and picked up the <i>Rambler</i>.</p>
+
+<p>His host and hostess were visiting some miles distant, and were not
+likely to be back until late, so my lord had a long dull evening in
+front of him, which he relished not at all. Lady O'Hara had tried to
+induce him to accompany them, promising that he would meet no one he
+knew, but he had for once been prudent and refused steadfastly. So my
+lady, after pouting crossly at him and assuring him that he was by far
+the most obstinate and disagreeable man that she had ever come across,
+not excepting her husband, who, to be sure, had been quite prodigiously
+annoying all day, relented, told him she understood perfectly, and even
+offered to kiss him to make up for her monstrous ill-humour. Jack
+accepted the offer promptly, waved farewell to her from the porch, and
+returned to the empty drawing-room to while away the time with two
+numbers of the <i>Spectator</i> and his own thoughts till dinner, which was
+to be later than usual to-day, on account of an attack of vapours which
+had seized the cook.</p>
+
+<p>His thoughts were too unpleasant to be dwelt on; everything in his world
+seemed to have gone awry. So he occupied himself with what seemed to him
+a particularly uninteresting number of the <i>Spectator</i>. The sun had
+almost disappeared, and very soon it became too dark to read; no candles
+having been brought as yet, my lord, very unromantically, went to sleep
+in his chair. Whether he would have eventually snored is not known, for
+not more than a quarter of an hour afterwards the butler roused him with
+the magic words:</p>
+
+<p>"Dinner is served, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned his head lazily.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that you say, James?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dinner is served, sir," repeated the man, and held the door wide for
+him to pass out.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith! I'm glad to hear it!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord rose leisurely and pulled his cravat more precisely into
+position. Although he was to be alone, he gave his costume a touch here
+and there, and flicked a speck of dust from one great cuff with his
+elegant lace handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p>He strolled across the old panelled hall to the dining-room, and sat
+down at the table.</p>
+
+<p>The curtains were drawn across the windows, and clusters of candles in
+graceful silver holders were arranged on the table, shedding a warm
+light on to the white damask and the shining covers. The footmen
+presented a fish, and my lord permitted a little to be put on his plate.
+The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink claret or burgundy,
+or ale? Mr. Carr would drink claret. A sirloin of beef next made its
+appearance, and went away considerably smaller. Then before my lord was
+spread an array of dishes. Partridges flanked one end, a pasty stood
+next, a cream, two chickens, a duck, and a ham of noble proportions.</p>
+
+<p>My lord went gently through.</p>
+
+<p>The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink a glass of burgundy?
+He exhibited a dusty bottle. My lord considered it through his eyeglass
+and decided in favour. He sipped reflectively and waved the ham away.</p>
+
+<p>Sweetmeats appeared before him and a soup, while plump pigeons were
+uncovered at his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>One was whipped deftly on to his plate, and as he took up his knife and
+fork to carve it, a great scuffling sounded without, angry voices being
+raised in expostulation, and, above all, a breathless, insistent appeal
+for Mr. Carr or Sir Miles. My lord laid down the knife and fork and came
+to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears I am demanded," he said, and went to the door. It was opened
+for him at once, and he stepped out into the hall to find Mr. Beauleigh
+trying to dodge the younger footman, who was refusing to let him pass.
+At the sight of Carstares he stepped back respectfully. Mr. Beauleigh,
+hot, distraught, breathless, fell upon my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God you are here, sir!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares observed him with some surprise. Mr. Beauleigh had been so
+very frigid when last they had met.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to be at your service, sir," he bowed. "You have commands for
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are in terrible trouble," almost moaned the other. "Betty bade me
+come to find you, or failing you, Sir Miles, for none other can help
+us!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' glance grew sharper.</p>
+
+<p>"Trouble? Not&mdash;But I forget my manners&mdash;we shall talk more at ease in
+here." He led Mr. Beauleigh into the morning-room. Beauleigh thrust a
+paper into his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Diana went riding this afternoon, and only her horse returned&mdash;with
+this attached to the pommel! Read it, sir! Read it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Diana!" Carstares strode over to the light, and devoured the contents
+of the single sheet, with eager eyes.</p>
+
+<p>They were not long, and they were very much to the point:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Beauleigh may haply recall to mind a certain 'Mr. Everard,' of
+Bath, whose Addresses to Miss Beauleigh were cruelly repulsed. He
+regrets having now to take the Matter into his Own Hands, and trusts to
+further his Acquaintance with Mr. Beauleigh at some Future Date, when
+Miss Beauleigh shall, He trusts, have become 'Mrs. Everard.'"</p>
+
+<p>Jack crumpled the paper furiously in his hand, grinding out a startling
+oath.</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;insolent cur!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, sir! But what will that avail my daughter? I have come
+straight to you, for my sister is convinced you know this Everard, and
+can tell me where to seek them!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares clapped a hand on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Never fear, Mr. Beauleigh! I pledge you my word she shall be found this
+very night!"</p>
+
+<p>"You know where he has taken her? You do? You are sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Back to his earth, I'll lay my life; 'tis ever his custom." He strode
+to the door, flung it wide and shot clear, crisp directions at the
+footman. "See to it that my mare is saddled in ten minutes and Blue
+Devil harnessed to your master's curricle! Don't stand staring&mdash;go! And
+send Salter to me!"</p>
+
+<p>The footman scuttled away, pausing only to inform my lord that Salter
+was not in.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares remembered that he had given Jim leave to visit his Mary at
+Fittering, and crushed out another oath. He sprang up the stairs, Mr.
+Beauleigh following breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>In his room, struggling with his boots, he put a few questions.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh related the whole tale, dwelling mournfully on the
+excellent references for Harper he had received from Sir Hugh Grandison.</p>
+
+<p>Jack hauled at his second boot.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy himself, of course!" he fumed, adjusting his spurs.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, Mr. Carr, who is this scoundrel? Is it true that you know him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Andover," answered Jack from the depths of the garde-robe. "Damn the
+fellow, where has he put my cloak?" This to the absent Jim, and not the
+Duke.</p>
+
+<p>"Andover! Not&mdash;surely not the Duke?" cried Mr. Beauleigh.</p>
+
+<p>"I know of none other. At last!"</p>
+
+<p>He emerged and tossed a heavy, many-caped coat on to the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, sir, your attention for one moment."</p>
+
+<p>He was buckling on his sword as he spoke, and not looking at the other
+man.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy will have borne Di&mdash;Miss Beauleigh off to Andover Court, seven
+miles beyond Wyncham, to the south-west. Your horse, I take it, is not
+fresh," (he knew Mr. Beauleigh's horse). "I have ordered the curricle
+for you. I will ride on at once by short cuts, for there is not a moment
+to be lost&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The Duke of Andover!" interrupted Mr. Beauleigh. "The Duke of Andover!
+Why, do you think he purposes to marry my daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack gave a short, furious laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay! As he married all the others!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh winced.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir! Pray why should you say so?"</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive you do not know his Grace. Perchance you have heard of Devil
+Belmanoir?"</p>
+
+<p>Then the little man paled.</p>
+
+<p>"Good God, Mr. Carr, 'tis not he?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares caught up his hat and whip.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, Mr. Beauleigh, 'tis indeed he. Now perhaps you appreciate the
+necessity for haste?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh's eyes were open at last.</p>
+
+<p>"For God's sake, Mr. Carr, after them!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis what I intend, sir. You will follow as swiftly as possible?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, but do not wait for anything! Can you reach Andover&mdash;in
+time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I reach Andover to-night," was the grim answer. "And you, sir? You know
+the road?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will find out. Only go, Mr. Carr! Do not waste time, I implore you!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack struggled into his riding coat, clapped his hat on to his head, and
+with his Grace of Andover's sword tucked beneath his arm, went down the
+stairs three and four at a time, and hurried out on to the drive, where
+the groom stood waiting with Jenny's bridle over his arm. Carstares cast
+a hasty glance at the girths and sprang up. The mare sidled and
+fidgeted, fretting to be gone, but was held in with a hand of iron while
+her master spoke to the groom.</p>
+
+<p>"You must drive Mr. Beauleigh to Andover Court as fast as you can. It is
+a matter of life and death. You know the way?"</p>
+
+<p>The amazed groom collected his wits with difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"Roughly, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That will do&mdash;Mr. Beauleigh will know. Drive your damnedest, man&mdash;Sir
+Miles won't mind. You understand?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack's word was law in the O'Hara household.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," answered the man, and touched his hat.</p>
+
+<p>On the word, he saw the beautiful straining mare leap forward, and the
+next moment both horse and rider were swallowed in the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>"Well I'm&mdash;darned," exploded the groom, and turned to fetch the
+curricle.</p>
+
+<p>Across the stretch of moorland went Jack at a gallop, Jenny speeding
+under him like the wind, and seeming to catch something of her master's
+excitement. Low over her neck he bent, holding the Duke's sword across
+his saddle-bows with one hand and with the other guiding her. So he
+covered some three miles. He reined in then, and forced her to a canter,
+saving her strength for the long distance ahead of them. She was in
+splendid condition, glorying in the unrestrained gallop across the turf,
+and although she was too well-mannered to pull on the rein, Carstares
+could see by the eager twitching of her ears how she longed to be gone
+over the ground. He spoke soothingly to her and guided her on to the
+very lane where Diana had ridden that afternoon. She fell into a long,
+easy stride that seemed to eat up the ground. Now they were off the
+lane, riding over a field to join another road, leading west. A hedge
+cut them off, but the mare gathered her legs beneath her and soared
+over, alighting as gracefully as a bird, and skimming on again up the
+road.</p>
+
+<p>Her responsive ears flickered as he praised her, and pulled her up.</p>
+
+<p>"Easy now, Jenny, easy!"</p>
+
+<p>She was trembling with excitement, but she yielded to his will and
+trotted quietly for perhaps another half-hour.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares rose and fell rhythmically in the saddle, taking care to keep
+his spurred heels from her glossy sides. He guessed the time to be about
+seven o'clock, and his brows drew together worriedly. Jenny was made of
+steel and lightning, but would she manage it? He had never tested her
+powers as he was about to now, and he dared not allow her much breathing
+space. Every minute was precious if he were to reach Andover before it
+was too late.</p>
+
+<p>Assuming that Tracy had captured Diana at four, or thereabouts, he
+reckoned that it should take a heavy coach four hours or more to reach
+Andover. Jenny might manage it in two and a half hours, allowing for
+short cuts, in which case he ought to arrive not long after the others.</p>
+
+<p>He was tortured by the thought of Diana at the mercy of a man of Tracy's
+calibre; Diana in terror; Diana despairing. Unconsciously he pressed his
+knees against the smooth flank and once more Jenny fell into that long,
+swift stride. She seemed to glide over the ground with never a jar nor a
+stumble. Carstares was careful not to irk her in any way, only keeping a
+guiding, restraining hand on the rein, and for the rest letting her go
+as she willed. On and on they sped, as the time lagged by, sometimes
+through leafy lanes, at others over fields and rough tracks. Not for
+nothing had Carstares roamed this country for two years; almost every
+path was familiar to him; he never took a wrong turn, never swerved,
+never hesitated. On and on, past sleeping villages and lonely
+homesteads, skirting woods, riding up hill and down dale, never
+slackening his hold on the rein, never taking his eyes off the road
+before him, except now and then to throw a glance to the side on the
+look-out for some hidden by-path. After the first hour a dull pain in
+his shoulder reminded him of his wound, still troublesome. He set his
+teeth and pressed on still faster.</p>
+
+<p>The mare caught her foot on a loose stone and stumbled. His hand held
+her together, the muscles standing out like ribbed steel, his voice
+encouraged her, and he made her walk again. This time she did not fret
+against the restraint. He shifted the sword under his bridle hand, and
+passed the right down her steaming neck, crooning to her softly beneath
+his breath.</p>
+
+<p>She answered with a low, throbbing whinny. She could not understand why
+he desired her to gallop on, braving unknown terrors in the dark; all
+she could know was that it was his wish. It seemed also that he was
+pleased with her. She would have cantered on again, but he made her walk
+for, perhaps, another five minutes, until they were come to a stretch of
+common he knew well. It was getting late, and he pressed her with his
+knee, adjuring her to do her best, and urging her to a gallop, leaning
+right forward, the better to pierce the darkness ahead. A gorse bush
+loomed before them, and Jenny shied at it, redoubling her pace.</p>
+
+<p>With hand and voice he soothed her, and on they sped. He judged the time
+to be now about half-past eight, and knew that they must make the
+remaining miles in an hour. Even now the coach might have arrived, and
+beyond that he dared not think.</p>
+
+<p>Another half-hour crept by, and he could feel the mare's breath coming
+short and fast, and reined in again, this time to a canter. He was off
+the moor now, on a road he remembered well, and knew himself to be not
+ten miles from Wyncham. Five more miles as the crow flies.... He knew
+he must give Jenny another rest, and pulled up, dismounting and going to
+her head.</p>
+
+<p>Her legs were trembling, and the sweat rolled off her satin skin. She
+dropped her nose into his hand, sobbingly. He rubbed her ears and patted
+her, and she lipped his cheek lovingly, breathing more easily.</p>
+
+<p>Up again then, and forward once more, skimming over the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving Wyncham on his right, Carstares cut west and then north-west, on
+the highroad now, leading to Andover. Only two more miles to go....</p>
+
+<p>Jenny stumbled again and broke into a walk. Her master tapped her
+shoulder, and she picked up her stride again.</p>
+
+<p>She was almost winded, and he knew it, but he had to force her onwards.
+She responded gallantly to his hand, although her breath came sobbingly
+and her great, soft eyes were blurred.</p>
+
+<p>At last the great iron gates were in view; he could see them through the
+dusk, firmly shut. He pulled up and walked on, looking for a place in
+the hedge where Jenny might push through.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD ENTERS BY THE WINDOW</h3>
+
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover made a sign to the footmen, and with a sinking
+heart Diana watched them leave the room, discreetly closing the door
+behind them. She affected to eat a peach, skinning it with fingers that
+were stiff and wooden. Tracy leaned back in his chair, surveying her
+through half-shut eyelids. He watched her eat her peach and rise to her
+feet standing with her hand on the back of the high, carved chair. She
+addressed him nervously and with would-be lightness.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, I have eaten, and I protest I am fatigued. Pray have the
+goodness to conduct me to your housekeeper."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear," he drawled, "nothing would give me greater pleasure&mdash;always
+supposing that I possessed one."</p>
+
+<p>She raised her eyebrows haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>"I presume you have at least a maidservant," she inquired. "If I am to
+remain here, I would retire."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall, child, all in good time. But do not be in a hurry to deprive
+me of your fair company." He rose as he spoke, and taking her hand, led
+her dumbly to a low-backed settee at the other end of the great room.</p>
+
+<p>"If you have aught to say to me, your Grace, I beg that you will reserve
+it until to-morrow. I am not in the humour to-night."</p>
+
+<p>He laughed at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Still so cold, child?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not like to be different, sir."</p>
+
+<p>His eyes glinted.</p>
+
+<p>"You think so? I shall show you that you are wrong, my dear. You may
+loathe me, you may love me, but I think you will lose something of that
+icy indifference. Allow me to point out to you that there is a couch
+behind you."</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive it, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Then be seated."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not worth the while, sir. I am not staying." He advanced one step
+towards her with that in his face that made her sink hurriedly on to the
+couch.</p>
+
+<p>He nodded smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"You are wise, Diana."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so free with my name, sir?" This with icy sweetness.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy flung himself down beside her, his arm over the back of the settee
+and the fingers of his drooping hand just touching her shoulder. It was
+all the girl could do to keep from screaming. She felt trapped and
+helpless, and her nerve was in pieces.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, sweet! An end to this quibbling. Bethink you, is it worth your
+while to anger me?"</p>
+
+<p>She sat rigid and silent.</p>
+
+<p>"I love you&mdash;ay, you shudder. One day you will not do that."</p>
+
+<p>"You call this love, your Grace?" she cried out, between scorn and
+misery.</p>
+
+<p>"Something near it," he answered imperturbably.</p>
+
+<p>"God help you then!" she shivered, thinking of one other who had loved
+her so differently.</p>
+
+<p>"Belike He will," was the pleasant rejoinder. "But we wander from the
+point. It is this: you shall retire to your chamber at once&mdash;er&mdash;armed
+with the key&mdash;an you will swear to marry me to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Very white, she made as if to rise. The thin fingers closed over her
+shoulders, forcing her to remain.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear. Sit still."</p>
+
+<p>Her self-control was slipping away from her; she struggled to be free of
+that hateful hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you brute, you brute! Let me go!"</p>
+
+<p>"When you have given me your answer, sweetheart."</p>
+
+<p>"It is no!" she cried. "A thousand times no!"</p>
+
+<p>"Think...."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought! I would rather die than wed you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Very possibly. But death will not be your lot, my pretty one," purred
+the sinister voice in her ear. "Think carefully before you answer; were
+it not better to marry me with all honour than to&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You devil!" she panted, and looked wildly round for some means of
+escape. The long window was open, she knew, for the curtain blew out
+into the room. But his Grace was between it and her.</p>
+
+<p>"You begin to think better of it, child? Remember, to-morrow will be too
+late. This is your chance, now. In truth," he took a pinch of snuff, "in
+truth, it matters not to me whether you will be a bride or no."</p>
+
+<p>With a sudden movement she wrenched herself free and darted to the
+window. In a flash he was up and had caught her as she reached it,
+swinging her round to face him.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so fast, my dear. You do not escape me so."</p>
+
+<p>His arm was about her waist, drawing her irresistibly towards him. Sick
+with fear, she struck madly at the face bent close to hers.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me go! How dare you insult me so? Oh, for God's sake let me go!"</p>
+
+<p>He was pressing her against him, one hand holding her wrists behind her
+in a grip of iron, his other arm about her shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"For my own sake I will keep you," he smiled, and looked gloatingly down
+at her beautiful, agonised countenance, with its wonderful eyes gazing
+imploringly at him, and the sensitive mouth a-quiver. For one instant he
+held her so, and then swiftly bent his head and pressed his lips to
+hers.</p>
+
+<p>She could neither struggle nor cry out. A deadly faintness assailed her,
+and she could scarcely breathe.</p>
+
+<p>"By God, it is too late!" he swore. "You had best give in, madam&mdash;nought
+can avail you now."</p>
+
+<p>And then the unexpected happened. Even as in her last desperate effort
+to free herself she moaned the name of him whom she deemed hundreds of
+miles away across the sea, a crisp voice, vibrating with a species of
+cold fury, sounded directly behind them.</p>
+
+<p>"You delude yourself, Belmanoir," it said with deadly quiet.</p>
+
+<p>With an oath Tracy released the girl and wheeled to face the intruder.</p>
+
+<p>Framed by the dark curtains, drawn sword in hand, murder in his blue
+eyes, stood my lord.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy's snarl died slowly away as he stared, and a look of blank
+amazement took its place.</p>
+
+<p>Diana, almost unable to believe her eyes, dizzy with the suddenness of
+it all, stumbled blindly towards him, crying:</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God! Thank God! Oh, Jack!"</p>
+
+<p>He caught her in his arms, drawing her gently to the couch.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear heart, you never doubted I should come?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you in France!" she sobbed, and sank down amongst the
+cushions.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned to meet his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy had recovered from the first shock of surprise and was eyeing him
+though his quizzing glass.</p>
+
+<p>"This is an unexpected pleasure, my lord," he drawled with easy
+insolence.</p>
+
+<p>Diana started at the mode of address and looked up at Carstares,
+bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive your sword in the corner behind you, your Grace!" snapped
+Jack, and flung over to the door, twisting the key round in the lock and
+slipping it into his breeches pocket.</p>
+
+<p>To Diana he was as a stranger, with no laugh in the glittering blue
+eyes, and none of the almost finicking politeness that usually
+characterised his bearing. He was very white, with lips set in a hard
+straight line, and his nostrils slightly expanded.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace shrugged a careless refusal.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Carstares, why should I fight you?" he inquired, seemingly not
+in the least annoyed by the other's intrusion.</p>
+
+<p>"I had anticipated that answer, your Grace. So I brought <i>this</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke Jack drove the sword he held into the wood floor, where it
+stayed, quivering.</p>
+
+<p>Nonchalantly Tracy took it in his hand and glanced at the hilt.</p>
+
+<p>His fingers tightened on it convulsively, and he shot a piercing glance
+at Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"I am entirely at your service," he said very smoothly, and laid the
+sword on the table.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the glare died out of my lord's eyes, and a little triumphant
+smile curved the corners of his mouth. Quickly he divested himself of
+his fine velvet coat, his waistcoat and his scabbard, and pulled off
+the heavy riding boots, caked with mud. He proceeded to tuck up his
+ruffles, awaiting his Grace's convenience.</p>
+
+<p>As one in a dream, Diana saw the table pushed back, the paces measured,
+and heard the ring of steel against steel.</p>
+
+<p>My lord opened the attack after a few moments' cautious circling,
+lunging swiftly and recovering, even as the Duke countered and delivered
+a lightning <i>riposte en quinte</i>. My lord parried gracefully in tierce,
+and chuckled softly to himself.</p>
+
+<p>With parted lips and wide eyes, the girl on the couch watched each fresh
+lunge. A dozen times it seemed as though Carstares must be run through,
+but each time, by some miraculous means, he regained his opposition, and
+the Duke's blade met steel.</p>
+
+<p>Once, indeed, thrusting in <i>quarte</i>, Tracy's point, aimed too high,
+flashed above the other's guard and ripped the cambric shirt at the
+sleeve. My lord retired his foot nimbly, parried, and <i>riposted</i> with a
+straight thrust, wrist held high, before Tracy could recover his
+opposition. The blades clashed as forte met foible, and my lord lunged
+straight at his opponent's breast.</p>
+
+<p>Diana shut her eyes, expecting every moment to hear the dull thud of
+Tracy's body as it should fall to the ground. It did not come, but
+instead there sounded a confused stamping, and scraping of blades, and
+she looked again to find the Duke disengaging over my lord's supple
+wrist and being parried with the utmost ease and dexterity.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares knew that he would not be able to last long, however. His
+shoulder, fretted by the long ride, was aching intolerably, and his
+wrist seemed to have lost some of its cunning. He was conscious of a
+singing in his head which he tried, in vain, to ignore. But his eyes
+glowed and sparkled with the light of battle and the primitive lust to
+kill.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke was fencing with almost superhuman skill, moving heavily and
+deliberately, seemingly tireless.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares, on the other hand, was as swift and light as a panther, grace
+in every turn of his slim body.</p>
+
+<p>He feinted suddenly inside the arm, deceiving the parade of tierce. His
+Grace fell back a pace, parrying in <i>quarte</i>, and as John with a quick
+twist changed to <i>quarte</i> also and the blades crossed, Tracy lunged
+forward the length of his arm, and a deep red splash stained the
+whiteness of my lord's sleeve at the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Diana gave a choked cry, knowing it to be the old wound, and the Duke's
+blade came to rest upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"You are&mdash;satisfied?" he asked coolly, but panting a little.</p>
+
+<p>My lord reeled slightly, controlled himself and brushed his left hand
+across his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"On guard!" was all he replied, ignoring a pleading murmur from the
+girl.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy shrugged, meeting Carstares' blade with his, and the fight went
+on.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy's eyes were almost shut, it appeared to Diana, his chin thrust
+forward, his teeth gripping the thin lower lip.</p>
+
+<p>To her horror she saw that Carstares was breathing in gasps, and that
+his face was ashen in hue. It was torture to her to sit impotent, but
+she held herself in readiness to fly to his rescue should the need
+arise. Suddenly my lord feinted on both sides of the arm and ripped open
+the Duke's sleeve, causing a steady trickle of blood to drip down on to
+the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy took no notice, but countered so deftly that John's blade wavered,
+and he staggered back. For an instant it seemed as though the end had
+come, but somehow he steadied himself, recovering his guard.</p>
+
+<p>Diana was on her feet now, nearly as white as her lover, her hands
+pressed to her breast. She saw that John's point was no longer so
+purposeful, and the smile had gone from his lips. They were parted now,
+the upper one rigid, and a deep furrow cut into his brow.</p>
+
+<p>Then, startling in the stillness of the great house, came the clanging
+of a bell, pulled with some violence.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' white lips moved soundlessly, and Diana, guessing it to be
+her father, moved, clinging to the wall, towards the door.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later along the passage came the sound of steps; a gay,
+boisterous voice was raised, followed by a deeper, graver one.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's face became devilish in its expression, but Carstares took
+no notice, seeming not to hear. Only he thrust with such skill that his
+Grace was forced to fall back a pace. The loud voices demanded to know
+what was toward in the locked room, and Diana, knowing that my lord was
+nearly spent, beat upon the panels.</p>
+
+<p>"Quickly, quickly!" she cried. "Break through, for heaven's sake,
+whoever you are! 'Tis locked!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good Gad! 'tis a woman!" exclaimed the voice. "Listen,
+Dick!&mdash;why&mdash;why&mdash;'tis a fight!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, be <i>quick</i>!" implored poor Diana.</p>
+
+<p>And then came the deeper voice: "Stand away, madam, we will burst the
+lock."</p>
+
+<p>She moved quickly aside, turning her attention once more to the duel by
+the window, as Andrew flung his shoulder against the stout wood. At the
+third blow the lock gave, the door flew wide, and Lord Andrew was
+precipitated into the room.</p>
+
+<p>And the two by the window fought on unheeding, faster and faster.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm damned!" said Andrew, surveying them. He walked forward
+interestedly, and at the same moment caught sight of Jack's face. He
+stared in amazement, and called to Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Lord! Here! Dick! Come here! Surely it's&mdash;<i>who</i> is that man?"</p>
+
+<p>Diana saw the tall gentleman, so like her lover in appearance, step
+forward to the young rake's side. The next events happened in a flash.
+She heard a great cry, and before she had time to know what he was
+doing, Richard had whipped his sword from its scabbard and had struck up
+the two blades. In that moment the years rolled back, and, recognising
+his brother, Jack gasped furiously:</p>
+
+<p>"Damn&mdash;you&mdash;Dick! Out&mdash;of&mdash;the way!"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy stood leaning on his sword, watching, his breath coming in gasps,
+but still with that cynical smile on his lips.</p>
+
+<p>Richard, seeing that his brother would fly at the Duke again, closed
+with him, struggling to wrest the rapier from his weakened grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"You fool, John, leave go! Leave go, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>With a twist he had the sword in his hand and sent it spinning across
+the room as without a sound my lord crumpled up and fell with a thud to
+the floor.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII</h3>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH WHAT THREATENED TO BE TRAGEDY TURNS TO COMEDY</h3>
+
+
+<p>With a smothered cry Diana flew across the room to where my lord lay in
+a pitiful little heap, but before her was Richard. He fell on his knees
+beside the still figure, feeling for the wound.</p>
+
+<p>Diana, on the other side, looked across at him.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis his shoulder, sir&mdash;an old wound. Oh, he is not&mdash;he cannot
+be&mdash;<i>dead</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard shook his head dumbly and gently laid bare the white shoulder.
+The wound was bleeding very slightly, and they bound it deftly betwixt
+them, with their united handkerchiefs and a napkin seized from the
+table.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis exhaustion, I take it," frowned Richard, his hand before the pale
+lips. "He is breathing still."</p>
+
+<p>Over her shoulder Diana shot an order:</p>
+
+<p>"One of you men, please fetch water and cognac!"</p>
+
+<p>"At once, madam!" responded Andrew promptly, and hurried out.</p>
+
+<p>She bent once more over my lord, gazing anxiously into his face.</p>
+
+<p>"He will live? You&mdash;are sure? He&mdash;he must have rid all the way from
+Maltby&mdash;for me!" She caught her breath on a sob, pressing one lifeless
+hand to her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"For you, madam?" Richard looked an inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>She blushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;he&mdash;we&mdash;I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I see," said Richard gravely.</p>
+
+<p>She nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and&mdash;and the Duke&mdash;caught me, and&mdash;brought me here&mdash;and&mdash;and then
+<i>he</i> came&mdash;and saved me!"</p>
+
+<p>The air blowing in from the window stirred the ruffles of my lord's
+shirt, and blew a strand of her dark hair across Diana's face. She
+caught it back and stared at Richard with a puzzled air.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, sir&mdash;but you are so like him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am his brother," answered Richard shortly.</p>
+
+<p>Her eyes grew round with surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"His <i>brother</i>, sir? I never knew Mr. Carr had a brother!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr.&mdash;who?" asked Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Carr. It is not his name, is it? I heard the Duke call him
+Carstares&mdash;and&mdash;my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"He is the Earl of Wyncham," answered Richard, stretching out a hand to
+relieve Andrew of the jug of water he was proffering.</p>
+
+<p>"Good&mdash;gracious!" gasped Diana. "B-but he said he was a highwayman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"True? But how&mdash;how ridiculous&mdash;and how like him!"</p>
+
+<p>She soaked a handkerchief in the water, and bathed my lord's forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"He is not coming to in the least," she said nervously. "You are sure
+'tis not&mdash;not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite. He'll come round presently. You said he had ridden far?"</p>
+
+<p>"He must have, sir&mdash;I wish he were not so pale&mdash;he was staying with the
+O'Haras at Maltby."</p>
+
+<p>"What? The O'Haras?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;and he must have ridden from there&mdash;and his wound still so
+tender!" Again she kissed the limp hand.</p>
+
+<p>Over by the window his Grace, his breath recovered, was eyeing Andrew
+through his quizzing-glass.</p>
+
+<p>"May I inquire what brings you here?" he asked sweetly. "And why you saw
+fit to bring the saintly Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"I came because it suited me to do so. I never dreamed you were
+here&mdash;'Pon my soul, I did not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Where then did you think I was?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never thought about you at all, my dear fellow. I'm not your squire."</p>
+
+<p>"Why is Richard here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, what a catechism! He is here because he brought me with him on
+his way to Wyncham. Have you any objection?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would be useless," shrugged Tracy. "Have I killed that young fool?"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew looked him over in disgust.</p>
+
+<p>"No, you have not. You have barely touched him, thanks be."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! Why this sudden affection for Carstares?"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew swung round on his heel, remarking over his shoulder:</p>
+
+<p>"He may be a cheat, but he's a damned fine fellow. By Gad! he nearly
+pinked you as I entered!" He chuckled at the memory of that glorious
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>"He nearly pinked me a dozen times," replied Tracy, binding his arm
+round more tightly. "He fights like ten devils. But he was fatigued."</p>
+
+<p>He followed Andrew across the room and stood looking down at his
+unconscious foe.</p>
+
+<p>Diana's eyes challenged him.</p>
+
+<p>"Stand back, your Grace! You have no more to do here!"</p>
+
+<p>He drew out his snuff-box and took a pinch.</p>
+
+<p>"So that is how the matter lies, my dear. I did not know that."</p>
+
+<p>"You pretend that it would have made a difference in your treatment of
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not the slightest, child," he replied, shutting the box with a snap.
+"It has merely come as a slight surprise to me. It seems he has the luck
+this round." He walked away again as another great bell-peal sounded
+through the house.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew, pouring cognac into a glass, paused with bottle held in mid-air.</p>
+
+<p>"Thunder and turf! We are like to be a party! Who now?" He set the glass
+down and lounged out of the room, bottle in hand. They heard him give an
+astonished cry and a loud laugh, and the next moment O'Hara strode into
+the room, booted and spurred and enveloped in a heavy surcoat. He came
+swiftly upon the little group about my lord and went down on one knee
+beside him. His eyes seemed to take in everyone at a glance. Then he
+looked across at Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he alive?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard nodded, not meeting the hard, anxious gaze.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara bent over his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"He has been wounded?"</p>
+
+<p>Diana answered this.</p>
+
+<p>"Only slightly, Sir Miles, but 'twas his shoulder again. He was tired
+after the ride&mdash;Mr. Carstares thinks he has fainted from exhaustion."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara very gently slipped one arm beneath my lord's shoulders and the
+other under his knees, rising with him as easily as if he were carrying
+a baby. He walked over to the couch, lowering his burden on to the
+cushions that Diana placed to receive him.</p>
+
+<p>"He will be easier there," he said, and looked across at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are quite safe, child?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite&mdash;quite&mdash;He came just in time&mdash;and fought for me." She dabbed
+openly at her eyes. "I&mdash;I love him so, Sir Miles&mdash;and now I hear that he
+is an Earl!" she sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, child, 'twill make no difference, I take it. I hope he'll make ye
+happy."</p>
+
+<p>She smiled through her tears very confidently.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara turned and faced Richard, who was standing a little in the rear,
+watching his brother's face. He met O'Hara's scathing look squarely.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought," answered the Irishman cuttingly, and walked over to where Lord
+Andrew was arguing hotly with his brother.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares returned to my lord's side and stood looking silently down at
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Diana suddenly gave a little joyful cry.</p>
+
+<p>"He is coming round! He moved his head! Oh, Jack, my dear one, look at
+me!" She bent over him with eyes alight with love.</p>
+
+<p>My lord's eyelids flickered and opened. For a moment he stared at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;Diana!" She took his head between her hands and kissed him full on
+the mouth. Then she raised his head to look into the blue eyes.</p>
+
+<p>My lord's arm crept round her and held her tight against him. After a
+moment she disengaged herself and stood aside. Jack's eyes, still a
+little bewildered, fell upon his brother. He struggled up on his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I dreaming? <i>Dick</i>!" His voice was full of a great joy. Richard went
+quickly to him, trying to put him back on the cushions.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Jack&mdash;no, no&mdash;lie still!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lie still?" cried my lord, swinging his feet to the ground. "Not a bit
+of it! I am well enough, but a trifle dizzy. How in thunder did you come
+here? Surely 'twas you knocked up my sword? Yes? Interfering young cub!
+Give me your arm a minute!"</p>
+
+<p>"But why do you want to get up?" pleaded a soft voice in his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"So that I can take you in my arms, sweetheart," he answered, and
+proceeded to do so.</p>
+
+<p>Then his glance, wandering round the room, alighted on the heated group
+by the table; Andrew vociferously indignant, Tracy coolly sarcastic, and
+O'Hara furious.</p>
+
+<p>"Tare an' ouns!" ejaculated my lord. "Where <i>did</i> they all spring from?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't quite know!" laughed Diana. "Sir Miles came a few minutes
+ago&mdash;the other gentleman came with Mr. Carstares."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, I remember him&mdash;'tis Andrew, eh, Dick? Zounds! how he has grown!
+But what in the world are they all fighting over? Miles! Miles, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara wheeled round, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Oho! Ye are up, are ye." He crossed to his side. "Then sit down!"</p>
+
+<p>"Since you are all so insistent, I will. How did you come here?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara went round to the back of the couch to arrange a cushion beneath
+the hurt shoulder, and leaned his arms upon the back, looking down with
+a laugh in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, I rode!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how did you know? Where&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas all on account of that young rascal David," he said. "Molly
+fretted and fumed all the way to the Frasers, vowing the child would be
+neglected, and what not, and we'd not been in the house above an hour or
+so, when up she jumps and says she knows that <i>something</i> has happened
+at home, and nothing will suffice but that I must drive her back. We
+arrived just as Beauleigh was setting out. He told us the whole tale,
+and of course I had Blue Peter saddled in the twinkling of an eye and
+was off after ye. But, what with taking wrong turns and me horse not
+happening to be made of lightning, I couldn't arrive until now."</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot have been so long after me," said Jack. "For I wasted full
+half-an-hour outside here, trying to find an opening in the hedge for
+Jenny to get through. She is now stalled in a shed at the bottom of the
+lawn with my cloak over her. I'll swear she's thirsty, too."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll see to that," promised O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew came across the room and bowed awkwardly to my lord, stammering a
+little. Carstares held out his hand. "Lord, Andy! I scarce knew you!"</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's hesitation, Andrew took the outstretched hand and
+answered, laughingly. But my lord had not failed to notice the
+hesitation, short though it had been.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;beg your pardon. I had forgot," he said stiffly.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew sat down beside him, rather red about the ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, stuff, Jack! I'm a clumsy fool, but I did not mean that!" Richard
+stepped forward into the full light of the candles.</p>
+
+<p>"If you will all listen to me one moment, I shall be greatly obliged,"
+he said steadily.</p>
+
+<p>Lord John started forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Dick!" he cried, warningly, and would have gone to him, but for
+O'Hara's hand on his shoulder, dragging him back.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, now, be aisy," growled Miles. "Let the man say it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold your tongue, O'Hara! Dick, wait one moment! I want to speak to
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard never glanced at him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am about to tell you something that should have been told&mdash;seven
+years ago&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Once and for all, I forbid it!" snapped my lord, trying to disengage
+himself from O'Hara's grip.</p>
+
+<p>Miles leant over him.</p>
+
+<p>"See here, me boy, if ye don't keep a still tongue in your head, it's
+meself that'll be gagging you, and that's that!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord swore at him.</p>
+
+<p>Diana laid a gentle hand on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Please, John! Please be still! Why should not Mr. Carstares speak?"</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know what he would do!" fumed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"In fact, Miss Beauleigh, Sir Miles and Andrew are completely in the
+dark," drawled the Duke. "Shall I tell the tale, Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, I shall not require your assistance," was the cold
+rejoinder. "But I must ask you to be quiet, John."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not! You must n&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That will do," decided O'Hara, and placed a relentless hand over his
+mouth. "Go on, Carstares!"</p>
+
+<p>"For the sake of Miss Beauleigh, I will tell you that seven years ago my
+brother and I went to a card-party. I cheated. He took the blame. He has
+borne it ever since because I was too much a coward to confess. That is
+all I have to say."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas for that ye wanted to see me on Friday?" shot out O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>Richard nodded, dully.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I was going to tell you then."</p>
+
+<p>"H'm! I'm glad ye had decided to play the man's part for once!"</p>
+
+<p>With a furious oath Jack wrenched himself free and rounded on his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>"You take too much upon yourself, O'Hara!"</p>
+
+<p>He rose unsteadily and walked to Richard's side.</p>
+
+<p>"Dick has told you much, but not all. You none of you know the reasons
+we had for acting as we did. But you know him well enough to believe
+that it needed very strong reasons to induce him to allow me take the
+blame. If anyone has aught to say in the matter, I shall be glad if he
+will say it to me&mdash;now!" His eyes flashed menacingly as they swept the
+company, and rested for an instant on O'Hara's unyielding countenance.
+Then he turned and held out his hand to his brother with his own
+peculiarly wistful smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you bear to speak to me?" muttered Richard, with face averted.</p>
+
+<p>"Gad, Dick, don't be ridiculous!" He grasped the unwilling hand. "You
+would have done the same for me!"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew pressed forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I can see no use in raking up old scores! After all, what does it
+matter? It's buried and finished. Here's my hand on it, Dick! Lord! I
+couldn't turn my back on the man I've lived on for years!" He laughed
+irrepressibly, and wrung Richard's hand.</p>
+
+<p>My lord's eyes were on O'Hara, pleading. Reluctantly the Irishman came
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis only fair to tell you, Richard, that I can't see eye to eye with
+Andrew, here. However, I'm not denying that I think a good deal better
+of ye now than I did&mdash;seven years ago."</p>
+
+<p>Richard looked up eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"You never believed him guilty?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly!"</p>
+
+<p>"You knew 'twas I?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had me suspicions, of course."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish&mdash;oh, how I wish you had voiced them!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara raised his eyebrows, and there fell a little silence. His Grace
+of Andover broke it, coming forward in his inimitable way. He looked
+round the room at each member of the company.</p>
+
+<p>"One, two, three&mdash;four, five&mdash;" he counted. "Andrew, tell them to lay
+covers for five in the dining-room."</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't you staying?" asked his brother, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"I have supped," replied Tracy coolly.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment O'Hara's mouth twitched, and then he burst out laughing.
+Everyone looked at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ecod!" he gasped. "Oh, sink me an I ever came across a more amusing
+villain! 'Lay covers for five!' Oh, damme!"</p>
+
+<p>"Or should I have said six?" continued his Grace imperturbably. "Am I
+not to have the honour of Mr. Beauleigh's company?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara checked his mirth.</p>
+
+<p>"No, ye are not! He was content to let me manage the business, and went
+back to Littledean."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry," bowed his Grace, and turned to my lord, who, with his arm
+about Diana's waist, was watching him arrogantly.</p>
+
+<p>"I see how the land lies," he remarked. "I congratulate you, John. I
+cannot help wishing that I had finished you that day in the road. Permit
+me to say that you fence rather creditably."</p>
+
+<p>My lord bowed stiffly.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," continued his Grace smoothly, "you also wish you had
+disposed of me. I sympathise. But, however much you may inwardly despise
+and loathe me, you cannot show it&mdash;unless you choose to make yourself
+and me the talk of town&mdash;not forgetting Mistress Diana. Also I abhor bad
+tragedy. So I trust you will remain here to-night as my guest&mdash;er,
+Andrew, pray do not omit to order bed-chambers to be
+prepared&mdash;Afterwards you need never come near me again&mdash;in fact, I hope
+that you will not."</p>
+
+<p>My lord could not entirely repress a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank your Grace for your hospitality, which I fear," he glanced down
+at Diana's tired face, "I shall be compelled to accept. As to the
+rest&mdash;I agree. Like you, I dislike bad tragedy."</p>
+
+<p>Diana gave a tiny laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"You are all so stiff!" she said <i>I</i> shall go to bed!"</p>
+
+<p>"I will take you to the stairs then," said Jack promptly, and led her
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>She stopped as they were about to pass his Grace, and faced him.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy bowed very low.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night, madam. Carstares will know which room I had assigned to
+you. You will find a servant there."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," she said steadily. "I shall try to forget the happenings of
+this day, your Grace. I see the truth in what you say&mdash;we cannot afford
+to let the world see that we are at enmity, lest it should talk. And, I
+confess it freely, I find it less hard to forgive you the insults of&mdash;of
+to-day, since they brought&mdash;Jack&mdash;to me. An I had not been in such dire
+straits, I might never have seen him again."</p>
+
+<p>"In fact," bowed his Grace, "everything has been for the best!"</p>
+
+<p>"I would not say that, sir," she replied, and went out.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment there was silence in the room. No one quite knew what to
+say. As usual, it was Tracy who came to the rescue, breaking an
+uncomfortable pause.</p>
+
+<p>"I suggest that we adjourn to the dining-room," he said. "I gather we
+may have to wait some time before his lordship reappears. O'Hara, after
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," replied Miles. "Jack's mare is in a shed somewhere. I said
+I would see to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew!" called his Grace. "When you have finished superintending the
+laying of the supper, give orders concerning Carstares' mare!"</p>
+
+<p>A casual assent came from outside, and immediately afterwards Lord
+Andrew's voice was heard shouting instructions to someone, evidently
+some way off.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, the supper-party passed off quite smoothly. His Grace was
+smilingly urbane, Andrew boisterous and amusing, and O'Hara bent on
+keeping the conversation up. Richard sat rather silent, but my lord,
+already deliriously happy, soon let fall his armour and joined in the
+talk, anxious to hear all the news of town for the last six years.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara was several times hard put to it to keep from laughing out loud
+at his thoughts. The humour of the situation struck him forcibly. After
+fighting as grimly as these men fought, and after all that had
+transpired, that they should both sit down to supper as they were doing,
+appealed to him strongly. He had quite thought that my lord would
+incline to tragedy and refuse to stay an instant longer in the Duke's
+house.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until midnight, when everyone else had gone to bed, that the
+brothers came face to face, alone. The dining-room was very quiet now,
+and the table bore a dissipated look with the remains of supper left on
+it. My lord stood absently playing with the long-handled punch spoon,
+idly stirring the golden dregs at the bottom of the bowl. The candles
+shed their light full on his face, and Richard, standing opposite in the
+shadow, had ample opportunity of studying it.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed to him that he could not look long enough. Unconsciously his
+eyes devoured every detail of the loved countenance and watched each
+movement of the slender hand. He found John subtly changed, but quite
+how he could not define. He had not aged much, and he was still the same
+laughter-loving Jack of the old days, with just that intangible
+difference. O'Hara had felt it, too: a slight impenetrability, a
+reserve.</p>
+
+<p>It was my lord who broke the uncomfortable silence. As if he felt the
+other's eyes upon him, he looked up with his appealing, whimsical smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Devil take it, Dick, we're as shy as two schoolboys!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard did not smile, and his brother came round the table to his side.</p>
+
+<p>"There's nought to be said betwixt us two, Dick. 'Twould be so damned
+unnecessary. After all&mdash;we always shared in one another's scrapes!"</p>
+
+<p>He stood a moment with his hand on Richard's shoulder; then Richard
+turned to him "What you must <i>think</i> of me!" he burst out. "My God, when
+I realise&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know. Believe me, Dick, I know just what you must have felt. But pray
+forget it! It's over now, and buried."</p>
+
+<p>There was another long silence. Lord John withdrew his hand at last, and
+perched on the edge of the table, smiling across at Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd well-nigh forgot that you were a middle-aged papa! A son?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay&mdash;John&mdash;after you."</p>
+
+<p>"I protest I am flattered. Lord, to think of you with a boy of your
+own!" He laughed, twirling his eyeglass.</p>
+
+<p>At last Richard smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"To think of you an uncle!" he retorted, and suddenly all vestige of
+stiffness had fled.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Next morning Richard went on to Wyncham, and Diana, Jack and O'Hara
+travelled back to Sussex. Jack would not go home yet. He protested that
+he was going to be married first, and would then bring home his
+Countess. But he had several instructions to give his brother concerning
+the preparation of his house. The last thing he requested Richard to do
+was to seek out a certain city merchant, Fudby by name, and to rescue a
+clerk, Chilter, from him, bearing him off to Wyncham. All this he called
+from the coach window, just before they set off.</p>
+
+<p>Richard led Jenny, whom he was to ride home, up to the door of the
+vehicle, and expostulated.</p>
+
+<p>"But what in thunder am I to do with the man?"</p>
+
+<p>"Give him to Warburton," advised Jack flippantly. "I know he needs a
+clerk&mdash;he always did!"</p>
+
+<p>"But perhaps he will not desire to come&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You do as I tell you!" laughed his brother. "I shall expect to find him
+at Wyncham when I arrive! <i>Au revoir</i>!" He drew his head in, and the
+coach rumbled off.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY O'HARA IS TRIUMPHANT</h3>
+
+
+<p>After spending a restless night, starting at every sound, and hearing
+the hours strike slowly away, Lady O'Hara arose not a whit refreshed and
+considerably more ill at ease than she had been before.</p>
+
+<p>During the night she had imagined all sorts of impossible horrors to
+have befallen her husband, and if, when the reassuring daylight had
+come, the horrors had somewhat dispersed, enough remained to cause her
+an anxious morning as she alternated between the hall window and the
+gate.</p>
+
+<p>No less worried was Jim Salter. He had returned from Fittering last
+night to find his master and Sir Miles gone, Lady O'Hara in a state of
+frightened bewilderment, and the house in a whirl. No one, least of all
+poor Molly, seemed to know exactly where the two men had gone. All she
+knew was that they had come back upon a scene of turmoil, with Mr.
+Beauleigh in the midst of a small crowd of excited servants. Her husband
+had elbowed his way through, and into his ears had Mr. Beauleigh poured
+his story. Then O'Hara seemed to catch the excitement, and she had been
+hurried into the house with the hasty explanation that Jack was off
+after Devil, who had caught Diana, and he must to the rescue. Ten
+minutes after, she had an alarming vision of him galloping off down the
+drive, his sword at his side and pistols in the saddle-holsters. The
+poor little lady had sent an imploring cry after him, checked almost
+before it had left her lips. Afterwards she wished it had never been
+uttered, and rather hoped that it had escaped O'Hara's ears.</p>
+
+<p>Salter arrived not half-an-hour later, and his feelings when told that
+his beloved master had ridden off in search of a fight, may be more
+easily imagined than described. He was all for setting out in his wake,
+but her ladyship strongly vetoed the plan, declaring that Sir Miles
+would be rescue enough, and she was not going to be left entirely
+without protectors. Jim was far too respectful to point out that there
+were five able-bodied men, not counting himself, in the house, but as
+his master had left no instructions for him, he capitulated.</p>
+
+<p>He proved nought but a Job's comforter next day, for when my lady
+pessimistically premised that both Carstares <i>and</i> her husband were
+undoubtedly hurt, he did not, as she expected he would, strive to
+reassure her, but gave a gloomy assent. Whereupon she cast an indignant
+glance in his direction, and turned her back.</p>
+
+<p>At four in the afternoon they were both in the hall, anxiously watching
+the drive.</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure, 'tis monstrous late!" remarked Molly, with wide,
+apprehensive eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my lady."</p>
+
+<p>"If&mdash;if nought were amiss, they should have been back by now, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes indeed, my lady."</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara stamped her foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't say jes!" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>Jim was startled.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg pardon, m'lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are not to say yes! After all, they may have gone a long
+way&mdash;they&mdash;er&mdash;they may be tired! Jenny may have gone
+lame&mdash;anything&mdash;anything may have happened!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, m'&mdash;I mean certainly, your ladyship!" hastily amended Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"In fact, I should not be surprised an they were not at all hurt!"</p>
+
+<p>He shook his head despondently, but luckily for him the lady failed to
+notice it, and continued with airy cheerfulness:</p>
+
+<p>"For my husband has <i>often</i> told me what an excellent swordsman Mr.
+Carstares is, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Your ladyship forgets his wound."</p>
+
+<p>What she might have been constrained to reply to this is not known, for
+at that moment came the sound of coach-wheels on the gravel. With one
+accord she and Salter flew to the door, and between them, wrenched it
+open, just as a gentleman's travelling coach, postillioned by men in
+gold and black, and emblazoned with the Wyncham arms, drew up at the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>My lady was down the steps in the twinkling of an eye, almost before one
+of the grooms had opened the door to offer an arm to my lord. Carstares
+sprang lightly out, followed by O'Hara, seemingly none the worse for
+wear.</p>
+
+<p>Molly ran straight into her husband's arms, regardless of the servants,
+hugging him.</p>
+
+<p>Jim Salter hurried up to my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are not hurt, sir?" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares handed him his hat and cloak.</p>
+
+<p>"Nought to speak of, Jim. But 'Everard' well-nigh finished me for all
+that!" He laughed at Jim's face of horror, and turned to Molly, who,
+having satisfied herself that her husband was quite uninjured and had
+never once been in danger of his life, had come towards him, full of
+solicitude for his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my dear Jack! Miles tells me you have hurt your poor shoulder
+again! And pray what has been done for it? I dare swear not one of you
+great men had the wit to summon a doctor, as indeed you should have,
+for&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Whist now, asthore!" adjured her husband. "'Tis but a clean scratch
+after all. Take him into the house and give him something to drink! I'll
+swear 'tis what he needs most!"</p>
+
+<p>Molly pouted, laughed and complied.</p>
+
+<p>Over the ale Jack related the whole escapade up to the moment when he
+had parted from Diana at Littledean. Then O'Hara took up the tale with a
+delightful chuckle.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, Molly, ye never saw anything to equal poor old Beauleigh when his
+daughter had told him Jack's name! Faith, he didn't know what to do at
+all, he was so excited! And Miss Betty I thought would have the vapours
+from the way she flew from Di to Jack and back again, in such a state of
+mind as ye can't imagine!"</p>
+
+<p>Molly, who had listened with round eyes, drew a deep ecstatic breath.
+Then she bounced up, clapping her hands, and proclaimed that she was
+right after all!</p>
+
+<p>"What will ye be meaning, alanna?" inquired O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, sir, did I not say <i>over</i> and <i>over</i> again that if I could only
+induce Jack to stay with us everything would come right? Now, Miles, you
+know I did!"</p>
+
+<p>"I remember ye said something like it once," admitted her spouse.</p>
+
+<p>"Once, indeed! I was always sure of it. And I did coax you to stay, did
+I not, Jack?" she appealed.</p>
+
+<p>"You did," he agreed. "You assured me that if I was churlish enough to
+leave, Miles would slowly sicken and pine away!"</p>
+
+<p>She ignored her husband's ribald appreciation of this.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you see that 'tis all owing to me that&mdash;" She broke off to shake
+O'Hara, and the meeting ended in riotous hilarity.</p>
+
+<p>When he went to change his clothes, Carstares found Jim already in his
+room awaiting him. He hailed him gaily, and sat down before his
+dressing-table.</p>
+
+<p>"I require a very festive costume to-night, Jim. Rose velvet and cream
+brocade, I think."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, your lordship," was the prim reply.</p>
+
+<p>Jack slewed round.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I understand your lordship is an Earl," said poor Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"Now who was the tactless idiot who told you that? I had intended to
+break the news myself. I suppose now, you know my&mdash;story?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, si&mdash;my lord. I&mdash;I suppose ye won't be requiring my services any
+longer?"</p>
+
+<p>"In heaven's name, why not? Do you wish to leave me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wish to&mdash;! No, sir&mdash;my lord&mdash;I&mdash;I thought ye'd maybe want a smarter
+valet&mdash;and&mdash;not me."</p>
+
+<p>My lord turned back to the mirror and withdrew the pin from his cravat.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be a fool."</p>
+
+<p>This cryptic remark seemed greatly to reassure Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye mean it, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do. I should be lost without you after all this time. Marry
+that nice girl at Fittering, and she shall maid my lady. For I'm to be
+married as soon as may be!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, s&mdash;my lord! I'm sure I'm very glad, s&mdash;your lordship. Rose, sir?
+With the silver lacing?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think so, Jim. And a cream&mdash;very pale cream waistcoat, broidered in
+with rose. There is one, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir&mdash;your lordship."</p>
+
+<p>My lord eyed him despondently.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;Jim!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;your lordship?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sorry, but I cannot endure it."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg pardon, my lord?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't have you call me 'your lordship,' after every second word&mdash;I
+really cannot."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir&mdash;may I still call you 'sir'?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would much rather you did."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir&mdash;thank you...."</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of tying the bow to his master's wig Jim paused, and in
+the mirror Jack saw his face fall.</p>
+
+<p>"What's amiss now? And what have you done with my patches?"</p>
+
+<p>"In that little box, sir&mdash;yes&mdash;that one. I was just thinking&mdash;here's the
+haresfoot, sir&mdash;that I shall never be able to see ye hold up a coach
+now!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord, striving to affix the patch in just the right spot at the
+corner of his mouth, tried to control his features, failed, and went off
+into a peal of laughter that reached O'Hara in the room across the
+landing, and caused him to grin delightedly. He had not heard that laugh
+for many a long day.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="EPILOGUE" id="EPILOGUE"></a>EPILOGUE</h3>
+
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover sat at the window of his lodgings at Venice,
+looking down at a letter in his hand. The writing was his sister's.
+After a moment he drew a deep breath and broke the seal, spreading the
+sheets out upon the broad sill.</p>
+
+<p>"My very dear Tracy,</p>
+
+<p>"So you have gone again with no Farewell to yr. poor Sister, sir! I am
+indeed very offended, but I understand yr. Reason. As soon as I sett
+mine eyes on Diana I knew the Truth and recognised yr. dark Beauty. I am
+monstrous grieved for you, dear. I quite love her myself, altho' she is
+very tiresomely lovely, but perhaps as she is dark and I am fair, we
+shall not clash.</p>
+
+<p>"The Home-coming was prodigious exciting. Andrew was present, Dicky, of
+course, and me. Mrs. Fanshawe, too, was there, for she knew Jack Abroad,
+and a monstrous queer Old Man, who was vastly fidgetty and overcome to
+see Jack. Then Sir Miles and his wife came, who I thought quite
+agreeable nice People, and Diana's Father and Aunt, rather Bourgeois,
+but, on the whole, presentable.</p>
+
+<p>"Everyone knows the Truth now, but most People have been prodigious kind
+and I scarce notice a difference in our Reception. Dearest Dicky is
+gayer than he was wont to be and more darling, and I almost enjoy being
+a Social Outcast.</p>
+
+<p>"When Diana is properly gowned, as should suit her position (but I
+grieve to say that she prefers to dress plainly), she will make a
+prodigious Elegantt Countess. I have promised to connduct her to my own
+Mantua Maker, which is very sacrificing, as I am sure You will agree. I
+know London will go Crazy about her, and, indeed, those who have
+allready seen her, which is Avon and Falmouth, are positively Foolish. I
+make no doubtt 'twill be very mortifying, but I suppose it must be
+borne.</p>
+
+<p>"She and Jack are prodigious happy together; it is most Unfashionable,
+but so am I happy with Dick, so there are a Pair of us, and we had best
+<i>sett</i> Fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, return soon, my dear Tracy, you cannot conceive how I miss you. I
+was surprised you went away with Mr. Fortescue, I had no Notion you were
+so friendly.</p>
+
+<p>"With dearest Love,</p>
+
+<p>"Yr. Sister</p>
+
+<p>"LAVINIA.</p>
+
+<p>"P.S.&mdash;'Twill interest you to hear that Miss Gunning is to marry
+Coventry. 'Tis all over Town this last Week."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Slowly his Grace put the sheets together and handed them to Fortescue,
+who had just come into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"These, from my sister, may possibly interest you, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue read the letter through, and at the end folded it and handed
+it back in silence. Tracy laid it down on the table at his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>"I began&mdash;wrongly," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," assented his friend. "She was not&mdash;that kind of girl."</p>
+
+<p>"But having begun wrongly&mdash;I could not undo the wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"So you made it worse," said Fortescue gently.</p>
+
+<p>"I would have married her in all honour&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In your own arrogant fashion, Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"As you say&mdash;in my own arrogant fashion, Frank. If I could go back a
+year&mdash;but where's the use? I am not whining. Presently I shall return
+to England and make my bow to&mdash;the Countess of Wyncham. Possibly, I
+shall not feel one jealous qualm. One never knows. At all events&mdash;I'll
+make that bow."</p>
+
+<p>"You will?" Frank looked sharply down at him. "Nothing more, Tracy! You
+do not purpose&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing more. You see, Frank&mdash;I love her."</p>
+
+<p>"I crave your pardon. Yes&mdash;she would not take you, but she has, I think,
+made you. As I once told you, when love came you would count yourself as
+nought, and her happiness as everything."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment his Grace was silent, and then back came the old smile,
+still cynical, yet with less of the sneer in it.</p>
+
+<p>"How very pleasant it must be, Frank, to have one's prophecies so
+happily verified!" he purred. "Allow me to felicitate you!"</p>
+
+
+<p>THE END</p>
+<hr style="width: 95%;" />
+<h3><a name="Contents" id="Contents"></a>Contents</h3>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#PROLOGUE">PROLOGUE</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#EPILOGUE">EPILOGUE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 38703 ***</div>
+
+</body>
+</html>
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+
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+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #38703 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/38703)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Black Moth
+       A Romance of the XVIIIth Century
+
+Author: Georgette Heyer
+
+Release Date: January 29, 2012 [EBook #38703]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK MOTH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Clare Graham & Laura McDonald
+(http://www.girlebooks.com), Marc D'Hooghe
+(http://www.freeliterature.org)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BLACK MOTH
+
+A ROMANCE OF THE XVIII CENTURY
+
+BY
+
+GEORGETTE HEYER
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+  PROLOGUE         CHAPTER XVI
+  CHAPTER I        CHAPTER XVII
+  CHAPTER II       CHAPTER XVIII
+  CHAPTER III      CHAPTER XIX
+  CHAPTER IV       CHAPTER XX
+  CHAPTER V        CHAPTER XXI
+  CHAPTER VI       CHAPTER XXII
+  CHAPTER VII      CHAPTER XXIII
+  CHAPTER VIII     CHAPTER XXIV
+  CHAPTER IX       CHAPTER XXV
+  CHAPTER X        CHAPTER XXVI
+  CHAPTER XI       CHAPTER XXVII
+  CHAPTER XII      CHAPTER XXVIII
+  CHAPTER XIII     CHAPTER XXIX
+  CHAPTER XIV      EPILOGUE
+  CHAPTER XV
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+
+Clad in his customary black and silver, with raven hair unpowdered and
+elaborately dressed, diamonds on his fingers and in his cravat, Hugh
+Tracy Clare Belmanoir, Duke of Andover, sat at the escritoire in the
+library of his town house, writing.
+
+He wore no rouge on his face, the almost unnatural pallor of which
+seemed designedly enhanced by a patch set beneath his right eye. Brows
+and lashes were black, the former slanting slightly up at the corners,
+but his narrow, heavy-lidded eyes were green and strangely piercing. The
+thin lips curled a little, sneering, as one dead-white hand travelled to
+and fro across the paper.
+
+... but it seems that the Fair Lady has a Brother, who, finding Me
+Enamoured, threw down the Gauntlet. I soundly whipt the presumptuous
+Child, and so the Affair ends. Now, as you, My dear Frank, also took
+some Interest in the Lady, I write for the Express Purpose of informing
+You that at my Hands she has received no Hurt, nor is not like to. This
+I in part tell You that You shall not imagine Yr self in Honor bound
+again to call Me out, which Purpose, an I mistake not, I yesterday read
+in Yr Eyes. I should be Exceeding loth to meet You in a Second Time,
+when I should consider it my Duty to teach You an even severer Lesson
+than Before. This I am not Wishful of doing for the Liking I bear You.
+
+"So in all Friendship believe me, Frank,
+
+"Your most Obedient, Humble
+
+"DEVIL."
+
+His Grace of Andover paused, pen held in mid-air. A mocking smile dawned
+in his eyes, and he wrote again.
+
+"In the event of any Desire on Yr Part to hazard Yr Luck with my late
+Paramour, Permit Me to warn You 'gainst the Bantam Brother, who is in
+Very Truth a Fire-Eater, and would wish to make of You, as of Me, one
+Mouthfull. I shall hope to see You at the Queensberry Rout on Thursday,
+when You may Once More strive to direct mine Erring Footsteps on to the
+Thorny Path of Virtue."
+
+His Grace read the postscript through with another satisfied, sardonic
+smile. Then he folded the letter, and affixing a wafer, peremptorily
+struck the hand-bell at his side.
+
+And the Honourable Frank Fortescue, reading the postscript half-an-hour
+later, smiled too, but differently. Also he sighed and put the letter
+into the fire.
+
+"And so ends another _affaire_. ... I wonder if you'll go insolently to
+the very end?" he said softly, watching the paper shrivel and flare up.
+"I would to God you might fall honestly in love--and that the lady might
+save you from yourself--my poor Devil!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+AT THE CHEQUERS INN, FALLOWFIELD
+
+
+Chadber was the name of the host, florid of countenance, portly of
+person, and of manner pompous and urbane. Solely within the walls of the
+Chequers lay his world, that inn having been acquired by his
+great-grandfather as far back as the year 1667, when the jovial Stuart
+King sat on the English throne, and the Hanoverian Electors were not yet
+dreamed of.
+
+A Tory was Mr. Chadber to the backbone. None so bitter 'gainst the
+little German as he, and surely none had looked forward more eagerly to
+the advent of the gallant Charles Edward. If he confined his patriotism
+to drinking success to Prince Charlie's campaign, who shall blame him?
+And if, when sundry Whig gentlemen halted at the Chequers on their way
+to the coast, and, calling for a bottle of Rhenish, bade him toss down a
+glass himself with a health to his Majesty, again who shall blame Mr.
+Chadber for obeying? What was a health one way or another when you had
+rendered active service to two of his Stuart Highness's adherents?
+
+It was Mr. Chadber's boast, uttered only to his admiring Tory
+neighbours, that he had, at the risk of his own life, given shelter to
+two fugitives of the disastrous 'Forty-five, who had come so far out of
+their way as quiet Fallowfield. That no one had set eyes on either of
+the men was no reason for doubting an honest landlord's word. But no one
+would have thought of doubting any statement that Mr. Chadber might
+make. Mine host of the Chequers was a great personage in the town, being
+able both to read and to write, and having once, when young, travelled
+as far north as London town, staying there for ten days and setting
+eyes on no less a person than the great Duke of Marlborough himself when
+that gentleman was riding along the Strand on his way to St. James's.
+
+Also, it was a not-to-be-ignored fact that Mr. Chadber's home-brewed ale
+was far superior to that sold by the landlord of the rival inn at the
+other end of the village.
+
+Altogether he was a most important character, and no one was more aware
+of his importance than his worthy self.
+
+To "gentlemen born," whom, he protested, he could distinguish at a
+glance, he was almost obsequiously polite, but on clerks and underlings,
+and men who bore no signs of affluence about their persons, he wasted
+none of his deference.
+
+Thus it was that, when a little green-clad lawyer alighted one day from
+the mail coach and entered the coffee-room at the Chequers, he was
+received with pomposity and scarce-veiled condescension.
+
+He was nervous, it seemed, and more than a little worried. He offended
+Mr. Chadber at the outset, when he insinuated that he was come to meet a
+gentleman who might perhaps be rather shabbily clothed, rather short of
+purse, and even of rather unsavoury repute. Very severely did Mr.
+Chadber give him to understand that guests of that description were
+entirely unknown at the Chequers.
+
+There was an air of mystery about the lawyer, and it appeared almost as
+though he were striving to probe mine host. Mr. Chadber bridled, a
+little, and became aloof and haughty.
+
+When the lawyer dared openly to ask if he had had any dealings with
+highwaymen of late, he was properly and thoroughly affronted.
+
+The lawyer became suddenly more at ease. He eyed Mr. Chadber
+speculatively, holding a pinch of snuff to one thin nostril.
+
+"Perhaps you have staying here a certain--ah--Sir--Anthony--Ferndale?"
+he hazarded.
+
+The gentle air of injury fell from Mr. Chadber. Certainly he had, and
+come only yesterday a-purpose to meet his solicitor.
+
+The lawyer nodded.
+
+"I am he. Be so good as to apprise Sir Anthony of my arrival."
+
+Mr. Chadber bowed exceeding low, and implored the lawyer not to remain
+in the draughty coffee-room. Sir Anthony would never forgive him an he
+allowed his solicitor to await him there. Would he not come to Sir
+Anthony's private parlour?
+
+The very faintest of smiles creased the lawyer's thin face as he walked
+along the passage in Mr. Chadber's wake.
+
+He was ushered into a low-ceilinged, pleasant chamber looking out on to
+the quiet street, and left alone what time Mr. Chadber went in search of
+Sir Anthony.
+
+The room was panelled and ceilinged in oak, with blue curtains to the
+windows and blue cushions on the high-backed settle by the fire. A table
+stood in the centre of the floor, with a white table-cloth thereon and
+places laid for two. Another smaller table stood by the fireplace,
+together with a chair and a stool.
+
+The lawyer took silent stock of his surroundings, and reflected grimly
+on the landlord's sudden change of front. It would appear that Sir
+Anthony was a gentleman of some standing at the Chequers.
+
+Yet the little man was plainly unhappy, and fell to pacing to and fro,
+his chin sunk low on his breast, and his hands clasped behind his back.
+He was come to seek the disgraced son of an Earl, and he was afraid of
+what he might find.
+
+Six years ago Lord John Carstares, eldest son of the Earl of Wyncham,
+had gone with his brother, the Hon. Richard, to a card party, and had
+returned a dishonoured man.
+
+That Jack Carstares should cheat was incredible, ridiculous, and at
+first no one had believed the tale that so quickly spread. But he had
+confirmed that tale himself, defiantly and without shame, before riding
+off, bound, men said, for France and the foreign parts. Brother Richard
+was left, so said the countryside, to marry the lady they were both in
+love with. Nothing further had been heard of Lord John, and the outraged
+Earl forbade his name to be mentioned at Wyncham, swearing to disinherit
+the prodigal. Richard espoused the fair Lady Lavinia and brought her to
+live at the great house, strangely forlorn now without Lord John's
+magnetic presence; but, far from being an elated bridegroom, he seemed
+to have brought gloom with him from the honeymoon, so silent and so
+unhappy was he.
+
+Six years drifted slowly by without bringing any news of Lord John, and
+then, two months ago, journeying from London to Wyncham, Richard's coach
+had been waylaid, and by a highwayman who proved to be none other than
+the scapegrace peer.
+
+Richard's feelings may be imagined. Lord John had been singularly
+unimpressed by anything beyond the humour of the situation. That,
+however, had struck him most forcibly, and he had burst out into a fit
+of laughter that had brought a lump into Richard's throat, and a fresh
+ache into his heart.
+
+Upon pressure John had given his brother the address of the inn, "in
+case of accidents," and told him to ask for "Sir Anthony Ferndale" if
+ever he should need him. Then with one hearty handshake, he had galloped
+off into the darkness....
+
+The lawyer stopped his restless pacing to listen. Down the passage was
+coming the tap-tap of high heels on the wooden floor, accompanied by a
+slight rustle as of stiff silks.
+
+The little man tugged suddenly at his cravat. Supposing--supposing
+debonair Lord John was no longer debonair? Supposing--he dared not
+suppose anything. Nervously he drew a roll of parchment from his pocket
+and stood fingering it.
+
+A firm hand was laid on the door-handle, turning it cleanly round. The
+door opened to admit a veritable apparition, and was closed again with a
+snap.
+
+The lawyer found himself gazing at a slight, rather tall gentleman who
+swept him a profound bow, gracefully flourishing his smart
+three-cornered hat with one hand and delicately clasping cane and
+perfumed handkerchief with the other. He was dressed in the height of
+the Versailles fashion, with full-skirted coat of palest lilac laced
+with silver, small-clothes and stockings of white, and waistcoat of
+flowered satin. On his feet he wore shoes with high red heels and silver
+buckles, while a wig of the latest mode, marvellously powdered and
+curled and smacking greatly of Paris, adorned his shapely head. In the
+foaming lace of his cravat reposed a diamond pin, and on the slim hand,
+half covered by drooping laces, glowed and flashed a huge emerald.
+
+The lawyer stared and stared again, and it was not until a pair of deep
+blue, rather wistful eyes met his in a quizzical glance, that he found
+his tongue. Then a look of astonishment came into his face, and he took
+a half step forward.
+
+"Master Jack!" he gasped. "Master--_Jack_!"
+
+The elegant gentleman came forward and held up a reproving hand. The
+patch at the corner of his mouth quivered, and the blue eyes danced.
+
+"I perceive that you are not acquainted with me, Mr. Warburton," he
+said, amusement in his pleasant, slightly drawling voice. "Allow me to
+present myself: Sir Anthony Ferndale, _a vous servir_!"
+
+A gleam of humour appeared in the lawyer's own eyes as he clasped the
+outstretched hand.
+
+"I think you are perhaps not acquainted with yourself, my lord," he
+remarked drily.
+
+Lord John laid his hat and cane on the small table, and looked faintly
+intrigued.
+
+"What's your meaning, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"I am come, my lord, to inform you that the Earl, your father, died a
+month since."
+
+The blue eyes widened, grew of a sudden hard, and narrowed again.
+
+"Is that really so? Well, well! Apoplexy, I make no doubt?"
+
+The lawyer's lips twitched uncontrollably.
+
+"No, Master Jack; my lord died of heart failure."
+
+"Say you so? Dear me! But will you not be seated, sir? In a moment my
+servant will have induced the _chef_ to serve dinner. You will honour
+me, I trust?"
+
+The lawyer murmured his thanks and sat down on the settle, watching the
+other with puzzled eyes.
+
+The Earl drew up a chair for himself and stretched his foot to the fire.
+
+"Six years, eh? I protest 'tis prodigious good to see your face again,
+Mr. Warburton.... And I'm the Earl? Earl and High Toby, by Gad!" He
+laughed softly.
+
+"I have here the documents, my lord...."
+
+Carstares eyed the roll through his quizzing glass.
+
+"I perceive them. Pray return them to your pocket, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"But there are certain legal formalities, my lord--"
+
+"Exactly. Pray do not let us mention them!"
+
+"But, sir!"
+
+Then the Earl smiled, and his smile was singularly sweet and winning.
+
+"At least, not until after dinner, Warburton! Instead, you shall tell me
+how you found me?"
+
+"Mr. Richard directed me where to come, sir."
+
+"Ah, of course! I had forgot that I told him my--_pied-à-terre_ when I
+waylaid him."
+
+The lawyer nearly shuddered at this cheerful, barefaced mention of his
+lordship's disreputable profession.
+
+"Er--indeed, sir. Mr. Richard is eager for you to return."
+
+The handsome young face clouded over. My lord shook his head.
+
+"Impossible, my dear Warburton. I am convinced Dick never voiced so
+foolish a suggestion. Come now, confess! 'tis your own fabrication?"
+
+Warburton ignored the bantering tone and spoke very deliberately.
+
+"At all events, my lord, I believe him anxious to make--amends."
+
+Carstares shot an alert, suspicious glance at him.
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"Yes, sir. Amends."
+
+My lord studied his emerald with half-closed eyelids.
+
+"But why--amends, Warburton?" he asked.
+
+"Is not that the word, sir?"
+
+"I confess it strikes me as inapt. Doubtless I am dull of
+comprehension."
+
+"You were not wont to be, my lord."
+
+"No? But six years changes a man, Warburton. Pray, is Mr. Carstares
+well?"
+
+"I believe so, sir," replied the lawyer, frowning at the deft change of
+subject.
+
+"And Lady Lavinia?"
+
+"Ay." Mr. Warburton looked searchingly across at him, seeing which, my
+lord's eyes danced afresh, brim full with mischief.
+
+"I am delighted to hear it. Pray present my compliments to Mr. Carstares
+and beg him to use Wyncham as he wills."
+
+"Sir! Master Jack! I implore you!" burst from the lawyer, and he sprang
+up, moving excitedly away, his hands twitching, his face haggard.
+
+My lord stiffened in his chair. He watched the other's jerky movements
+anxiously, but his voice when he spoke was even and cold.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+Mr. Warburton wheeled and came back to the fireplace, looking hungrily
+down at my lord's impassive countenance. With an effort he seemed to
+control himself.
+
+"Master Jack, I had better tell you what you have already guessed. I
+know."
+
+Up went one haughty eyebrow.
+
+"You know what, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"That you are innocent!"
+
+"Of what, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"Of cheating at cards, sir!"
+
+My lord relaxed, and flicked a speck of dust from his great cuff.
+
+"I regret the necessity of having to disillusion you, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"My lord, do not fence with me, I beg! You can trust me, surely?"
+
+"Certainly, sir."
+
+"Then do not keep up this pretence with me; no, nor look so hard
+neither! I've watched you grow up right from the cradle, and Master Dick
+too, and I know you both through and through. I _know_ you never cheated
+at Colonel Dare's nor anywhere else! I could have sworn it at the
+time--ay, when I saw Master Dick's face, I knew at once that he it was
+who had played foul, and you had but taken the blame!"
+
+"No!"
+
+"I know better! Can you, Master Jack, look me in the face and truthfully
+deny what I have said? Can you? Can you?" My lord sat silent.
+
+With a sigh, Warburton sank on to the settle once more. He was flushed,
+and his eyes shone, but he spoke calmly again.
+
+"Of course you cannot. I have never known you lie. You need not fear I
+shall betray you. I kept silence all these years for my lord's sake, and
+I will not speak now until you give me leave."
+
+"Which I never shall."
+
+"Master Jack, think better of it, I beg of you! Now that my lord is
+dead--"
+
+"It makes no difference."
+
+"No difference? 'Twas not for his sake? 'Twas not because you knew how
+he loved Master Dick?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then 'tis Lady Lavinia--"
+
+"No."
+
+"But--"
+
+My lord smiled sadly.
+
+"Ah, Warburton! And you averred you knew us through and through! For
+whose sake should it be but his own?"
+
+"I feared it!" The lawyer made a hopeless gesture with his hands. "You
+will not come back?"
+
+"No, Warburton, I will not; Dick may manage my estates. I remain on the
+road."
+
+Warburton made one last effort.
+
+"My lord!" he cried despairingly, "Will you not at least think of the
+disgrace to the name an you be caught?"
+
+The shadows vanished from my lord's eyes.
+
+"Mr. Warburton, I protest you are of a morbid turn of mind! Do you know,
+I had not thought of so unpleasant a contingency? I swear I was not born
+to be hanged!"
+
+The lawyer would have said more, had not the entrance of a servant,
+carrying a loaded tray, put an end to all private conversation. The man
+placed dishes upon the table, lighted candles, and arranged two chairs.
+
+"Dinner is served, sir," he said.
+
+My lord nodded, and made a slight gesture toward the windows. Instantly
+the man went over to them and drew the heavy curtains across.
+
+My lord turned to Mr. Warburton.
+
+"What say you, sir? Shall it be burgundy or claret, or do you prefer
+sack?"
+
+Warburton decided in favour of claret.
+
+"Claret, Jim," ordered Carstares, and rose to his feet.
+
+"I trust the drive has whetted your appetite, Warburton, for honest
+Chadber will be monstrous hurt an you do not justice to his capons."
+
+"I shall endeavour to spare his feelings," replied the lawyer with a
+twinkle, and seated himself at the table.
+
+Whatever might be Mr. Chadber's failings, he possessed an excellent
+cook. Mr. Warburton dined very well, beginning on a fat duck, and
+continuing through the many courses that constituted the meal.
+
+When the table was cleared, the servant gone, and the port before them,
+he endeavoured to guide the conversation back into the previous
+channels. But he reckoned without my lord, and presently found himself
+discussing the Pretender's late rebellion. He sat up suddenly.
+
+"There were rumours that you were with the Prince, sir."
+
+Carstares set down his glass in genuine amazement.
+
+"I?"
+
+"Indeed, yes. I do not know whence the rumour came, but it reached
+Wyncham. My lord said nought, but I think Mr. Richard hardly credited
+it."
+
+"I should hope not! Why should they think me turned rebel, pray?"
+
+Mr. Warburton frowned.
+
+"Rebel, sir?"
+
+"Rebel, Mr. Warburton. I have served under his Majesty."
+
+"The Carstares were ever Tories, Master Jack, true to their rightful
+king."
+
+"My dear Warburton, I owe nought to the Stuart princes. I was born in
+King George the First's reign, and I protest I am a good Whig."
+
+Warburton shook his head disapprovingly.
+
+"There has never been a Whig in the Wyncham family, sir."
+
+"And you hope there never will be again, eh? What of Dick? Is he
+faithful to the Pretender?"
+
+"I think Mr. Richard does not interest himself in politics, sir."
+
+Carstares raised his eyebrows, and there fell a silence.
+
+After a minute or two Mr. Warburton cleared his throat.
+
+"I--I suppose, sir--you have no idea of--er--discontinuing
+your--er--profession?"
+
+My lord gave an irrepressible little laugh.
+
+"Faith, Mr. Warburton, I've only just begun!"
+
+"Only--But a year ago, Mr. Richard--"
+
+"I held him up? Ay, but to tell the truth, sir, I've not done much since
+then!"
+
+"Then, sir, you are not--er--notorious?"
+
+"Good gad, no! Notorious, forsooth! Confess, Warburton, you thought me
+some heroic figure? 'Gentleman Harry', perhaps?"
+
+Warburton blushed.
+
+"Well, sir--I--er--wondered."
+
+"I shall have to disappoint you, I perceive. I doubt Bow Street has
+never heard of me--and--to tell the truth--'tis not an occupation which
+appeals vastly to my senses."
+
+"Then why, my lord, do you continue?"
+
+"I must have some excuse for roaming the country," pleaded Jack. "I
+could not be idle."
+
+"You are not--compelled to--er--rob, my lord?"
+
+Carstares wrinkled his brow inquiringly.
+
+"Compelled? Ah--I take your meaning. No, Warburton, I have enough for my
+wants--now; time was--but that is past. I rob for amusement's sake."
+
+Warburton looked steadily across at him.
+
+"I am surprised, my lord, that you, a Carstares, should find
+it--amusing."
+
+John was silent for a moment, and when he at length spoke it was
+defiantly and with a bitterness most unusual in him.
+
+"The world, Mr. Warburton, has not treated me so kindly that I should
+feel any qualms of conscience. But, an it gives you any satisfaction to
+know it, I will tell you that my robberies are few and far between. You
+spoke a little while ago of my probable--ah--fate--on Tyburn Tree. I
+think you need not fear to hear of that."
+
+"I--It gives me great satisfaction, my lord, I confess," stammered the
+lawyer, and found nothing more to say. After a long pause he again
+produced the bulky roll of parchment and laid it down before the Earl
+with the apologetic murmur of:
+
+"Business, my lord!"
+
+Carstares descended from the clouds and eyed the packet with evident
+distaste. He proceeded to fill his and his companion's glass very
+leisurely. That done, he heaved a lugubrious sigh, caught Mr.
+Warburton's eye, laughed in answer to its quizzical gleam, and broke the
+seal.
+
+"Since you _will_ have it, sir--business!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Warburton stayed the night at the Chequers and travelled back to
+Wyncham next day by the two o'clock coach. He played piquet and ecarte
+with my lord all the evening, and then retired to bed, not having found
+an opportunity to argue his mission as he had hoped to do. Whenever he
+had tried to turn the conversation that way he had been gently but
+firmly led into safer channels, and somehow had found it impossible to
+get back. My lord was the gayest and most charming of companions, but
+talk "business" he would not. He regaled the lawyer with spicy anecdotes
+and tales of abroad, but never once allowed Mr. Warburton to speak of
+his home or of his brother.
+
+The lawyer retired to rest in a measure reassured by the other's good
+spirits, but at the same time dispirited by his failure to induce
+Carstares to return to Wyncham.
+
+Next morning, although he was not up until twelve, he was before my
+lord, who only appeared in time for lunch, which was served as before in
+the oak parlour.
+
+He entered the room in his usual leisurely yet decided fashion and made
+Mr. Warburton a marvellous leg. Then he bore him off to inspect his
+mare, Jenny, of whom he was inordinately proud. By the time they
+returned to the parlour luncheon was served, and Mr. Warburton realised
+that he had scarcely any time left in which to plead his cause.
+
+My lord's servant hovered continually about the room, waiting on them,
+until his master bade him go to attend to the lawyer's valise. When the
+door had closed on his retreating form, Carstares leaned back in his
+chair, and, with a rather dreary little smile, turned to his companion.
+
+"You want to reason with me, I know, Mr. Warburton, and, indeed, I will
+listen an I must. But I would so much rather that you left the subject
+alone, believe me."
+
+Warburton sensed the finality in his voice, and wisely threw away his
+last chance.
+
+"I understand 'tis painful, my lord, and I will say no more. Only
+remember--and think on it, I beg!"
+
+The concern in his face touched my lord.
+
+"You are too good to me, Mr. Warburton, I vow. I can only say that I
+appreciate your kindness--and your forbearance. And I trust that you
+will forgive my seeming churlishness and believe that I am indeed
+grateful to you."
+
+"I wish I might do more for you, Master Jack!" stammered Warburton, made
+miserable by the wistful note in his favourite's voice. There was no
+time for more; the coach already awaited him, and his valise had been
+hoisted up. As they stood together in the porch, he could only grip my
+lord's hand tightly and say good-bye. Then he got hurriedly into the
+coach, and the door was slammed behind him.
+
+My lord made his leg, and watched the heavy vehicle move forward and
+roll away down the street. Then with a stifled sigh he turned and walked
+towards the stables. His servant saw him coming and went at once to meet
+him.
+
+"The mare, sir?"
+
+"As you say, Jim--the mare. In an hour."
+
+He turned and would have strolled back.
+
+"Sir--your honour!"
+
+He paused, looking over his shoulder.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"They're on the look-out, sir. Best be careful."
+
+"They always are, Jim. But thanks."
+
+"Ye--ye wouldn't take me with ye, sir?" pleadingly.
+
+"Take you? Faith, no! I've no mind to lead you into danger. And you
+serve me best by remaining to carry out my orders."
+
+The man fell back.
+
+"Ay, sir; but--but--"
+
+"There are none, Jim."
+
+"No, sir--but ye _will_ have a care?"
+
+"I will be the most cautious of men." He walked away on the word, and
+passed into the house.
+
+In an hour he was a very different being. Gone was the emerald ring, the
+foppish cane; the languid air, too, had disappeared, leaving him brisk
+and businesslike. He was dressed for riding, with buff coat and buckskin
+breeches, and shining top boots. A sober brown wig replaced the powdered
+creation, and a black tricorne was set rakishly atop.
+
+He stood in the deserted porch, watching Jim strap his baggage to the
+saddle, occasionally giving a curt direction. Presently Mr. Chadber
+appeared with the stirrup-cup, which he drained and handed back with a
+word of thanks and a guinea at the bottom.
+
+Someone called lustily from within, and the landlord, bowing very low,
+murmured apologies and vanished.
+
+Jim cast a last glance at the saddle-girths, and, leaving the mare
+quietly standing in the road, came up to his master with gloves and
+whip.
+
+Carstares took them silently and fell to tapping his boot, his eyes
+thoughtfully on the man's face.
+
+"You will hire a coach, as usual," he said at length, "and take my
+baggage to--" (He paused, frowning)--"Lewes. You will engage a room at
+the White Hart and order dinner. I shall wear--apricot and--h'm!"
+
+"Blue, sir?" ventured Jim, with an idea of being helpful.
+
+His master's eyes crinkled at the corners.
+
+"You are a humorist, Salter. Apricot and cream. Cream? Yes, 'tis a
+pleasing thought--cream. That is all--Jenny!"
+
+The mare turned her head, whinnying as he came towards her.
+
+"Good lass!" He mounted lightly and patted her glossy neck. Then he
+leaned sideways in the saddle to speak again to Salter, who stood beside
+him, one hand on the bridle.
+
+"The cloak?"
+
+"Behind you, sir."
+
+"My wig?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Pistols?"
+
+"Ready primed, sir."
+
+"Good. I shall be in Lewes in time for dinner--with luck."
+
+"Yes, sir. Ye--ye will have a care?" anxiously.
+
+"Have I not told you?" He straightened in the saddle, touched the mare
+with his heel, and bestowing a quick smile and a nod on his man, trotted
+easily away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+MY LORD AT THE WHITE HART
+
+
+"Sir Anthony Ferndale" sat before the dressing-table in his room at the
+White Hart, idly polishing his nails. A gorgeous silk dressing gown lay
+over the back of his chair, and, behind him, Jim was attending to his
+wig, at the same time hovering anxiously over the coat and waistcoat
+that were waiting to be donned.
+
+Carstares left off polishing his nails, yawned, and leaned back in his
+chair, a slim, graceful figure in cambric shirt and apricot satin
+breeches. He studied his cravat for some moments in the mirror, and
+lifted a hand to it. Salter held his breath. With extreme deliberation
+the hand moved a diamond and emerald pin the fraction of an inch to one
+side, and fell to his side again. Salter drew a relieved breath, which
+brought his master's eyes round to himself.
+
+"No trouble, Jim?"
+
+"None at all, sir."
+
+"Neither had I. 'Twas most surprisingly easy. The birds had no more
+fight in them than sparrows. Two men in a coach--one a bullying rascal
+of a merchant, the other his clerk. Gad! but I was sorry for that little
+man!" He paused, his hand on the rouge pot.
+
+Salter looked an inquiry.
+
+"Yes," nodded Carstares. "Very sorry. The fat man would appear to bully
+and browbeat him after the manner of his kind; he even blamed him for my
+advent, the greasy coward! Yes, Jim, you are right--he did not appeal to
+me, _ce M. Fudby_. So--" ingenuously, "I relieved him of his cash-box
+and two hundred guineas. A present for the poor of Lewes."
+
+Jim jerked his shoulder, frowning.
+
+"If ye give away all ye get, sir, why do ye rob at all?" he asked
+bluntly.
+
+His whimsical little smile played about my lord's mouth.
+
+"'Tis an object for my life, Jim: a noble object. And I believe it
+amuses me to play Robin Hood--take from the rich to give to the poor,"
+he added, for Salter's benefit. "But to return to my victims--you would
+have laughed had you but seen my little man come tumbling out of the
+coach when I opened the door!"
+
+"Tumble, sir? Why should he do that?"
+
+"He was at pains to explain the reason. It seems he had been commanded
+to hold the door to prevent my entering--so when I jerked it open,
+sooner than loose his hold, he fell out on to the road. Of course, I
+apologised most abjectly--and we had some conversation. Quite a nice
+little man.... It made me laugh to see him sprawling on the road,
+though!"
+
+"Wish I could have seen it, your honour. I would ha' liked fine to ha'
+been beside ye." He looked down at the lithe form with some pride. "I'd
+give something to see ye hold up a coach, sir!"
+
+Haresfoot in hand, Jack met his admiring eyes in the glass, and laughed.
+
+"I make no doubt you would.... I have cultivated a superb voice, a
+trifle thick and beery, a little loud, perhaps--ah, something to dream
+of o' nights! I doubt they do, too," he added reflectively, and affixed
+the patch at the corner of his mouth.
+
+"So? A little low, you think? But 'twill suffice--What's toward?"
+
+Down below in the street there was a great stirring and bustling:
+horses' hoofs, shouts from the ostlers, and the sound of wheels on the
+cobble-stones. Jim went to the window and looked down, craning his neck
+to see over the balcony.
+
+"'Tis a coach arrived, sir."
+
+"That much had I gathered," replied my lord, busy with the powder.
+
+"Yes, sir. O lord, sir!" He was shaken with laughter.
+
+"What now?"
+
+"'Tis the curiousest sight, sir! Two gentlemen, one fat and t'other
+small! One's all shrivelled-looking, like a spider, while t'other--"
+
+"Resembles a hippopotamus--particularly in the face?"
+
+"Well yes, sir. He do rather. And he be wearing purple."
+
+"Heavens, yes! Purple, and an orange waistcoat!"
+
+Jim peered afresh.
+
+"So it is, sir! But how did you know?" Even as he put the question,
+understanding flashed into Jim's eyes.
+
+"I rather think that I have had the honour of meeting these gentlemen,"
+replied my lord placidly. "My buckle, Jim.... Is't a prodigious great
+coach with wheels picked out in yellow?"
+
+"Ay, your honour. The gentlemen seem a bit put out, too."
+
+"That is quite probable. Does the smaller gentleman wear
+somewhat--ah--muddied garments?"
+
+"I can't see, sir; he stands behind the fat gentleman."
+
+"Mr. Bumble Bee.... Jim!"
+
+"Sir!" Jim turned quickly at the sound of the sharp voice.
+
+He found that my lord had risen, and was holding up a waistcoat of
+pea-green pattern on a bilious yellow ground, between a disgusted finger
+and thumb. Before his severe frown Jim dropped his eyes and stood
+looking for all the world like a schoolboy detected in some crime.
+
+"You put this--this monstrosity--out for _me_ to wear?" in awful tones.
+
+Jim eyed the waistcoat gloomily and nodded.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Did I not specify cream ground?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I thought--I thought that 'twas cream!"
+
+"My good friend, it is--it is--I cannot say what it is. And pea-green!"
+he shuddered. "Remove it."
+
+Jim hurried forward and disposed of the offending garment.
+
+"And bring me the broidered satin. Yes, that is it. It is particularly
+pleasing to the eye."
+
+"Yes, sir," agreed the abashed Jim.
+
+"You are excused this time," added my lord, with a twinkle in his eye.
+"What are our two friends doing?"
+
+Salter went back to the window
+
+"They've gone into the house, sir. No, here's the spider gentleman! He
+do seem in a hurry, your honour!"
+
+"Ah!" murmured his lordship. "You may assist me into this coat. Thanks."
+
+With no little difficulty, my lord managed to enter into the fine satin
+garment, which, when on, seemed moulded to his back, so excellently did
+it fit. He shook out his ruffles and slipped the emerald ring on to his
+finger with a slight frown.
+
+"I believe I shall remain here some few days," he remarked presently.
+"To--ah--allay suspicion." He looked across at his man as he spoke,
+through his lashes.
+
+It was not in Jim's nature to inquire into his master's affairs, much
+less to be surprised at anything he might do or say. He was content to
+receive and promptly execute his orders, and to worship Carstares with a
+dog-like devotion, following blindly in his wake, happy as long as he
+might serve him.
+
+Carstares had found him in France, very down upon his luck, having been
+discharged from the service of his late master owing to the penniless
+condition of that gentleman's pocket. He had engaged him as his own
+personal servant, and the man had remained with him ever since, proving
+an invaluable acquisition to my Lord John. Despite a singularly wooden
+countenance, he was by no means a fool, and he had helped Carstares out
+of more than one tight corner during his inglorious and foolhardy career
+as highwayman. He probably understood his somewhat erratic master better
+than anyone else, and he now divined what was in his mind. He returned
+that glance with a significant wink.
+
+"'Twas them gentlemen ye held up to-day, sir?" he asked, jerking an
+expressive thumb towards the window.
+
+"M'm. Mr. Bumble Bee and friend. It would almost appear so. I think I do
+not fully appreciate Mr. Bumble Bee. I find his conduct rather tiresome.
+But it is just possible that he thinks the same of me. I will further my
+acquaintance with him."
+
+Jim grunted scornfully, and an inquiring eye was cocked at him.
+
+"You do not admire our friend? Pray, do not judge him by his exterior.
+He may possess a beautiful mind. But I do not think so. N-no, I really
+do not think so." He chuckled a little. "Do you know, Jim, I believe I
+am going to enjoy myself to-night!"
+
+"I don't doubt it, your honour. 'Twere child's play to trick the fat
+gentleman."
+
+"Probably. But it is not with the fat gentleman that I shall have to
+deal. 'Tis with all the officials of this charming town, an I mistake
+not. Do I hear the small spider returning?"
+
+Salter stepped back to the window.
+
+"Ay, sir--with three others."
+
+"Pre-cisely. Be so good as to hand me my snuff-box. And my cane. Thank
+you. I feel the time has now come for me to put in an appearance. Pray,
+bear in mind that I am new come from France and journey by easy stages
+to London. And cultivate a stupid expression. Yes, that will do
+excellently."
+
+Jim grinned delightedly; he had assumed no expression of stupidity, and
+was consequently much pleased with this pleasantry. He swung open the
+door with an air, and watched "Sir Anthony" mince along the passage to
+the stairs.
+
+In the coffee-room the city merchant, Mr. Fudby by name, was relating
+the story of his wrongs, with many an impressive pause, and much
+emphasis, to the mayor, town-clerk, and beadle of Lewes. All three had
+been fetched by Mr. Chilter, his clerk, in obedience to his orders, for
+the bigger the audience the better pleased was Mr. Fudby. He was now
+enjoying himself quite considerably, despite the loss of his precious
+cash-box.
+
+So was not Mr. Hedges, the mayor. He was a fussy little man who suffered
+from dyspepsia; he was not interested in the affair, and he did not see
+what was to be done for Mr. Fudby. Further, he had been haled from his
+dinner, and he was hungry; and, above all, he found Mr. Fudby very
+unattractive. Still, a highroad robbery was serious matter enough, and
+some course of action must be thought out; so he listened to the story
+with an assumption of interest, looking exceedingly wise, and, at the
+proper moments, uttering sounds betokening concern.
+
+The more he saw and heard of Mr. Fudby, the less he liked him. Neither
+did the town-clerk care for him. There was that about Mr. Fudby that did
+not endear him to his fellow-men, especially when they chanced to be his
+inferiors in the social scale. The beadle did not think much about
+anything. Having decided (and rightly) that the affair had nothing
+whatever to do with him, he leaned back in his chair and stared stolidly
+up at the ceiling.
+
+The tale Mr. Fudby was telling bore surprisingly little resemblance to
+the truth. It was a much embellished version, in which he himself had
+behaved with quite remarkable gallantry. It had been gradually concocted
+during the journey to Lewes.
+
+He was still holding forth when my lord entered the room. Carstares
+raised his glass languidly to survey the assembled company, bowed
+slightly, and walked over to the fire. He seated himself in an armchair
+and took no further notice of anybody.
+
+Mr. Hedges had recognised at a glance that here was some _grand
+seigneur_ and wished that Mr. Fudby would not speak in so loud a voice.
+But that individual, delighted at having a new auditor, continued his
+tale with much relish and in a still louder tone.
+
+My lord yawned delicately and took a pinch of snuff.
+
+"Yes, yes," fussed Mr. Hedges. "But, short of sending to London for the
+Runners, I do not see what I can do. If I send to London, it must, of
+course, be at your expense, sir."
+
+Mr. Fudby bristled.
+
+"At _my_ expense, sir? Do ye say at _my_ expense? I am surprised! I
+repeat--I am surprised!"
+
+"Indeed, sir? I can order the town-crier out, describing the horse,
+and--er--offering a reward for the capture of any man on such an
+animal. But--" he shrugged and looked across at the town-clerk--"I do
+not imagine that 'twould be of much use--eh, Mr. Brand?"
+
+The clerk pursed his lips and spread out his hands.
+
+"I fear not; I very much fear not. I would advise Mr. Fudby to have a
+proclamation posted up round the country." He sat back with the air of
+one who has contributed his share to the work, and does not intend to
+offer any more help.
+
+"Ho!" growled Mr. Fudby. He blew out his cheeks. "'Twill be a grievous
+expense, though I suppose it must be done, and I cannot but feel that if
+it had not been for your deplorably cowardly conduct, Chilter--yes,
+cowardly conduct, I say--I might never have been robbed of my two
+hundred!" He snuffled a little, and eyed the flushed but silent Chilter
+with mingled reproach and scorn. "However, my coachman assures me he
+could swear to the horse again, although he cannot remember much about
+the man himself. Chilter! How did he describe the horse?"
+
+"Oh--er--chestnut, Mr. Fudby--chestnut, with a half-moon of white on its
+forehead, and one white foreleg."
+
+Jack perceived that it was time he took a hand in the game. He half
+turned in his chair and levelled his quizzing-glass at Mr. Chilter.
+
+"I beg your pardon?" he drawled.
+
+Mr. Fudby's eye brightened. The fine gentleman was roused to an
+expression of interest at last. He launched forth into his story once
+more for my lord's benefit. Carstares eyed him coldly, seeing which, Mr.
+Hedges came hurriedly to the rescue.
+
+"Er--yes, Mr. Fudby--quite so! Your pardon, sir, I have not the honour
+of knowing your name?"
+
+"Ferndale," supplied Jack, "Sir Anthony Ferndale."
+
+"Er--yes--" Mr. Hedges bowed. "Pray pardon my importuning you with
+our--"
+
+"Not at all," said my lord.
+
+"No--quite so--The fact is, these--er--gentlemen have had
+the--er--misfortune to be waylaid on their journey here."
+
+Sir Anthony's glass was again levelled at the group. His expression
+betokened mild surprise.
+
+"_All_ these gentlemen?" he inquired blandly. "Dear, dear!"
+
+"Oh, no, no, no, sir! Not all--Only Mr.--er--"
+
+"Fudby," said that worthy, and discovered that Sir Anthony was bowing
+frigidly. At once he rose, and resting his knuckles on the table before
+him, bent his body slowly and painfully. Sir Anthony inclined his head.
+Whereupon, to the delight of all the rest, Mr. Fudby bowed again with
+even greater stateliness than before. Mr. Hedges observed Sir Anthony's
+lips to twitch convulsively. He waited for Mr. Fudby to subside, and
+then continued:
+
+"Yes--Mr. Fudby and Mr.--"
+
+"My clerk!" snapped Fudby.
+
+Sir Anthony favoured Mr. Chilter with his peculiarly sweet smile, and
+turned again to Mr. Hedges.
+
+"I see. A _daylight_ robbery, you say?"
+
+"Broad daylight!" boomed Mr. Fudby.
+
+"Er--yes, yes," interposed the mayor, fearing a fresh outbreak from that
+quarter. "I wonder if you have seen anything of such an animal as
+Mr.--er--Chilter--described?"
+
+"'Tis a most extraordinary thing," said Carstares slowly, "but I have
+just bought such an one." He glanced round with an inquiring smile and
+one eyebrow lifted.
+
+"Well!" ejaculated Mr. Fudby. "Well!"
+
+"Dear me, sir, what a strange coincidence! May I ask where you bought
+it, and from whom?"
+
+"She has not been in my possession over two hours. I bought her from an
+out-at-elbows ruffian, on my way hither. I thought at one time that
+'twas strange that the man should possess such a mare--pure bred, I
+vow--and wondered why he was so eager to be rid of her."
+
+"He was eager because he knew he would be recognised by her," explained
+Mr. Fudby kindly.
+
+"Without doubt. Perhaps you would like to see her? I will send my man--"
+
+"Oh no, no!" cried the mayor. "We would not dream of so inconveniencing
+you--"
+
+"'Twere a pleasure," bowed Jack, devoutly hoping that Mr. Fudby would
+not require to see Jenny, who, he felt sure, would betray him by her
+very evident affection.
+
+"No, no, Sir Anthony, 'tis quite unnecessary, I assure you, but I thank
+you for all that. Mr. Fudby, if you would describe the man himself, I
+will see to the proclamation."
+
+"Describe him, Chilter!" ordered Mr. Fudby, who was becoming rather
+grumpy.
+
+Mr. Chilter smiled suddenly.
+
+"Certainly, sir!" he said with alacrity. "'Twas a great ruffianly
+fellow, monstrous tall--"
+
+"How tall?" interrupted the town-clerk. "Six feet?"
+
+"Oh, quite!" lied Mr. Chilter. "And fat."
+
+Jack's shoulders shook.
+
+"Fat, you say?" he asked gently.
+
+"Very fat," affirmed Mr. Chilter. "And prodigious rough, swearing
+dreadfully in his speech."
+
+"You could not see his face, I suppose?"
+
+Mr. Chilter hesitated.
+
+"I could see his mouth and chin," he said, "and I remarked a long scar
+running from his under-lip to the--er--bottom of his face."
+
+Involuntarily Carstares' hand caressed his perfectly smooth chin. Either
+the little clerk was a born romancer, or for some reason or other he did
+not want the highwayman to be taken.
+
+"Well, Sir Anthony?" the mayor was saying. "Does that description fit
+your man?"
+
+My lord frowned thoughtfully.
+
+"Tall," he said slowly, "and fat--you said fat, I think, Mr. Chilter?"
+
+Rather anxiously Mr. Chilter reiterated this statement.
+
+"Ah! And with a long scar--yes, that is undoubtedly he. Furthermore," he
+added audaciously, "he has a squint in his left eye. 'Tis a most
+ill-favoured rogue in all."
+
+"It would appear so, Sir Anthony," remarked the mayor drily. He did not
+in the least believe the story of the squint, and imagined that the fine
+court gentleman was amusing himself at their expense. Nevertheless, he
+had no intention of remonstrating; the sooner he could withdraw from
+this very tiresome affair the better. So he gravely took down all the
+absurd particulars, remarked that the man should be easy to find, and
+made ready to depart.
+
+The town-clerk rose, and tapped the beadle on the shoulder, whereupon
+that worthy, with a grunt, abandoned his pose of masterly inactivity and
+followed the mayor out of the room.
+
+Mr. Fudby rose.
+
+"I doubt I shall never see my money again," he said pettishly. "If you,
+Chilter had not been so--"
+
+"Allow me to offer you some snuff, Mr. Chilter," interposed my lord
+gently, extending his jewelled box. "Doubtless, sir, you would wish to
+see my mare?"
+
+"I know nought of horses," snorted Mr. Fudby. "'Tis my clerk who appears
+to have remarked all the details." He sneered terrifically.
+
+"Then pray, do me the honour of walking as far as the stables, Mr.
+Chilter. 'Twere as well to be certain about the mare. Mr.-ah--Fudby,
+your servant."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"And now, Mr. Chilter, I have a grudge against you," said Carstares, as
+they walked across the little garden.
+
+"Me, sir? Oh--er--have you, Sir Anthony?"
+
+He looked up and perceived that the gentleman was laughing.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Chilter, a very serious grudge: you have described me as fat!"
+
+Chilter nearly fainted.
+
+"_You_, sir," he gasped, and stared in amazement.
+
+"Also that I swear dreadfully in my speech, and that I have a scar
+running from my mouth to my chin."
+
+Mr. Chilter stood stock-still in the middle of the path.
+
+"It was you, sir, all the time? _You_ held us up? Were _you_ the man who
+wrenched open the door?"
+
+"I was that infamous scoundrel. I beg leave once more to apologise for
+my carelessness in opening that same door. Now tell me, why did you
+take such pains to throw dust in their sleepy eyes?"
+
+They resumed their walk slowly. The little clerk flushed.
+
+"I scarce know, sir, save that I--that I liked you, and--and--"
+
+"I see. 'Twas prodigious good of you, Mr. Chilter. I wonder if there is
+anything that I can do to show my gratitude?"
+
+Again the clerk flushed and lifted his head proudly.
+
+"I thank you, sir, but there is nought."
+
+By now they had reached the stable. Carstares opened the door and they
+entered.
+
+"Then will you accept this in token of my regard, sir?"
+
+Mr. Chilter gazed at the emerald ring that glowed and winked at him from
+the palm of my lord's hand. He looked up into the blue eyes and
+stammered a little.
+
+"Indeed, sir--I--I--"
+
+"'Tis honestly come by!" pleadingly. "Come, Mr. Chilter, you'll not hurt
+my feelings by refusing? You will keep it in remembrance of a man--a fat
+man, Mr. Chilter--who rudely jerked you on to the road?"
+
+The clerk took it with unsteady fingers.
+
+"I thank you most--"
+
+"Nay, I beg of you. 'Tis I thank you for aiding me so kindly.... Come
+and see my Jenny! Well, lass?" For the mare at the first sound of his
+voice had turned in her loose-box, and was whinnying and pawing the
+ground eagerly.
+
+"I do not understand, sir, anything: how it is that you are a
+highwayman, or why you have honoured me with your confidence--why you
+should trust me. But--thank you."
+
+As he spoke, Mr. Chilter placed his hand in my lord's, and for the
+second time in his life, felt the pressure of those firm, kindly
+fingers.
+
+"Why, your honour! Ye've lost your emerald!"
+
+"No, Jim. I gave it away."
+
+"Ye--ye _gave_ it away, sir?"
+
+"M'm. To the small spider."
+
+"B-but--"
+
+"And he called me fat, too."
+
+"Called ye fat, sir?" asked the man, bewildered.
+
+"Yes. Very fat. By the way, let me tell you that I bought Jenny at
+Fittering to-day from the naughty ruffian who waylaid Mr. Bumble Bee."
+He proceeded to give Jim a sketch of what had transpired below. When he
+had finished the man shook his head severely.
+
+"I doubt ye'll never learn wisdom, sir," he scolded.
+
+"I? What have I done?"
+
+"What did ye want to tell it all to the spider man for, sir? 'Twas most
+incautious of ye. Like as not, he'll split to the fat gentleman, and
+we'll have the whole town at our heels."
+
+"Which just shows all you know of the small spider," replied his master
+calmly. "Hand me the powder."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+INTRODUCING THE HON. RICHARD CARSTARES
+
+
+Wyncham! A stately old house with mullioned windows, standing high on
+its stone terraces, half-covered by creepers; a house surrounded by
+lawns, rolling down on the one side to a river that rippled and murmured
+its way along beneath overhanging trees and a blue sky, over boulders
+and rocks, so clear and sparkling that the myriad pebbles could be seen
+deep down on its bed.
+
+In the other direction, the velvet lawns stretched away till they met
+the orchards and the quiet meadowland.
+
+On two sides the house had its terraces, very white in the sunshine,
+with stone steps leading down to a miniature lake where water-lilies
+grew, and where the tiny fish darted to and fro unconcernedly.
+
+Flagged walks there were, running between flower beds a riot of colour,
+and solemn old trees that had stood there through all the years. Cool
+woodland lay beyond the little river, carpeted with dark moss, where in
+spring the primroses grew. So thick was the foliage of the trees that
+the sun but penetrated in uneven patches.
+
+Up the terrace walls crept roses, yellow and red, pink and white, and
+tossed their trailing sprays across the parapet. Over the walls of the
+house they climbed, mingling with purple clematis, jasmine, and sickly
+honeysuckle. The air was heavy with their united perfumes, while, wafted
+from a bed below, came the smoky scent of lavender.
+
+The old house seemed half asleep, basking in the sunlight. Save for a
+peacock preening its feathers on the terrace steps, there was no sign of
+life....
+
+The old place had harboured generations of Carstares. Earl had succeeded
+Earl and reigned supreme, and it was only now that there was no Earl
+living there. No one knew where he was. Scarce a month ago one died, but
+the eldest son was not there to take his place. For six years he had
+been absent, and none dared breathe his name, for he disgraced that
+name, and the old Earl cast him off and forbade all mention of him. But
+the poor folk of the countryside remembered him. They would tell one
+another tales of his reckless courage; his sweet smile and his winning
+ways; his light-heartedness and his never-failing kindness and
+good-humour. What a rider he was! To see him sit his horse! What a
+swordsman! Do ye mind the time he fought young Mr. Welsh over yonder in
+the spinney with half the countryside watching? Ah, he was a one, was
+Master Jack! Do ye mind how he knocked the sword clean out o' Mr.
+Welsh's hand, and then stood waiting for him to pick it up? And do ye
+mind the way his eyes sparkled, and how he laughed, just for the sheer
+joy o' living?
+
+Endless anecdotes would they tell, and the old gaffers would shake their
+heads and sigh, and long for the sight of him again. And they would jerk
+their thumbs towards the Manor and shrug their old shoulders
+significantly. Who wanted Mr. Richard for squire? Not they, at least.
+They knew he was a good squire and a kindly man, but give them Master
+John, who would laugh and crack a joke and never wear the glum looks
+that Mr. Richard affected.
+
+In the house, Richard Carstares paced to and fro in his library, every
+now and again pausing to glance wretchedly up at the portrait of his
+brother hanging over his desk. The artist had managed to catch the
+expression of those blue eyes, and they smiled down at Richard in just
+the way that John was always wont to smile--so gaily, and withal so
+wistfully.
+
+Richard was twenty-nine, but already he looked twice his age. He was
+very thin, and there were deep lines on his good-looking countenance.
+His grey eyes bore a haunted, care-worn look, and his mouth, though
+well-shaped, was curiously lacking in determination. He was dressed
+soberly, and without that touch of smartness that had characterised him
+six years ago. He wore black in memory of his father, and it may have
+been that severity, only relieved by the lace at his throat, that made
+his face appear so prematurely aged. There was none of his brother's
+boyishness about him; even his smile seemed forced and tired, and his
+laughter rarely held merriment.
+
+He pulled out his chronometer, comparing it with the clock on the
+mantelpiece. His pacing took him to the door, and almost nervously he
+pulled it open, listening.
+
+No sound came to his ears. Back again, to and fro across the room,
+eagerly awaiting the clanging of a bell. It did not come, but presently
+a footfall sounded on the passage without, and someone knocked at the
+door.
+
+In two strides Richard was by it, and had flung it wide. Warburton stood
+there.
+
+Richard caught his hand.
+
+"Warburton! At last! I have been waiting this hour and more!"
+
+Mr. Warburton disengaged himself, bowing.
+
+"I regret I was not able to come before, sir," he said primly.
+
+"I make no doubt you travelled back as quickly as possible--come in,
+sir."
+
+He led the lawyer into the room and shut the door.
+
+"Sit down, Warburton--sit down. You--you found my brother?"
+
+Again Warburton bowed.
+
+"I had the felicity of seeing his lordship, sir."
+
+"He was well? In good spirits? You thought him changed--yes? Aged
+perhaps, or--"
+
+"His lordship was not greatly changed, sir."
+
+Richard almost stamped in his impatience.
+
+"Come, Warburton, come! Tell me everything. What did he say? Will he
+take the revenues? Will he--"
+
+"His lordship, sir, was reluctant to take anything, but upon maturer
+consideration, he--ah--consented to accept his elder son's portion. The
+revenues of the estate he begs you will make use of."
+
+"Ah! But you told him that I would touch nought belonging to him?"
+
+"I tried to persuade his lordship, sir. To no avail. He desires you to
+use Wyncham as you will."
+
+"I'll not touch his money!"
+
+Warburton gave the faintest of shrugs.
+
+"That is as you please, sir."
+
+Something in the suave voice made Richard, from his stand by the desk,
+glance sharply down at the lawyer. Suspicion flashed into his eyes. He
+seemed about to speak, when Warburton continued:
+
+"I believe I may set your mind at rest on one score, Mr. Carstares: his
+lordship's situation is tolerably comfortable. He has ample means."
+
+"But--but he lives by--robbery!"
+
+Warburton's thin lips curled a little.
+
+"Does he not?" persisted Carstares.
+
+"So he would have us believe, sir."
+
+"'Tis true! He--waylaid me!"
+
+"And robbed you, sir?"
+
+"Rob me? He could not rob his own brother, Warburton!"
+
+"Your pardon, Mr. Carstares--you are right: his lordship could not rob a
+brother. Yet have I known a man do such a thing."
+
+For a long minute there was no word spoken. The suspicion that had dwelt
+latent in Carstares' eyes sprang up again. Some of the colour drained
+from his cheeks, and twice he passed his tongue between his lips. The
+fingers of his hand, gripping a chair-back, opened and shut
+spasmodically. Rather feverishly his eyes searched the lawyer's face,
+questioning.
+
+"John told you--told you--" he started, and floundered hopelessly.
+
+"His lordship told me nothing, sir. He was singularly reticent. But
+there was nothing he could tell me that I did not already know."
+
+"What do you mean, Warburton? Why do you look at me like that? Why do
+you fence with me? In plain words, what do you mean?"
+
+Warburton rose, clenching his hands.
+
+"I know you, Master Richard, for what you are!"
+
+"Ah!" Carstares flung out his hand as if to ward off a blow.
+
+Another tense silence. With a great effort Warburton controlled himself,
+and once more the mask of impassivity seemed to descend upon him. After
+that one tortured cry Richard became calm again. He sat down; on his
+face a look almost of relief, coming after a great strain.
+
+"You learnt the truth ... from John. He ... will expose me?"
+
+"No, sir. I have not learnt it from him. And he will never expose you."
+
+Richard turned his head. His eyes, filled now with a species of dull
+pain, looked full into Warburton's.
+
+"Oh?" he said. "Then you...?"
+
+"Nor I, sir. I have pledged my word to his lordship. I would not speak
+all these years for your father's sake--now it is for his." He choked.
+
+"You ... are fond of John?" Still the apathetic, weary voice.
+
+"Fond of him--? Good God, Master Dick, I love him!"
+
+"And I," said Richard, very low.
+
+He received no reply, and looked up.
+
+"You don't believe me?"
+
+"Once, sir, I was certain of it. Now--!" he shrugged.
+
+"Yet 'tis true, Warburton. I would give all in my power to undo that
+night's work."
+
+"You cannot expect me to believe that, sir. It rests with you alone
+whether his name be cleared or not. And you remain silent."
+
+"Warburton, I--Oh, do you think it means nothing to me that John is
+outcast?"
+
+Before the misery in those grey eyes some of Warburton's severity fell
+away from him.
+
+"Master Richard, I want to think the best I can of you. Master Jack
+would tell me nothing. Will you not--can you not explain how it came
+that you allowed him to bear the blame of your cheat?"
+
+Richard shuddered.
+
+"There's no explanation--no excuse. I forced it on him! On Jack, my
+brother! Because I was mad for love of Lavinia--Oh, my God, the thought
+of it is driving me crazed! I thought I could forget; and then--and
+then--I met him! The sight of him brought it all back to me. Ever since
+that day I have not known how to live and not shriek the truth to
+everyone! And I never shall! I never shall!"
+
+"Tell me, sir," pleaded Warburton, touched in spite of himself.
+
+Richard's head sunk into his hands.
+
+"The whole scene is a nightmare.... I think I must have been mad.... I
+scarce knew what I was about. I--"
+
+"Gently, sir. Remember I know hardly anything. What induced you to mark
+the cards?"
+
+"That debt to Gundry. My father would not meet it; I had to find the
+money. I could not face the scandal--I tell you I was mad for Lavinia! I
+could think of nought else. I ceased to care for John because I thought
+him in love with her. I could not bear to think of the disgrace which
+would take her from me.... Then that night at Dare's. I was losing; I
+knew I could not pay. Gad! but I can see my notes of hand under
+Milward's elbow, growing... growing.
+
+"Jack had played Milward before me, and he had won. I remember they
+laughed at him, saying his luck had turned at last--for he always lost
+at cards. Milward and I played with the same pack that they had
+used.... There was another table, I think. Dare was dicing with
+Fitzgerald; someone was playing faro with Jack behind me. I heard Jack
+say his luck was out again--I heard them laugh.... And all the time I
+was losing ... losing.
+
+"The pin of my cravat fell out on to my knee. I think no one saw it. As
+I picked it up the thought that I should mark the cards seemed to flash
+into my mind--oh, it was despicable, I know! I held the ace of clubs in
+my hand: I scratched it with that pin--in one corner. It was easily
+done. By degrees I marked all four, and three of the kings.
+
+"No one noticed, but I was nervous--I dared do no more. I replaced that
+pin. Soon I began to win--not very much. Then Tracy Belmanoir came
+across the room to watch our play. From that moment everything seemed to
+go awry. It was the beginning of the trouble.
+
+"Tracy stood behind me watching.... I could feel him there, like some
+black moth, hovering.... I don't know how long he stayed like that--it
+seemed hours. I could feel his eyes.... I could have shrieked--I'll
+swear my hands were trembling.
+
+"Suddenly he moved. I had played the ace of hearts. He said: 'One
+moment!' in that soft, sinister voice of his.
+
+"Milward was surprised. I tried to tell myself that Devil had noticed
+nothing.... The mark on that card was so faint that I could scarce see
+it myself. I thought it impossible that he, a mere onlooker, should
+discover it. He stepped forward. I remember he brushed my shoulder. I
+remember how the light caught the diamonds he was wearing. I think my
+brain was numbed. I could only repeat to myself: 'Extravagant Devil!
+Extravagant Devil!' and stare at those winking jewels. Then I thought:
+'He is Lavinia's brother, but I do not like him; I do not like him...'
+--little foolish things like that--and my throat was dry--parched.
+
+"He bent over the table ... stretched out his white, white hand ...
+turned over the ace ... lifted his quizzing glass ... and stared down at
+the card. Then he dropped the glass and drew out his snuff-box.... It
+had Aphrodite enamelled on the lid. I remember it so distinctly.... I
+heard Tracy ask Milward to examine the ace. I wanted to spring up and
+strangle him.... I could scarce keep my hands still." Richard paused. He
+drew his hand across his eyes, shuddering.
+
+"Milward saw the scratch. He cried out that the cards were marked!
+Suddenly everyone seemed to be gathered about our table--all talking!
+Jack had his hand on my shoulder; he and Dare were running through the
+pack. But all the while I could look at no one but Tracy--Andover. He
+seemed so sinister, so threatening, in those black clothes of his. His
+eyes were almost shut--his face so white. And he was looking at me! He
+seemed to be reading my very soul.... For an instant I thought he knew!
+I wanted to shout out that he was wrong! I wanted to shriek to him to
+take his eyes away! Heaven knows what I should have done!... but he
+looked away--at Jack, with that sneering smile on his damned mask of a
+face! I could have killed him for that smile! I think Jack understood
+it--he dropped the cards, staring at Tracy.
+
+"Everyone was watching them ... no one looked at me. If they had they
+must surely have learnt the truth; but they were hanging on Andover's
+lips, looking from him to Jack and back again.... I remember Fitzgerald
+dropped his handkerchief--I was absurdly interested in that. I was
+wondering why he did not pick it up, when Andover spoke again.... 'And
+Carstares' luck turned...?' Like that, Warburton! With just that faint,
+questioning in his voice.
+
+"Before Jack could speak there was an outcry. Dare cried 'Shame!' to
+Andover. They laughed at him, as well they might. But I saw them
+exchange glances--they were wondering.... It was suspicious that Jack
+should have had that run of luck--and that he should lose as soon as he
+left that table.
+
+"Milward--poor, silly Milward--gaped at Tracy and stuttered that surely
+'twas another pack we had used. I could hardly breathe! Then Andover
+corrected him--How did he _know_? No one else remembered, or thought of
+noticing--only he!
+
+"I can see Jack now, standing there so stiffly, with his head thrown up,
+and those blue eyes of his flashing.
+
+"'Do I understand you to accuse me, Belmanoir?' he said. Oh, but he was
+furious!
+
+"Tracy never said a word. Only his eyes just flickered to my face and
+away again.
+
+"Jack's hand was gripping my shoulder hard. I could feel his anger....
+Dare called out that the suggestion was preposterous. That John should
+cheat!
+
+"Tracy asked him if the cards were his. Gad! I can hear his soft,
+mocking voice now!
+
+"Dare went purple--you know his way, Warburton.
+
+"'Opened in your presence on this table!' he cried.
+
+"'By Carstares!' smiled Tracy.
+
+"It was true. But why should Tracy remember it, and none other? They
+stared at him, amazed. Dare turned to Jack for corroboration. He nodded.
+I think he never looked haughtier....
+
+"You know how fond of Jack Dare was? He tried to bluster it off--tried
+to get control over the affair. It was to no avail. We were puppets,
+worked by that devil, Belmanoir! One man managing that ghastly scene....
+He pointed out that only three of us had used that pack: Jack, Milward
+and I.
+
+"Jack laughed.
+
+"'Next you will accuse Dick!' he snapped scornfully.
+
+"'One of you, certainly,' smiled Andover. 'Or Milward.'
+
+"Then everyone realised that one of us three must have marked the cards.
+Milward was upset, but no one suspected him. It was Jack--or me.
+
+"As long as I live I shall never forget the horror of those moments. If
+I were exposed it meant the end of everything between Lavinia and me. I
+tell you, Warburton, I would have committed any sin at that moment!
+Nothing would have been too black--I could not bear to lose her. You
+don't know what she meant to me!"
+
+"I can guess, sir," said the lawyer, gravely.
+
+"No, no! No one could imagine the depths of my love for her! I think not
+even Jack.... I felt his hand leave my shoulder.... The truth had dawned
+on him. I heard the way the breath hissed between his teeth as he
+realised.... Somehow I got to my feet, clutching at the table, facing
+him. I don't excuse myself--I know my conduct was beyond words
+dastardly. I looked across at him--just said his name, as though I could
+scarce believe my ears. So all those watching thought. But Jack knew
+better. He knew I was imploring him to save me. He understood all that I
+was trying to convey to him. For an instant he stared at me. I
+thought--I thought--God forgive me, I prayed that he might take the
+blame on himself. Then he smiled. Coward though I was, when I saw that
+hurt, wistful little smile on his lips, I nearly blurted out the whole
+truth. Not quite.... I suppose I was too mean-spirited for that.
+
+"Jack bowed to the room and again to Dare. He said: 'I owe you an
+apology, sir.'
+
+"Dare sprang forward, catching him by the shoulder--crying out that it
+could not be true! When Jack laughed--he fell away from him as from the
+plague. And all of them! My God, to see them drawing away--not looking
+at Jack! And Jack's face--growing paler and harder ... every moment....
+All his friends... turning their backs to him. Davenant--even Jim
+Davenant walked away to the fireplace with Evans.
+
+"I could not look at Jack. I dared not. I could not go to him--stand by
+him! I had not the right. I had to leave him there--in the middle of the
+room--alone. The awful hurt in his eyes made me writhe. The room was
+whirling round--I felt sick--I know I fell back into my chair, hiding my
+face. I hardly cared whether they suspected me or not. But they did not.
+They knew how great was the love between us, and they were not surprised
+that I broke down.
+
+"I heard Andover's soft voice ... he was telling some tale to Dare. Oh,
+they were well-bred those men! They skimmed over the unpleasant little
+episode--ignored Jack!
+
+"Jack spoke again. I could guess how bravely he was keeping a proud
+front. I know word for word what he said: 'Mr. Dare, your Grace,
+Gentlemen--my apologies for being the cause of so unpleasant an
+incident. Pray give me leave.'
+
+"They paid no heed. I heard him walk to the door--heard him open it. I
+could not look at him. He--he paused ... and said just one word: 'Dick!'
+quite softly. Heaven knows how I got to him! I know I overturned my
+chair. That drew Dare's attention. He said: 'You are not going, Dick?' I
+shouted 'Yes,' at him, and then Jack took my arm, leading me out.
+
+"And--and all he said was: 'Poor old Dick!'... He--he had no word of
+blame for me. He would not allow me to go back and tell the truth--as I
+would have done. Ay, Warburton, when Jack called me to him, I could have
+cried it aloud--but--he would not have it.... He said: 'For Lavinia's
+sake.'..."
+
+Warburton blew his nose violently. His fingers were trembling.
+
+"You know what happened afterwards. You know how my father turned Jack
+out penniless--you know how his friends shunned him--you know my poor
+mother's grief. And you know that he went away--that we could not find
+him when--my mother died.... His last words to me--were: 'Make
+Lavinia-happy--and try to forget--all this.' Forget it! Heavens! Try as
+I might, I could hear nothing further of him until two months ago, when
+he--waylaid me. Then I was half-dazed at the suddenness of it. He--he
+grasped my hand--and--laughed! It was so dark, I could scarce see him. I
+only had time to demand his address, and then--he was off--galloping
+away over the heath. I think--even then--he bore no malice."
+
+"He does not now!" said Warburton sharply. "But, Master Dick, if all
+this is true, why do you not even now clear him? Surely--"
+
+Richard turned his head slowly.
+
+"Now I may not drag my wife's name through the mud. By clearing him--I
+ruin her."
+
+Warburton could find nothing to say. Only after some time did he clear
+his throat and say that he was honoured by Carstares' confidence.
+
+"You--ah--you dwell on the part played by his Grace on that evening.
+Surely your--shall we say--overwrought imagination magnified that?"
+
+Richard was disinterested.
+
+"I suppose so. Mayhap 'twas his extraordinary personality dominating me.
+He cannot have pulled the wires as I thought he did. Not even Belmanoir
+could make me act as I did. But--but at the time I felt that he was
+pushing--pushing--compelling me to accuse Jack. Oh, doubtless I was
+mad!"
+
+Warburton eyed the dejected figure compassionately. Then he seemed to
+harden himself and to regain some of his lost primness of manner.
+
+"You--ah--you are determined not to accept the revenues, sir?"
+
+"I have not yet sunk so low, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"His lordship leaves Wyncham and all appertaining to it at your
+disposal. He would be grieved at your refusal."
+
+"I will not touch it."
+
+The lawyer nodded.
+
+"I confess, Mr. Carstares, I am relieved to hear you say that. It will
+not be necessary again to communicate with his lordship. I think he does
+not desire any intercourse with--his family. He finds it too painful.
+But he wished to be remembered to you, sir. Also to her ladyship."
+
+"Thank you.... You could--ascertain nothing of his situation? He did not
+confide in you?"
+
+"He was very reticent, sir. I think he is not unhappy."
+
+"And not--embittered?"
+
+"Certainly not that, sir."
+
+Mr. Warburton rose, plainly anxious to be gone.
+
+Reluctantly Richard followed his example.
+
+"You--have nothing further to tell me of him?"
+
+"I regret, sir--nothing."
+
+Richard went slowly to the door, and opened it.
+
+"You must allow me to thank you, sir, for your goodness in undertaking
+what I know must have been a painful task. I am very grateful."
+
+Mr. Warburton bowed low.
+
+"I beg you will not mention it, sir. Nothing I might do for the
+Carstares could be aught but a pleasure."
+
+Again he bowed, and the next instant was gone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+INTRODUCING THE LADY LAVINIA CARSTARES
+
+
+Richard went slowly back to his chair. After a moment he sat down,
+staring blankly out of the window, his hands loosely clasped on the desk
+before him. So he remained for a long while, immobile. At last, with the
+faintest of sighs, he moved and picked up a quill. He dipped it in the
+ink, and, with his other hand, drew towards him a sheaf of papers.
+Presently he was writing steadily.
+
+For perhaps twenty minutes the quill travelled to and fro across the
+pages; then it paused, and Richard looked up towards the door.
+
+It opened to admit Lady Lavinia. She came rustling into the room with
+her embroidery in her hand. She dropped her husband a mock curtsey and
+went over to a high-backed armchair, stretching out a dimpled hand to
+draw it forward. But even as her fingers touched it she had changed her
+mind, and fluttered over to the couch, there to seat herself with much
+swirling of brocades and arrangement of skirts. She then proceeded to
+occupy herself with her work, plying her needle hurriedly and jerkily.
+
+Richard watched her in silence, following each turn of the pretty hand
+and each movement of her fair head.
+
+The silence was evidently not to my lady's taste, for she presently
+began to beat an impatient tattoo on the floor with one slender foot.
+Still he said nothing, and she raised her pure china-blue eyes to his
+face.
+
+"Why so glum, Dick? Why do you not talk to me?" Her voice was rather
+high-pitched and childish, and she had a curious way of ending each
+sentence with an upward lilt and a long drawn-out accent, very
+fascinating to listen to.
+
+Richard smiled with an obvious effort.
+
+"Am I, my dear? I crave your pardon. Warburton has just been."
+
+Her face clouded over instantly, and the full-lipped mouth drooped
+petulantly.
+
+"He has seen him."
+
+"Oh?" She made the word twice its length, and filled it with
+disinterest.
+
+"Yes. Jack will have none of it. He asks me to be his steward and to use
+Wyncham as I will. He is very generous."
+
+"Yes, oh yes. And you will, Richard?"
+
+He ignored the question.
+
+"He--Warburton--says he is not much changed."
+
+"Oh?" Again the long-drawn monosyllable, accompanied by a tiny yawn.
+
+"He says he does not think--Jack--bears me ill-will--" He paused, as if
+expecting her to speak, but she was absorbed in arranging two
+flowers--culled from a bowl at her side--at her breast, and took no
+notice. Carstares turned his head away wearily.
+
+"If it were not for you, my dear, I would tell the truth. I believe I
+shall go crazed an I do not."
+
+"Dick!" ... She dropped the flowers on the floor and thought no more
+about them. "Dick!"
+
+"Oh, you need have no fear! I do not suppose," bitterly, "that I have
+the courage to face them all now--after six years."
+
+Lavinia moved restlessly, brushing her hand along the couch.
+
+"You will not do it, Richard? Promise! You _will_ not? I could not bear
+the disgrace of it; promise me you will never do it?"
+
+"No," he said slowly, not looking at her. "No, I cannot promise that."
+
+She sprang to her feet, flinging her broidery from her carelessly, and
+waved fierce, agitated little hands.
+
+"That means you will do it. You _want_ to disgrace me! You do not _care_
+how you hurt me by holding this threat over my head so cruelly! You--"
+
+"Lavinia, for heaven's sake!" he implored, pushing back his chair. "Calm
+yourself!" He knew she was about to fly into one of her sudden passions,
+and frowned with acute vexation.
+
+"I will not! Oh yes, yes! You think me a shrew! I know! I know! But you
+need not frown on me, sir, for you are worse! No, I will not hush. I am
+a horrid woman, yes, but you are a cheat--a cheat--a cheat!"
+
+Carstares strode over to her.
+
+"Lavinia!"
+
+"No--no! Leave me alone! You make me miserable! You refuse me everything
+that I want most, and then you threaten to disgrace me--"
+
+"That is untrue!" cried Richard, goaded into replying. "I will not
+promise, that is all. What have I refused you that was within my means
+to give you? God knows you try your best to ruin me--"
+
+"There! There! 'Tis _I_ who am to blame! Pray, did you not induce my
+lord to leave his money to John when you knew he would have willed it
+all to you an you had kept silence? You took no thought to me--"
+
+"For heaven's sake, Lavinia, be still! You do not know what you are
+saying!"
+
+She pressed her hands to her hot cheeks.
+
+"No--I am unreasonable! I know it, but don't _tell_ me so, for I cannot
+bear it! And don't look reproach at me, Richard! You drive me mad, I
+tell you!" She was sweeping up and down the room like some caged animal,
+lashing herself to a worse fury.
+
+"Say something, Richard! _Do_ something! Don't stand there so quietly!
+Oh, you should never have married me! I displease you, and you make me
+worse; and you do not see how 'tis that I cannot live without pleasure,
+and money! I am despicable? Yes, yes, but what are you? Oh, why did you
+tell me you cheated _after_ you had wedded me?" Angry sobs escaped her;
+her handkerchief was in shreds upon the floor.
+
+Carstares turned his back to her, that she might not see how she had
+contrived to hurt him, and the movement drove her to fresh fury.
+
+"Don't do that! Don't! Don't! You make me worse by your dreadful
+silence! Oh, if you really loved me!"
+
+"You cannot doubt that!" he cried out, wheeling suddenly round. "You
+know how I love you! Don't you?" He gripped her by the shoulders and
+swung her to face him.
+
+She trembled and gave a sobbing little laugh. As suddenly as it had
+come, her anger left her.
+
+"Oh, yes, yes! You do love me, Dicky?" She twined her arms about his
+neck and shrank closer.
+
+"God help me, yes!" he groaned, thrusting her away. "And you--you care
+for no one save yourself!"
+
+"No! No!" she cried, pressing up to him again. "Do not say that, Dick.
+Indeed, I love you, but I cannot live without gaiety--you know I
+cannot. Oh, I do not doubt but what I am very selfish, but 'tis the way
+I am fashioned, and I cannot change my nature. And now I have hurt you,
+and I did not mean to! I did not mean to!"
+
+"My dear, I know you did not; but try to be less a child, I beg of you!
+You are so uncontrolled, so--"
+
+"I knew you would say that," she answered in a dead voice. "You do not
+understand me. You expect me to be good, and patient, and forbearing,
+and I tell you 'tis not in my nature."
+
+"But, Lavinia, you can control your passions," he said gently.
+
+"No! I cannot! We Belmanoirs--as God made us, so we are--and He made us
+spendthrift, and pleasure-loving, and mad!" She walked slowly to the
+door. "But you do not understand, and you try to make me staid, and
+thoughtful, and a good mother, when I am dying for _life_, and
+excitement, and care not that for housewifery!" She opened the door
+slowly. "And now my head aches, and you look grave and say 'tis my
+wicked temper, when I want you to be sorry, and to be ready to do
+anything to comfort me. Why can you not take me to London, when you know
+how I long to be there, instead of in this gloomy house with nought to
+do, save mind my child and my needle? I am so tired of it all! So very
+tired of it all!"
+
+She would have left the room then, but he detained her.
+
+"Wait, Lavinia! You say you are unhappy?"
+
+She released the door handle and fluttered her hands expressively.
+
+"Unhappy? No, I am dull. I am ill-tempered. I am discontented. I am
+aught you please, so do not be sad, Richard. I cannot bear you to be
+solemn. Oh, why do we quarrel?" With one of her impulsive movements she
+was again at his side, with her beautiful face upturned. "Love me,
+Richard! Take me to London and never mind an I _do_ squander your money.
+Say you do not care! Say that nothing matters so long as I am happy! Why
+do you not say it? Does anything matter? Don't be prudent, Dicky! Be
+wild! Be reckless! Be anything rather than grave and old!" Her arms
+crept up to his coaxingly. "Take me to London!"
+
+Carstares smoothed the soft hair back from her forehead, very tenderly,
+but his eyes were worried.
+
+"My dear, I will take you, but not just yet. There is so much to be done
+here. If you will wait a little longer--"
+
+"Ah, if I will wait! If I will be patient and good! But I cannot! Oh,
+you don't understand, Dicky--you don't understand!"
+
+"I am sorry, dear. I promise I will take you as soon as possible, and we
+will stay as long as you please."
+
+Her arms fell away.
+
+"I want to go now!"
+
+"Dear--"
+
+"Very well--very well. We will go presently. Only don't reason with me."
+
+He looked at her concernedly.
+
+"You are overwrought, my love--and tired."
+
+"Yes," she agreed listlessly. "Oh yes; I will go now and rest. Forgive
+me, Dick!" She kissed her finger-tips and extended them to him. "I will
+be good one day." She turned and hurried out of the room and up the
+stairs, leaving the door open behind her.
+
+Richard stayed for a moment looking round at the signs of her late
+presence. Mechanically he stooped to pick up her embroidery and the
+pieces of her handkerchief. The two flowers were broken off short, and
+he threw them away. Then he left the room and went out on to the sunny
+terrace, gazing across the beautiful gardens into the blue distance.
+
+Across the lawn came a child of four or five, waving a grimy hand.
+
+"Father!"
+
+Richard looked down at him and smiled.
+
+"Well, John?"
+
+The boy climbed up the terrace steps, calling his news all the way.
+
+"'Tis Uncle Andrew, sir. He has rid over to see you, and is coming
+through the garden to find you."
+
+"Is he? Has he left his horse at the stables?"
+
+"Ay, sir. So I came to tell you."
+
+"Quite right. Will you come with me to meet him?"
+
+The little rosy face lighted up with pleasure.
+
+"Oh, may I?" he cried and slipped his hand in Richard's.
+
+Together they descended the steps and made their way across the lawn.
+
+"I have run away from Betty," announced John with some pride. "There's
+Uncle Andrew, sir!" He bounded away towards the approaching figure.
+
+Lord Andrew Belmanoir was Richard's brother-in-law, brother to the
+present Duke. He came up with John in his arms and tumbled him to the
+ground.
+
+"Good day, Dick! 'Tis a spoilt child you have here!"
+
+"Ay. He is but now escaped from his nurse."
+
+"Splendid! Come, John, you shall walk with us, and we'll confound fat
+Betty!" He slipped his arm through Richard's as he spoke. "Come, Dick!
+There's a deal I have to say to you." He grimaced ruefully.
+
+The child ran on ahead towards the woods, a great bull-mastiff at his
+heels.
+
+"What's to do now?" asked Richard, looking round into the mobile,
+dissipated countenance.
+
+"The devil's in it this time, and no mistake," answered his lordship
+with a rueful shake of his head.
+
+"Debts?"
+
+"Lord, yes! I was at Delaby's last night, and the stakes were high.
+Altogether I've lost about three thousand--counting what I owe Carew.
+And devil take me an I know where 'tis to come from! Here's Tracy turned
+saint and swears he'll see me damned before he hands me another penny. I
+doubt he means it, too."
+
+Tracy was the Duke. Richard smiled a little cynically; he had already
+had to lend his Grace a thousand guineas to pay off some "trifling
+debt."
+
+"He means it right enough. I believe it would puzzle him to find it."
+
+"Do you say so? Why, 'tis impossible man! Tracy was in town scarce a
+fortnight since, and he had a run of the devil's own luck. I tell you
+Dick, I saw him walk off with a cool five thousand one night! And then
+he denies me a paltry three! Lord, what a brother! And all with the air
+of an angel, as if _he_ had never lost at dice. And a homily thrown in!
+Anyone would think I had cheated, instead of--ahem!... Dick, I'm
+confoundedly sorry! Damned thoughtless of me--never thought about
+Jo--about what I was saying--I'm a fool!" For Richard had winced.
+
+"You cannot help that," he said, forcing a laugh. "Have done with your
+apologies, and continue."
+
+They had come to the stream by now, and crossed the little bridge into
+the wood.
+
+"Oh, there's not much more. 'Tis only that something must be done, for
+Carew won't wait, and stap me if I'd ask him, the lean-faced
+scarecrow!--so I came to you, Dick."
+
+He let go Richard's arm and flung himself down on a fallen tree-trunk,
+regardless of velvet and laces.
+
+"You're a good fellow, and you don't lecture a man as Tracy does, devil
+take him! And you play high yourself, or you did, though 'tis an age
+since I saw you win or lose enough to wink at. And, after all, you're
+Lavvy's husband, and--oh, damn it all, Dick, 'tis monstrous hard to ask
+you!"
+
+Carstares, leaning against a tree, surveyed the youthful rake amusedly.
+
+"'Tush, Andrew!" he reassured him. "You're welcome to ask, but the Lord
+knows where I'm to find it! Gad, what a life! Here's Lavinia keeps
+buying silks, and I don't know what all, and--"
+
+"She was ever a spendthrift jade," said Andrew with a mighty frown.
+
+Richard laughed at him.
+
+"You're a thrifty fellow yourself, of course!"
+
+Andrew looked round for something to throw at him, and finding nothing,
+relapsed once more into deepest despondency.
+
+"You're in the right of't. We're a worthless lot. 'Tis the old man's
+blood in us, I doubt not, with a smattering of her Grace. You never knew
+my mother, Richard. She was French--Lavvy's the spit of her. There's
+Tracy--stap me, but Tracy's the very devil! Have you ever seen a face
+like his? No, I'll swear you've not! What with his sneering mouth and
+his green eyes--oh, 'tis enough to make a fellow go to the dogs to have
+a brother like it, 'pon my soul it is! Ay, you laugh, but I tell you
+'tis serious!"
+
+"Ay, go on!"
+
+"Well next there's Bob--damn it all, but I'm sorry for Bob! 'Tis a
+beggarly pittance they give one in the army, and he was never one to
+pinch and scrape. Well, as I say, there's Bob, and I never see him, but
+what it's: 'Lend me a hundred, Andy!' or the like. And all to buy his
+mistress some gewgaw. That's what sickens me! Why, Bob's for ever in
+some scrape with a petticoat, and as for Tracy! Gad, how they can! Then
+there's Lavinia, but I should think you know her by now, and lastly,
+there's your humble servant. And I tell you, Dick, what with the racing,
+and the cards, and the bottle, I shall be a ruined man before you can
+turn round! And the pother is I'll never be any different. 'Tis in the
+blood, so where's the use in trying?" He made a rueful grimace, and
+rose. "Come on, young rip! We're going back."
+
+John, engaged in the task of hunting for tadpoles in the water some
+yards distant, nodded and ran on.
+
+"I fear my lady is indisposed," said Richard hesitatingly. "You wished
+to see her?"
+
+Andrew winked knowingly.
+
+"Tantrums, eh? Oh, I know her. No, I do not care an I do not see her;
+'tis little enough she cares for me, though she's as thick as thieves
+with Tracy--oh, ay, I'll be dumb."
+
+They walked slowly back to the house, Andrew, silent for once, twirling
+his gold-mounted cane.
+
+"You shall have the money, of course. When do you want it?" said Richard
+presently.
+
+"'Pon honour, you're a devilish good fellow, Dick! But if 'tis like to
+put you to any--"
+
+"Nonsense. When do you need it?"
+
+"I should pay Carew as soon as may be. Markham can wait over if--"
+
+"No, no! Wednesday?"
+
+"'Twill do excellently well. Dick, you're a--"
+
+"Oh, pshaw! 'Tis nought. I want your opinion on the bay mare I bought
+last week. You'll maybe think her a trifle long in the leg, but she's a
+fine animal."
+
+John had run indoors, and the two men proceeded to the stables alone,
+Andrew discoursing all the way, recounting for his brother-in-law's
+benefit the choicest morsels of scandal that were circulating town at
+the moment. That his auditor but attended with half an ear affected him
+not at all; he never paused for an answer, and, in any case, was far too
+good-natured to care if he received none.
+
+By the time they had duly inspected the mare and walked back to the
+house, it was nearly four o'clock, and, not altogether to Carstares'
+surprise, Lavinia was awaiting them on the terrace, clad in a totally
+different gown, and with her hair freshly arranged and curled.
+
+"'Twould appear that Lavinia has recovered," remarked Andrew as they
+mounted the steps. "She was ever thus--not two minutes the same. Well,
+Lavvy?"
+
+"Well, Andrew?" She gave him a careless hand to kiss, but smiled sweetly
+up at her husband. "My headache is so much better," she told him, "and
+they said that Andrew was come to see you. So I came downstairs." She
+turned eagerly to her brother. "Tell me, Andrew, is Tracy at home?"
+
+"Lord, yes! He arrived yesterday, devil take him! Do you want him?"
+
+"Oh, yes," she nodded. "I want to see him again. I've not set eyes on
+him for an age. I want you to take me back with you."
+
+"Surely, my dear, 'tis a trifle late in the day for such a drive?"
+demurred Richard, trying to conceal his annoyance. "Can you not wait
+until to-morrow?"
+
+"Faith, you'll have to, Lavvy, for I'll not take you to-day, that's
+certain. I'm riding to Fletcher's when I leave here. Tracy can visit you
+to-morrow an he chooses."
+
+"Will he?" she asked doubtfully.
+
+Andrew clapped his hand to his vest pocket. "If I had not forgot!" he
+exclaimed. "I've a letter from him for you. He intends waiting on you
+to-morrow, in any case. Lord, what it is to have a scatter brain like
+mine!" He pulled a handful of papers from his pocket and selected one,
+sealed, and addressed in a sloping Italian handwriting.
+
+Lavinia pounced upon it joyfully, and tore it open. Andrew restored the
+rest of the documents to his pocket with yet another rueful laugh.
+
+"Duns, Richard! Duns!"
+
+"Give them to me," answered the other, holding out his hand.
+
+"Oh, no! But many thanks, Dick. These are quite unimportant."
+
+"Why not pay them all, and start afresh?" urged Carstares.
+
+"Lord, no! Why, I should be so damned elated that before the day was out
+there'd be a score of fresh debts staring me in the face!"
+
+"Let me lend you a thousand to begin on? Could you not keep out of
+debt?"
+
+"I keep out of debt? Impossible! Don't look so solemn, Dick; I told you
+'twas in the blood. We never have a penny to bless ourselves with, but
+what's the odds? I shall have a run of luck soon--a man can't always
+lose. Then I shall be able to repay you, but, of course, I shan't.
+It'll all go at the next table. _I_ know!" He spoke so ingenuously that
+Richard could not be angry with him. There was a certain frankness about
+him that pleased, and though he might be spendthrift and heedless, and
+colossally selfish, Richard felt a genuine affection for him. He would
+have liked to argue the point further, but Lavinia came forward,
+refolding her letter.
+
+"Tracy is coming to-morrow afternoon," she told her husband. "'Twill be
+prodigiously agreeable, will it not?"
+
+He assented, but with a lack of warmth that did not fail to strike her
+ears.
+
+"And he will stay to dine with us!" she cried challengingly.
+
+"Certainly, my love."
+
+"Look pleased, Dicky, look pleased! Why don't you like Tracy? He is my
+own brother; you _must_ like him!"
+
+"Of course I like him, Lavinia. Pray, do not be foolish."
+
+"Oh, I am not! Don't be cross, Dicky dear!"
+
+"Well, if you like him, I'm surprised," broke in Andrew. "I can't bear
+him! Ay, flash your eyes at me, Lavvy; I don't mind."
+
+Lavinia opened her mouth to retaliate, but Richard hastily interposed.
+Their bickering was more than he could bear, and he never understood how
+Lavinia could stoop to quarrel with the boisterous youth, who tried so
+palpably to rouse her.
+
+He bore them both off to the house, feeling much like a nursemaid with
+two recalcitrant children.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER
+
+
+Lady Lavinia dressed herself with even more than her usual care next
+afternoon, and well-nigh drove her maid distracted by her flashes of
+temper and impatient, contradictory orders. So lengthy was the toilet
+that she was only just in her boudoir when his Grace of Andover was
+announced. She had no time to tell the footman that she would receive
+his Grace, for almost before the words were out of James' mouth, he
+stood bowing in the doorway, sure of his welcome.
+
+He was curiously like his sister, this man, and at the same time
+curiously unlike. Hers were the high cheek-bones and pinched,
+aristocratic nostrils, but the mouth with its thin lips, and the
+heavy-lidded green eyes, were totally different. His Grace's brows
+slanted up at the corners, and his eyes, though piercing and bright,
+were constantly veiled by the black-lashed lids. He wore his own black
+hair, unpowdered, and that, together with the black and silver garments
+that he always affected, greatly enhanced the natural pallor of his
+countenance. Altogether it was a very striking figure that stood just
+before the closed white door and bowed to my lady.
+
+Lavinia took an eager step towards him, swinging her pearl-grey
+brocades.
+
+"Oh, Tracy!" she cooed, holding out both hands.
+
+His Grace advanced into the room and bent low over them.
+
+"I rejoice to find you within, Lavinia," he said, a faint tinge of
+sarcasm running through his smooth tones. "As you perceive, I rode
+over." He made a gesture towards his high boots with their
+wicked-looking spurs. "No doubt Andrew forgot to give you my letter?"
+
+"No," she said, slipping her hand in his arm. "He remembered in time,
+and--oh, Tracy, I was so vastly delighted to have it!"
+
+"I am indeed honoured," he replied. "I am come on a sufficiently
+important matter."
+
+"Oh!" She pulled her hand away disappointedly. "Money!"
+
+"You are really wonderful, my dear. As you so crudely remark--money!
+Will you not be seated?"
+
+She sank down on the couch dejectedly and watched him take a chair
+opposite her.
+
+"Your most noble lord and master lent me a trifling sum the other day,
+but very trifling. I am, as usual, hard-pressed. And that young fool
+Andrew must needs fall into debt."
+
+My lady opened wide her eyes in surprise.
+
+"Do you tell me you need money from Richard to pay Andrew's debts?" she
+asked, frankly incredulous.
+
+"I do not. Is it likely? The remark was purely by the way."
+
+"Well, in any case, Andrew borrowed three thousand from poor Dick only
+yesterday. I know, because I heard him speak of it."
+
+His Grace raised his black brows in patient exasperation.
+
+"How unnecessary of Andrew! And how typical! So 'poor Dick' has been
+squeezed already?"
+
+"Don't speak like that, Tracy!" she cried. "Dicky is good to me!" She
+met his piercing look unflinchingly.
+
+"Now this becomes interesting," drawled the Duke. "Since when have you
+come to that conclusion? And why this sudden loyalty?"
+
+"I have _always_ been loyal to him, Tracy! You know I have! I worry
+him--and indeed he is very forbearing."
+
+"But how charming of him!"
+
+"No, do not sneer, Tracy! He has promised to take me to London for the
+whole winter--"
+
+His Grace leant back in his chair again.
+
+"Now I understand," he said placidly. "I was at a loss before."
+
+"'Tis not that, Tracy! Indeed I realise how kind he is to me. And we
+have quarrelled again. We are always quarrelling, and I know 'tis all my
+fault."
+
+"What a comfortable conviction, my dear!"
+
+"No, no! 'Tis not comfortable, Tracy! For somehow I cannot change my
+disposition, though I _mean_ to be patient and sweet. Tracy, I hate
+Wyncham!"
+
+"You hate Wyncham? There was a time--"
+
+"I know, I know! But I never meant to live here always like this! I want
+to go to London!"
+
+"I thought you said you were going?"
+
+"Yes, I am! But I want to go with someone who is gay-not--not--"
+
+"In fact, you want distraction, and not with the amiable Richard? Well,
+I can conceive that life with him might prove uninspiring. Safe, my
+dear, but not exciting."
+
+"I knew you would understand! You see, he does not like me to play at
+cards, because I cannot stop! And he cannot see how 'tis that I care
+nought for what he calls 'home-life' when there are routs, and the play,
+and _real_ life. He--he is so--so--so _staid,_ Tracy, and careful!"
+
+"A good trait in a husband, Lavinia," replied his Grace cynically. "'Tis
+because I do not possess it that I am single now."
+
+Her lips curled scornfully at this, for well she knew her brother.
+
+"No, Tracy, that is not so! It is because you are a devil! No woman
+would marry you!"
+
+"That is most interesting, my dear," purred his Grace. "But pray strive
+to be a little more original. Continue your analysis of Richard's
+sterling character."
+
+"'Tis only that we are so different," she sighed. "I always desire to do
+things quickly--if I think of something, I want it at once--at once! You
+know, Tracy! And he likes to wait and think on it, and--oh, 'tis so
+tiresome, and it puts me in a bad humour, and I behave like a hysterical
+bourgeoise!" She got up swiftly, clasping her nervous little hands.
+"When he speaks to me in that gentle, reasoning way, I could scream,
+Tracy! Do you think I am mad?" She laughed unmusically.
+
+"No," he replied, "but the next thing to it: a Belmanoir. Perhaps it was
+a pity you ever married Richard. But there is always the money."
+
+"There is not," she cried out sharply.
+
+"Not? What mean you?"
+
+"Tracy, 'tis of this that I wanted to speak! You think my lord left his
+money to Dick?"
+
+"Certainly. He should be stupendously wealthy."
+
+"He is not!"
+
+"But, my good girl, the revenue must be enormous. He has the land,
+surely?"
+
+"No! No! He has not the land! Oh, but I am angry whenever I think on it!
+He induced my lord to leave it to John. _He_ has but his younger son's
+portion!"
+
+"I still fail to understand. You informed me that the Earl left all to
+Richard?"
+
+"He changed his will, Tracy!"
+
+"He--changed--his--will! Then, my dear, must you have played your cards
+very badly!"
+
+"'Twas not my fault, Tracy--indeed 'twas not! I knew nought until the
+will was read. Richard never spoke a word to me about it! And now we are
+comparatively poor!" Her voice trembled with indignation, but his Grace
+only whistled beneath his breath.
+
+"I always knew, of course, that Dick was a fool, but I never guessed how
+much so till now!"
+
+At that she flared up.
+
+"He is not a fool! He is an honest man, and 'tis we_--we_, I tell
+you--who are mean and despicable and mercenary!"
+
+"Undoubtedly, Lavinia, but pray do not excite yourself over it. I
+suppose he is still devoted to that young hothead?"
+
+"Yes, yes--'tis all Jack, Jack, Jack, until I am sick to death of the
+sound of his name--and--" She broke off, biting her lip.
+
+"And what?"
+
+"Oh, nought! But 'tis all so disagreeable, Tracy!"
+
+"It certainly is slightly disturbing. You had better have chosen John,
+in spite of all, it seems."
+
+She stamped angrily.
+
+"Oh, where's the good in being flippant?"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, where's the good in being anything else? The situation
+strikes me as rather amusing. To think of the worthy Richard so neatly
+overturning all my plans!"
+
+"If it had not been for you, I might never have married him. Why did you
+throw them both in my way? Why did I ever set eyes on either?"
+
+"It should have been a good match, my dear, and, if I remember rightly,
+no one was more alive to that fact than yourself."
+
+She pouted angrily and turned her shoulder to him.
+
+"Still," he continued reflectively, "I admit that for the smart lot we
+are, we do seem rather to have bungled the affair."
+
+Lavinia swept round upon him.
+
+"Oh, do you care no more than that? How can you be so casual! Does it
+affect you not at all?"
+
+He wrinkled his thin nose expressively.
+
+"I shall not weep over it, Lavinia, but 'tis a plaguey nuisance. But we
+must see what can be done. And that brings me back to the original
+subject. Despite these upsetting revelations, I still require that
+money."
+
+"Oh, dear! How much must you have, Tracy?"
+
+"Five hundred might suffice."
+
+"Tracy, do not the estates bring in anything?" she asked petulantly.
+"And Andrew told us you had a run of marvellous luck not a fortnight
+since?"
+
+"Since then, my dear, I have had three runs of marvellous ill-luck. As
+to the estates, they are mortgaged up to the hilt, as you very well
+know. What little there is is between three. And Robert is extravagant."
+
+"I hate Robert!"
+
+"I am not partial to him myself, but it makes no odds."
+
+"I wish he might die!--oh no, no! Now I am become ill-natured again--I
+don't wish it--only I am so tired of everything. You shall have that
+money as soon as possible; but be careful, Tracy--please be careful!
+'Tis not easy to get money from Dick!"
+
+"No, I should imagine not. However, we have managed rather well up to
+the present, take it all in all."
+
+"Up to the present he has had all the money he wanted. My lord denied
+him nought!"
+
+"Well, 'tis unfortunate, as I said before, but it must be endured. Where
+is Dick?"
+
+"I know not. You will stay to dinner, Tracy?"
+
+"Thank you. I shall be charmed."
+
+"Yes, yes--oh, how prodigiously pleasant it is to see you again! Soon I
+shall come to Andover. Will you let me stay a few days?"
+
+"The question is, will Richard allow you to stay so long in my
+contaminating presence?"
+
+"Richard would never keep me away, Tracy!" she replied proudly. "He
+_could_ not. Oh, why is it that I don't love him more? Why do I not care
+for him as much as I care for you even?"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, like all Belmanoirs, you care first for yourself and
+secondly for the man who masters you. That, alas! Richard has not yet
+succeeded in doing."
+
+"But I _do_ love Richard. I do, I do, yet--"
+
+"Exactly. 'Yet!' The 'grand passion' has not yet touched you, my dear,
+and you are quite self-absorbed."
+
+"Self-absorbed! Those are hard words."
+
+"But not too hard for the case. You think solely of yourself, your own
+pleasure, your own character, your own feelings. If you could cast
+yourself into the background a little, you would be less excitable and
+considerably less discontented."
+
+"How dare you, Tracy! Pray, what of you? Are you so selfless?"
+
+"Not at all. I am precisely the same. I was merely suggesting that you
+might be happier an you could depose 'self.'"
+
+"You had best do the same yourself!"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, when I feel the need of greater happiness, I most
+undoubtedly shall. At present I am quite content."
+
+"You are unkind!" she protested. "And you sneer at me."
+
+"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies! You shall come to Andover if the
+worthy Richard permits."
+
+Her face cleared as by magic.
+
+"Oh, Tracy! Oh, I am so desirous to be gay once more! I cannot even
+receive now, on account of this mourning! But when I am at Andover--oh,
+we will not worry over anything, and I can be bad-tempered without
+feeling that someone is being hurt by me! Oh, come to Dicky at once--at
+once!"
+
+He rose leisurely.
+
+"I can imagine that you try Richard's patience somewhat," he remarked.
+"Happily, your impetuosity in no way disturbs me. We will go in search
+of Richard."
+
+Half-way down the great staircase she perceived her husband, and flew to
+meet him.
+
+"Richard, I was coming in search of you! Tracy has invited me to Andover
+for a week--he purposes to ask several people to stay, and there will be
+parties--and entertainment! You will let me go? Say yes, Dicky--say yes,
+quickly!"
+
+Carstares bowed to his Grace, who stood watching them from the stairs.
+The bow was returned with exaggerated flourish. Carstares looked down at
+his wife.
+
+"So soon, Lavinia?" he remonstrated, and indicated her mourning. She
+shook his hand off impatiently.
+
+"Oh, Dicky, does it matter? What can it signify? I do not ask you to
+come--"
+
+"No," he said half-sadly, half-amusedly. "I notice that, my dear."
+
+"No, no! I did not mean to be unkind--you must not think that! You
+_don't_ think it, do you, Dick?"
+
+"Oh, no," he sighed.
+
+"Good Dicky!" She patted his cheek coaxingly. "Then you will allow me to
+go--ah, but yes, yes, you must listen! You know how dull I am, and how
+silly--'tis because I need a change, and I _want_ to go to Andover. I
+_want_ to go!"
+
+"Yes, dear, I know. But my father is not yet dead six weeks, and I
+cannot think it seemly--"
+
+"Please, Dick, please! Please do not say no! 'Twill make me so unhappy!
+Oh, you will not be so unkind? You will not forbid me to go?"
+
+"I ask you not to, Lavinia. If you need a change, I will take you
+quietly to Bath, or where you will. Do not pain me by going to Andover
+just now."
+
+"Bath! Bath! What do I want with Bath at this time of the year? Oh, 'tis
+kind in you to offer, but I want to go to Andover! I want to see all the
+old friends again. And I want to get away from everything here--'tis all
+so gloomy--after--after my lord's death!"
+
+"Dearest, of course you shall go away--but if only you would remember
+that you are in mourning--"
+
+"But 'tis what I wish to forget! Oh, Dicky, don't, don't, don't be
+unkind."
+
+"Very well, dear. If you must go--go."
+
+She clapped her hands joyfully.
+
+"Oh thank you, Dicky! And you are not angry with me?"
+
+"No, dear, of course not."
+
+"Ah! Now I am happy! 'Tis sweet of you, Dicky, but confess you are
+secretly thankful to be rid of me for a week! Now are you not?" She
+spread out her fan in the highest good-humour and coquetted behind it.
+Richard was induced to smile.
+
+"I fear I shall miss you too sadly, dear."
+
+"Oh!" She dropped the fan. "But think how you will look forward to
+seeing me again, and I you. Why, I shall be so thankful to be back after
+a week away, that I shall be good for months!"
+
+His face lightened, and he caught her hands in his.
+
+"Darling, if I thought you would miss me--"
+
+"But of course I shall miss you, Dick--oh, _pray_, mind my frock! Shall
+I not miss him, Tracy?"
+
+Richard suddenly remembered his brother-in-law's presence. He turned and
+went to the foot of the stairs.
+
+"So you are determined to wrest my wife from me?" he smiled.
+
+Tracy descended leisurely, opening his snuff-box.
+
+"Yes, I require a hostess," he said. "And I have"--he paused--"induced
+her to honour Andover with her presence. Shall we have the felicity of
+seeing you at any time?"
+
+"I thank you, no. I am not, you will understand, in the mood for the
+gaiety for which my poor Lavinia craves."
+
+The Duke bowed slightly, and they all three went out on to the terrace,
+Lavinia laughing and talking as Richard had not heard her laugh or talk
+for days. She was the life and soul of the little dinner-party, flirting
+prettily with her husband and exerting herself to please him in every
+way. She had won her point; therefore she was in excellent spirits with
+all the world, and not even the spilling of some wine on her new silk
+served to discompose her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BATH: 29 QUEEN SQUARE
+
+
+The autumn and the winter passed smoothly, and April found the Carstares
+installed at Bath, whither Lady Lavinia had teased her husband into
+going, despite his desire to return to Wyncham and John. She herself did
+not care to be with the child, and was perfectly content that Richard
+should journey occasionally to Wyncham to see that all was well with
+him.
+
+On the whole, she had enjoyed the winter, for she had induced Richard to
+open Wyncham House, Mayfair, the Earl's town residence, where she had
+been able to hold several entirely successful routs, and many select
+little card-parties. Admirers she had a-many, and nothing so pleased her
+vain little heart as masculine adulation. Carstares never entered his
+home without stumbling against some fresh flame of hers, but as they
+mostly consisted of what he rudely termed the lap-dog type, he was
+conscious of no jealous qualms, and patiently submitted to their
+inundation of his house. He was satisfied that Lavinia was happy, and,
+as he assured himself at times when he was most tried, nothing else
+signified.
+
+The only flaw to Lavinia's content was the need of money. Not that she
+was stinted, or ever refused anything that he could in reason give her;
+but her wants were never reasonable. She would demand a new town
+chariot, upholstered in pale blue, not because her own was worn or
+shabby, but because she was tired of its crimson cushions. Or she would
+suddenly take a fancy to some new, and usually fabulously expensive toy,
+and having acquired it, weary of it in a week.
+
+Without a murmur, Richard gave her lap-dogs (of the real kind), black
+pages, jewels, and innumerable kickshaws, for which she rewarded him
+with her brightest smiles and tenderest caresses. But when she required
+him to refurnish Wyncham House in the style of the French Court,
+throwing away all the present Queen Anne furniture, the tapestries, and
+the countless old trappings that were one and all so beautiful and so
+valuable, he put his foot down with a firmness that surprised her. Not
+for any whim of hers was Jack's house to be spoiled. Neither her coaxing
+nor her tears had any effect upon Richard, and when she reverted to
+sulks, he scolded her so harshly that she was frightened, and in
+consequence silenced.
+
+For a week she thought and dreamt of nothing but gilded French chairs,
+and then abruptly, as all else, the fancy left her, and she forgot all
+about it. Her mantua-maker's bills were enormous, and caused Richard
+many a sleepless night, but she was always so charmingly penitent that
+he could not find it in his heart to be angry; and, after all, he
+reflected, he would rather have his money squandered on her adornment
+than on that of her brothers. She was by turns passionate and cold to
+him: one day enrapturing him by some pretty blandishment, the next
+snapping peevishly when he spoke to her.
+
+At the beginning of the season he dutifully conducted her to routs and
+_bals masqués_, but soon she began to go always with either Andrew or
+Robert, both of whom were in town, and whose casual chaperonage she much
+preferred to Richard's solicitous care. Tracy was rarely in London for
+more than a few days at a time, and the Carstares, greatly to Richard's
+relief, saw but little of him. Carstares disliked Colonel Lord Robert
+Belmanoir, but the Duke he detested, not only for his habitual sneer
+towards him, but for the influence that he undoubtedly held over
+Lavinia. Richard was intensely jealous of this, and could sometimes
+hardly bring himself to be civil when his Grace visited my lady. Whether
+justly or not, he inwardly blamed Tracy for all Lavinia's crazy whims
+and periodical fits of ill-temper. It did not take his astute Grace long
+to discover this, and with amused devilry he played upon it, encouraging
+Lavinia in her extravagance, and making a point of calling on her
+whenever he was in town.
+
+Carstares never knew when not to expect to find him there; he came and
+went to and from London with no warning whatsoever. No one ever knew
+where he was for more than a day at a time, and no one was in the least
+surprised if he happened to be seen in London when he should, according
+to all accounts, have been in Paris. They merely shrugged their
+shoulders, and exchanged glances, murmuring: "Devil Belmanoir!" and
+wondering what fresh intrigue he was in.
+
+So altogether Richard was not sorry when my lady grew suddenly sick of
+town and was seized with a longing for Bath. He had secretly hoped that
+she might return to Wyncham, but when she expressed no such wish, he
+stifled his own longing for home, shut up the London house, and took her
+and all her baggage to Bath, installing her in Queen Square in one of
+the most elegantly furnished houses in the place.
+
+Lady Lavinia was at first charmed to be there again; delighted with the
+house, and transported over the excellencies of the new French milliner
+she had discovered.
+
+But the milliner's bills proved monstrous, and the drawing-room of her
+house not large enough for the routs she contemplated giving. The air
+was too relaxing for her, and she was subject to constant attacks of the
+vapours that were as distressing to her household as they were to
+herself. The late hours made her head ache as it never ached in London,
+and the damp gave her a cold. Furthermore, the advent of an attractive
+and exceedingly wealthy little widow caused her many a bitter hour, to
+the considerable detriment of her good-temper.
+
+She was lying on a couch in her white and gilt drawing room one
+afternoon--alas! the craze for French furniture was o'er-smelling-bottle
+in hand and a _bona fide_ ache in her head, when the door opened and
+Tracy walked into the room.
+
+"Good heavens!" she said faintly, and uncorked her salts.
+
+It was his Grace's first appearance since she had come to Bath, and the
+fact that he had politely declined an invitation that she had sent to
+him still rankled in her mind. He bowed over the limp hand that she
+extended, and looked her up and down.
+
+"I regret to find you thus indisposed, my dear sister," he said
+smoothly.
+
+"'Tis nought. Only one of my stupid headaches. I am never well here, and
+this house is stuffy," she answered fretfully.
+
+"You should take the waters," he said, scrutinising, through his
+eyeglass, the chair to which she had waved him. "It has an unstable
+appearance, my dear; I believe I prefer the couch." He moved to a
+smaller sofa and sat down.
+
+"Pray, how long have you been in Bath?" she demanded.
+
+"I arrived last Tuesday week."
+
+Lady Lavinia started up.
+
+"Last Tuesday week? Then you have been here ten days and not visited me
+until now!"
+
+He appeared to be examining the whiteness of his hands through the folds
+of black lace that drooped over them.
+
+"I believe I had other things to do," he said coolly.
+
+A book of sermons that she had been trying to peruse slid to the ground
+as Lavinia jerked a cushion into place.
+
+"And you come to me when it suits you? How could you be so unkind as to
+refuse my invitation?"
+
+There was a rising, querulous note in her voice which gave warning of
+anger.
+
+"My dear Lavinia, if you exhibit your deplorable temper to me, I shall
+leave you, so have a care. I thought you would understand that your good
+husband's society, improving though it may be, would be altogether too
+oppressive for my taste. In fact, I was surprised at your letter."
+
+"You might have come for my sake," she answered peevishly, sinking back
+again. "I suppose you have been dancing attendance on the Molesly woman?
+Lud! but I think you men have gone crazed."
+
+Understanding came to his Grace, and he smiled provokingly.
+
+"Is that what upsets you? I wondered."
+
+"No, 'tis not!" she flashed. "And I do not see why you should think so!
+For my part, I cannot see that she is even tolerable, and the way the
+men rave about her is disgusting! Disgusting! But 'tis always the same
+when a woman is unattached and wealthy. Well! Well! Why do you not say
+something? Do you find her so lovely?"
+
+"To tell the truth, my dear, I have barely set eyes on the lady. I have
+been otherwise engaged, and I have done with all women, for the time,
+save one."
+
+"So I have heard you say before. Do you contemplate marriage? Lud! but I
+pity the girl." She gave a jeering little laugh, but it was evident that
+she was interested.
+
+His Grace was not in the least degree ruffled.
+
+"I do not contemplate marriage, Lavinia, so your sympathies are wasted.
+I have met a girl--a mere child, for sure--and I will not rest until I
+have her."
+
+"Lord! Another farmer's chit?"
+
+"No, my dear sister, not another farmer's chit. A lady."
+
+"God help her! Who is she? Where does she live?"
+
+"She lives in Sussex. Her name I shall not tell you."
+
+Her ladyship kicked an offending cushion on to the floor, and snapped at
+him.
+
+"Oh, as you please! I shall not die of curiosity!"
+
+"Ah!" The cynical lips curled annoyingly, and Lady Lavinia was seized
+with a mad desire to hurl her smelling-bottle at him. But she knew that
+it was worse than useless to be angry with Tracy, so she yawned
+ostentatiously, and hoped that she irritated him. If she did, she got no
+satisfaction from it, for he continued, quite imperturbably:
+
+"She is the daintiest piece ever a man saw, and I'll swear there's blood
+and fire beneath the ice!"
+
+"Is it possible the girl will have none of your Grace?" wondered Lavinia
+in mock amazement, and had the pleasure of seeing him frown.
+
+The thin brows met over his arched nose, and the eyes glinted a little,
+while she caught a glimpse of cruel white teeth closing on a sensual
+under-lip. She watched his hand clench on his snuff-box, and exulted
+silently at having roused him. It was a very brief joy, however, for the
+next moment the frown had disappeared, the hand unclenched, and he was
+smiling again.
+
+"At present she is cold," he admitted, "but I hope that in time she will
+become more plastic. I think, Lavinia, I have some experience with your
+charming, if capricious sex."
+
+"I don't doubt you have. Where did you meet this perverse beauty?"
+
+"In the Pump Room."
+
+"Lud! Pray, describe her."
+
+"I shall be delighted. She is taller than yourself, and dark. Her hair
+is like a dusky cloud of black, and it ripples off her brow and over her
+little ears in a most damnably alluring fashion. Her eyes are brown, but
+there are lights in them that are purest amber, and yet they are dark
+and velvety--"
+
+My lady had recourse to the smelling-bottle.
+
+"But I perceive I weary you. A man in love, my dear Lavinia--"
+
+She was up again at that.
+
+"In love? You? Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! You do not know what the
+word means. You are like a--like a fish, with no more of love in you
+than a fish, and no more heart than a fish, and--"
+
+"Spare me the rest, I beg. I am very clammy, I make no doubt, but you
+will at least accord me more brain than a fish?"
+
+"Oh, you have brain enough!" she raged. "Brain for evil! I grant you
+that!"
+
+"It is really very kind of you--"
+
+"The passion you feel now is not _love_. It is--it is--"
+
+"Your pardon, my dear, but at the present moment I am singularly devoid
+of all strenuous emotions, so your remark is--"
+
+"Oh, Tracy, Tracy, I am even quarrelling with you!" she cried
+wretchedly. "Oh, why?--why?"
+
+"You are entirely mistaken, my dear. This is but the interchange of
+compliments. Pray, do not let me hinder you in the contribution of your
+share!"
+
+Her lip trembled.
+
+"Go on, Tracy, go on."
+
+"Very well. I had described her eyes, I think?"
+
+"Very tediously."
+
+"I will strive to be brief. Her lips are the most kissable that I have
+ever seen--"
+
+"And, as you remarked, you have experience," she murmured. He bowed
+ironically.
+
+"Altogether she's as spirited a filly as you could wish for. All she
+needs is bringing to heel."
+
+"Does one bring a filly to heel? I rather thought--"
+
+"As usual, my dear Lavinia, you are right: one does not. One breaks in a
+filly. I beg leave to thank you for correcting my mixed metaphor."
+
+"Oh, pray do not mention it."
+
+"I will cease to do so. She needs breaking in. It should be amusing to
+tame her."
+
+"Should it?" She looked curiously at him.
+
+"Vastly. And I am persuaded it can be done. I will have her."
+
+"But what if she'll none of you?"
+
+Suddenly the heavy lids were raised.
+
+"She will have no choice."
+
+Lady Lavinia shivered and sat up.
+
+"La, Tracy! Will you have no sense of decency?" she cried. "I suppose,"
+she sneered, "you think to kidnap the girl?"
+
+"Exactly," he nodded.
+
+She gasped at the effrontery of it.
+
+"Heavens, are you mad? Kidnap a lady! This is no peasant girl, remember.
+Tracy, Tracy, pray do not be foolish! How _can_ you kidnap her?"
+
+"That, my dear, is a point which I have not yet decided. But I do not
+anticipate much trouble."
+
+"But goodness gracious me! has the child no protectors? No brothers? No
+father?"
+
+"There is a father," said Tracy slowly. "He was here at the beginning of
+their stay. He does not signify, and, which is important, he is of those
+that truckle. Were _I_ to make myself known to him, I believe I might
+marry the girl within an hour. But I do not want that. At least--not
+yet."
+
+"Good God, Tracy! do you think you are living in the Dark Ages? One
+cannot do these things now, I tell you! Will you not at least remember
+that you represent our house? 'Twill be a pretty thing an there is a
+scandal!" She broke off hopelessly and watched him flick a remnant of
+snuff from his cravat.
+
+"Oh, Tracy! 'Tis indeed a dangerous game you play. Pray consider!"
+
+"Really, Lavinia, you are most entertaining. I trust I am capable of
+caring for myself and mine own honour."
+
+"Oh, don't sneer--don't sneer!" she cried. "Sometimes I think I quite
+hate you!"
+
+"You would be the more amusing, my dear."
+
+She swept the back of her hand across her eyes in a characteristic
+movement.
+
+"How cross I am!" she said, and laughed waveringly. "You must bear with
+me, Tracy. Indeed, I am not well."
+
+"You should take the waters," he repeated.
+
+"Oh, I do!--I do! And that reminds me that I must look for your beauty."
+
+"She is not like to be there," he answered. "'Tis only very seldom that
+she appears."
+
+"What! Is she then _religieuse_?"
+
+"_Religieuse_! Why, in heaven's name?"
+
+"But not to walk in the Rooms--!"
+
+"She is staying here with her aunt, who has been ill. They do not mix
+much in society."
+
+"How very dreadful! Yet she used to walk in the Rooms, for you met her
+there?"
+
+"Yes," he admitted coolly. "'Tis for that reason that she now avoids
+them."
+
+"Oh, Tracy, the poor child!" exclaimed his sister in a sudden fit of
+pity. "How can you persecute her, if she dislikes you?"
+
+"She does not."
+
+"Not! Then--"
+
+"Rather, she fears me. But she is intrigued, for all that. I persecute
+her, as you call it, for her own (and my) ultimate good. But they quit
+Bath in a few days, and then, _nous verrons_!" He rose. "What of Honest
+Dick?"
+
+"Don't call him by that odious name! I will not have it!"
+
+"Odious, my dear? Odious? You would have reason an I called him
+_Dis_honest Dick."
+
+"Don't! Don't!" she cried, covering her ears. His Grace laughed softly.
+
+"Oh, Lavinia, you must get the better of these megrims of yours, for
+there is nought that sickens a man sooner, believe me."
+
+"Oh, go away!--go away!" she implored. "You tease me and tease me until
+I cannot bear it, and indeed I do not _mean_ to be shrewish! Please go!"
+
+"I am on the point of doing so, my dear. I trust you will have in a
+measure recovered when next I see you. Pray bear my respects to Hon--to
+the Honourable Richard."
+
+She stretched out her hand.
+
+"Come again soon!" she begged. "I shall be better to-morrow! 'Tis only
+to-day that my head aches till I could shriek with the worry and the
+pain of it! Come again!"
+
+"Unfortunately I anticipate leaving Bath within a day or two. But
+nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to comply with your
+wishes." He kissed her hand punctiliously, and took his leave. At the
+door he paused, and looked back mockingly. "By the way--her name
+is--Diana." He bowed again and swept out, as Lavinia buried her face in
+the cushions and burst into tears.
+
+It was thus that Richard found her, twenty minutes later, and his
+concern was so great that it in part restored her spirits, and she spent
+a quiet and, for him, blissful evening, playing at piquet.
+
+In the middle of a game she suddenly flung down her hand and caught at
+his wrist.
+
+"Dicky, Dicky--I will go home!"
+
+"Go home? What do you mean? Not--"
+
+"Yes, yes--Wyncham! Why not?"
+
+"My dear, do you mean it?" His voice quivered with joyful surprise, and
+the cards slipped from his hands.
+
+"Yes, I mean it! But take me quickly before I change my mind! I can
+sleep at Wyncham, and here I lie awake all night, and my head aches.
+Take me home and I will try to be a better wife! Oh, Dicky, have I been
+tiresome and exacting? I did not mean to be! Why do you let me?" She
+came quickly round the table and knelt at his side, giving no heed to
+the crumpling of her billowing silks. "I have been a wicked, selfish
+woman!" she said vehemently. "But indeed I will be better. You must not
+_let_ me be bad--you _must_ not, I tell you!"
+
+He flung his arm about her plump shoulders and drew her tightly to him.
+
+"When I get you home at Wyncham, I promise you I will finely hector you,
+sweetheart," he said, laughing to conceal his deeper feelings. "I shall
+make you into a capital housewife!"
+
+"And I will learn to make butter," she nodded. "Then I must wear a
+dimity gown with a muslin apron and cap. Oh, yes, yes-a dimity gown!"
+She sprang up and danced to the middle of the room. "Shall I not be
+charming, Richard?"
+
+"Very charming, Lavinia!"
+
+"Of course! Oh, we will go home at once--at once! But first I must
+procure some new gowns from Marguerite!"
+
+"To make butter in, dear?" he protested.
+
+She was not attending.
+
+"A dimity gown--or shall it be of tiffany with a quilted petticoat? Or
+both?" she chanted. "Dicky, I shall set a fashion in country toilettes!"
+
+Dicky sighed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+INTRODUCING SUNDRY NEW CHARACTERS
+
+
+Not twenty minutes' walk from Lady Lavinia's house in Queen Square
+resided a certain Madam Thompson--a widow--who had lived in Bath for
+nearly fifteen years. With her was staying Miss Elizabeth Beauleigh and
+her niece, Diana. Madam Thompson had been at a seminary with Miss
+Elizabeth when both were girls, and they had ever afterwards kept up
+their friendship, occasionally visiting one another, but more often
+contenting themselves with the writing of lengthy epistles, full of
+unimportant scraps of news and much gossip, amusing only on Miss
+Elizabeth's side, and on the widow's uninteresting and rambling.
+
+It was a great joy to Madam Thompson when she received a letter from
+Miss Beauleigh begging that she and her niece might be allowed to pay a
+visit to her house in Bath, and to stay at least three weeks. The good
+lady was delighted at having her standing invitation at last accepted,
+and straightway wrote back a glad assent. She prepared her very best
+bedchamber for Miss Beauleigh, who, she understood, was coming to Bath
+principally for a change of air and scene after a long and rather trying
+illness.
+
+In due course the two ladies arrived, the elder very small and thin, and
+birdlike in her movements; the younger moderately tall, and graceful as
+a willow tree, with great candid brown eyes that looked fearlessly out
+on to the world, and a tragic mouth that belied a usually cheerful
+disposition, and hinted at a tendency to look on the gloomy side of
+life.
+
+Madam Thompson, whose first meeting with Diana this was, remarked on the
+sad mouth to Miss Elizabeth, or Betty as she was more often called, as
+they sat over the fire on the first night, Diana herself having retired
+to her room.
+
+Miss Betty shook her head darkly and prophesied that her precious Di
+would one day love some man as no man in _her_ opinion deserved to be
+loved!
+
+"And she'll have love badly," she said, clicking her knitting-needles
+energetically. "_I_ know these temperamental children!"
+
+"She looks so melancholy," ventured the widow.
+
+"Well there you are wrong!" replied Miss Betty. "'Tis the
+sunniest-tempered child, and the sweetest-natured in the whole wide
+world, bless her! But I don't deny that she can be miserable. Far from
+it. Why, I've known her weep her pretty eyes out over a dead puppy even!
+But usually she is gay enough."
+
+"I fear this house will be dull and stupid for her," said Madam Thompson
+regretfully. "If only my dear son George were at home to entertain
+her--"
+
+"My love, pray do not put yourself out! I assure you Diana will not at
+all object to a little quiet after the life she has been leading in town
+this winter with her friend's family."
+
+Whatever Diana thought of the quiet, she at least made no complaint, and
+adapted herself to her surroundings quite contentedly.
+
+In the morning they would all walk as far as the Assembly Rooms, and
+Miss Betty would drink the waters in the old Pump Room, pacing sedately
+up and down with her friend on one side and her niece on the other.
+Madam Thompson had very few acquaintances in Bath, and the people she
+did know were all of her own age and habits, rarely venturing as far as
+the crowded fashionable quarter; so Diana had to be content with the
+society of the two old ladies, who gossiped happily enough together, but
+whose conversation she could not but find singularly uninteresting.
+
+She watched the _monde_ with concealed wistfulness, seeing Beau Nash
+strut about among the ladies, bowing with his extreme gallantry, always
+impeccably garbed, and in spite of his rapidly increasing age and bulk
+still absolute monarch of Bath. She saw fine painted madams in enormous
+hoops, and with their hair so extravagantly curled and powdered that it
+appeared quite grotesque, mincing along with their various cavaliers;
+elderly beaux with coats padded to hid their shrunken shoulders, and
+paint to fill the wrinkles on their faces; young rakes; stout dowagers
+with their demure daughters; old ladies who had come to Bath for their
+health's sake; titled folk of fashion, and plain gentry from the
+country--all parading before her eyes.
+
+One or two young bucks tried to ogle her, and received such indignant
+glances from those clear eyes, that they never dared annoy her again,
+but for the most part no one paid any heed to the unknown and plainly
+clad girl.
+
+Then came his Grace of Andover upon the stage.
+
+He drew Diana's attention from the first moment that he entered the Pump
+Room--a black moth amongst the gaily-hued butterflies. He had swept a
+comprehensive glance round the scene and at once perceived Diana.
+Somehow, exactly how she could never afterwards remember, he had
+introduced himself to her aunt and won that lady's good will by his
+smoothness of manner and polished air. Madam Thompson, who, left to
+herself, never visited the Assembly Rooms, could not be expected to
+recognise Devil Belmanoir in the simple Mr. Everard who presented
+himself.
+
+As he had told his sister, Diana was cold. There was something about his
+Grace that repelled her, even while his mesmeric personality fascinated.
+He was right when he said that she feared him; she was nervous, and the
+element of fear gave birth to curiosity. She was intrigued, and began to
+look forward to his daily appearance in the Pump Room with mingled
+excitement and apprehension. She liked his flattering attention, and his
+grand air. Often she would watch him stroll across the floor, bowing to
+right and left with that touch of insolence that characterised him, and
+rejoiced in the knowledge that he was coming straight to her, and that
+the painted beauties who so palpably ogled and invited him to their
+sides could not alter his course. She felt her power with a thrill of
+delight, and smiled upon Mr. Everard, giving him her hand to kiss, and
+graciously permitting him to sit with her beside her aunt. He would
+point out all the celebrities of town and Bath for her edification,
+recalling carefully chosen and still more carefully censured anecdotes
+of each one. She discovered that Mr. Everard was an entertaining and
+harmless enough companion, and even expanded a little, allowing him a
+glimpse of her whimsical nature with its laughter and its hint of tears.
+
+His Grace of Andover saw enough to guess at the unsounded depths in her
+soul, and he became lover-like. Diana recoiled instinctively, throwing
+up a barrier of reserve between them. It was not what he said that
+alarmed her, but it was the way in which he said it, and the vague
+something in the purring, faintly sinister voice that she could not
+quite define, that made her heart beat unpleasantly fast, and the blood
+rush to her temples. She began first to dread the morning promenade,
+and then to avoid it. One day she had a headache; the next her foot was
+sore; another time she wanted to work at her fancy stitchery, until her
+aunt, who knew how she disliked her needle, and how singularly free from
+headaches and all petty ailments she was wont to be, openly taxed her
+with no longer wishing to walk abroad.
+
+They were in the girl's bedroom at the time, Diana seated before her
+dressing-table, brushing out her hair for the night. When her aunt put
+the abrupt question she hesitated, caught a long strand in her comb, and
+pretended to be absorbed in its disentanglement. The clouds of rippling
+hair half hid her face, but Miss Betty observed how her fingers
+trembled, and repeated her question. Then came the confession. Mr.
+Everard was unbearable; his attentions were odious; his continued
+presence revolting to Mistress Di. She was afraid of him, afraid of his
+dreadful green eyes and of his soft voice. She wished they had never
+come to Bath, and still more that they had not met him. He looked at her
+as if--as if--oh, in short, he was hateful!
+
+Miss Betty was horrified.
+
+"You cannot mean it! Dear, dear, dear! Here was I thinking what a
+pleasant gentleman he was, and all the time he was persecuting my poor
+Di, the wretch! _I_ know the type, my love, and I feel inclined to give
+him a good piece of my mind!"
+
+"Oh, no--no!" implored Diana. "Indeed, you must do no such thing,
+Auntie! He has said nought that I could possibly be offended at--'tis
+but his _manner_, and the--and the way he looked at me. Indeed, indeed,
+you must not!"
+
+"Tut, child! Of course I shall say nought. But it makes me so monstrous
+angry to think of my poor lamb being tormented by such as he that I
+declare I could tear his eyes out! Yes, my dear, I could! Thank goodness
+we are leaving Bath next week!"
+
+"Yes," sighed Diana. "I cannot help being glad, though Madam Thompson is
+very amiable! 'Tis so very different when there is no man with one!"
+
+"You are quite right, my love. We should have insisted on your father's
+staying with us instead of allowing him to fly back to his fusty, musty
+old volumes. I shall not be so foolish another time, I can assure you.
+But we need not go to the Assembly Rooms again."
+
+"I need not go," corrected Diana gently. "Of course you and Madam
+Thompson will continue to."
+
+"To tell the truth, my love," confessed Miss Betty, "I shall not be
+sorry for an excuse to stay away. 'Tis doubtless most ill-natured of me,
+but I cannot but think that Hester has altered sadly since last I saw
+her. She is always talking of sermons and good works!"
+
+Diana twisted her luxuriant hair into a long plait, and gave a gurgling
+little laugh.
+
+"Oh, Auntie, is it not depressing? I wondered how you could tolerate it!
+She is so vastly solemn, poor dear thing!"
+
+"Well," said Miss Betty charitably, "she has seen trouble, has Hester
+Thompson, and I have my doubts about this George of hers. A worthless
+young man, I fear, from all accounts. But, unkind though it may be, I
+shall be glad to find myself at home again, and that's the truth!" She
+rose and picked up her candle. "In fact, I find Bath not half so amusing
+as I was told 'twould be."
+
+Diana walked with her to the door.
+
+"'Tis not amusing at all when one has no friends; but last year, when my
+cousins were with us and papa took a house for the season on the North
+Parade, 'twas most enjoyable. I wish you had been there, instead of with
+that disagreeable Aunt Jennifer!"
+
+She kissed her relative most affectionately and lighted her across the
+landing to her room. Then she returned to her room and shut the door,
+giving a tired little yawn.
+
+It was at about that moment that his Grace of Andover was ushered into
+the already crowded card-room of my Lord Avon's house in Catharine
+Place, and was greeted with ribald cries of "Oho, Belmanoir!", and
+"Where's the lady, Devil?"
+
+He walked coolly forward into the full light of a great pendant
+chandelier, standing directly beneath it, the diamond order on his
+breast burning and winking like a living thing. The diamonds in his
+cravat and on his fingers glittered every time he moved, until he seemed
+to be carelessly powdered with iridescent gems. As usual, he was clad in
+black, but it would have been difficult to find any other dress in the
+room more sumptuous or more magnificent than his sable satin with its
+heavy silver lacing, and shimmering waistcoat. Silver lace adorned his
+throat and fell in deep ruffles over his hands, and in defiance of
+Fashion, which decreed that black alone should be worn to tie the hair,
+he displayed long silver ribands, very striking against his unpowdered
+head.
+
+He raised his quizzing glass and looked round the room with an air of
+surprised hauteur. Lord Avon, leaning back in his chair at one of the
+tables, shook a reproving finger at him.
+
+"Belmanoir, Belmanoir, we have seen her and we protest she is too
+charming for you!"
+
+"In truth, we think we should be allowed a share in the lady'th
+thmileth," lisped one from behind him, and his Grace turned to face
+dainty, effeminate little Viscount Fotheringham, who stood at his elbow,
+resplendent in salmon-pink satin and primrose velvet, with skirts so
+full and stiffly whaleboned that they stood out from his person, and
+heels so high that instead of walking he could only mince.
+
+Tracy made a low leg.
+
+"Surely shall you have a share in her smiles an she wills it so," he
+purred, and a general laugh went up which caused the fop to flush to the
+ears, as he speedily effaced himself.
+
+He had been one of those who had tried to accost Diana, and
+gossip-loving Will Stapely, with him at the time, had related the story
+of his discomfiture to at least half-a-dozen men, who immediately told
+it to others, vastly amused at the pertinacious Viscount's rebuff.
+
+"What was it Selwyn said?" drawled Sir Gregory Markham, shuffling cards
+at Lord Avon's table.
+
+Davenant looked across at him inquiringly.
+
+"George? Of Belmanoir? When?"
+
+"Oh, at White's one night--I forget--Jack Cholmondely was there--he
+would know; and Horry Walpole. 'Twas of Devil and his light o'
+loves--quite apt, on the whole."
+
+Cholmondely looked up.
+
+"Did I hear my name?"
+
+"Ay. What was it George said of Belmanoir at White's the night Gilly
+made that absurd bet with Ffolliott?"
+
+"When Gilly--oh, yes, I remember. 'Twas but an old hexameter tag,
+playing on his name: '_Est bellum bellis bellum bellare puellis_.' He
+seemed to think it a fitting motto for a ducal house."
+
+There was another general laugh at this. Markham broke in on it:
+
+"Who is she, Tracy?"
+
+His Grace turned.
+
+"Who is who?" he asked languidly.
+
+Lord Avon burst out laughing.
+
+"Oh, come now, Belmanoir, that won't do! It really will not! Who is she,
+indeed!"
+
+"Ay, Belmanoir, who is the black-haired beauty, and where did you find
+her?" cried Tom Wilding, pressing forward with a glass in one hand and a
+bottle of port in the other. "I thought you were captivated by Cynthia
+Evans?"
+
+Tracy looked bewildered for the moment, and then a light dawned on him.
+
+"Evans! Ah, yes! The saucy widow who lived in Kensington, was it not? I
+remember."
+
+"He had forgotten!" cried Avon, and went off into another of the noisy
+laughs that had more than once caused Mr. Nash to shudder and to close
+his august eyes. "You'll be the death of me, Devil! Gad! but you will!"
+
+"Oh, I trust not. Thank you, Wilding." He accepted the glass that Tom
+offered, and sipped delicately.
+
+"But you've not answered!" reminded Fortescue from another table. He
+dealt the cards round expertly. "Is it hands off, perhaps?"
+
+"Certainly," replied his Grace. "It generally is, Frank, as you know."
+
+"To my cost!" was the laughing rejoinder, and Fortescue rubbed his sword
+arm as if in memory of some hurt. "You pinked me finely, Tracy!"
+
+"Clumsily, Frank, clumsily. It might have been quicker done."
+
+The Viscount, who had been a second at the meeting, tittered amiably.
+
+"Neatetht thing I ever thaw, 'pon my honour. All over in leth than a
+minute, Avon! Give you my word!"
+
+"Never knew you had fought Devil, Frank? What possessed you?"
+
+"I was more mad than usual, I suppose," replied Fortescue in his low,
+rather dreamy voice, "and I interfered between Tracy and his French
+singer. He objected most politely, and we fought it out in Hyde Park."
+
+"Gad, yes!" exclaimed his partner, Lord Falmouth. "Why, I was Devil's
+second! But it was ages ago!"
+
+"Two years," nodded Fortescue, "but I have not forgotten, you see!"
+
+"Lord, I had! And 'twas the funniest fight I ever saw, with you as
+furious as could be and Devil cool as a cucumber. You were never much of
+a swordsman, Frank, but that morning you thrust so wildly that stap me
+if I didn't think Devil would run you through. 'Stead of that he pinks
+you neatly through the sword-arm, and damme if you didn't burst out
+laughing fit to split! And then we all walked off to breakfast with you,
+Frank, as jolly as sandboys. Heavens, yes. That was a fight!"
+
+"It was amusing," admitted Tracy at Fortescue's elbow. "Don't play,
+Frank."
+
+Fortescue flung his cards face downwards on the table. "Curse you,
+Tracy, you've brought bad luck!" he said entirely without rancour. "I
+had quite tolerable hands before you came."
+
+"Belmanoir, I will thtake my chestnut mare 'gaintht your new grey,"
+lisped the Viscount, coming up to the table, dice-box in hand.
+
+"Stap me, but that is too bad!" cried Wilding. "Don't take him, Devil!
+Have you seen the brute?"
+
+The four players had finished their card-playing and were quite ready
+for the dice.
+
+"Trust in your luck, Belmanoir, and take him!" advised Pritchard, who
+loved hazarding other men's possessions, but kept a tight hold on his
+own.
+
+"Ay, take him!" echoed Falmouth.
+
+"Don't," said Fortescue.
+
+"Of course I shall take him," answered his Grace tranquilly. "My grey
+against your chestnut and the best of three. Will you throw?"
+
+The Viscount rattled his box with a flourish. Two threes and a one
+turned up.
+
+With a hand on Fortescue's shoulder, and one foot on the rung of his
+chair, Tracy leaned forward and cast his own dice on to the table. He
+had beaten the Viscount's throw by five. The next toss Fotheringham won,
+but the last fell to his Grace.
+
+"Damnathion!" said the Viscount cheerfully. "Will you thtake your grey
+againtht my Terror?"
+
+"Thunder and turf, Fotheringham! You'll lose him!" cried Nettlefold
+warningly. "Don't stake the Terror!"
+
+"Nonthenth! Do you take me, Belmanoir?"
+
+"Certainly," said the Duke, and threw.
+
+"Oh, an you are in a gaming mood, I will play you for the right to try
+my hand with the dark beauty!" called Markham across the room.
+
+"Against what?" asked Fortescue.
+
+"Oh, what he wills!"
+
+The Viscount had cast and lost, and his Grace won the second throw.
+
+"It appears my luck is in," he remarked. "I will stake my beauty against
+your estates, Markham."
+
+Sir Gregory shook his head, laughing.
+
+"No, no! Keep the lady!"
+
+"I intend to, my dear fellow. She is not your style. I begin to wonder
+whether she altogether suits my palate." He drew out his snuff-box and
+offered it to his host, and the other men finding that he was proof
+against their railing, allowed the subject to drop.
+
+In the course of the evening his Grace won three thousand guineas--two
+at ombre and one at dice--lost his coveted grey hunter and won him back
+again from Wilding, to whom he had fallen. He came away at three o'clock
+in company with Fortescue, both perfectly cool-headed, although his
+Grace, for his part, had imbibed a considerable quantity of burgundy,
+and more punch than any ordinary man could take without afterwards
+feeling very much the worse for wear.
+
+As my Lord Avon's door closed behind them, Tracy turned to his friend:
+
+"Shall we walk, Frank?"
+
+"Since our ways lie together, yes," replied Fortescue, linking his arm
+in the Duke's. "Down Brock Street and across the Circus is our quickest
+way."
+
+They strolled down the road for a few moments in silence, passing a
+linkman on the way. Fortescue bade him a cheery good-night, which was
+answered in a very beery voice, but the Duke said nothing. Frank looked
+into his dark-browed face thoughtfully.
+
+"You've had the luck, to-night, Tracy."
+
+"Moderately. I hoped entirely to repair last week's losses."
+
+"You are in debt, I suppose?"
+
+"I believe so."
+
+"To what extent, Tracy?"
+
+"My dear fellow, I neither have, nor wish to have, the vaguest notion.
+Pray do not treat me to a sermon!"
+
+"I shall not. I've said all I have to say on the subject."
+
+"Many times."
+
+"Yes--many times. And it has had no more effect upon you than if I had
+not spoken."
+
+"Less."
+
+"I daresay. I wish it were not so, for there's good in you somewhere,
+Tracy."
+
+"By what strange process of reasoning do you arrive at that?"
+
+"Well," said Fortescue laughing, "there's nearly always some good in the
+very worst of men. I count on that--and your kindness to me."
+
+"I should be interested to know when I have been kind to you--beyond the
+time when I was compelled to teach you to leave me and my affairs
+alone."
+
+"I was not referring to that occasion," was the dry answer. "I had not
+seen your act in that light. I meant well over the episode."
+
+"You could not damn yourself more effectually than by saying that," said
+his Grace calmly. "But we wander from the point. When have I done you an
+act of kindness?"
+
+"You know very well. When you extricated me from that cursed
+sponging-house."
+
+"I remember now. Yes, that _was_ good of me. I wonder why I did it?"
+
+"'Tis what I want to know."
+
+"I suppose I must have had some sort of an affection for you. I would
+certainly never have done such a thing for anyone else."
+
+"Not even for your own brother!" said Frank sharply.
+
+They had crossed the Circus and were walking down Gay Street now.
+
+"Least of all for them," came the placid response. "You are thinking of
+Andrew's tragic act? Most entertaining, was it not?"
+
+"You evidently found it so."
+
+"I did. I wanted to prolong the sensation, but my esteemed
+brother-in-law came to the young fool's rescue."
+
+"Would you have assisted him?"
+
+"In the end I fear I should have had to."
+
+"I believe there must be a kink in your brain!" cried Fortescue. "I
+cannot else account for your extraordinary conduct!"
+
+"We Belmanoirs are all half-mad," replied Tracy sweetly, "but I think
+that in my case it is merely concentrated evil."
+
+"I will not believe it! You have shown that you can behave differently!
+You do not try to strip me of all I possess--why all those unfortunate
+youths you play with?"
+
+"You see, you possess so little," the Duke excused himself.
+
+"Neither do you sneer at me in your loathsome fashion. Why?"
+
+"Because I have hardly ever any desire to. I like you."
+
+"Tare an' ouns! you must like someone else in the world besides me?"
+
+"I can think of no one. And I do not exactly worship the ground _you_
+tread on. The contemplation of my brothers appals me. I have loved
+various women, and shall no doubt love many more--"
+
+"No, Tracy," interposed Fortescue, "you have never loved a woman in your
+life. 'Tis that that might save you. I do not allude to the lustful
+passion you indulge in, but real love. For God's sake Belmanoir, live
+clean!"
+
+"Pray do not distress yourself, Frank. I am not worth it."
+
+"I choose to think that you are. I cannot but feel that if you had been
+loved as a boy--Your mother--"
+
+"Did you ever see my mother?" inquired his Grace lazily.
+
+"No--but--"
+
+"Have you ever seen my sister?"
+
+"Er--yes--"
+
+"In a rage?"
+
+"Really, I--"
+
+"Because, if you have, you have seen my mother. Only she was ten times
+more violent. In fact, we were a pleasant party when we were all at
+home."
+
+"I understand."
+
+"Good Gad! I believe you are sorry for me?" cried Tracy scornfully.
+
+"I am. Is it a presumption on my part?"
+
+"My dear Frank, when I am sorry for myself you may be sorry too. Until
+then--"
+
+"When that day comes I shall no longer pity you."
+
+"Very deep, Frank! You think I shall be on the road to recovery? A
+pretty conceit. Luckily, the happy moment has not yet come--and I do not
+think it is like to. We appear to have arrived."
+
+They were standing outside one of the tall houses where Fortescue
+lodged. He turned and grasped his friend's shoulders.
+
+"Tracy, give up this mad life you lead! Give up the women and the drink,
+and the excessive gaming; for one day, believe me, you will overstep
+yourself and be ruined!"
+
+The Duke disengaged himself.
+
+"I very much object to being man-handled in the street," he complained.
+"I suppose you still _mean_ well. You should strive to conquer the
+tendency."
+
+"I wonder if you know how insolent is your tone, Belmanoir?" asked
+Fortescue steadily.
+
+"Naturally. I should not have attained such perfection in the art else.
+But pray accept my thanks for your good advice. You will forgive me an I
+do not avail myself of it, I am sure. I prefer the crooked path."
+
+"Evidently," sighed the other. "If you will not try the straight and
+narrow way, I can only hope that you will fall very deeply and very
+honestly in love; and that the lady will save you from yourself."
+
+"I will inform you of it when it comes to pass," promised his Grace.
+"And now: good-night!"
+
+"Good-night!" Frank returned the low bow with a curt nod. "I shall see
+you to-morrow--that is, this morning--at the Baths?"
+
+"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," was the smiling
+rejoinder. "Sleep soundly, Frank!" He waved an ironic farewell and
+crossed the road to his own lodgings, which stood almost directly
+opposite.
+
+"And I suppose _you_ will sleep as soundly as if you had not a stain on
+your conscience--and had not tried your uttermost to alienate the regard
+of the only friend you possess," remarked Frank bitterly to the
+darkness. "Damn you, Tracy, for the villain you are!" He walked up the
+steps to his own front door and turned the key in the lock. He looked
+over his shoulder as a door slammed across the street. "Poor Devil!" he
+said. "Oh, you poor Devil!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE BITER BIT
+
+
+With John Carstares the winter had passed quite uneventfully. He
+continued his highway robbery, but he made two bad blunders--not from
+the point of view of a thief, but from that of the gentleman in him. The
+first was when he stopped an opulent-looking chariot, which he found to
+contain two ladies, their maid and their jewels, and the second when the
+occupant of a large travelling coach chanced to be an old gentleman who
+possessed far greater courage than physical strength. On the first
+occasion my lord's dismay had been ludicrous, and he had hastily retired
+after tendering a naive apology. The old gentleman in the second episode
+had defied him so gallantly that he had impulsively offered him the butt
+end of one of his pistols. The old man was so surprised that he allowed
+the weapon to fall to the ground, where it exploded quite harmlessly,
+sending up a cloud of dust and smoke. Carstares then begged his pardon
+most humbly, assisted him back into his coach, and rode off before the
+astonished Mr. Dunbar had time to collect his wits.
+
+The robbing was not carried out in a very scientific manner, for, as has
+been seen, Carstares could not bring himself to terrorise women or old
+men, and there only remained the young and the middle-aged gentlemen,
+one of whom Jack offered to fight for the possession of his jewels. His
+challenge was promptly accepted by the man, who happened to possess a
+strong sense of humour, and probably saw a chance of saving his
+belongings in the offer. He had been speedily worsted, but Carstares was
+so pleased with a particularly neat thrust which he had executed, that
+he forwent half the booty, and the pair of them divided the contents of
+the jewel-box by the roadside, the sporting gentleman keeping his most
+valued belongings and giving Jack the surplus. They parted on the very
+best of terms, and all Carstares got out of the episode was a little
+sword practice and a few trinkets.
+
+When day came he was patrolling the west side of Sussex, beyond
+Midhurst, not because he thought it a profitable part, but because he
+knew and loved the country. One late afternoon towards the end of the
+month he rode gaily into one of the small villages that nestle amongst
+the Downs, and made his way down the quaint main street to the George
+Inn, where he drew rein and dismounted. At his call an aged ostler
+hobbled out of a side door, chewing an inevitable straw, and after
+eyeing the newcomer and his steed for an appreciable length of time,
+evidently decided that they were worthy of his attention, for he came
+forward, remarking that it had been a pleasant day.
+
+Carstares agreed with him, and volunteered the information that it would
+be another fine day to-morrow, if the sunset were to be trusted. To this
+the ostler replied that he, for one, never trusted to no red sunsets,
+and added darkly that there warn't nothing so deceitful to his manner o'
+thinking. He'd known it be such a red sunset as never was, and yet be
+a-pouring with rain all next day.... Should he take the mare?
+
+Carstares shook his head.
+
+"No, I thank you. I remain here but a few moments. I doubt she's thirsty
+though--eh, Jenny?"
+
+"Water, sir?"
+
+"For her, yes. For myself I fancy a tankard of your home-brewed ale.
+Stand, Jenny!" He turned away and walked up the steps to the inn door.
+
+"Be you a-going to leave her there, sir--a-standing all by herself?"
+inquired the man, surprised.
+
+"Why, yes! She's docile enough."
+
+"Well! Seems to me a risky thing to leave a hoss--and a skittish hoss at
+that--a-standing loose in the road. Ye won't be tying her to a post,
+master?"
+
+Carstares leaned his arms on the balustrade and looked down at them.
+
+"I will not. She'd be very hurt at such treatment, wouldn't you, lass?"
+
+Jenny tossed her head playfully, as if in agreement, and the ostler
+scratched his head, looking from her to my lord:
+
+"A'most seems as if she understands what you be a-saying to her, sir!"
+
+"Of course she understands! Don't I tell you 'tis a clever little lady?
+If I call her now she'll come up these steps to me, and not all the
+ostlers in Christendom could stop her."
+
+"Don't'ee go for to do it, sir!" urged the old man, backing. "She must
+be uncommon fond o' ye?"
+
+"She'd be a deal fonder of you if you'd fetch her a drink," hinted Jack
+broadly.
+
+"Ay, sir! I be a-going this werry instant!" And with many an anxious
+glance over his shoulder at the perfectly quiet mare, he disappeared
+through an open doorway into the yard.
+
+When Carstares, tankard of ale in hand, emerged from the inn and sat
+himself down on one of the benches that stood against the wall, the
+mare was drinking thirstily from a bucket which the ancient one held for
+her.
+
+"'Tis a wunnerful fine mare, sir," he remarked at length, after a
+careful inspection of her points.
+
+Carstares nodded pleasantly, and surveyed Jenny through half-shut eyes.
+
+"I think so every time I look at her," he said.
+
+"I should think she could get a bit of a pace on her, sir? Mebbe ye've
+tried her racing?"
+
+"No, she wasn't brought up to that. But she's fast enough."
+
+"Ay, sir. No vices?"
+
+"Lord, no!"
+
+"Don't kick neither?"
+
+"Not with me."
+
+"Ah! they allus knows who'll stand it and who won't."
+
+Jack drained his tankard, and setting it down on the bench beside him,
+rose to his feet.
+
+"She'd not dream of kicking a friend. Jenny!"
+
+The ostler watched her pick her way towards her master, coquetting with
+her head, and sidling round him in the most playful manner possible. A
+slow smile dawned on the man's face.
+
+"Ah, it be a purty sight to watch her--so it be!" he said, and received
+a guinea from Jack, who never tired of listening to praise of his
+beloved Jenny.
+
+Carstares remounted, nodded farewell to the ostler and rode leisurely on
+down the street, soon branching off to the right into a typical Sussex
+lane, where he trotted between uneven hedges, sweet with blossom and
+with May, and placid fields rolling away on either side, upwards until
+they merged into the undulating hills, barely discernible in the gloom,
+that are the downs. It was a wonderfully calm evening, with only a
+gentle west wind blowing, and the moon already shining faintly in the
+dark sky. There was nothing beyond the sound of the mare's hoofs to
+break the beautiful stillness of it all.
+
+He rode for some way without meeting a soul, and when at the end of an
+hour someone did chance along the road it was only a labourer returning
+home to his supper after a long day in the fields. John bade him a
+cheery good evening and watched him pass on down the road humming.
+
+After that he met no one. He rode easily along for miles, into the
+fast-gathering darkness. He was frowning as he rode, thinking.
+
+Curiously enough, it was on his penniless days in France that his mind
+dwelt this evening. He had resolutely thrust that dark time behind him,
+determined to forget it, but there were still days when, try as he
+might, he could not prevent his thoughts flying back to it.
+
+With clenched teeth he recalled the days when he, the son of an Earl,
+had taught fencing in Paris for a living.... Suddenly he laughed
+harshly, and at the unusual sound the mare pricked up her ears and
+sidled uneasily across the road. For once no notice was taken of her,
+and she quickened her pace with a flighty toss of her head....
+
+He thought how he, the extravagant John, had pinched and scraped and
+saved rather than go under; how he had lived in one of the poorer
+_quartiers_ of the city, alone, without friends--nameless.
+
+Then, cynically now, he reviewed the time when he had taken to drinking,
+heavily and systematically, and had succeeded in pulling himself up at
+the very brink of the pit he saw yawning before him.
+
+Next the news of his mother's death.... John passed over that quickly.
+Even now the thought of it had the power of rousing in him all the old
+misery and impotent resentment.
+
+His mind sped on to his Italian days. On his savings he had travelled to
+Florence, and from there he went gradually south, picking up all the
+latest arts and subtleties of fence on the way.
+
+The change of scene and of people did much to restore his spirits. His
+devil-may-care ways peeped out again; he started to gamble on the little
+money he had left. For once Fortune proved kind; he doubled and trebled
+and quadrupled the contents of his purse. Then it was that he met Jim
+Salter, whom he engaged as his servant. This was the first friend since
+he had left England. Together they travelled about Europe, John gambling
+his way, Jim keeping a relentless hand on the exchequer. It was entirely
+owing to his watchfulness and care that John was not ruined, for his
+luck did not always hold good, and there were days when he lost with
+distressing steadiness. But Jim guarded the winnings jealously, and
+there was always something to fall back on.
+
+At last the longing for England and English people grew so acute that
+John made up his mind to return. But he found that things in England
+were very different from what they had been abroad. Here he was made to
+feel acutely that he was outcast. It was impossible to live in town
+under an assumed name, as he would like to have done, for too many
+people knew Jack Carstares, and would remember him. He saw that he must
+either live secluded, or--and the idea of becoming a highwayman occurred
+to him. A hermit's existence he knew to be totally unsuited to a man of
+his temperament, but the free, adventurous spirit of the road appealed
+to him. The finding of his mare--J. the Third, as he laughingly dubbed
+her--decided the point; he forthwith took on himself the role of
+quixotic highwayman, roaming his beloved South Country, happier than he
+had been since he first left England; bit by bit regaining his youth and
+spirits, which last, not all the trouble he had been through had
+succeeded in extinguishing....
+
+Clip-clap, clip-clop.... With a jerk he came back to earth and reined-in
+his mare, the better to listen.
+
+Along the road came the unmistakable sound of horses' hoofs, and the
+scrunch-scrunch of swiftly-revolving wheels on the sandy surface.
+
+By now the moon was right out, but owing to the fact that she was
+playing at hide-and-seek in and out of the clouds, it was fairly dark.
+Nevertheless, Jack fastened his mask over his face with quick, deft
+fingers, and pulled his hat well over his eyes. His ears told him that
+the vehicle, whatever it was, was coming towards him, so he drew into
+the side of the road, and taking a pistol from its holster, sat waiting,
+his eyes on the bend in the road.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the horses, until the leader swung round the
+corner. Carstares saw that it was an ordinary travelling chariot, and
+levelled his pistol.
+
+"Halt, or I fire!" He had to repeat the command before it was heard, and
+to ride out from the shadow of the hedge.
+
+The chariot drew up and the coachman leaned over the side to see who it
+was bidding them to stop in so peremptory a manner.
+
+"What d'ye want? Who are ye? Is there aught amiss?" he cried testily,
+and found himself staring at a long-nosed pistol.
+
+"Throw down your arms!"
+
+"I ain't got none, blast ye!"
+
+"On your honour?" Jack dismounted.
+
+"Ay! Wish I had, and I'd see ye damned afore I'd throw 'em down!"
+
+At this moment the door of the coach opened and a gentleman leapt
+lightly down on to the road. He was big and loose-limbed as far as
+Carstares could see, and carried himself with an easy grace.
+
+My lord presented his pistol.
+
+"Stand!" he ordered gruffly.
+
+The moon peeped coyly out from behind a cloud and shed her light upon
+the little group as if to see what all the fuss was about. The big man's
+face was in the shadow, but Jack's pistol was not. Into its muzzle the
+gentleman gazed, one hand deep in the pocket of his heavy cloak, the
+other holding a small pistol.
+
+"Me very dear friend," he said in a rich brogue, "perhaps ye are not
+aware that that same pistol ye are pointing at me is unloaded? Don't
+move; I have ye covered!"
+
+Jack's arm fell to his side, and the pistol he held clattered to the
+ground. But it was not surprise at Jim's defection that caused him that
+violent start. It was something far more overwhelming. For the voice
+that proceeded from the tall gentleman belonged to one whom, six years
+ago, he had counted, next to Richard, his greatest friend on earth.
+
+The man moved a little, and the moonlight shone full on his face,
+clearly outlining the large nose and good-humoured mouth, and above, the
+sleepy grey eyes. Miles! Miles O'Hara! For once Jack could find nothing
+amusing in the situation. It was too inconceivably hideous that he
+should meet his friend in this guise, and, further, be unable to reveal
+himself. A great longing to tear off his mask and to grasp Miles' hand
+assailed him. With an effort he choked it down and listened to what
+O'Hara was saying:
+
+"If ye will be so kind as to give me your word of honour ye'll not be
+afther trying to escape, I should be greatly obliged. But I tell ye
+first that if ye attempt to move, I shall shoot."
+
+Jack made a hopeless gesture with his hand. He felt dazed. The whole
+thing was ridiculous; how Miles would laugh afterwards. He went cold.
+There would be no "afterwards".... Miles would never know.... He would
+be given over to the authorities, and Miles would never know that he had
+helped Jack Carstares to the scaffold.... Perhaps, too, he would not
+mind so very much, now that he, Jack, was so disgraced. One could never
+tell; even if he risked everything now, and told his true identity,
+Miles might turn away from him in disgust; Miles, who could never stoop
+to a dishonourable act. Carstares felt that he would bear anything
+sooner than face this man's scorn....
+
+"Never tell me 'tis a dumb man ye are, for I heard ye shout meself! Do
+ye give me your word of honour, or must I have ye bound?"
+
+Carstares pulled himself together and set his teeth as he faced the
+inevitable. Escape was impossible; Miles would shoot, he felt sure, and
+then his disguise would be torn away and his friend would see that Jack
+Carstares was nothing but a common highwayman. Whatever happened, that
+must not be, for the sake of the name and Richard. So he quietly held
+out his hands.
+
+"Ay, I give my word, but ye can bind me if ye choose." It was his
+highwayman voice: raucous, and totally unlike his own.
+
+But O'Hara's eyes were fixed on the slender white hands held out to him.
+In his usual haphazard fashion, Jack had quite forgotten to grime his
+hands. They were shapely and white, and carefully manicured.
+
+Miles took either wrist in his large hands and turned them palm upwards
+in the moonlight.
+
+"Singularly white hands ye have, for one in your profession," he
+drawled, and tightened his hold as Jack tried to draw them away. "No, ye
+do not! Now be so good as to step within, me friend."
+
+Jack held back an instant.
+
+"My mare?" he asked, and O'Hara noted the anxiety in his voice.
+
+"Ye need not be after worrying about her," he said. "George!" The
+footman sprang forward.
+
+"Yessir?"
+
+"Ye see that mare? I want ye to ride her home. Can ye do it?"
+
+"Yessir!"
+
+"I doubt it," murmured Jack.
+
+So did Jenny. She refused point blank to allow this stranger to mount
+her. Her master had left her in one spot, and there she would stand
+until he chose to bid her move. In vain did the groom coax and coerce.
+She ran round him and seemed a transformed creature. She laid her ears
+flat and gnashed at the bit, ready to lash out furiously at the first
+opportunity.
+
+Jack watched the man's futile struggles with the ghost of a smile about
+his lips.
+
+"Jenny!" he said quietly, and O'Hara looked round at him sharply,
+frowning. Unconsciously, he had spoken naturally, and the voice was
+faintly familiar.
+
+Jenny twitched the bridle from the perspiring groom and minced up to the
+prisoner.
+
+"Would ye allow me to have a hand free--sir?" he asked. "Mebbe I can
+manage her."
+
+Without a word Miles released him, and he caught the bridle, murmuring
+something unintelligible to the now quiet animal.
+
+O'Hara watched the beautiful hand stroke her muzzle reassuringly, and
+frowned again. No ordinary highwayman this.
+
+"Mount her now, will 'ee?" Jack flung at the groom, and kept a warning
+hand on the rein as the man obeyed. With a final pat he turned away.
+"She'll do now, sir."
+
+O'Hara nodded.
+
+"Ye've trained her well. Get in, please."
+
+Jack obeyed, and in a minute or two O'Hara jumped in after him, and the
+coach began to move forward.
+
+For a while there was silence, Carstares keeping himself well under
+control. It was almost unbearable to think that after this brief drive
+he would never set eyes on his friend again, and he wanted so badly to
+turn and grasp that strong hand....
+
+Miles turned in his seat and tried to see the masked face in the
+darkness.
+
+"Ye are a gentleman?" he asked, going straight to the point.
+
+Jack was prepared for this.
+
+"Me, sir? Lor' no, sir!"
+
+"I do not believe ye. Don't be forgettin' I've seen your hands!"
+
+"Hands, sir?" in innocent bewilderment.
+
+"Sure, ye don't think I'd be believing ye an ordinary rogue, with hands
+like that?"
+
+"I don't rightly understand ye, sir?"
+
+"Bejabers then, ye'll be understanding me tomorrow!"
+
+"To-morrow, sir?"
+
+"Certainly. Ye may as well tell me now as then. I'm not such a daft fool
+as I look, and I know a gentleman when I see one, even an he does growl
+at me as you do!" he chuckled. "And I'd an odd feeling I knew ye when ye
+spoke to the mare. I'd be loth to send a friend to the gallows."
+
+How well Jack knew that soft, persuasive voice. His hands clenched as he
+forced himself to answer:
+
+"I don't think I've ever seen ye afore, sir."
+
+"Maybe ye have not. We shall see to-morrow."
+
+"What do ye mean by to-morrow, sir?" ventured Carstares uneasily.
+
+"Sure, ye will have the honour of appearing before me, me friend."
+
+"Before _you_, sir?"
+
+"Why not? I'm a Justice of the Peace, heaven save the mark!"
+
+There was a breathless pause, and then at last the funny side of it
+struck Jack, and his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. The
+exquisite irony of it was almost too much for him. He, the Earl of
+Wyncham, was to be formally questioned by his friend Sir Miles O'Hara,
+J.P.!
+
+"What ails ye now, man? Ye find it amusing?" asked Miles, surprised.
+
+"Oh, Lud, yes!" gasped Jack, and collapsed into his corner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+LADY O'HARA INTERVENES
+
+
+Lady O'Hara found that her big, indolent husband was unusually silent
+next morning at breakfast. She had not been married long enough to
+consent to being practically ignored, no matter what the time of day,
+but she had been married quite long enough to know that before she took
+any direct action against him, she must first allow him to assuage his
+appetite. Accordingly she plied him with coffee and eggs, and with a
+satisfied and slightly motherly air, watched him attack a sirloin of
+beef. She was a pretty, birdlike little lady, with big eyes, and soft
+brown curls escaping from under a demure but very becoming mob cap. She
+measured five foot nothing in her stockings, and was sometimes referred
+to by her large husband as the Midget. Needless to say, this flippant
+appellation was in no wise encouraged by the lady.
+
+She decided that Miles had come to the end of his repast, and, planting
+two dimpled elbows on the table, she rested her small chin in her hands
+and looked across at him with something of the air of an inquisitive
+kitten.
+
+"Miles!"
+
+O'Hara leaned back in his chair, and at the sight of her fresh
+prettiness his brow cleared and he smiled.
+
+"Well, asthore?"
+
+A reproachful finger was raised and a pair of red lips pouted adorably.
+
+"Now, Miles, confess you've been vastly disagreeable this morning. Twice
+have I spoken to you and you've not troubled to answer me--nay, let me
+finish! And once you growled at me like a nasty bear! Yes, sir, you
+did!"
+
+"Did I now, Molly? 'Tis a surly brute you're after thinking me, then?
+Troth, and I've been sore perplexed, me dear."
+
+Lady O'Hara got up and sidled round to him.
+
+"Have you so, Miles?"
+
+He flung an arm about her and drew her on to his knee.
+
+"Sure, yes, Molly."
+
+"Well then, Miles, had you not better tell me what it is that troubles
+you?" she coaxed, laying a persuasive hand on his shoulder.
+
+He smiled up at her.
+
+"'Tis just an inquisitive puss you are!"
+
+Again the pout.
+
+"And ye should not pout your pretty lips at me if ye are not wanting me
+to kiss them!" he added, suiting the action to the word.
+
+"But of course I do!" cried my lady, returning the kiss with fervour.
+"Nay, Miles, tell me."
+
+"I see ye mean to have the whole tale out of me, so--"
+
+"To be sure I do!" she nodded.
+
+He laid a warning finger on her lips and summoned up a mighty frown.
+
+"Now will ye be done interrupting, me lady?"
+
+Not a whit abashed, she bit the finger, pushed it away, and folding her
+hands in her lap, cast her eyes meekly heavenwards.
+
+With a twinkle in his own eyes the Irishman continued:
+
+"Well, alanna, ye must know that yesterday evening I was at Kilroy's on
+a matter of business--and that reminds me, Molly, we had a hand or two
+at faro and the like before I left, and I had very distressing luck--"
+
+On a sudden my lady's demure air vanished.
+
+"Is that so, Miles? I make no doubt the stakes were prodigious high?
+Pray, how much have you lost?"
+
+"Whisht, darlin', 'tis a mere thrifle, I assure you.... Well, as I was
+saying, on me way home, what should happen but that we be held up by one
+of these highwaymen--"
+
+My lady's eyes widened in horror, and two little hands clutched at his
+coat.
+
+"Oh, Miles!"
+
+His arm tightened round her waist.
+
+"Sure, asthore, I'm still alive to tell the tale, though 'tis not far
+I'll be getting with you interrupting at every moment!"
+
+"But, Miles, how terrible! You might have been killed! And you never
+told me! 'Twas monstrous wicked of you, darling!"
+
+"Faith, Molly, how should I be telling you when 'twas yourself that was
+fast asleep? Now will you whisht?"
+
+She nodded obediently, and dimpled.
+
+"Well, as I say, here was this man standing in the road, pointing his
+pistol at me. But will ye believe me, me love, when I tell you that that
+same pistol was as empty as--my own?" Here he was shaken with laughter.
+"Lud, Molly, 'twas the drollest thing! I had me pistol in me hand,
+knowing 'twas unloaded, and wondering what the devil, saving your
+presence, was to do next, when the idea struck me that I should try to
+bluff me fine sir. So I cried out that his pistol was unloaded, and
+completely took him by surprise! Sure he hadn't time to ask himself how
+the devil I should be knowing that! He dropped it on the road. Afther--"
+
+"Miles, you are becoming very Irish!"
+
+"Never say so, alanna. _After_ that 'twas simple enough, and me lord
+gave in. He held out his hands for me to bind--and here's where 'tis
+puzzling, Molly--I saw that they were a prodigious sight too white and
+fine for an ordinary highwayman. So I taxed him with it--"
+
+"'Twas a gentleman in disguise! How splendid, Miles!"
+
+"Will ye hold your tongue, asthore, and not be spoiling me story on me?"
+
+"Oh, indeed I am sorry! I will be good!"
+
+"--and he started and seemed monstrous put out. What's more, me dear, I
+heard him speak to his mare in an ordinary, gentleman's voice. Molly, ye
+never saw the like of that same mare! The sweetest--"
+
+"Pray, never mind the mare, dear! I am all agog to hear about the
+gentleman-highwayman!"
+
+"Very well, me love, though 'twas a prodigious fine mare--When I heard
+him speak, it flashed across me brain that I knew him--no, ye don't,
+Molly!" His hand was over her mouth as he spoke, and her eyes danced
+madly. "But I could not for the life of me think where I had heard that
+voice: 'twas but the one word I heard him speak, ye understand, and when
+I held his wrists I felt that 'twas no stranger. And yet 'tis
+impossible. When I got him within the coach--"
+
+"How imprudent! He might have--"
+
+"Whisht now! When I got him within the coach I tried to worm his
+identity out of him, but 'twas to no avail. But when I told him he would
+have to appear before me to-day, he went off into a fit of laughing,
+till I wondered what he was at, at all. And not another word could I get
+out of him after beyond 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir.' Still, I felt that
+'twas a gentleman all the same, so I--"
+
+He was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.
+
+"You dear Miles! You let him escape?"
+
+"Sure, alanna, is it meself that would be doing the like? And me a
+Justice of the Peace withal? I told them not to handcuff me lord."
+
+"Oh, I do so wish you had let him escape! But if 'tis really a
+gentleman, you will?"
+
+"I will not then, asthore. I'll be sending him to await the Assizes."
+
+"You are very cruel, then."
+
+"But, me darlin'--"
+
+"And I wish to get off your knee." He drew her close.
+
+"I'll see what can be done for your protege, Molly. But don't be
+forgetting he tried to kill the only husband you have!" He watched the
+effect of this with that humorous twinkle in his eye. But my lady was
+not to be put off.
+
+"With an empty pistol? Fie on you, Miles! And may I hide behind the
+screen while you question him?"
+
+"Ye may not."
+
+"But I wish so much to see him!"
+
+O'Hara shook his head with an air of finality she knew full well.
+However easy-going and good-natured her husband might be, there were
+times when he was impervious to all blandishments. So after darkly
+hinting that she would be nearer than he imagined, she gave up the
+contest to go and visit young Master David in his nursery.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For some time in lock-up Carstares had cudgelled his brain to think out
+a possible mode of escape next day, but try as he might he could light
+on nothing. If only Miles were not to question him! It was hardly likely
+that he would be allowed to retain his mask, yet therein lay his only
+chance of preserving his incognito. He prayed that by some merciful
+providence O'Hara would either fail to recognise him or would at least
+pretend that he did not. Having decided that there was nothing further
+to be done in the matter he lay down on his extremely hard pallet, and
+went to sleep as if he had not a care in the world.
+
+Next morning, after a long and wordy argument with the head gaoler on
+the subject of masks, he was haled in triumph to the house.
+
+As the little cavalcade was about to ascend the steps that led to the
+front door, my Lady O'Hara came gaily forth carrying a basket and a pair
+of scissors, and singing a snatch of song. At the sight of the
+highwayman the song broke off and her red lips formed a long-drawn "Oh!"
+She stood quite still on the top step, gazing down at my lord. The two
+gaolers stood aside to allow her to come down, just as a greyhound
+darted up the steps and flung itself against her in an exuberance of
+joy. My lady, none too securely balanced, reeled; the basket fell from
+her arm, her foot missed the next step, and she tumbled headlong down.
+But in the flash of an eyelid Carstares had sprung forward and received
+her in his arms. He lowered her gently to the ground. "I trust you are
+not hurt, madam?" he asked, and retrieved her basket, handing it to her.
+
+Molly took it with a smile.
+
+"I thank you sir, not at all; though I fear I should have injured myself
+quite considerably had you not been so swift in catching me. 'Twas most
+kind of you, I am sure!" She extended her small hand, and her eyes
+devoured him.
+
+For a moment my lord hesitated, and then, sweeping off his hat, he bowed
+low over the hand.
+
+"'Twas less than nothing, madam," he said in his own cultivated voice.
+"I beg you will dismiss it from your mind." He straightened himself as
+the gaolers came forward, and put on his hat again.
+
+Lady O'Hara stepped aside and watched them disappear into the house. Her
+cheeks were rather flushed, and her eyes suspiciously bright. Suddenly
+she nodded her head decisively, and throwing away her luckless basket,
+hurried across the lawn and entered the house through a long window.
+
+My lord was conducted to the library, where O'Hara sat awaiting him, and
+slouched forward with his hands thrust deep into his pockets and his hat
+still on his head.
+
+The head gaoler eyed him gloomily, and looked pained when Carstares with
+studied boorishness leaned carelessly against a fine carved table.
+
+"We 'ave refrained from 'andcuffin' pris'ner, sir, at your horders," he
+said, in a tone that warned O'Hara that should harm come of it, on his
+head be the blame.
+
+Miles nodded.
+
+"Quite right," he said pleasantly, and glanced at the cloaked and masked
+figure before him with more suspicion than ever.
+
+"But I regrets to 'ave to report very hobstinate be'aviour on part of
+pris'ner, sir," added the gaoler impressively.
+
+"Indeed?" said Miles gravely. "How so?"
+
+Jack controlled an insane desire to laugh, and listened to the gaoler's
+complaint.
+
+"You see the pris'ner, sir, with that great mask on 'is face? Afore we
+set out to come 'ere, I told 'im to take it hoff. And 'e refoosed, sir.
+Seeing as 'ow you gave no horders, I did not force 'im to hobey."
+
+"Ah! ... Your name, please?"
+
+"John Smith, sir," answered Carstares promptly and hoarsely. O'Hara
+wrote it down with a sceptical smile on his lips that Jack did not quite
+like.
+
+"Perhaps ye will have the goodness to unmask?"
+
+There was a momentary silence.
+
+"Why, sir, I thought ye might allow me to keep it on?"
+
+"Did ye now? I will not be allowing any such thing."
+
+"But, sir--"
+
+"'Tis impossible. Off with it!"
+
+"Sir--"
+
+"If ye don't take it off, I shall ask these men to assist ye," warned
+Miles.
+
+"May I not speak with ye alone, sir?" pleaded Jack. By now O'Hara was
+greatly intrigued.
+
+"Ye may not. Unmask!" He was leaning half across the table, his eyes
+fixed on Jack's face.
+
+With a quaint little laugh that made O'Hara's brows contract swiftly, my
+lord shrugged his shoulders French fashion and obeyed. The mask and hat
+were tossed lightly on to the table, and Miles found himself gazing into
+a pair of blue eyes that met his half defiantly, half imploringly. He
+drew in his breath sharply and the thin ivory rule he held snapped
+suddenly between his fingers. And at that crucial moment a door behind
+him that had stood ajar was pushed open, and my Lady O'Hara came
+tripping into the room.
+
+The two gaolers and her husband turned at once to see who it was, while
+Jack, who had recognised her, but had not the least idea who she was,
+fell to dusting his boots with his handkerchief.
+
+O'Hara rose, and for once looked severe.
+
+"What--" he began, and stopped, for without so much as a glance at him,
+my lady ran towards the prisoner, crying:
+
+"Harry! Oh, Harry!"
+
+Jack gathered that he was the person addressed, and instantly made her
+an elaborate leg.
+
+The next moment she was tugging at the lapels of his coat, with her face
+upturned to his.
+
+"Harry, you WICKED boy!" she cried, and added beneath her breath: "My
+name is Molly!"
+
+A laugh sprang to my lord's eyes and his beautiful smile appeared.
+
+In a stupefied fashion O'Hara watched him steal an arm about her waist,
+and place a hand beneath her chin. The next instant a kiss was planted
+full on the little lady's lips, and he heard Jack Carstares' voice
+exclaim:
+
+"Fie on you, Molly, for a spoil-sport! Here had I fooled Miles to the
+top of my bent--and 'pon rep.! he scarce knows me yet!"
+
+My lady disengaged herself, blushing.
+
+"Oh, Miles, you do know Harry--my cousin Harry?"
+
+O'Hara collected his scattered wits and rose nobly to the occasion.
+
+"Of course I do, me dear, though at first he gave me such a shock, I was
+near dumbfounded. Ye are a mad, scatter-brained fellow to play such a
+thrick upon us, devil take ye!" He laid his hands on Jack's shoulders.
+"Pray, what did ye do it for, boy?"
+
+Jack's brain worked swiftly.
+
+"Why, Miles, never tell me you've forgot our wager! Did I not swear I'd
+have you at a disadvantage--to be even with you for that night at
+Jasper's? But what must you do but see my pistol was unloaded and make
+me lose my wager! Still, 'twas worth that and a night in gaol to see
+your face when I unmasked!"
+
+O'Hara shook him slightly, laughing, and turned to the two amazed
+gaolers. The senior gaoler met his humorous glance with a cold and
+indignant stare, and gave a prodigious sniff.
+
+"Me good fellows," drawled Miles, "I'm mighty sorry ye've been worried
+over me young cousin here. He's fooled us all it appears, but now
+there's nought to be done in the matter, though I've a mind to send him
+to await the next sessions!" He slipped a guinea into each curiously
+ready palm, and replied to the head gaoler's haughty bow with a pleasant
+nod. In silence he watched them leave the room shaking their heads over
+the incomprehensible ways of the gentry. Then he turned and looked
+across at Carstares.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+LADY O'HARA RETIRES
+
+
+For a long minute silence reigned, all three actors in the little comedy
+listening to the heavy footsteps retreating down the passage, Carstares
+with one arm still around my lady's waist and a rather strained look on
+his face. Molly instinctively felt that something beyond her ken was in
+the air, and glanced fearfully up at the white face above her. The
+expression in the blue eyes fixed on her husband made her turn sharply
+to look at him. She found that he was staring at my lord as though he
+saw a ghost: She wanted to speak, to relieve the tension, but all words
+stuck in her throat, and she could only watch the _denouement_
+breathlessly. At last O'Hara moved, coming slowly towards them, reading
+John's countenance. Some of the wonder went out of his face, and, as if
+he sensed the other's agony of mind, he smiled suddenly and laid his
+hands once more on the straight, stiff shoulders.
+
+"Jack, ye rascal, what do ye mean by hugging and kissing me wife under
+me very eyes?"
+
+Molly all at once remembered the position of her "Cousin Harry's" arm,
+and gave a little gasp, whisking herself away.
+
+My lord put out his hands and strove to thrust his friend off.
+
+"Miles, don't forget--don't forget--what I am!"
+
+The words were forced out, but his head was held high.
+
+"Tare an' ouns, man! And is it meself that'll be caring what ye may or
+may not be? Oh, Jack, Jack, I'm so pleased to see ye, that I can scarce
+realise 'tis yourself I am looking at! When did ye come to England, and
+what-a-plague are you doing in that costume?" He jerked his head to
+where John's mask lay, and wrung the hand he held as though he would
+never stop.
+
+"I've been in England a year. As to the mask--!" He shrugged and
+laughed.
+
+Lady O'Hara pushed in between them.
+
+"But please I do not understand!" she said plaintively.
+
+Carstares bowed over her hand.
+
+"May I be permitted to thank you for your kindly intervention, my lady?
+And to congratulate Miles on his marriage?"
+
+She dimpled charmingly and curtsied. Her husband caught her round the
+waist.
+
+"Ay, the saucy minx! Oh, me cousin Harry, forsooth! If it had been
+anyone but Jack I should be angry with ye, asthore, for 'twas a wicked
+thrick to play entirely!"
+
+She patted his hand and smiled across at Jack.
+
+"Of course, I would never have done such a forward thing had I not known
+that he was indeed a gentleman--and had he not saved me from sudden
+death!" she added as an afterthought.
+
+Miles looked sharply round at her and then at Carstares.
+
+"What's this?"
+
+"My lady exaggerates," smiled my lord. "'Tis merely that I had the
+honour to catch her as she fell down the steps this morning."
+
+O'Hara looked relieved.
+
+"Ye are not hurt, alanna?"
+
+"Gracious, no! But I had to do something to show my gratitude--and I was
+sure that you would never expose _my_ fraud--so I--But," as a sudden
+thought struck her, "you seem to _know_ my highwayman!"
+
+"Sure an' I do, Molly. 'Tis none other than Jack Carstares of whom ye've
+often heard me speak!"
+
+She turned round eyes of wonderment upon my lord.
+
+"Can it be--is it possible that you are my husband's dearest
+friend--Lord John?"
+
+Jack flushed and bowed.
+
+"I was once--madam," he said stiffly.
+
+"Once!" she scoffed. "Oh, if you could but hear him speak of you! But
+I'll let you hear him speak _to_ you, which perhaps you'll enjoy more. I
+know you've a prodigious great deal to say to one another, so I shall
+run away and leave you alone." She smiled graciously upon him, blew an
+airy kiss to her husband and went quickly out of the room.
+
+Carstares closed the door behind her and came back to O'Hara, who had
+flung himself back into his chair, trying, manlike, to conceal the
+excitement he was feeling.
+
+"Come, sit ye down, Jack, and let me have the whole story!"
+
+My lord divested himself of his long cloak and shook out his hitherto
+tucked-up ruffles. From the pocket of his elegant scarlet riding coat he
+drew a snuff-box, which he opened languidly. With his eyes resting
+quizzically on O'Hara's face, he took a delicate pinch of snuff and
+minced across the room.
+
+Miles laughed.
+
+"What's this?"
+
+"This, my dear friend, is Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart.!" He bowed with
+great flourish.
+
+"Ye look it. But come over here, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart., and tell
+me everything."
+
+Jack perched on the edge of the desk and swung his leg.
+
+"Well really, I do not think there is much to tell that you do not
+already know, Miles. You know all about Dare's card-party, for instance,
+precisely six years ago?"
+
+"'Tis just exactly what I do not know!" retorted O'Hara.
+
+"You surprise me! I thought the tale was rife."
+
+"Now, Jack, will ye have done drawling at me? Don't be forgetting I'm
+your friend--"
+
+"But are you? If you know the truth about me, do you feel inclined to
+call me friend?"
+
+"There never was a time when I would not have been proud to call ye
+friend, as ye would very well have known, had ye been aught but a damned
+young hothead! I heard that crazy tale about the card-party, but do ye
+think I believed it?"
+
+"It was the obvious thing to do."
+
+"Maybe, but I fancy I know ye just a little too well to believe any
+cock-and-bull story I'm told about ye. And even if I had been fool
+enough to have believed it, do ye think I'd be going back on ye? Sure,
+'tis a poor friend I'd be!"
+
+Jack stared down at the toe of his right boot in silence.
+
+"I know something more than we guessed happened at that same party, and
+I have me suspicions, but 'tis your affair, and whatever ye did ye had
+your reasons for. But, Jack, why in the name of wonder must ye fly off
+to the devil alone knows where, without so much as a good-bye to
+anyone?"
+
+Carstares never raised his eyes from the contemplation of that boot. He
+spoke with difficulty.
+
+"Miles--in my place--would you not have done the same?"
+
+"Well--"
+
+"You know you would. Was it likely that I should inflict myself on you
+at such a time? What would you have thought of me had I done so?"
+
+O'Hara brought his hand down smartly on the other's knee.
+
+"I'd have thought ye less of a young fool! I would have gone away with
+ye, and nothing would have stopped me!"
+
+Jack looked up and met his eyes.
+
+"I know," he said. "'Twas the thought of that--and--and--I could not be
+sure. How should I know whether you would even receive me? Last
+night--last night--I was horribly afraid...."
+
+The hand on his knee tightened.
+
+"Ye foolish boy! Ye foolish boy!"
+
+Bit by bit he drew the story of the past six years out of Carstares, and
+though it was a very modified version, Miles understood his friend well
+enough to read between the lines.
+
+"And now," said Jack, when the recital was over, "tell me about
+yourself. When did you marry the attractive lady whom I have just been
+kissing?"
+
+"Ye rogue! I married Molly three years ago. 'Tis a real darling she is,
+isn't she? And upstairs there's a little chap--your godson."
+
+"You lucky fellow! My godson, you say? Could you not find anyone more
+worthy for that? I want to see him."
+
+"So ye shall presently. Have ye seen Richard?"
+
+"A year ago I held up his coach. 'Twas dark, and I could scarce see him,
+but I thought he seemed aged."
+
+"Aged! Ye wouldn't be afther knowing him! 'Tis an old man he is. Though
+I swear 'tis no wonder with that hussy about the house! Lord, Jack, you
+were well out of that affair with her ladyship!"
+
+Carstares nursed his foot reflectively.
+
+"Lavinia? What ails her?"
+
+"Nought that I know of, save it be her shrewish temper. 'Tis a dog's
+life she leads poor Dick."
+
+"Do you mean to say she does not love Dick?"
+
+"I cannot say--sometimes she's as affectionate as you please, but at
+others she treats him to a fine exhibition of rage. And the money she
+spends! Of course, she married him for what she could get. There was
+never anything else to count with her."
+
+Jack sat very still.
+
+"And anyone but a young fool like yourself would have seen that!"
+
+A gleam of amusement shot into the wistful blue eyes.
+
+"Probably. Yourself, for instance?"
+
+O'Hara chuckled.
+
+"Oh, ay, I knew! 'Twas the money she was after all along; and now
+there's not so much, it seems, as Dick won't touch a penny that belongs
+to you."
+
+"M'm. Warburton told me. Foolish of him."
+
+A grunt was the sole response.
+
+Jack's eyes narrowed a little as he gazed out of the window. "So Lavinia
+never cared? Lord, what a mix-up! And Dick?"
+
+"I'm afraid he still does."
+
+"Poor old Dick! Devil take the woman! Does she bully him? I know what he
+is--always ready to give in."
+
+"I am not so sure. Yet I'll swear if 'twere not for John his life would
+be a misery. He misses you, Jack."
+
+"Who is John?"
+
+"Did not Warburton tell you? John is the hope of the house. He's four
+and a half, and as spoilt a little rascal as you could wish for."
+
+"Dick's child? Good Lord!"
+
+"Ay, Dick's child and your nephew." He broke off and looked into the
+other's face. "Jack, cannot this mystery be cleared up? Couldn't ye go
+back?" He was clasping Jack's hand, but it was withdrawn, and the eyes
+looking down into his were suddenly bored and a little cold.
+
+"I know of no mystery," said Carstares.
+
+"Jack, old man, will ye be afther shutting me out of your confidence?"
+
+A faint, sweet smile curved the fine lips.
+
+"Let us talk of the weather, Miles, or my mare. Anything rather than
+this painful subject."
+
+With an impatient movement O'Hara flung back his chair and strode over
+to the window with his back to my lord. Jack's eyes followed him
+seriously.
+
+"If ye cannot trust me, sure I've no more to say, thin!" flashed O'Hara.
+"It seems ye do not value your friends too highly!"
+
+My lord said never a word. But the hand that rested on the desk clenched
+suddenly. O'Hara wheeled about and came back to his side.
+
+"Sure, Jack, I never meant that! Forgive me bad temper!"
+
+Carstares slipped off the table and straightened himself, linking his
+arm in the Irishman's.
+
+"Whisht, Miles, as you'd say yourself," he laughed, "I know that. 'Tis
+not that I don't trust you, but--"
+
+"I understand. I'll not ask ye any more about it at all. Instead, answer
+me this: what made ye come out with unloaded pistols?"
+
+The laugh died out of Carstares' face.
+
+"Oh, just carelessness!" he answered shortly, and he thought of the
+absent Jim with a tightening of the lips.
+
+"'Twas that very same reason with meself thin!" Jack stared at him.
+
+"Miles, don't tell me yours were unloaded, too?"
+
+"'Deed an' they were! Ecod, Jack! 'tis the best joke I've heard for a
+twelvemonth." They both started to laugh. "Sure 'twas bluff on my part,
+Jack, when I told ye yours was unloaded. And me lady was determined to
+set you free from the moment I told her all about it this morning. We
+were sure ye were no ordinary highwayman, though I was a fool not to
+have known ye right away. But now I have found ye out, ye'll stay with
+us--Cousin Harry?"
+
+"I cannot thank you enough, Miles, but I will not do that. I must get
+back to Jim."
+
+"And who the devil is Jim?"
+
+"My servant. He'll be worried nigh to death over me. Nay, do not press
+me, I could not stay here, Miles. You must see for yourself 'tis
+impossible--Jack Carstares does not exist; only Anthony Ferndale is
+left."
+
+"Jack, dear man, can I not--"
+
+"No, Miles, you can do nothing, though 'tis like you to want to help,
+and I do thank you. But--oh well! ... What about my mare?"
+
+"Plague take me if I'd not forgotten! Jack, that scoundrel of mine let
+her strain her fetlock. I'm demmed sorry."
+
+"Poor Jenny! I'll swear she gave him an exciting ride, though."
+
+"I'll be trying to buy her off ye, Jack, if I see much of her. 'Tis a
+little beauty she is."
+
+"I'm not selling, though I intended to ask you to keep her, if--"
+
+A quick pressure on his arm arrested him.
+
+"That will do! I'm too heavy for her anyway."
+
+"So was that devil of a groom you put on her."
+
+"Ay. I'm a fool."
+
+"I always knew that."
+
+"Whisht now, Jack! Ye'll have to take one of my nags while she heals, if
+ye won't stay with us. Can ye trust her to me for a week, do ye
+suppose?"
+
+"I don't know. It seems as though I must--oh, I retract, I retract. You
+are altogether too large, the day is too hot, and my cravat too nicely
+tied--Egad, Miles! I wish--oh, I _wish_ we were boys again, and--Yes.
+When may I see your son and heir?"
+
+"Sure, ye may come now and find Molly, who'll be aching for the sight of
+you. Afther you, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+MY LORD TURNS RESCUER AND COMES NIGH ENDING HIS LIFE
+
+
+Late that afternoon Carstares left Thurze House on one of his friend's
+horses. He waved a very regretful farewell to O'Hara and his lady,
+promising to let them know his whereabouts and to visit them again soon.
+O'Hara had extracted a solemn promise that if ever he got into
+difficulties he would let him know:
+
+"For I'm not letting ye drift gaily out of me life again, and that's
+flat."
+
+Jack had assented gladly enough--to have a friend once more was such
+bliss--and had given Miles the name of the inn and the village where he
+would find him, for O'Hara had insisted on bringing the mare over
+himself. So Carstares rode off to Trencham and to Jim, with the memory
+of a very hearty handshake in his mind. He smiled a little as he thought
+of his friend's words when he had shown himself reluctant to give the
+required promise:
+
+"Ye obstinate young devil, ye'll do as I say, and no nonsense, or ye
+don't leave this house!"
+
+For six years no one had ordered him to obey; it had been he who had
+done all the ordering. Somehow it was very pleasant to be told what to
+do, especially by Miles.
+
+He turned down a lane and wondered what Jim was thinking. That he was
+waiting at the Green Man, he was certain, for those had been his orders.
+He was annoyed with the man over the incident of the pistols, for he had
+inspected them and discovered that they were indeed unloaded. Had his
+captor been other than O'Hara, on whom he could not fire, such
+carelessness might have proved his undoing. Apart from that, culpable
+negligence always roused his wrath. A rather warm twenty minutes was in
+store for Salter.
+
+For quite an hour Carstares proceeded on his way with no mishaps nor
+adventures, and then, suddenly, as he rounded a corner of a deserted
+road--little more than a cart-track--an extraordinary sight met his
+eyes. In the middle of the road stood a coach, and by it, covering the
+men on the box with two large pistols, was a seedy-looking ruffian,
+while two others were engaged in what appeared to be a life-and-death
+struggle at the coach-door.
+
+Jacked reined-in his horse and rose in his stirrups to obtain a better
+view. Then his eyes flashed, and he whistled softly to himself. For the
+cause of all the turmoil was a slight, graceful girl of not more than
+nineteen or twenty. She was frenziedly resisting the efforts of her
+captors to drag her to another coach, further up the road. Jack could
+see that she was dark and very lovely.
+
+Another, elderly lady, was most valiantly impeding operations by clawing
+and striking at one of the men's arms, scolding and imploring all in one
+breath. Jack's gaze went from her to a still, silent figure at the side
+of the road in the shadow of the hedge, evidently the stage-manager. "It
+seems I must take a hand in this," he told himself, and laughed joyously
+as he fixed on his mask and dismounted. He tethered his mount to a young
+sapling, took a pistol from its holster, and ran softly and swiftly
+under the lea of the hedge up to the scene of disaster, just as the man
+who covered the unruly and vociferous pair on the box made ready to
+fire.
+
+Jack's bullet took him neatly in the neck, and without a sound he
+crumpled up, one of his pistols exploding harmlessly as it fell to
+earth.
+
+With an oath the silent onlooker wheeled round to face the point of my
+lord's gleaming blade.
+
+Carstares drew in his breath sharply in surprise as he saw the white
+face of his Grace of Andover.
+
+"Damn you!" said Tracy calmly, and sprang back, whipping out his own
+rapier.
+
+"Certainly," agreed Jack pleasantly. "On guard, M. le Duc!"
+
+Tracy's lips curled back in a snarl. His eyes were almost shut. Over his
+shoulder he ordered curtly:
+
+"Keep watch over the girl. I will attend to this young jackanapes."
+
+On the word the blades clashed.
+
+Jack's eyes danced with the sheer joy of battle, and his point snicked
+in and out wickedly. He knew Tracy of old for an expert swordsman, and
+he began warily.
+
+The girl's persecutors retained a firm hold on either arm, but all their
+thoughts were centred on the duel. The men on the box got out their
+blunderbuss, ready to fire should the need arise, and the girl herself
+watched breathlessly, red lips apart, and eyes aglow with fright,
+indignation, and excitement. As for the old lady, she positively bobbed
+up and down shrieking encouragement to Carstares.
+
+The blades hissed continuously against one another; time after time the
+Duke thrust viciously, and ever his point was skilfully parried. He was
+absolutely calm, and his lips sneered. Who it was that he was fighting,
+he had not the faintest idea; he only knew that his opponent had
+recognised him, and must be speedily silenced. Therefore he fought with
+deadly grimness and purpose. Carstares, on the other hand, had no
+intention of killing his Grace. He had never liked him in the old days,
+but he was far too good-natured to contemplate any serious bloodshed. He
+was so used to Tracy's little affairs that he had not been filled with
+surprise when he discovered who the silent figure was. He did not like
+interfering with Belmanoir, but, on the other hand, he could no more
+stand by and see a woman assaulted than he could fly. So he fought on
+with the idea of disarming his Grace, so as to have him at a
+disadvantage and to be able to command his withdrawal from the scene.
+Once he feinted cleverly, and lunged, and a little blood trickled down
+over the Duke's hand. No sign made Belmanoir, except that his eyelids
+flickered a moment and his play became more careful.
+
+Once the Duke thrust in tierce and Jack's sword arm wavered an instant,
+and a splash of crimson appeared on his sleeve. He, for the most part,
+remained on the defensive, waiting for the Duke to tire. Soon his
+Grace's breath began to come unevenly and fast, and beads of moisture
+started on his forehead. Yet never did the sneer fade nor his temper go;
+he had himself well in hand, and although his face was livid, and his
+brain on fire with fury, no trace of it showed itself in his sword-play.
+
+Then Carstares changed his tactics, and began to put into practice all
+the arts and subtleties of fence that he had learnt abroad. He seemed
+made of steel and set on wires, so agile and untireable was he. Time
+after time he leapt nimbly aside, evading some wicked thrust, and all
+the while he was driving his Grace back and back. He was not panting,
+and now and again he laughed softly and happily. The blood from the
+wound on his arm was dripping steadily on to the ground, yet it seemed
+to Tracy to affect him not at all. But Jack himself knew that he was
+losing strength rapidly, and must make an end.
+
+Suddenly he feinted, and fell back. Tracy saw his advantage and pressed
+forward within the wavering sword-point.
+
+The next instant his sword was whirled from his grasp, and he lay on the
+ground, unhurt but helpless, gazing up at the masked face and at the
+shortened rapier. How he had been thrown he did not know, but that his
+opponent was a past master in the art of fence he was perfectly sure.
+
+My lord gave a little chuckle and twisted a handkerchief about his
+wounded arm.
+
+"I am aware, m'sieur, that this is most unusual--and, in
+duels--forbidden. But I am sure that milor' will agree that the
+circumstances are also--most unusual--and the odds--almost
+overwhelming!" He turned his head to the two men, one of whom released
+his hold on the girl's arm and started forward.
+
+"Oh, no!" drawled my lord, shaking his head. "Another step and I spit
+your master where he lies."
+
+"Stand," said his Grace calmly.
+
+"_Bien_! Throw your arms down here at my feet, and--ah--release
+Mademoiselle!"
+
+They made no move to obey, and my lord shrugged deprecatingly, lowering
+his point to Tracy's throat.
+
+"_Eh bien!_"
+
+They still hesitated, casting anxious glances at their master. "Obey,"
+ordered the Duke.
+
+Each man threw down a pistol, eyeing Jack furtively, while the girl ran
+to her aunt, who began to soothe and fuss over her.
+
+Jack stifled a yawn.
+
+"It is not my intention to remain here all night. Neither am I a
+child--or a fool. _Dépêchez!_"
+
+Belmanoir saw that the coachman had his blunderbuss ready and was only
+too eager to fire it, and he knew that the game was up. He turned his
+head towards the reluctant bullies who looked to him for orders.
+
+"Throw down everything!" he advised.
+
+Two more pistols and two daggers joined their comrades.
+
+"A thousand thanks!" bowed my lord, running a quick eye over the men.
+"M. le Duc, I pray you be still. Now, you with the large nose--yes, _mon
+ami_, you--go pick up the pistol our defunct friend dropped."
+
+The man indicated slouched over to the dead body and flung another
+pistol on to the heap.
+
+My lord shook his head impatiently.
+
+"_Mais non_. Have I not said that I am not entirely a fool? The
+unexploded pistol, please. You will place it here, _doucement._ Very
+good."
+
+His eye travelled to the men on the box. The coachman touched his hat
+and cried:
+
+"I'm ready, sir!"
+
+"It is very well. Be so good as to keep these gentlemen covered, but do
+not fire until I give the order. And now, M. le Duc, have I your parole
+that you will return swiftly from whence you came, leaving this lady
+unmolested, an I permit you to rise?"
+
+Tracy moved his head impatiently.
+
+"I have no choice."
+
+"Monsieur, that is not an answer. Have I your parole?"
+
+"Yes, curse you!"
+
+"But certainly," said Jack politely. "Pray rise."
+
+He rested his sword-point on the ground, and watched Tracy struggle to
+his feet.
+
+For an instant the Duke stood staring at him, with face slightly
+out-thrust.
+
+"I almost think I know you," he said softly, caressingly.
+
+Jack's French accent became a shade more pronounced.
+
+"It is possible. I at least have the misfortune to know monsieur by
+sight."
+
+Tracy ignored the insult, and continued very, very silkily:
+
+"One thing is certain: I shall know you again--if I meet you!"
+
+Even as the words left his mouth Jack saw the pistol in his hand and
+sprang quickly to one side, just in time to escape a shot that would
+have gone straight through his head. As it was, it caught him in his
+left shoulder.
+
+"Do not fire!" he called sharply to the coachman, and bowed to his
+Grace. "As I was saying, m'sieu--do not let me detain you, I beg."
+
+The Duke's green eyes flashed venom for a minute, and then the heavy
+lids descended over them again, and he returned the bow exaggeratedly.
+
+"_Au revoir_, monsieur," he smiled, and bent to pick up his sword.
+
+"It will--not be necessary for--m'sieu to--take his sword," said Jack.
+"I have a--desire to keep--it as a--souvenir. Yes."
+
+"As you will, monsieur," replied Tracy carelessly, and walked away to
+his coach, his men following close on his heels.
+
+My lord stood leaning heavily on his sword, watching them go, and not
+until the coach had swung out of sight did he give way to the weakness
+that was overwhelming him. Then he reeled and would have fallen, had it
+not been for two cool hands that caught his, steadying him.
+
+A tremulous, husky voice sounded in his ears:
+
+"You are hurt! Ah, sir, you are hurt for my sake!"
+
+With a great effort Jack controlled the inclination to swoon, and lifted
+the girl's hand shakily to his lips.
+
+"It is a--pleasure--mademoiselle," he managed to gasp. "Now--you may--I
+think--proceed--in safety."
+
+Diana slipped an arm under his shoulder and cast an anxious glance at
+the footman, hurrying towards them.
+
+"Quick!" she commanded. "Sir, you are faint! You must allow my servant
+to assist you to the coach."
+
+Jack forced a smile.
+
+"It is--nothing--I assure you--pray do not--I--" and he fainted
+comfortably away into stout Thomas's arms.
+
+"Carry him into the coach, Thomas!" ordered the girl. "Mind his arm,
+and--oh! his poor shoulder. Aunt, have you something to bind his wounds
+with?"
+
+Miss Betty hurried forward.
+
+"My darling child, what an escape! The dear, brave gentleman! Do have a
+care, Thomas! Yes, lay him on the seat."
+
+My lord was lowered gently on to the cushions, and Miss Betty fluttered
+over to him like a distracted hen. Then Diana told Thomas to take charge
+of my lord's horse that they could see, quietly nibbling the grass
+further down the road, stooped and picked up his Grace of Andover's
+sword, with its curiously wrought hilt, and jumped into the coach to
+help Miss Betty to attend to Jack's wounds.
+
+The slash on the arm was not serious, but where the pistol had taken him
+was very ugly-looking. While she saw to that, Miss Betty loosened the
+cravat and removed my lord's mask.
+
+"Di, see what a handsome boy 'tis! The poor, brave gentleman! What a
+lucky thing he came up! If only this bleeding would stop!" So she ran
+on, hunting wildly for her salts.
+
+Diana looked up as her aunt finished, and studied the pale face lying
+against the dark cushions. She noted the firm, beautifully curved mouth,
+the aristocratic nose and delicately pencilled eyebrows, with a little
+thrill. The duel had set her every nerve tingling; she was filled with
+admiration for her preserver, and the sight of his sensitive, handsome
+countenance did nothing to dispel that admiration.
+
+She held the salts to his nostrils and watched eagerly for some sign of
+life. But none was forthcoming, and she had to be content with placing
+cushions beneath his injured shoulder, and guarding him as best she
+might from the jolts caused by the uneven surface of the road.
+
+Miss Betty bustled about and did all she could to stanch the bleeding,
+and when they had comfortably settled my lord, she sat down upon the
+seat opposite and nodded decisively.
+
+"We can do no more, my dear--but, yes--certainly bathe his forehead with
+your lavender water. Dear me, what an escape! I must say I would never
+have thought it of Mr. Everard! One would say we were living in the
+Stone Age! The wretch!"
+
+Diana shuddered.
+
+"I knew he was dreadful, but never _how_ dreadful! How can he have found
+out when we were to leave Bath--and why did he waylay us so near home?
+Oh, I shall never be safe again!"
+
+"Nonsense, my dear! Fiddlesticks! You saw how easily he was vanquished.
+Depend upon it, he will realise that he has made a bad mistake to try to
+abduct you, and we shall not be worried with him again."
+
+With this comfortable assurance, she nodded again and leant back against
+the cushions, watching her niece's ministrations with a professional and
+slightly amused air.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+MY LORD DICTATES A LETTER AND RECEIVES A VISITOR
+
+
+My lord came sighing back to life. He opened his eyes wearily, and
+turned his head. A faint feeling of surprise stole over him. He was in a
+room he had never been in before, and by the window, busy with some
+needlework, sat a little old lady who was somehow vaguely familiar.
+
+"Who--are--you?" he asked, and was annoyed to find his voice so weak.
+
+The little lady jumped, and came across to him.
+
+"Praise be to God!" she ejaculated. "Likewise, bless the boy! The fever
+is passed." She laid a thin hand on his brow, and smiled down into his
+wondering eyes.
+
+"As cool as a cucumber, dear boy. What a mercy!"
+
+It was a long time since anyone had called Jack dear, or boy. He
+returned the smile feebly and closed his eyes.
+
+"I--do not--understand--anything," he murmured drowsily.
+
+"Never trouble your head then. Just go to sleep."
+
+He considered this gravely for a moment. It seemed sensible enough, and
+he was so very, very tired. He shut his eyes with a little sigh.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When he awoke again it was morning of the next day, and the sun streamed
+in the window, making him blink.
+
+Someone rustled forward, and he saw it was the lady who had called him
+dear and bidden him go to sleep.
+
+He smiled, and a very thin hand came out of the bedclothes.
+
+"But who are you?" he demanded a little querulously.
+
+Miss Betty patted his hand gently.
+
+"Still worrying your poor head over that? I am Di's Aunt Betty--though,
+to be sure, you don't know who Di is!"
+
+Remembrance was coming back to my lord.
+
+"Why--why--you are the lady in the coach!--Tracy--I remember!"
+
+"Well, I know nought of Tracy, but I'm the lady in the coach."
+
+"And the other--"
+
+"That was Diana Beauleigh, my niece--the pet. You will see her when you
+are better."
+
+"But--but--where am I, madam?"
+
+"Now don't get excited, dear boy!"
+
+"I'm thirty!" protested Jack with a wicked twinkle.
+
+"I should not have thought it, but thirty's a boy to me, in any case!"
+retorted Miss Betty, making him laugh. "You are in Mr. Beauleigh's
+house--Di's father, and my brother. And here you will stay until you are
+quite recovered!"
+
+Jack raised himself on his elbow, grimacing at the pain the movement
+caused him.
+
+"Egad, madam! have I been here long?" he demanded.
+
+Very firmly was he pushed back on to his pillows.
+
+"Will you be still? A nice thing 'twould be if you were to aggravate
+that wound of yours! You will have been here a week to-morrow. Bless my
+heart, what ails the boy?" For Jack's face took on an expression of
+incredulous horror.
+
+"A _week_, madam? Never say so!"
+
+"'Tis as true as I stand here. And a nice fright you have given us, what
+with nearly dying, and raving about your Dicks and your Jims!"
+
+My lord glanced up sharply.
+
+"Oh! So I--talked?"
+
+"Talk? Well, yes, if you can call all that mixture of foreign jargon
+talking. Now you must be still and wait till the doctor comes again."
+
+For a while Carstares lay in silence. He thought of Jim and smiled a
+little. "I could not have thought of a better punishment had I tried,"
+he told himself, and then frowned. "Poor fellow! He'll be off his head
+with fright over me. Miss--er--Betty?"
+
+"Well, and are you not asleep yet?"
+
+"Asleep, Madam? Certainly not!" he said with dignity. "I must write a
+letter."
+
+"'Deed, an' you shall not!"
+
+"But I must! 'Tis monstrous important, madam."
+
+She shook her head resolutely.
+
+"Not until Mr. Jameson gives permission," she said firmly.
+
+Jack struggled up, biting his lip.
+
+"Then I shall get up!" he threatened.
+
+In an instant she was by his side.
+
+"No, no! Now lie down and be good!"
+
+"I will not lie down and be good!"
+
+"Then I shan't let you touch a pen for weeks!"
+
+Jack became very masterful and frowned direfully upon her.
+
+"Madam, I insist on being allowed to write that letter!"
+
+"Sir, I insist on your lying down!"
+
+He controlled a twitching lip.
+
+"Woe betide you unless you bring me pen and paper, Miss Betty!"
+
+"But, dear boy, reflect! You could not use your arm."
+
+"I will use it!" replied Jack indomitably, but he sank back on to the
+pillows with his eyes closed and a tiny furrow of pain between his
+straight brows.
+
+"I told you so!" scolded Miss Betty, not without a note of triumph in
+her voice, and proceeded to rearrange the disorderly coverlet.
+
+The blue eyes opened wide, pleadingly.
+
+"Madam, indeed 'tis very important."
+
+She could not withstand that look.
+
+"Well," she compromised, "I'll not let you write yourself, that's
+certain--but could you not dictate to me?"
+
+Jack brightened, and caught her hand to his lips.
+
+"Miss Betty, you are an angel!" he told her.
+
+"Ah now, get along with you!" She hurried away to fetch paper and ink.
+
+When she returned she found him plucking impatiently at the sheet, and
+frowning.
+
+"I am ready," she said.
+
+"Thank you, madam. 'Tis very kind in you--"
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+He laughed weakly.
+
+"I want you to write to my servant, to bid him bring my baggage to the
+nearest inn--"
+
+"That will I not! I shall tell him to bring it here."
+
+"But, Miss Betty, I cannot possibly trespass upon--"
+
+"Will you have done? Trespass indeed!"
+
+"I perceive I shall be much put upon," sighed Jack, and watched her
+lightning smile.
+
+"You BOY! Will you dictate?"
+
+"Very well, ma'am. No, I have changed my mind. I'll have it writ to a
+friend, please: 'Dear Miles.... True to my promise.... I write to
+you.... In case ... you should be worried ... over my disappearance ...
+be it known ... that I am at'--pray, madam, where am I?"
+
+"Horton Manor, Littledean," she replied, writing it down.
+
+"Thank you. 'I had the misfortune to injure my shoulder in a--"
+
+"'And arm,'" put in the scribe, inexorably.
+
+"'And arm, in a fight ... and a certain very ... kind lady--'"
+
+"I refuse to write that rubbish! 'One of the ladies whom I rescued--'"
+
+"Good heavens, madam, you've not put that?" cried Jack horrified.
+
+She smiled reassuringly.
+
+"I have not. I have put: 'My nurse is writing this for me.'"
+
+"Madam, you are of a teasing disposition," reproved my lord.
+"M--yes--'When you take Jenny--over to Trencham ... will you please tell
+Jim to bring my baggage ... here at once?' Have you that, Miss Betty?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Remember me to Lady ... Molly, I beg ... and accept my apologies ...
+and thanks.'" He paused. "Will you sign it J.C., please, and address it
+to Sir Miles O'Hara, Thurze House, Maltby?"
+
+"Sir Miles O'Hara! Is he your friend, Mr.--Mr.--I do not know your
+name."
+
+"Car--" began Jack, and stopped, biting his lip. "Carr," he continued
+imperturbably, "John Carr. Do you know O'Hara, Miss Betty?"
+
+"Me? No! Will he come to see you, do you think?"
+
+"If you let him in, madam!"
+
+"Gracious! Well, well! I'll tell Thomas to ride over with this at once."
+
+"Miss Betty, you are marvellously good. I vow I can never thank--"
+
+"Bless the boy! And what about yourself, pray? I shudder to think of
+what might have happened to Di if you had not come up! 'Tis we can never
+thank you enough."
+
+Jack reddened boyishly and uncomfortably.
+
+"Indeed, you exaggerate--"
+
+"Tut, tut! Well, go to sleep, and never worry about anything till I
+return. And you won't try and get up?"
+
+He shook with laughter.
+
+"I swear I will not! Even an you never return, I will lie here, wasting
+away--" But he spoke to space, for with a delighted laugh she had left
+the room.
+
+It was not until late that afternoon that O'Hara arrived, and he was
+conducted, after a brief conversation with Diana and her father, to my
+lord's room, where Miss Betty received him with her cheery smile and
+jerky curtsey.
+
+"You'll not excite Mr. Carr?" she said, but was interrupted by my lord's
+voice from within, weak but very gay.
+
+"Come in, Miles, and never listen to Miss Betty! She is a tyrant and
+denies me my wig!"
+
+O'Hara laughed in answer to Miss Betty's quizzical smile, and strode
+over to the bed. He gripped my lord's thin hand and frowned down at him
+with an assumption of anger.
+
+"Young good-for-nought! Could ye find nought better to do than to smash
+yourself up and well-nigh drive your man crazy with fright?"
+
+"Oh, pshaw! Did you find Jim?"
+
+O'Hara looked round and saw that Miss Betty had discreetly vanished. He
+sat gingerly down on the edge of the bed.
+
+"Ay. I took the mare over as soon as I had your letter--and a fine scare
+you gave me, Jack, I can tell you! She recognised him, and I accosted
+him."
+
+"I'll swear you did not get much satisfaction from Jim!" said my lord.
+"Did he look very foolish?"
+
+"To tell ye the truth, I thought the man was half daft, and wondered
+whether I'd been after making a mistake. But in the end I got him to
+believe what I was trying to tell him, and he has taken the mare, and
+will bring your baggage along this evening. By the way, John, I told him
+of our little meeting, and of your pistols being unloaded. He said 'twas
+his fault, and ye never saw aught to touch his face! Put out was not the
+word for it."
+
+"I suppose so. Look here, Miles, this is a damned funny affair!"
+
+"What happened to you exactly?"
+
+"'Tis what I am about to tell you. After I had left you, I rode on quite
+quietly for about an hour, and then came upon Miss Beauleigh's coach
+stopped by three blackguards who were trying to drag her to another
+coach belonging to the gentleman who conducted the affair. So, of
+course, I dismounted, and went to see what was to be done."
+
+"You _would_ be after poking your nose into what didn't concern ye. Four
+men, and ye had the audacity to tackle them all? 'Tis mad ye are
+entirely!"
+
+"Of course, if you had been in my place you would have ridden off in
+another direction--or aided the scoundrels?" was the scathing reply.
+
+O'Hara chuckled.
+
+"Well, go on, Jack. I'm not saying I don't wish I had been with ye."
+
+"'Twould have been superb. I suppose Miss Beauleigh has told you most of
+the tale, but there is one thing that she could not have told you, for
+she did not know it: the man I fought with was Belmanoir."
+
+"Thunder and turf! Not the Duke?"
+
+"Yes. Tracy."
+
+"Zounds! Did he know ye?"
+
+"I cannot be certain. I was masked, of course, but he said he thought he
+did. 'Twas at that moment he fired his pistol at me."
+
+"The dirty scoundrel!"
+
+"M'm--yes. 'Tis that which makes me think he did not know me. Damn it
+all, Miles, even Tracy would not do a thing like that!"
+
+"Would he not? If ye ask me, I say that Tracy is game enough for any
+kind of devilry."
+
+"But, my dear fellow, that is too black! He could not try to kill in
+cold blood a man he had hunted with, and fenced with-and--and--no man
+could!"
+
+O'Hara looked extremely sceptical.
+
+"Because ye could not yourself, is not to say that a miserable spalpeen
+like Belmanoir could not."
+
+"I don't believe it of him. We were always quite friendly--if it had
+been Robert now--But I am not going to believe it. And don't say
+anything to these people, O'Hara, because they do not know Devil. I
+gather from what Miss Betty says, that he calls himself Everard. He met
+the girl--Diana--at Bath; you know his way. She'd none of him: hence the
+abduction."
+
+"Heavens, but 'tis a foul mind the man's got!"
+
+"Where women are concerned, yes. Otherwise--'tis not such a bad fellow,
+Miles."
+
+"I've no use for that kind of dirt myself, Jack."
+
+"Oh, I don't know. I daresay we are none of us exactly saints." He
+changed the subject abruptly. "How is Jenny?"
+
+"Rather off her feed; missing you, I expect. I left her with your man.
+He should be arriving soon, I should think. I don't fancy he'll waste
+much time."
+
+"Neither do I. Poor fellow, he must have worried terribly over his
+worthless master."
+
+"Sure, his face was as white as your own when I told him ye were
+wounded!"
+
+Carstares turned his head quickly.
+
+"What's this about my face? Just be so kind as to hand me that mirror,
+Miles."
+
+O'Hara laughed and obeyed, watching my lord's close scrutiny of his
+countenance with some surprise.
+
+"Interesting pallor, my dear friend, interesting pallor. Nevertheless, I
+am glad that Jim is on his way." He met O'Hara's eyes as he looked up,
+and his lips quivered irrepressibly.
+
+"You think me very vain, Miles?"
+
+"Is it a pose of yours, John? Is it Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart?"
+
+"No. I believe it is myself. You see, when one has but one's self to
+live for and think for--one makes the most of one's self! Hence my
+vanity. Take the mirror away, please--the sight of my countenance
+offends me!"
+
+"Sure, ye are free with your orders, me lord!" said O'Hara, putting the
+glass down on the table. "And, while I think of it--what might your name
+be now?"
+
+"John Carr--a slip of the tongue on my part, stopped in time. I hear my
+mentor returning--and--Miles!"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Come again!"
+
+"Come again! My dear boy, ye'll be sick of the sight of me soon! I shall
+be here every day."
+
+"Thanks! It will take a good deal to sicken me, I think." He bit his
+lip, turning his head away as Miss Betty came into the room.
+
+"I'm afraid that you ought to leave my patient now, Sir Miles," she
+said. "He has had enough excitement for one day, and should sleep." She
+glanced at the averted head inquiringly. "I doubt he is tired?"
+
+Jack turned and smiled at her.
+
+"No, Miss Betty, I'm not. But I know you will refuse to believe me."
+
+"My dear boy, do you know you have black lines beneath your eyes?"
+
+"More remarks about my face!" he sighed, and glanced at O'Hara, who had
+risen.
+
+"You are quite right, Miss Beauleigh, I must go. May I come again
+to-morrow?"
+
+"Surely," she beamed. "We shall be delighted to welcome you."
+
+O'Hara bent over the bed.
+
+"Then _au revoir_, Jack. My lady sent her love to her 'Cousin
+Harry'--the saucy puss!"
+
+"Did she? How prodigious kind of her, Miles! And you'll give her mine,
+and kiss her--"
+
+"Yes?" said O'Hara with dangerous calm. "I'll kiss her what?"
+
+"Her hand for me!" ended Carstares, bubbling over. "Good-bye, and thank
+you--"
+
+"That will suffice!" said Miles, cutting him short.
+
+He bowed to Miss Betty and left the room.
+
+The business-like little lady fluttered over to the bedside and
+rearranged the pillows.
+
+"Well, and are you satisfied?"
+
+"Madam, most extraordinarily so, I thank you. I shall be getting up
+soon."
+
+"H'm!" was all she vouchsafed, and left him to his meditations.
+
+As she had foreseen, he dozed a little, but his shoulder would not allow
+him to sleep. He lay in a semi-comatose condition, his eyes shut, and a
+deep furrow, telling of pain, between his brows.
+
+The sound of a shutting door made him open his eyes; he turned his head
+slightly and saw that Jim Salter was standing in the middle of the room
+looking at him anxiously.
+
+My lord returned his gaze crossly, and Jim waited for the storm to
+break.
+
+Carstares' heart melted, and he managed to smile.
+
+"I'm monstrous glad to see you, Jim," he said.
+
+"You--you can't mean that, sir! 'Twas I left your pistols unloaded."
+
+"I know. Damned careless of you, but it's the sort of thing I should do
+myself, after all."
+
+Jim advanced to the bedside.
+
+"Do you mean you forgive me, sir?"
+
+"Why, of course! I could not have fired on my best friend in any case."
+
+"No, sir, but that don't make it any better."
+
+"It doesn't, of course, and I was rather annoyed at the time--Oh, devil
+take you, Jim, don't look at me like that! I'm not dead yet!"
+
+"If--if you had been killed, sir--'twould have been my fault."
+
+"Rubbish! I'd a sword, hadn't I? For heaven's sake don't worry about it
+any more! Have you brought all my baggage?"
+
+"Yes, sir. It shan't occur again, sir."
+
+"Certainly not. Jenny is well?"
+
+"Splendid, sir. Will you still trust me with your pistols, sir?"
+
+Carstares groaned.
+
+"Will you have done? 'Twas an accident, and I have forgotten it. Here's
+my hand on it!" He grasped Jim's as he spoke, and seemed to brush the
+whole subject aside.
+
+"Have you disposed of that horrible coat you tried to make me wear the
+other day?"
+
+"I gave it to the landlord, sir."
+
+"I should have burned it, but perhaps he liked it."
+
+"He did, sir. Will you try to go to sleep now?"
+
+"If you had a shoulder on fire and aching as mine does, you wouldn't ask
+such a ridiculous question," answered Jack snappishly.
+
+"I'm sorry, sir. Is there aught I can do?"
+
+"You can change the bandages, if you like. These are prodigious hot and
+uncomfortable."
+
+Without another word Salter set about easing his master, and he was so
+painstaking and so careful not to hurt the ugly wound, and his face
+expressed so much concern, that Carstares controlled a desire to swear
+when he happened to touch a particularly tender spot, and at the end
+rewarded him with a smile and a sigh of content.
+
+"That is much better," he said. "You have such a light touch, Jim."
+
+The man's face reddened with pleasure, but he said nothing, and walked
+away to the window to draw the curtains.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+MY LORD MAKES HIS BOW
+
+
+After Jim's arrival my lord recovered quickly, each day making great
+progress, much to the doctor's satisfaction, who never tired of telling
+Mr. Beauleigh and Miss Betty that it was entirely owing to his treatment
+that the patient had recovered at all. As his idea of treatment mainly
+consisted of copiously bleeding John, which process Miss Betty very soon
+put an end to, he and she had many arguments on the subject, in which he
+was completely routed. She held that Mr. Carr was well on the strength
+of her nursing and his own constitution--and very probably she was
+right. In any case, hardly a fortnight after O'Hara's first visit, my
+lord was standing before his mirror, surveying himself, with his head
+speculatively on one side and a worried look in his eyes. Salter watched
+him anxiously, knowing this to be a critical moment. His master was
+somewhat of an enigma to him; the important things in life never
+appeared to affect him, but over a question of two cravats as opposed to
+each other, or some equally trivial matter, he would become quite
+harassed.
+
+After contemplating his appearance for several moments, Carstares
+frowned and looked over his shoulder.
+
+"I have changed my mind, Jim. I will wear blue after all." Salter sighed
+despairingly.
+
+"Ye look very well in what ye have on, sir," he grunted. Jack sat down
+obstinately.
+
+"I have conceived a dislike--nay, a veritable hatred--for puce. I will
+wear blue."
+
+"Now, sir, do ha' done changing your clothes! Ye'll be tired out before
+ever ye get downstairs, and ye know what the doctor said."
+
+My lord consigned the doctor and his words of wisdom to a place of great
+heat.
+
+"Ay, sir, but--"
+
+"The doctor is a worthy individual, Jim, but he knows even less of the
+art of dressing than you do. He does not understand the soul-agony of a
+man who makes his first appearance in puce."
+
+"But--"
+
+"The blue coat laced with gold."
+
+"Sir--"
+
+"I order it! I insist; the blue coat or nought!"
+
+"Very well, sir." Resignedly Jim walked to the cupboard.
+
+When at length his lordship was dressed to his entire satisfaction it
+was midway through the hot June afternoon, and Miss Betty was tapping at
+the door, wishing to know whether Mr. Carr was coming down, or whether
+he was not.
+
+Carstares shifted his sling, and taking up his hat, moved just a little
+shakily to the door.
+
+Salter opened it, and cast a triumphant glance at Miss Betty, as though
+he were showing off all my lord's graces. He proffered an arm.
+
+"Shall I help ye, sir?"
+
+Miss Betty curtsied low.
+
+"La, Mr. Carr!"
+
+John bowed profoundly.
+
+"Give ye good den, madam," he said. "I am just about to descend. Thank
+you, Jim." He leaned heavily on the man's arm.
+
+Miss Betty walked round him admiringly.
+
+"Lud! 'Tis mighty elegant, I vow! But I protest, I am shy!"
+
+"Egad, Miss Betty! and why?"
+
+"You are not so young as I imagined," she replied candidly.
+
+"Bear in mind, madam, that I never sought to deceive you. I am an aged
+man."
+
+"Thirty!" she scoffed, and went on ahead. "Come, child, and mind the
+first step!"
+
+At the bottom of the staircase stood Mr. Beauleigh, a man of medium
+height, thin-lipped and grey-eyed. He came forward with one hand
+outstretched.
+
+"I am delighted to see you so much better, sir. I trust your shoulder no
+longer pains you?"
+
+My lord pushed Jim gently to one side and placed his hand in Mr.
+Beauleigh's.
+
+"I thank you, sir, it is almost well. But for Miss Betty, who, I fear,
+has the makings of a true tyrant, I should not wear this obnoxious
+sling."
+
+Mr. Beauleigh smiled a little.
+
+"Ah, yes, she keeps us all in order, does Betty. Pray, will you not walk
+a little in the garden? There are chairs on the lawn--and here is my
+daughter."
+
+He waved to the door, and Carstares, turning, beheld Diana.
+
+She stood framed by the dark wood, gowned in amber silk, with old lace
+falling from her elbows and over the bosom of her dress. Her hair was
+dark as night, with little tendrils curling over her broad, white brow.
+One rolling curl fell over her shoulder, the rest were gathered up under
+a small lace cap, which was secured by means of a riband passed beneath
+her chin.
+
+Jack gazed, and gazed again, and in her turn Diana studied him with wide
+brown eyes of almost childlike innocence. Then her lids fluttered and
+curling lashes veiled the glorious depths, as a slow blush mounted to
+her cheeks.
+
+My lord recovered his manners and made his most approved leg as her
+father presented him.
+
+"My love, this is Mr. Carr--"
+
+Diana sank into a curtsey.
+
+"--and, Mr. Carr, this is my daughter, Diana."
+
+"I am delighted to make Miss Beauleigh's acquaintance," said John, and
+raised her hand to his lips.
+
+The delicate, tapering fingers trembled a little in his hold, and
+tremulous lips parted in the shyest and most adorable smile that he had
+ever seen.
+
+"Indeed, sir, we are already acquainted. I am not like to forget my
+rescuer."
+
+"I am happy to think that I was able to be of some service to you,
+mademoiselle. Believe me, it was an honour to fight in your cause." His
+eyes were on the fascinating dimple that played about her mouth.
+
+"'Tis very kind of you to say so, sir. I fear we greatly incommoded
+you--and--" She made a gesture towards his sling.
+
+"That, mademoiselle, is less than nothing. All the obligation is on my
+side."
+
+Miss Betty bustled forward.
+
+"Now that will do! I never heard such a foolish set of compliments! You
+are looking tired, Mr. Carr; come into the garden and rest."
+
+Salter stepped forward, but Diana stayed him with uplifted finger.
+
+"If Mr. Carr will accept my arm?" she hazarded.
+
+Jack flushed.
+
+"Indeed, no, Miss Beauleigh--I can--"
+
+"Oh, tut-tut!" cried Miss Betty. "Have done dilly-dallying! Take him
+out, Di!"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh had already disappeared. His world lay in his library, and
+he was never far from it for any length of time. Now he had seized the
+moment when his sister was not looking to withdraw quietly, and, when
+she turned round, she was only in time to see the library door close
+softly.
+
+"Your papa has gone again," she remarked to her niece. "What a trying
+man he is, to be sure!"
+
+She followed the pair out on to the lawn, and helped to make Carstares
+seat himself in a long chair under a great elm. A cushion was placed
+under his wounded shoulder and another at his back.
+
+"And are you sure that you are quite comfortable?" inquired Miss Betty,
+anxiously bending over him.
+
+Jack laughed up at her.
+
+"Quite sure, thank you, madam. But where will you sit?"
+
+"I shall sit in this chair, and Di will sit on a cushion"--throwing one
+down--"at my feet--so."
+
+"I see that you are all ruled with a rod of iron, mademoiselle," he
+said, and watched the dimple tremble into being.
+
+"Indeed, yes, sir. 'Tis very sad."
+
+Miss Betty chuckled, and unrolled a packet of silks which she threw into
+her niece's lap.
+
+"Will you have the goodness to sort those for me, love?" she asked,
+taking out her embroidery.
+
+"Pray allow me to assist!" pleaded John.
+
+Diana rose and planted her cushion down beside his chair. She then knelt
+down upon it and emptied the multi-coloured strands on to his knee.
+
+"Very well! You must be very careful to separate the different pinks,
+though. See, we will have the rose here, the salmon here, the deeper
+rose here, the pale pink over there, and the reds--there is no more
+room--we will put the reds in this paper."
+
+"Certainly," agreed Carstares. "Are we to leave the other colours until
+the pinks are sorted?"
+
+She nodded and bent her head over the silks.
+
+"Is Sir Miles coming this afternoon, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"Why yes, Miss Betty--now you mention it, I remember that he is. Miss
+Beauleigh, I defy you to put that one on the rose pile; 'tis a shade too
+deep."
+
+"I am sure 'tis not! Where is one to compare with it?"
+
+Carstares produced a long thread and held it next to hers. The two heads
+were bent close over it. Diana sighed.
+
+"You are right; I can just see the difference. But 'tis _very_ slight!"
+
+Miss Betty peeped over their shoulders.
+
+"Gracious, what an eye you must have! I can detect no difference." Her
+eye ran along the row of silks laid out on my lord's white satin leg.
+
+"Mr. Carr," said Diana suddenly, "I want to ask you something--something
+that has been puzzling me."
+
+"Faith, what is it, Miss Beauleigh?"
+
+"Just this: why did you call Mr. Everard M. le Duc?"
+
+There was a tiny pause. My lord looked down into the gold-flecked eyes
+and frowned a little.
+
+"Did I call him that?"
+
+"Yes, I remember it distinctly. Was it just--a manner of speaking?"
+
+"Just a manner of speaking.... You may call it that, mademoiselle. Do
+you not think that he looks rather ducal?"
+
+"I tried not to think of him at all. I hate him!"
+
+"Almost I begin to pity this Mr. Everard," quoth Jack.
+
+The dimple peeped out.
+
+"Then 'tis most ungallant of you, sir!" she reproved. "Do you know Mr.
+Everard?"
+
+"I have certainly seen him before, madam."
+
+Diana sat back on her heels and eyed him wonderingly.
+
+"I believe you do not wish to answer me," she said slowly. "Tell me, is
+'Everard' that man's real name?"
+
+My lord twisted the ring on his finger uneasily. He did not feel himself
+at liberty to expose Belmanoir, and if he should reveal his true
+identity, it was quite possible that Mr. Beauleigh might seek him out,
+in which case he himself might be recognised. He looked up.
+
+"Pardon me, mademoiselle, but whence this cross-examination?"
+
+Diana nodded placidly.
+
+"I thought you would refuse, but I have discovered something that will
+confound you, sir!" She rose to her feet. "I will go and get it." She
+walked gracefully away towards the house, and my lord watched her go.
+
+"Now _I_ am going to ask a question," broke in Miss Betty's voice.
+
+He threw out an imploring hand.
+
+"Madam, I beg you will consider my feeble condition. Am I fit to bear
+the strain, think you?"
+
+"I do!--Is it usual for gentlemen to ride masked, as you were?"
+
+At that he laughed.
+
+"No, madam, but for the gentlemen of the High Toby, it is _de régie_."
+
+She paused, with her needle held in mid-air:
+
+"Now, what mean you by that?"
+
+"Just that I am a common highwayman, Miss Betty."
+
+She stared at him for a moment, and then resumed her work.
+
+"You look it."
+
+John cast a startled glance down his slim person.
+
+"Is that so, madam? And I rather flattered myself I did not!"
+
+"I was only laughing at you. You do not expect me to believe that
+fabrication--surely?"
+
+"I fear I do," he sighed. "'Tis very true, alack!"
+
+"Oh, indeed? Also a friend of Sir Miles O'Hara, _J.P_.--and of Mr.
+Everard?"
+
+"At least the last-named is not an acquaintance to be proud of," he
+retorted.
+
+"Perhaps not. My Di says he is some great gentleman."
+
+"I perceive that your Di is by nature suspicious. Why does she think
+that?"
+
+"You will see. Di, love, here is Mr. Carr trying to make me believe that
+he is a highwayman!"
+
+Diana came up to them smiling.
+
+"I fear he teases you, aunt. Do you remember this, sir?" Into Jack's
+hands she put his Grace of Andover's sword.
+
+Carstares took it, surprised, and glanced casually at the hilt. Then he
+started up.
+
+"Why, 'tis his sword. And I thought 'twas left on the roadside. Can it
+be--did _you_ bring it, mademoiselle?"
+
+She dropped him a curtsey, and laughed.
+
+"You are surprised, sir? You demanded the sword, so I naturally supposed
+that you required it. Therefore I brought it home."
+
+"'Twas monstrous thoughtful of you then. I dared not hope that it had not
+been forgotten. I am very grateful--"
+
+"Then pray show your gratitude by sitting down again!" advised the elder
+Miss Beauleigh. "Remember that this is your first day up, and have a
+care!"
+
+John subsided obediently, turning the sword over in his hands.
+
+Diana pointed to the wrought gold hilt with an accusing finger.
+
+"An I mistake not, sir, that is a coronet."
+
+My lord's eyes followed the pink-tipped finger and rested wrathfully
+upon the arms of Andover. It was like Tracy to flaunt them on his
+sword-hilt, he reflected.
+
+"It certainly has that appearance," he admitted cautiously.
+
+"Also, those are not paste, but real diamonds, and that is a ruby."
+
+"I do not dispute it, madam," he answered meekly.
+
+"And I believe that that big stone is an emerald."
+
+"I am very much afraid that it is."
+
+"An expensive toy!" she said, and looked sharply at him.
+
+"Ornate, I agree, but as true a piece of steel as ever I saw," replied
+my lord blandly, balancing the rapier on one finger.
+
+"A very expensive toy!" she repeated sternly.
+
+John sighed.
+
+"True, madam--true." Then with a brightened air: "Perhaps Mr. Everard
+has expensive tastes?"
+
+"It is very possible. And I think that Mr. Everard must have been more
+than a simple country gentleman to indulge those tastes."
+
+Carstares bit his lip to hide a smile at the thought of Tracy in the
+light of a simple country gentleman, and shook his head sadly.
+
+"Do you infer that he came by this sword dishonestly, madam?"
+
+The dimple quivered and was gone.
+
+"Sir, I believe that you are playing with me," she said with great
+dignity.
+
+"Madam, I am abashed."
+
+"I am very glad to hear it, then. I infer that Mr. Everard was something
+more than he pretended to be."
+
+"In truth, a sorry rogue to deceive a lady."
+
+"And I want to know if I am right. Is he, perhaps, some grand
+gentleman?"
+
+"I can assure you, madam, that there is very little of the gentleman
+about Mr. Everard."
+
+Miss Betty began to laugh.
+
+"Have done, my dear! 'Tis of no avail, and 'tis impolite to press Mr.
+Carr too hard."
+
+Diana pouted.
+
+"He is monstrous provoking, I think," she said, and eyed him
+reproachfully.
+
+"I am desolated," mourned Jack, but his eyes danced.
+
+"And now you are laughing!"
+
+"But then, mademoiselle, so are you!"
+
+She shook her head, resolutely repressing the dimple.
+
+"Then I am inconsolable."
+
+The brown eyes sparkled and her lips parted in spite of her efforts to
+keep them in a stern line.
+
+"Oh, but you are ridiculous!" she cried, and sprang to her feet. "And
+here is Sir Miles!"
+
+O'Hara came across the lawn towards them, bowed to the ladies, and
+glanced inquiringly from one to the other.
+
+"Is it a joke ye have?" he asked.
+
+Diana answered him.
+
+"Indeed no, sir. 'Tis Mr. Carr who is so provoking."
+
+"Provoking, is it? And what has he been doing?"
+
+"I'll tell you the whole truth, Miles," interposed the maligned one.
+"'Tis Mistress Diana who is so inquisitive!"
+
+"Oh!" Diana blushed furiously "I protest you are unkind, sir!"
+
+"Sure, 'tis no gentleman he is, at all!"
+
+"'Twas on the subject of gentlemen that we--"
+
+"Quarrelled," supplied her aunt.
+
+"Disagreed," amended his lordship.
+
+"Disagreed," nodded Diana. "I asked him whether Mr. Everard was not some
+grand gentleman, and he evaded the point."
+
+"I vow 'tis slander!" cried Jack. "I merely said that Everard was no
+gentleman at all."
+
+"There! And was not that evading the point, Sir Miles?"
+
+"Was it? Sure, I'm inclined to agree with him."
+
+"I declare you are both in league against me!" she cried, with greater
+truth than she knew. "I mean, was he perhaps a _titled_ gentleman?"
+
+"But how should Jack know that?"
+
+"Because I am sure he knows him--or, at least, of him."
+
+"Listen, Mistress Di," broke in my lord, shooting a warning glance at
+O'Hara. "I will tell you all about Mr. Everard, and I hope you will be
+satisfied with my tale." He paused and seemed to cudgel his brain.
+"First he is, of course, titled--let me see--yes, he is a Duke. Oh, he
+is certainly a Duke--and I am not sure but what he is royal--he--"
+
+"Now you are ridiculous!" cried Miss Betty.
+
+"You are very teasing," said Diana, and tried to frown. "First you
+pretend to know nothing about Mr. Everard, and then you tell me foolish
+stories about him. A Duke, indeed! I believe you _really_ do know
+nothing about him!"
+
+As Carstares had hoped, she refused to believe the truth.
+
+"He is playing with ye, child," said O'Hara, who had listened to Jack's
+tale with a face of wonder. "I warrant he knows no Everard--eh, Jack?"
+
+"No, I cannot say that I do," laughed his lordship.
+
+"But--but--you said--"
+
+"Never mind what he said, Miss Di. 'Tis a scurvy fellow he is."
+
+She regarded him gravely.
+
+"Indeed, I almost think so."
+
+But the dimple peeped out for all that! The next instant it was gone,
+and Diana turned a face of gloom to her aunt, pouting her red lips
+adorably, so thought my lord.
+
+"Mr. Bettison," she said in accents of despair.
+
+At these mystic words, Jack saw Miss Betty frown, and heard her
+impatient remark: "Drat the man!"
+
+He looked towards the house, and perceived a short, rather stout, young
+man to be walking with a peculiar strutting gait towards them. The boy
+was good-looking, Carstares acknowledged to himself, but his eyes were
+set too close. And he did not like his style. No, certainly he did not
+like his style, nor the proprietary way in which he kissed Diana's hand.
+
+"How agreeable it is to see you again, Mr. Bettison!" said Miss Betty
+with much affability. "I declare 'tis an age since we set eyes on you!"
+
+"Oh, no, Aunt," contradicted Diana sweetly. "Why, it was only a very
+short while ago that Mr. Bettison was here, _surely_!" She withdrew the
+hand that the young man seemed inclined to hold fast to, and turned to
+John.
+
+"I think you do not know Mr. Bettison, Mr. Carr?" she said. "Mr.
+Bettison, allow me to present you to Mr. Carr. Sir Miles I think you
+know?"
+
+The squire bowed with a great deal of stiff hostility. Carstares
+returned the bow.
+
+"You will excuse my not rising, I beg," he smiled. "As you perceive--I
+have had an accident."
+
+Light dawned on Bettison. This was the man who had rescued Diana,
+confound his impudence!
+
+"Ah, yes, sir! Your arm, was it not? My faith, I should be proud of such
+a wound!"
+
+It seemed to Carstares that he smiled at Diana in a damned familiar
+fashion, devil take his impudence!
+
+"It was indeed a great honour, sir. Mistress Di, I have finished sorting
+your green silks."
+
+Diana sank down on the cushion again, and shook some more strands out on
+to his knee.
+
+"How quick you have been! Now we will do the blue ones." Bettison
+glared. This fellow seemed prodigious intimate with Diana, devil take
+him! He sat down beside Miss Betty, and addressed my lord patronisingly.
+
+"Let me see--er--Mr. Carr. Have I met you in town, I wonder? At Tom's,
+perhaps?"
+
+This country bumpkin _would_ belong to Tom's, reflected John savagely,
+for no reason at all. Aloud he said:
+
+"I think it extremely unlikely, sir. I have been abroad some years."
+
+"Oh, indeed, sir? The 'grand tour,' I suppose?"
+
+Mr. Bettison's tone was not the tone of one who supposes any such thing.
+
+John smiled.
+
+"Not this time," he said, "that was seven years ago."
+
+Mr. Bettison had heard rumours of this fellow who, it was murmured, was
+nought but a common highwayman.
+
+"Really? After Cambridge, perhaps?"
+
+"Oxford," corrected Carstares gently.
+
+Curse his audacity! thought Mr. Bettison.
+
+"Seven years ago--let me think. George must have been on the tour
+then--Selwyn, I mean, Miss Beauleigh."
+
+Jack, who had made the tour with several other young bucks fresh down
+from college, accompanied as far as Paris by the famous wit himself,
+held his peace.
+
+Mr. Bettison then launched forth into anecdotes of his own tour, and
+seeing that his friend was entirely engrossed with Miss Diana and her
+silks, O'Hara felt it incumbent on him to draw the enemy's fire, and,
+taking his own departure, to bear the squire off with him. For which he
+received a grateful smile from my lord, and a kiss blown from the tips
+of her fingers from Mistress Di, with whom he was on the best of terms.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+MISTRESS DIANA IS UNMAIDENLY
+
+
+The idyllic summer days passed quickly by, and every time that my lord
+spoke of leaving, the outcry was so indignant and so firm that he
+hastily subsided and told himself he would stay just another few days.
+His shoulder, having mended up to a certain point, refused quite to
+heal, and exertion brought the pain back very swiftly. So his time was
+for the most part spent with Mistress Di out of doors, helping her with
+her gardening and her chickens--for Diana was an enthusiastic poultry
+farmer on a small scale--and ministering to her various pets. If Fido
+had a splinter in his paw, it was to Mr. Carr that he was taken; if
+Nellie, the spaniel, caught a live rabbit, Mr. Carr would assuredly know
+what to do for it, and the same with all the other animals. The young
+pair grew closer and closer together, while Miss Betty and O'Hara
+watched from afar, the former filled with pride of her darling, and
+satisfaction, and the latter with apprehension. O'Hara knew that his
+friend was falling unconsciously in love, and he feared the time when
+John should realise it. He confided these fears to his wife, who, with
+young David, was staying at her mother's house in Kensington, in a long
+and very Irish letter. She replied that he must try and coax my lord
+into coming to stay with them, when her charms would at once eclipse
+Mistress Diana's, though to be sure, she could not understand why Miles
+should not wish him to fall in love, for as he well knew, 'twas a
+prodigious pleasant sensation. If he did not know it, then he was indeed
+most disagreeable. And had he ever heard of anything so
+wonderful?--David had drawn a picture of a horse! Yes, really, it was a
+horse! Was he not a clever child? Further, would her dearest Miles
+please come and fetch her home, for although Mamma was prodigious
+amiable, and wanted her to stay several weeks, she positively could not
+live without her husband an instant longer than was necessary!
+
+As soon as O'Hara read the last part of the letter he brushed Carstares
+and his love affairs to one side, and posted straight to London to obey
+the welcome summons.
+
+Bit by bit my lord discovered that he was very much in love with Diana.
+At first his heart gave a great bound, and then seemed to stop with a
+sickening thud. He remembered that he could not ask her to marry him,
+disgraced as he was, and he immediately faced the situation, realising
+that he must go away at once. His first move was to Mr. Beauleigh, to
+tell him of his decision. On being asked why he must so suddenly leave
+Horton House, he explained that he loved Diana and could not in honour
+speak of love to her. At which Mr. Beauleigh gasped and demanded to know
+the reason. Carstares told him that he was by profession a highwayman,
+and watched him bridle angrily. Before so agreeable and so smiling, Mr.
+Beauleigh now became frigidly polite. He quite understood Mr. Carr's
+position, and--er--yes, he honoured him for the course on which he had
+decided. But Mr. Beauleigh was very, very cold. Carstares gave Jim
+orders to pack immediately, that he might depart next day, and
+reluctantly informed Miss Betty of his going. She was startled and
+bewildered. She had imagined that he would spend all June with them.
+Circumstances, he regretted, willed otherwise. He should always remember
+her great kindness to him, and hoped that she would forgive the brusque
+nature of his departure.
+
+When he told Diana her eyes opened very wide and she laughed, pointing
+an accusing finger at him.
+
+"You are teasing, Mr. Carr!" she cried, and ran into the house.
+
+That evening Miss Betty confirmed Jack's words, and seeing the hurt look
+in the girl's eyes, wisely held her peace.
+
+Next morning in the pleasaunce Diana came across my lord, and went up to
+him, gravely questioning.
+
+"You are really leaving us to-day, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"I am afraid I must, Mistress Di."
+
+"So suddenly? Then you were not teasing yesterday?"
+
+"No, mademoiselle--I was not. I fear I have tarried too long, taking
+advantage of your kindness."
+
+"Oh, no, no!" she assured him. "Indeed, you have not! Must you _really_
+go?"
+
+Looking down into her big eyes, John read the answering love in them,
+and grew pale. It was worse to think that she cared, too. If only he
+thought she was indifferent, parting would not seem so unbearable.
+
+"Mademoiselle--you overwhelm me--I must go."
+
+"Oh, but I am sorry. Your being here has been such a pleasure! I--" She
+stopped, and looked away across the flowers.
+
+"You?" prompted Jack before he could check himself.
+
+With a tiny laugh she brought her gaze back.
+
+"I am sorry you must leave us, naturally."
+
+She sat down beneath an arbour of roses, and patted the place beside her
+invitingly, with just the same unconscious friendliness that she had
+always shown him. My lord stayed where he was, with one hand on a tree
+trunk and the other fidgeting with his quizzing glass.
+
+"Mistress Di--I think it only right that I should tell you what I have
+told your father, and what I told your aunt some time ago, when she
+refused to believe me. To some extent I am here under false pretences. I
+am not what you think me."
+
+Diana laced and unlaced her fingers, and thought that she understood.
+
+"Oh, no, Mr. Carr!"
+
+"I am afraid yes, mademoiselle. I am--a common felon ... a highwayman!"
+He bit the words out, not looking at her.
+
+"But I knew that," she said softly.
+
+"You _knew_ it?"
+
+"Why, yes! I remember when you told Aunt Betty."
+
+"You believed me?"
+
+"You see," she apologised, "I always wondered why you were masked."
+
+"And yet you permitted me to stay--"
+
+"How silly of you, Mr. Carr! Of course I do not care what you are! I owe
+so much to you!"
+
+He wheeled round at that, and faced her.
+
+"Madam, I can bear anything rather than gratitude! Is it only that which
+has made you tolerate me all this time?"
+
+Her fingers gripped one another.
+
+"Why, sir--why, sir--"
+
+The flame died out of his eyes, and he drew himself up stiffly, speaking
+with a curtness that surprised her.
+
+"I crave your pardon. I should be whipped at the cart-tail for asking
+such an impertinent question. Forget it, I beg."
+
+Diana looked up at the stern face, half amazed, half affronted.
+
+"I do not think I quite understand you, sir."
+
+"There is nought to understand, mademoiselle," he answered with dry
+lips. "'Twere merely that I was coxcomb enough to hope that you liked me
+a little for mine own sake."
+
+She glanced again at his averted head with a wistful little smile.
+
+"Oh!" she murmured. "_Oh!_"--and--"It is very dreadful to be a
+highwayman!" she sighed.
+
+"Yes, mademoiselle."
+
+"But surely you could cease to be one?" coaxingly.
+
+He did not trust himself to answer.
+
+"I know you could. Please do!"
+
+"That is not all," he forced himself to say. "There is worse."
+
+"_Is_ there?" she asked wide-eyed. "What else have you done, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"I--once--" heavens, how hard it was to say! "I once ... cheated ... at
+cards." It was out. Now she would turn from him in disgust. He shut his
+eyes in anticipation of her scorn, his head turned away.
+
+"Only _once_?" came the soft voice, filled with awed admiration.
+
+His eyes flew open.
+
+"Mademoiselle--!"
+
+She drooped her head mournfully.
+
+"I'm afraid I always cheat," she confessed. "I had no idea 'twas so
+wicked, although Auntie gets very cross and vows she will not play with
+me."
+
+He could not help laughing.
+
+"'Tis not wicked in you, child. You do not play for money."
+
+"Oh, did you?"
+
+"Yes, child."
+
+"Then that _was_ horrid of you," she agreed.
+
+He stood silent, fighting the longing to tell her the truth.
+
+"But--but--do not look so solemn, sir," the pleading voice went on. "I
+am sure you must have had a very strong excuse?"
+
+"None."
+
+"And now you are letting it spoil your life?" she asked reproachfully.
+
+"It does not wait for my permission," he answered bitterly.
+
+"Ah, but what a pity! Must one moment's indiscretion interfere with all
+else in life? That is ridiculous. You have--what is the word?--expiated!
+yes, that is it--expiated it, I know."
+
+"The past can never be undone, madam."
+
+"That, of course, is true," she nodded, with the air of a sage, "but it
+can be forgotten."
+
+His hand flew out eagerly and dropped back to his side. It was hopeless.
+He could not tell her the truth and ask her to share his disgrace; he
+must bear it alone, and, above all, he must not whine. He had chosen to
+take Richard's blame and he must abide by the consequences. It was not a
+burden to be cast off as soon as it became too heavy for him. It was for
+ever--for ever. He forced his mind to grasp that fact. All through his
+life he must be alone against the world; his name would never be
+cleared; he could never ask this sweet child who sat before him with
+such a wistful, pleading look on her lovely face, to wed him. He looked
+down at her sombrely, telling himself that she did not really care: that
+it was his own foolish imagination. Now she was speaking: he listened to
+the liquid voice that repeated:
+
+"Could it not be forgotten?"
+
+"No, mademoiselle. It will always be there."
+
+"To all intents and purposes, might it not be forgotten?" she persisted.
+
+"It will always stand in the way, mademoiselle."
+
+He supposed that mechanical voice was his own. Through his brain
+thrummed the thought: "It is for Dick's sake ... for Dick's sake. For
+Dick's sake you must be silent." Resolutely he pulled himself together.
+
+"It will stand in the way--of what?" asked Diana.
+
+"I can never ask a woman to be my wife," he replied.
+
+Diana wantonly stripped a rose of its petals, letting each fragrant leaf
+flutter slowly to the ground.
+
+"I do not see why you cannot, sir."
+
+"No woman would share my disgrace."
+
+"No?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You seem very certain, Mr. Carr. Pray have you asked the lady?"
+
+"No, madam." Carstares was as white as she was red, but he was holding
+himself well in hand.
+
+"Then--" the husky voice was very low, "then--why don't you?"
+
+The slim hand against the tree trunk was clenched tightly, she observed.
+In his pale face the blue eyes burnt dark.
+
+"Because, madam, 'twere the action of a--of a--"
+
+"Of a what, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"A cur! A scoundrel! A blackguard!"
+
+Another rose was sharing the fate of the first.
+
+"I have heard it said that some women like--curs, and-and--and
+scoundrels; even blackguards," remarked that provocative voice. Through
+her lashes its owner watched my lord's knuckles gleam white against the
+tree-bark.
+
+"Not the lady I love, madam."
+
+"Oh? But are you sure?"
+
+"I am sure. She must marry a man whose honour is spotless; who is not--a
+nameless outcast, and who lives--not--by dice--and highway robbery."
+
+He knew that the brown eyes were glowing and sparkling with unshed
+tears, but he kept his own turned inexorably the other way. There was no
+doubting now that she cared, and that she knew that he did also. He
+could not leave her to think that her love had been slighted. She must
+not be hurt, but made to understand that he could not declare his love.
+But how hard it was, with her sorrowful gaze upon him and the pleading
+note in her voice. It was quivering now:
+
+"Must she, sir?"
+
+"Yes, madam."
+
+"But supposing--supposing the lady did not care? Supposing she--loved
+you--and was willing to share your disgrace?"
+
+The ground at her feet was strewn with crimson petals, and all around
+and above her roses nodded and swayed. A tiny breeze was stirring her
+curls and the lace of her frock, but John would not allow himself to
+look, lest the temptation to catch her in his arms should prove too
+great for him. She was ready to give herself to him; to face anything,
+only to be with him. In the plainest language she offered herself to
+him, and he had to reject her.
+
+"It is inconceivable that the lady would sacrifice herself in such a
+fashion, madam," he said.
+
+"Sacrifice!" She caught her breath. "You call it that!"
+
+"What else?"
+
+"I ... I ... I do not think that you are very wise, Mr. Carr. Nor ...
+that you ... understand women ... very well. She might not call it by
+that name."
+
+"It would make no difference what she called it, madam. She would ruin
+her life, and that must never be."
+
+A white rose joined its fallen brethren, pulled to pieces by fingers
+that trembled pitifully.
+
+"Mr. Carr, if the lady ... loved you ... is it quite fair to her--to say
+nothing?"
+
+There was a long silence, and then my lord lied bravely.
+
+"I hope that she will--in time--forget me," he said.
+
+Diana sat very still. No more roses were destroyed; the breeze wafted
+the fallen petals over her feet, lightly, almost playfully. Somewhere in
+the hedge a bird was singing, a full-throated sobbing plaint, and from
+all around came an incessant chirping and twittering. The sun sent its
+bright rays all over the garden, bathing it in gold and happiness; but
+for the two in the pleasaunce the light had gone out, and the world was
+very black.
+
+"I see," whispered Diana at last. "Poor lady!"
+
+"I think it was a cursed day that saw me come into her life," he
+groaned.
+
+"Perhaps it was," her hurt heart made answer.
+
+He bowed his head.
+
+"I can only hope that she will not think too hardly of me," he said,
+very low. "And that she will find it in her heart to be sorry--for
+me--also."
+
+She rose and came up to him, her skirts brushing gently over the grass,
+holding out her hands imploringly.
+
+"Mr. Carr...."
+
+He would not allow himself to look into the gold-flecked eyes.... He
+must remember Dick--his brother Dick!
+
+In his hand he took the tips of her fingers, and bowing, kissed them.
+Then he turned on his heel and strode swiftly away between the hedges
+towards the quiet woods, with a heart aflame with passion, and with
+rebellion and impotent fury. He would go somewhere quite alone and fight
+the devil that was prompting him to cry the truth aloud and to throw
+aside his burden for love, forgetting duty.
+
+But Diana remained standing among the scattered flowers, very still,
+very cold, with a look of hopeless longing in her eyes and a great
+hurt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+O'HARA'S MIND IS MADE UP
+
+
+Jim Salter folded one of my lord's waistcoats, and placed it carefully
+in an open valise; then he picked up a coat, and spread it on the bed
+preparatory to folding it in such wise that no crease should afterwards
+mar its smoothness. All about him my lord's clothing was strewn; Mechlin
+ruffles and cravats adorned one chair, silk hose another; gorgeous coats
+hung on their backs; shoes of every description, red-heeled and white,
+riding boots and slippers, stood in a row awaiting attention; wigs
+perched coquettishly on handy projections, and piles of white cambric
+shirts peeped out from an almost finished bag.
+
+Jim laid the coat tenderly in the valise, coaxing it into decorous
+folds, and wondering at the same time where his master was. He had been
+out all the morning, and on his return had looked so ill that Jim had
+been worried, and wished that they were not leaving Horton House quite
+so soon. A little while ago my lord had been closeted with his host; Jim
+supposed he must still be there. He reached out his hand for another
+waistcoat, but before his fingers had touched it, he stopped, and lifted
+his head, listening. Hasty, impetuous footsteps sounded on the stairs,
+and came furiously along the corridor. The door was twisted open, and my
+lord stood on the threshold. Jim scanned the tired face anxiously, and
+noted with a sinking heart that the blue eyes were blazing and the fine
+lips set in a hard, uncompromising line. The slender hand gripping the
+door-handle twitched in a way that Jim knew full well; evidently my lord
+was in an uncertain mood.
+
+"Have you finished?" rapped out Carstares.
+
+"Not quite, sir."
+
+"I wish to leave this year and not next, if 'tis all the same to you!"
+
+"Yes, sir. I didn't know you was in a hurry, sir."
+
+There was no reply to this. My lord advanced into the room and cast one
+glance at his scattered baggage and another all round him.
+
+"Where is my riding dress?"
+
+Jim shivered in his luckless shoes.
+
+"I--er--'tis packed, sir. Do ye want it?"
+
+"Of course I want it! Do you suppose that I am going to ride in what I
+have on?"
+
+"I rather thought ye were driving, your honour."
+
+"I am not. The scarlet suit at once, please."
+
+He flung himself down in a chair before his dressing-table and picked up
+a nail-file.
+
+Salter eyed his reflection in the glass dismally, and made no movement
+to obey. After a moment my lord swung round.
+
+"Well! What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear me?"
+
+"Ay, sir, I did, but--your pardon, sir--but do ye think 'tis wise to
+ride to-day for--for the first time?"
+
+The file slammed down on to the table.
+
+"I am riding to Horley this afternoon!" said his master dangerously.
+
+"'Tis a matter of fifteen miles or so, your honour. Hadn't ye better--"
+
+"Damn you, Jim, be quiet!"
+
+Salter gave it up.
+
+"Very well, sir," he said, and unearthed the required dress. "I'll see
+the baggage goes by coach, and saddle the mare and Peter."
+
+"Not Peter. You go in the coach."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"_What!_"
+
+My lord stared at him. There had been a note of finality in the
+respectful tone. My lord became icy.
+
+"You forget yourself, Salter."
+
+"I ask your pardon, sir."
+
+"You will travel in charge of my things, as usual."
+
+Jim compressed his lips, and stowed a shoe away in one corner of the
+bag.
+
+"You understand me?"
+
+"I understand ye well enough, sir."
+
+"Then that is settled."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+My lord dropped his eye-glass.
+
+"What the devil do you mean--'No, sir'?"
+
+"I ask your pardon, sir, an I presume, but I can't and won't let ye ride
+alone with your wound but just healed." There was not a hint of defiance
+or impertinence in the quiet voice, but it held a great determination.
+
+"You won't, eh? Do you imagine I am a child?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Or unable to take care of myself?"
+
+"I think ye are weaker than ye know, sir."
+
+"Oh, you do, do you?"
+
+Jim came up to him.
+
+"Ye'll let me ride with ye, sir? I won't trouble ye, and I can ride
+behind, but I can't let ye go alone. Ye might faint--sir--"
+
+"I can assure you I am not like to be a pleasant companion!" said
+Carstares with a savage little laugh.
+
+"Why, sir, I understand there's something troubling ye. Will ye let me
+come?"
+
+My lord scowled up at him, then relented suddenly.
+
+"As you please."
+
+"Thank ye, sir." Salter returned to his packing, cording one bag and
+placing it near the door, and quickly filling another. The piles of
+linen grew steadily smaller until they disappeared, and he retired into
+a cupboard to reappear with a great armful of coats and small-clothes.
+
+For a long while my lord sat silent staring blankly before him. He
+walked to the window and stood with his back to the room, looking out,
+then he turned and came back to his chair. Jim, watching him covertly,
+noted that the hard glitter had died out of his eyes, and that he looked
+wearier than ever.
+
+Carstares studied his nails for a moment in silence. Presently he spoke:
+
+"Jim."
+
+"Yes, sir?"
+
+"I shall be--going abroad again shortly."
+
+If Carstares had remarked that it was a fine day the man could not have
+shown less surprise.
+
+"Shall we, sir?"
+
+John looked across at him, smiling faintly.
+
+"You'll come, Jim?"
+
+"I would go anywhere with ye, sir."
+
+"And what about that little girl at Fittering?"
+
+Salter blushed and stammered hopelessly.
+
+"My dear fellow, since when have I been blind? Did you think I did not
+know?"
+
+"Why, sir--well, sir--er--yes, sir!"
+
+"Of course I knew! Can you leave her to come with me?"
+
+"I couldn't leave ye to stay with her, sir."
+
+"Are you sure? I do not want you to come against your inclinations."
+
+"Women ain't everything, sir."
+
+"Are they not? I think they are ... a great deal," said my lord
+wistfully.
+
+"I'm mighty fond o' Mary, but she knows I must go with you."
+
+"Does she? But is it quite fair to her? And I believe I am not minded to
+drag you 'cross Continent again."
+
+"Ye won't leave me behind, sir? Ye couldn't do that! Sir-ye're never
+thinking of going by yourself? I--I--I won't let ye!"
+
+"I am afraid I cannot spare you. But if you should change your mind,
+tell me. Is it a promise?"
+
+"Ay, sir. If I _should_ change my mind." Salter's smile was grimly
+sarcastic.
+
+"I am selfish enough to hope you'll not change. I think no one else
+would bear with my vile temper as you do. Help me out of this coat, will
+you?"
+
+"I'll never change, sir. And as to tempers--As if I minded!"
+
+"No. You are marvellous. My breeches. Thanks."
+
+He shed his satin small-clothes, and proceeded to enter into white
+buckskins. "Not those boots, Jim, the other pair." He leaned against the
+table as he spoke, drumming his fingers on a chair-back.
+
+A knock fell on the door, at which he frowned and signed to Jim, who
+walked across and opened it, slightly.
+
+"Is your master here?" inquired a well-known voice, and at the sound of
+it my lord's face lighted up, and Salter stood aside.
+
+"Come in, Miles!"
+
+The big Irishman complied and cast a swift glance round the disordered
+room. He raised his eyebrows at sight of Jack's riding boots and looked
+inquiringly across at him.
+
+My lord pushed a chair forward with his foot.
+
+"Sit down, man! I thought you were in London?"
+
+"I was. I brought Molly home yesterday, the darlint, and I heard that ye
+were leaving here this afternoon."
+
+"Ah?"
+
+"And as I'm not going to let ye slip through me fingers again, I thought
+I would come and make sure of ye. Ye are a deal too slippery, Jack."
+
+"Yet I was coming to see you again whatever happened."
+
+"Of course. Ye are coming now--to stay."
+
+"Oh no!"
+
+O'Hara placed his hat and whip on the table, and stretched his legs with
+a sigh.
+
+"Sure, 'tis stiff I am! Jim, I've a chaise outside for the baggage, so
+ye may take it down as soon as may be."
+
+"Leave it where it is, Jim. Miles, 'tis monstrous good of you, but--"
+
+"Keep your buts to yourself, Jack. Me mind's made up."
+
+"And so is mine! I really cannot--"
+
+"Me good boy, ye are coming to stay with us until ye are recovered, if I
+have to knock ye senseless and then carry ye!"
+
+The lightning smile flashed into Jack's eyes.
+
+"How ferocious! But pray do not be ridiculous over a mere scratch.
+Recovered, indeed!"
+
+"Ye still look ill. Nay, Jack, take that frown off your face; 'tis of no
+avail, I am determined."
+
+The door closed softly behind Jim as Carstares shook his head.
+
+"I can't, Miles. You must see 'tis impossible."
+
+"Pooh! No one who comes to Thurze House knows ye or anything about ye.
+Ye need not see a soul, but come ye must!"
+
+"But, Miles--"
+
+"Jack, don't be a fool! I want ye, and so does Molly. 'Tis no trap, so
+ye need not look so scared."
+
+"I'm not. Indeed, I am very grateful, but--I cannot. I am going abroad
+almost at once."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Yes. I mean it."
+
+O'Hara sat up.
+
+"So it has come! I knew it would!"
+
+"What mean you?"
+
+"Ye've found out that ye love Mistress Di."
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"And she you."
+
+Jack looked at him.
+
+"Oh, ay! I'm a tactless oaf, I know, and me manners are atrocious to be
+for trying to break through the barriers ye've put up round yourself.
+But, I tell ye, Jack, it hurts to be kept at the end of a pole! I don't
+want to force your confidence, but for God's sake don't be treating me
+as if I were a stranger!"
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miles. It's confoundedly hard to confide in anyone
+after six years' solitude." He struggled into his coat as he spoke, and
+settled his cravat. "If you want to know the whole truth, 'tis because
+of Diana that I am going."
+
+"Of course. Ye are in love with her?"
+
+"It rather points that way, does it not?"
+
+"Then why the divil don't ye ask her to marry ye?"
+
+"Why don't I ask her? Because I will not offer her a smirched name!
+Because I love her so much that--" He broke off with a shaky, furious
+laugh. "How can you ask me such a question? I am a desirable _parti,
+hein? Nom d'un nom_! For what do you take me?"
+
+O'Hara looked up, calmly studying the wrathful countenance.
+
+"Chivalrous young fool," he drawled.
+
+Again the short, angry laugh.
+
+"It is so likely that I should ask her to marry me, is it not?
+'Mademoiselle, you see in me an improvident fool: I began life by
+cheating at cards, and since then--' Oh, I shall believe it myself ere
+long! I seem to have told it to so many people. And I lay myself open to
+the impertinences of--" he checked himself, thinking of the interview
+downstairs with Mr. Beauleigh.
+
+"Rubbish, Jack."
+
+"'Tis not rubbish. I have one recommendation--only one."
+
+"Faith, have ye as much? What is it?"
+
+My lord laughed bitterly.
+
+"I dress rather well."
+
+"And fence better, as far as I remember."
+
+"I have reason to. That is but another point to damn me. What woman
+would marry a fencing-master? Oh, my God! what a mess I have made of my
+life." He tried to laugh and failed miserably.
+
+"I rather fancy Mistress Di would."
+
+"She will not be asked thus to demean herself," was the proud answer.
+
+"My dear Jack, ye forget ye are the Earl of Wyncham."
+
+"A pretty earl! No thank you, Miles. Richard's son will be Earl--no son
+of mine."
+
+O'Hara brought his fist down on the table with a crash.
+
+"Damn Richard and his son!"
+
+My lord picked up a jewelled pin and, walking to the glass, proceeded to
+fasten it in his cravat. The other followed him with smouldering eyes.
+
+"Retired into your shell again?" he growled.
+
+Carstares, with his head slightly on one side, considered the effect of
+the pin. Then he came back to his friend.
+
+"My dear Miles, the long and short of it is that I am an unreasonable
+grumbler. I made my bed, and I suppose I must-on it."
+
+"And will ye be afther telling me who helped ye in the making of it?"
+
+Carstares sat down and started to pull on one boot.
+
+"I foresee we shall be at one another's throats ere long," he prophesied
+cheerfully. "Did I tell you that I informed Mr. Beauleigh of
+my--er--profession to-day?"
+
+Miles forgot his anger in surprise.
+
+"Ye never told him ye were a highwayman?" he cried.
+
+"Yes, I did. Why not?"
+
+"Why not? Why wot? God help us all! are ye daft, man? Do ye intend to
+tell every other person ye meet what ye are? Bedad, 'tis mad ye are
+entirely!"
+
+Carstares sighed.
+
+"I was afraid you would not understand."
+
+"'Twould take a wizard to understand ye! Another chivalrous impulse, I
+doubt not?"
+
+"Chiv--! No. It is just that I could not let him think me an honourable
+gentleman. He took it well, on the whole, and is now frigidly polite."
+
+"Polite! I should hope so! The ould scarecrow, after ye'd saved his
+daughter on him, too! And 'twas he made ye so furious?"
+
+Carstares laughed.
+
+"He and myself. You see--he--lectured me--oh! quite kindly--on the error
+of my ways, and--it hurt."
+
+"'Tis as well ye are coming to me then, the way things are with ye at
+present."
+
+My lord opened his mouth to speak, encountered a fiery glance, and shut
+it again.
+
+"Anything to say?" inquired O'Hara with a threatening gleam in his eye.
+
+"No, sir," replied Jack meekly.
+
+"Ye will come?"
+
+"Please."
+
+O'Hara sprang up joyfully.
+
+"Good lad! Lud! but I was afraid at one time--Put on your other boot
+while I go and look for that rascal of yours!" He hurried out of the
+room to find Jim, who, having foreseen the result of the contest, was
+already stowing the luggage away on the chaise.
+
+Half-an-hour later, his _adieux_ made, Jim and the baggage following, my
+lord rode out with O'Hara on his way to Thurze House.
+
+For some time there was silence between the two men, with only a
+perfunctory remark or two on the fineness of the day and the freshness
+of the mare to break it. Carstares' mind was, as his friend well knew,
+dwelling on all that he had left behind him. His parting with Diana had
+been quite ordinary, she at least making no sign that he was anything
+beyond a chance acquaintance; indeed, it had almost seemed to him that
+her attitude was slightly aloof, as if she had drawn a little into
+herself. Her hand when he had kissed it had been lifeless and cold, her
+smile sweetly remote. He knew that he had held the hand a fraction of a
+minute longer than was strictly in accordance with the rules of good
+manners, and he feared that he had clasped it in most unseemly wise,
+pressing it hard against his lips. He wondered whether she had remarked
+it. He little guessed that long after he had ridden out of sight, she
+continued to feel that pressure. If he could have seen her passionately
+kissing each finger separately for fear her lips might pass over the
+exact spot his had touched, his heart might have been lighter.
+
+It was true that she had retired into her shell, a little hurt at what
+she termed his man's blind obstinacy. She had laid her heart bare for
+him to read; she had offered herself to him as plainly as if she had
+spoken in terms less general than in the pleasaunce; she had fought
+desperately for her happiness, thrusting aside all thought of maiden
+modesty, and when she afterwards had realised what she had done, and
+tried to imagine what he must think of her, she had blushed dark, and
+mentally flayed herself for her lack of proper pride and manners.
+Terrified that he might think her immodest, overwhelmed with sudden
+shyness, she had been colder in her attitude towards him, than she had
+intended, even in her anxiety not to appear forward. But in spite of
+her coldness, how intensely had she hoped that he would sense her love
+and all that she wanted him to know! Incomprehensible the ways of women!
+
+Not endowed with feminine perspicacity or intuition, how could John hope
+to understand her dual feelings? He only knew that he had hurt her, and
+that she had drawn back that she might not lay herself open to more. He
+could not hope to understand her when she did not fully understand
+herself.
+
+Reflecting on the swiftness with which love had come to them, he
+believed that with a like swiftness it might fade, at least from Diana's
+memory. He told himself that he hoped for that end, but he was honest
+enough to know that it was the last thing in the world he wanted. The
+mere thought of Diana indifferent to him, or worse, another man's bride,
+made him bite on his underlip and tighten his hold on the rein.
+
+O'Hara cast many a surreptitious glance at the stern young profile
+beside him, wondering whether his lordship would last out the tedious
+ride or no. He knew enough of Carstares' indomitable courage to believe
+that he would, but he feared that it would prove too great a strain on
+him in his present weakened condition.
+
+Very wisely he made no attempt to draw Carstares out of his abstraction,
+but continued to push on in silence, past fields knee-deep in grass,
+soon to be hay, with sorrel and poppies growing apace, along lanes with
+hedges high above their heads on either side, over hill and down
+dale--always in silence.
+
+Presently O'Hara fell a little to the rear that he might study his
+friend without palpably turning to do so. He thought he had never seen
+Jack's face wear such a black look. The fine brows almost met over his
+nose with only two sharp furrows to separate them; the mouth was
+compressed, the chin a little prominent, and the eyes, staring ahead
+between Jenny's nervous ears, seemed to see all without absorbing
+anything. One hand at his hip was clenched on his riding-whip, the other
+mechanically guided the mare.
+
+O'Hara found himself admiring the lithe grace of the man, with his
+upright carriage and splendid seat.
+
+Suddenly, as if aware that he was being studied, my lord half turned his
+head and met O'Hara's eyes. He gave a tiny shrug and with it seemed to
+throw off his oppression. The frown vanished, and he smiled.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miles. I am a surly fellow."
+
+"Mayhap your shoulder troubles you," suggested O'Hara tactfully.
+
+"N-no, I am barely conscious of it. I've no excuse beyond bad manners
+and a worse temper."
+
+From thence onward he set himself to entertain his friend, and if his
+laugh was sometimes rather forced, at least his wit was enough to keep
+O'Hara in a pleasurable state of amusement for some miles.
+
+By the time they arrived at Thurze House, Carstares was suspiciously
+white about the mouth, and there was once more a furrow--this time of
+pain--between his brows. But he was able to greet my Lady O'Hara with
+fitting elegance and to pay her at least three neat, laughing
+compliments before O'Hara took him firmly by the arm and marched him to
+his room, there to rest and recover before the dinner hour.
+
+Shortly after, Jim arrived, highly contented with his new surroundings,
+and able to give a satisfactory verdict on Jenny's stalling. He had
+quite accepted O'Hara as a friend, after some jealous qualms, and was
+now well pleased that his master should be in his house instead of
+roaming the countryside.
+
+At five o'clock, as the gong rang, my lord descended the stairs
+resplendent in old gold and silver trimmings, determined to be as gay
+and light-hearted as the occasion demanded, as though there had never
+been a Diana to upset the whole course of a man's life.
+
+Not for nothing had he fought against the world for six long years.
+Their teaching had been to hide all feeling beneath a perpetual mask of
+nonchalance and wit; never for an instance to betray a hurt, and never
+to allow it to appear that he was anything but the most care-free of
+men. The training stood him in good stead now, and even O'Hara wondered
+to see him in such spirits after all that had passed. Lady Molly was
+delighted with her guest, admiring his appearance, his fine, courtly
+manners, and falling an easy victim to his charm.
+
+O'Hara, watching them, saw with content that his capricious little wife
+was really attracted to my lord. It was a high honour, for she was hard
+to please, and many of O'Hara's acquaintances had been received, if not
+with actual coldness, at least not with any degree of warmth.
+
+At the end of the meal she withdrew with the warning that they were not
+to sit too long over their wine, and that Miles was not to fatigue his
+lordship.
+
+O'Hara pushed the decanter towards his friend.
+
+"I've a piece of news I daresay will interest ye!" he remarked.
+
+Carstares looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Ay. 'Tis that his Grace of Andover has withdrawn his precious person to
+Paris."
+
+Carstares raised one eyebrow.
+
+"I suppose he would naturally wish to remain in the background after our
+little fracas."
+
+"Does he ever wish to be in the background?"
+
+"You probably know him better than I do. Does he?"
+
+"He does not. 'Tis always in front he is, mighty prominent. Damn him!"
+
+My lord was faintly surprised.
+
+"Why that? Has he ever interfered with you?"
+
+"He has interfered with me best friend to some purpose."
+
+"I fear the boot was on the other leg!"
+
+"Well, I know something of how he interferes with Dick."
+
+Carstares put down his glass, all attention now.
+
+"With Dick? How?"
+
+O'Hara seemed to regret having spoken
+
+"Oh, well--I've no sympathy with _him_."
+
+"What has Tracy done to him?"
+
+"'Tis nothing of great moment. Merely that he and that worthless brother
+of his seek to squeeze him dry."
+
+"Robert?"
+
+"Andrew. I know very little of Robert."
+
+"Andrew! But he was a child--"
+
+"Well, he's grown up now, and as rakish a young spendthrift as ye could
+wish for. Dick seems to pay their debts."
+
+"Devil take him! Why?"
+
+"Heaven knows! I suppose Lavinia insists. We all knew that 'twas for
+that reason Tracy flung you both in her way."
+
+"Nonsense! We went of our own accord. She had but returned from school."
+
+"Exactly. And whose doing was that but Tracy's?"
+
+Carstares opened his eyes rather wide and leant both arms on the table,
+crooking his fingers round the stem of his wine glass.
+
+"Do the debts amount to much?"
+
+"I can't tell ye that. 'Twas but by chance I found it out at all. The
+Belmanoirs were never moderate in their manner of living."
+
+"Nor were any of us. Don't be so hard on them, Miles!... I knew, of
+course, that the Belmanoir estate was mortgaged, but I did not guess to
+what extent."
+
+"I don't know that either, but Dick's money does not go to pay it off.
+'Tis all frittered away on gambling and pretty women."
+
+My lord's brow darkened ominously.
+
+"Ye-s. I think I shall have a little score to settle with Tracy on that
+subject--some day."
+
+Miles said nothing.
+
+"But how does Dick manage without touching my money?"
+
+"I do not know." O'Hara's tone implied that he cared less.
+
+"I hope he is not in debt himself," mused Carstares, "'Tis like enough
+he is in some muddle. I wish I might persuade him to accept the
+revenue." He frowned and drummed his fingers on the table.
+
+O'Hara exploded.
+
+"Sure, 'twould be like you to be doing the same. Let the man alone for
+the Lord's sake, and don't be after worrying your head over a miserable
+spalpeen that did ye more harm than--"
+
+"Miles, I cannot allow you to speak so of Dick! You do not understand."
+
+"I understand well enough. 'Tis too Christian ye are entirely. And let
+us have an end of this farce of yours! I know that Dick cheated as well
+as you do, and I say 'tis unnatural for you to be wanting him to take
+your money after he's done you out of honour and all else!"
+
+Carstares sipped his wine quietly, waiting for Miles' anger to
+evaporate, as it presently did, leaving him to glower balefully. Then he
+started to laugh.
+
+"Oh, Miles, let me go my own road! I'm a sore trial to you, I know."
+Then suddenly sobering: "But I want you not to think so hardly of Dick.
+You know enough of him to understand a little how it all came about. You
+know how extravagant he was and how often in debt--can you not pardon
+the impulse of a mad moment?"
+
+"That I could pardon. What I cannot forgive is his--unutterable meanness
+in letting you bear the blame."
+
+"O'Hara, he was in love with Lavinia--"
+
+"So were you."
+
+"Not so deeply. With me 'twas a boy's passion, but with him 'twas
+serious."
+
+O'Hara remained silent, his mouth unusually hard.
+
+"Put yourself in his place," pleaded Jack. "If you--"
+
+"Thank you!" O'Hara laughed unpleasantly. "No, Jack, we shall not agree
+on this subject, and we had best leave it alone. I do not think you need
+worry about him, though. I believe he is not in debt."
+
+"Does he have fair luck with his racing and his--"
+
+O'Hara smiled grimly.
+
+"Dick is a very changed man, John. He does not keep racehorses, neither
+does he play cards, save for appearance's sake."
+
+"Dick not play! What then does he do?"
+
+"Manages your estates and conducts his wife to routs. When in town,"
+bitterly, "he inhabits your house."
+
+"Well, there is none else to use it. But I cannot imagine Dick turned
+sober!"
+
+"'Tis easy to be righteous after the evil is done, I'm thinking!"
+
+My lord ignored this remark. A curious smile played about his mouth.
+
+"Egad, Miles, 'tis very entertaining! I, the erstwhile sober
+member--what is the matter?--am now the profligate: I dice, I gamble, I
+rob. Dick the ne'er-do-weel is a saint. He--er--lives a godly and
+righteous life, and--er--is robbed by his wife's relations. After all, I
+do not think I envy him overmuch."
+
+"At least, you enjoy life more than he does," said O'Hara, grinning.
+"For ye have no conscience to reckon with."
+
+Carstares' face was inscrutable. He touched his lips with his napkin and
+smiled.
+
+"As you say, I enjoy life the more--but as to conscience, I do not think
+it is that."
+
+O'Hara glanced at him sitting sideways in his chair, one arm flung over
+its back.
+
+"Will ye be offended if I ask ye a question?"
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"Then--do ye intend to go back to this highroad robbery?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"What then will you do?"
+
+The shadows vanished, and my lord laughed.
+
+"To tell you the truth, Miles, I've not yet settled that point. Fate
+will decide--not I."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+MR. BETTISON PROPOSES
+
+
+Mr. Bettison could make nothing of Diana of late. Her demeanour, at
+first so charming and so cheerful, had become listless, and even
+chilling. She seemed hardly to listen to some of his best tales, and
+twice she actually forgot to laugh at what was surely a most witty
+pleasantry. It struck him that she regarded him with a resentful eye, as
+if she objected to his presence at Horton House, and had no desire to be
+courted. But Mr. Bettison was far too egotistic to believe such a thing,
+and he brushed the incredible suspicion away, deciding that her coldness
+was due to a very proper shyness. He continued his visits until they
+became so frequent that scarce a day passed without his strutting step
+being heard approaching the house and his voice inquiring for the Miss
+Beauleighs. Mr. Beauleigh, who secretly hoped for Mr. Bettison as a
+son-in-law, would not permit the ladies to deny themselves, and he
+further counselled Miss Betty to absent herself after the first few
+moments, leaving the young couple together. Thus it was that it so
+continually fell to Diana's lot to receive the Squire and to listen to
+his never-ending monologues. She persistently snubbed him, hoping to
+ward off the impending proposal, but either her snubs were not severe
+enough, or Mr. Bettison's skin was too thick to feel them; for not a
+fortnight after my lord's departure, he begged her hand in marriage. It
+was refused him with great firmness, but, taking the refusal for
+coquettishness, he pressed his suit still more amorously, and with such
+a self-assured air that Mistress Di became indignant.
+
+"Sir," she cried, "it seems you have indeed misread my attitude towards
+you!"
+
+Mr. Bettison was struck dumb with amazement. It had never entered his
+brain that Diana could seriously refuse him. He could hardly believe his
+ears at this quite unmistakable tone of voice, and sat gaping.
+
+"I must beg," continued Diana, "I must beg that you will discontinue
+your all-too-frequent visits here. Please do not deem me unkind, but
+your persecution of me--I can call it nothing else--is
+wearying--and--you will forgive the word--tiresome. I confess I am
+surprised that you had not perceived your attentions to be distasteful
+to me."
+
+"Distasteful!" cried Mr. Bettison, recovering after two or three
+unsuccessful attempts from his speechlessness. "Do you mean what you
+say, Miss Diana? That you will not wed me?"
+
+She nodded.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Bettison, I do."
+
+"And that my attentions are displeasing to you! Well, Miss Beauleigh!
+Well, indeed!"
+
+Diana softened a little.
+
+"I am indeed sorry that you should have misconstrued--"
+
+"No misconstruction, madam!" snapped the Squire, who was fast losing
+control over his temper. "Do you dare aver that you did not encourage me
+to visit you?"
+
+"I do, most emphatically!"
+
+"Oh, I see what 'tis! You cannot hoodwink me. 'Twas never thus with you
+before that fellow came!"
+
+"Mr. Bettison, I am entirely at a loss, but I desire you to leave this
+room before you say aught you may afterwards regret."
+
+He disregarded her.
+
+"You are infatuated by that over-dressed popinjay--that insufferable
+Carr, who, from all I hear, is but a shady fellow, and who--"
+
+With a sweeping movement Diana had risen and walked to the bell-rope.
+She now pulled it with such vigour that a great peal sounded throughout
+the house.
+
+She stood perfectly still, a statue of Disdain, tall, beautiful and
+furious, with compressed lips and head held high. Mr. Bettison broke off
+and mopped his brow, glaring at her.
+
+Startled Thomas appeared at the door.
+
+"Did you ring, madam?"
+
+"Show Mr. Bettison out," was the proud answer.
+
+The Squire got up awkwardly.
+
+"I am sure I apologise if I said aught that was untrue," he mumbled. "I
+hope you will not take my words amiss--"
+
+"I shall try to forget your insults, sir," she replied. "The door,
+Thomas!"
+
+Mr. Bettison went out, and his step had lost some of its self-confident
+swagger.
+
+For a full minute after the great front door had shut behind him, Diana
+stood where she was, and then the colour suddenly flamed in her cheeks,
+and she turned and ran out of the room, up the stairs, to her own
+chamber, where she indulged in a luxurious fit of crying. From this
+enjoyable occupation she was interrupted by a rap on the door, and Miss
+Betty's voice desiring to know if she was within.
+
+She instantly started up and with hasty fingers straightened her tumbled
+curls.
+
+"Pray enter!" she called, trying to sound jaunty. To complete the
+illusion, she started to hum. Her aunt entered.
+
+"I came to see if you had my broidery. I cannot find it, and I am sure
+'twas you brought it in from the garden this morning."
+
+"Yes--oh, yes--I am so sorry! 'Tis in that corner on the chair, I
+think," replied Diana, keeping her face averted.
+
+Miss Betty cast a shrewd glance at her, and sat down on the sofa with
+the air of one who means to stay.
+
+"What is it, my love?" she demanded.
+
+Diana pretended to search for something in a cupboard.
+
+"Nothing, aunt! What should there be?"
+
+"I do not know. 'Tis what I want to find out," answered Miss Betty
+placidly.
+
+"There is nought amiss, I assure you!" To prove the truth of this
+statement, Diana essayed a laugh. It was a poor attempt, and wavered
+pitifully into a sob.
+
+"My pet, don't tell me! You are crying!"
+
+"I--I'm n-not!" avowed Diana, hunting wildly for her
+pocket-handkerchief. "'Tis a cold in the head I have had these three
+days."
+
+"Indeed, my love? Longer than that, I fear."
+
+"Yes--perhaps so--I--What do you mean?"
+
+"I doubt but what you caught it the day that Mr. Carr left us."
+
+Diana started.
+
+"P-pray, do not be ridiculous, auntie!"
+
+"No, my dear. Come and sit beside me and tell me all about it," coaxed
+Miss Betty.
+
+Diana hesitated, gave a damp sniff, and obeyed.
+
+Miss Betty drew her head down on to her shoulder soothingly.
+
+"There, there! Don't cry, my sweet! What has happened?"
+
+"'Tis that odious Mr. Bettison!" sobbed Diana "He--he had the audacity
+to ask me to m-marry him!"
+
+"You don't say so, my love! I thought I heard him arrive. So you sent
+him about his business?"
+
+"N-not before he had time to insult m-me!"
+
+"Insult you? Di!"
+
+"He--he dared to insinuate--oh no! he accused me outright--of being
+infatuated by Mr. Carr! Infatuated!"
+
+Over her head Miss Betty opened her eyes at her own reflection in the
+glass.
+
+"The brute! But, of course, 'tis true?"
+
+No answer.
+
+"Is it not?"
+
+The sobs came faster.
+
+"Of--of course 'tis true, but h-how dared he say so?"
+
+"Di, my love, you really are in love with that boy?"
+
+"I--I--I asked him to marry me--and he wouldn't!"
+
+"Good gracious heavens!" Miss Betty was genuinely horrified. "My dear
+Diana!"
+
+"N-not outright--b-but he understood--and--he loves me! And I'd do it
+again to-morrow, if I could--immodest or no! So there!"
+
+"Yes, yes," soothed Miss Betty hastily. "Tell me all about it." Diana
+lifted her head.
+
+"That's all. And he loves me--he does--he does!"
+
+"Did he say so?"
+
+"N-no--but I could tell. And I love him"--sob--"and I'd sooner die than
+live without him, and he won't ask me b-because he has not got a
+spotless p-past, and he'd be a cur, and horrid things, and my husband
+must not be an--an--outcast, and-and--and I don't care!"
+
+Her bewildered aunt unravelled this with difficulty.
+
+"He'd be a cur if he asked you to marry him?" she asked, with knitted
+brows.
+
+"Yes. Because he's a highwayman."
+
+"A highwayman! Then 'twas true what he said? Well, well! I should never
+have thought it! That nice boy!"
+
+Diana disengaged herself; in her eyes was a threatening gleam.
+
+"Don't dare say a word against him!"
+
+"No, no--of course not! I was only surprised. But I am thankfully glad
+he did not ask you, for all that!"
+
+"Glad? How can you be so cruel?"
+
+"My dear, you could not possibly marry--a--a--"
+
+"Common felon!" sobbed Diana. "I can--I can!"
+
+"And heaven alone knows what else he may have done! Why, child, he said
+himself that he had a--a spotty past!"
+
+At this her niece gave a tearful giggle.
+
+"La! What ails you now, Di?"
+
+"H-he never said--spotty."
+
+Miss Betty smiled reluctantly.
+
+"A doubtful past, then."
+
+"I don't believe it!"
+
+Her aunt pursed up her lips.
+
+"I won't believe it. He couldn't be wicked. You forget he saved me!"
+
+Miss Betty relented.
+
+"No, I do not, my love; and, to be sure, I think he is a dear boy, but I
+also think 'twas very right of him to go away."
+
+She was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.
+
+"Auntie, you know you love him almost as much as I do?"
+
+"No, that I do not!" was the grim retort. "_I_ am not like to want to
+marry him!"
+
+There was another watery giggle at this, and Diana went over to the
+dressing-table to tidy her hair.
+
+"I doubt I shall never see him again," she said wretchedly. "Oh, auntie,
+if you could but have seen his dear, unhappy eyes!"
+
+"Stuff and nonsense! Not see him again, forsooth! He will call upon us
+in town. 'Tis but common politeness."
+
+"You forget he is a highwayman, and not like to come nigh us again."
+
+"Well, my dear, if he cares for you as you say he does, he will see to
+it that he takes up some decent occupation. Mayhap, he will go into the
+army, or what not. Then wait and see if he does not come to you."
+
+"Do you think so?" doubtfully.
+
+"Of course I do, sweetheart! And if he does not try to mend his ways,
+and you see him no more--why then, snap your fingers at him, my love,
+for he will not be worth one tear!"
+
+Diana sighed and poured out some water to bathe her face with.
+
+"Is not that sensible?" coaxed her aunt.
+
+She raised her head and looked unutterable scorn.
+
+"I think 'tis remarkable silly," she answered. Then her dignity fell
+from her. "Oh, are all men such big stupids?" she cried.
+
+"Most of 'em," nodded her aunt.
+
+"But can't he tell that I shall be--oh, so miserable, and that I should
+not ruin my life if I married him?"
+
+"My dear, once a man gets an idea into his head, 'tis the very devil to
+get it out of him! Not but what I think Master Jack is right, mind you.
+And your dear papa and I had looked higher for you. After all--what is
+Mr. Carr?"
+
+"He is the only man I will ever marry! So you may cease looking higher
+for me! I suppose you want me to marry that great gaby, Sir Denis
+Fabian, you are for ever inviting to the house? Or, perhaps, this
+gallant Mr. Bettison? Or Mr. Everard? How _can_ you be so unkind?"
+
+"I am not. But I could not bear to see you throw yourself away on a
+highwayman, my dear."
+
+Diana ran to her, putting her arms round her neck.
+
+"Dearest auntie, forgive my rudeness! I know you did not mean to be
+unkind! But you do not understand--I _love_ him."
+
+"I always said you'd take it badly," nodded Miss Betty gloomily.
+
+"Take what badly?"
+
+"Love. And no man is worth one tear-drop, sweet."
+
+The confident, tender little laugh that answered this statement made her
+look at her suddenly changed niece in surprise.
+
+"You don't know," said Diana. Her eyes were soft and luminous. "You just
+do not know."
+
+Before Miss Betty could think of a suitable retort, a knock fell on the
+door. It was opened, and Thomas was found to be without.
+
+"My Lady O'Hara is below, madam."
+
+For an instant the two ladies stared at one another. Then:
+
+"La and drat!" said Miss Betty. "With the drawing-room in a muddle after
+cleaning!"
+
+Diana nodded to the man.
+
+"We will come, Thomas." Then as soon as he had withdrawn, she stared
+again at her aunt. "Lady O'Hara! But why?"
+
+"I suppose she felt she must call after Sir Miles had been here so
+often. But why, for goodness' sake, must she choose the one day that the
+drawing-room is all untidy? Drat again, I say!"
+
+Diana was powdering her little nose, and anxiously looking to see if the
+tear-stains had quite vanished.
+
+"'Tis not untidy, Aunt Betty. Oh, I am quite eager to see her--I think
+she must be charming, from all Sir Miles said. Do hurry, aunt!"
+
+Miss Betty stuck a pin into her hair and smoothed out her dress.
+
+"And me in this old taffeta!" she grumbled.
+
+Diana swirled round, her own peach-coloured silk rustling fashionably.
+
+"Never mind, dear--you look very sweet. But _do_ be quick!" Miss Betty
+suffered herself to be led to the door.
+
+"'Tis all very fine for you, my love, with a new gown fresh on to-day!
+Will you just take a look at my petticoat, though?"
+
+"Nonsense, you are beautiful! Come!"
+
+Together they descended the stairs, and went into the drawing-room.
+
+A dainty, very diminutive little lady arose from a chair at their entry,
+and came forward with outstretched hands, and such a fascinating smile
+that Miss Betty's ill-humour vanished, and she responded to her
+visitor's deep curtsy with one of her best jerky dips.
+
+"I am vastly delighted to welcome you, madam," she said primly. "'Tis
+good in you to come this long way to see us."
+
+She drew a chair forward for my lady, and presented her niece. Lady
+O'Hara gave the girl a swift, scrutinising glance, and curtsied again.
+
+"'Tis a great pleasure to me to meet you at last, Miss Beauleigh," she
+smiled. "My husband has told me so much of you, I declare I was all agog
+to meet you!"
+
+Diana warmed instantly to the little lady's charm.
+
+"Indeed, madam, we, too, have heard much of you from Sir Miles. _We_
+have wanted to meet _you_!"
+
+Lady O'Hara seated herself and nodded briskly.
+
+"I expect he told you some dreadful tales of me," she said happily. "I
+must ask your pardon for not having visited you before, but, as I
+daresay you know, I have been away, and, gracious me, when I returned
+everything seemed topsy-turvy!" She laughed across at Miss Betty. "I
+promise you I have had my hands full putting things to rights, Miss
+Beauleigh!"
+
+Miss Betty drew her chair closer, and in a minute they were deep in
+truly feminine conversation: the prodigious extravagance of the
+servants; the helplessness of men-folk when left to themselves, and then
+London, its shops, its parks, the newest play.
+
+Lady O'Hara was begged to take a dish of Miss Betty's precious Bohea--a
+very high honour indeed--and when Mr. Beauleigh came into the room he
+found his sister and daughter seated on either side of a pretty,
+animated little lady whom he had never before seen, talking hard, and
+partaking of tay and angel cakes. Whereupon he retired hastily and shut
+himself up in his library.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+LADY O'HARA WINS HER POINT
+
+
+Lady O'Hara looked across at her sleeping husband with no little
+severity in her glance. He was stretched in a chair beneath a giant oak,
+and she was busied with some needlework a few paces from him. O'Hara's
+eyes were shut and his mouth open. My lady frowned and coughed. She
+rasped her throat quite considerably, but it was not without effect; her
+spouse shut his mouth and opened one lazy eyelid. Immediately my lady
+assumed an air of gentle mournfulness, and the eye regarding her
+twinkled a little, threatening to close. Molly looked reproachful, and
+began to speak in an aggrieved tone:
+
+"Indeed, and I do not think it at all kind in you to go to sleep when I
+want to talk, sir."
+
+O'Hara hastily opened the other eye.
+
+"Why, my love, I was not asleep! I was--er--thinking!"
+
+"Do you say so, sir? And do you usually think with your mouth
+open--_snoring_?"
+
+O'Hara started up.
+
+"I'll swear I did not snore!" he cried. "Molly, 'tis a wicked tease ye
+are!"
+
+"Miles, 'tis a big baby you are!" she mimicked. "There is a caterpillar
+on your wig, and 'tis on crooked."
+
+"The caterpillar?" asked O'Hara, bewildered.
+
+"No, stupid, the wig. I had best straighten it for you, I suppose." She
+rose and stooped over him, settling the wig and removing the caterpillar
+by means of two leaves, judiciously wielded. Then she dropped a kiss on
+her husband's brow and sat down at his feet.
+
+"First, you have never asked me where I was gone to all yesterday
+afternoon."
+
+O'Hara had been carefully broken in, and he now knew what was expected
+of him, and put on an expression of great interest.
+
+"Where _did_ ye go, my lady?"
+
+"I went to call on Miss Beauleigh and her niece, sir!"
+
+She looked up at him triumphantly and a little challengingly.
+
+"The devil ye did!"
+
+"Certainly, sir. I knew that there was something in the air, and I
+remembered your letter to me saying that Jack was in love with Diana. So
+I thought I would go and see her for myself."
+
+Miles looked down at her half indulgently, half vexedly.
+
+"Did you, puss?"
+
+"I did. And I found that she was in love with him as well as he with
+her--of course."
+
+"Of course?"
+
+"Who could help falling in love with him? He's so monstrous captivating,
+I would like to marry him myself."
+
+She bent her head to hide the roguish smile that had sprung to her lips.
+
+"I beg your pardon?" asked O'Hara, startled.
+
+My lady traced patterns on his knee.
+
+"Provided, of course, that I had not already married you, Miles."
+
+But O'Hara had seen the smile. He heaved a great sigh, and said in
+lugubrious tones:
+
+"There is always the river, madam."
+
+My lady's finger wavered and stopped, and her hand tucked itself away
+into his.
+
+"That is not a nice joke, Miles."
+
+He laughed, and tweaked one of her curls.
+
+"Sure, and did ye not ask for it, asthore?"
+
+"Of course I did not. But about Jack, dear--"
+
+"I thought it _was_ about Jack?"
+
+"Miles, will you be quiet and attend?"
+
+"Yes, m'dear."
+
+"Very well, then. As I have told you, I drove over to Littledean
+yesterday afternoon, and made the acquaintance of the Miss Beauleighs."
+
+"And what did ye think of them?"
+
+"I thought Diana was wonderfully beautiful--such eyes, Miles!--and such
+hair! Miss Beauleigh is very amiable, and so droll! I drank a dish of
+tay with them, and I spoke of Jack--"
+
+"Madcap, never tell me ye called him Carstares?"
+
+"No, you great gaby! Of course I did not. As it chanced, Miss Beauleigh
+mentioned him first, and she called him Mr. Carr. So I did, too. And I
+noticed that Diana said scarce a word about him, and when she did 'twas
+of the coolest. That, of course, made me all the more certain that she
+loved him."
+
+O'Hara was plainly puzzled.
+
+"But why should you be certain if she did not speak of him, alanna?"
+
+"'Tis what you'll never understand, my dear, because you are but a man.
+But no matter--I knew. I quite adored Diana, and determined to talk to
+her alone. So I admired the roses, and she offered to escort me round
+the garden, which was what I wanted. We went out together. I think Diana
+must have liked me, for--"
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"Be quiet, Miles!--for she dropped her ice and became quite friendly.
+And I talked a lot."
+
+She was aware of a convulsive movement above her, and a suppressed
+cough. She raised inquiring eyebrows.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"Nothing, asthore--nothing. Go on with the tale--you were saying--"
+
+"That I talked a lot." She paused, and her eyes dared him; then she
+dimpled and dropped her lashes over them. "I shan't tell you all I
+said--"
+
+A relieved sigh interrupted her.
+
+"And if you continue to behave in this disagreeable fashion I shall not
+say another word about anything!"
+
+Having satisfied herself that he was not going to venture a retort, she
+continued:
+
+"We had a long chat, and I gathered, from all she said and left unsaid,
+that Jack, for some foolish reason, will not ask her to marry him."
+
+"Foolish reason, asthore?" he interrupted.
+
+"Oh, I know you consider it a remarkable fine reason, but I tell you,
+'tis rank cruelty to that poor child. As if she cared about highwaymen!"
+
+"'Twas not so much that, I take it, as--"
+
+"Yes, but he could tell her he was innocent--oh, Miles, do not look so
+provoking! Of course he could! I vow if you had treated me so, I would
+never have let you go until you had truly repented! I am of a mind to
+speak to Jack."
+
+"'Twould be an entertaining sight, but ye'll kindly have a care how you
+touch him, my lady."
+
+"He does not understand. I _know_ she would be proud to marry him--"
+
+"And ye'd think it a fine thing in Jack to ask her, the way things are
+with him at present?"
+
+"I--oh, I don't know!"
+
+"No, me love. Jack is right: he must first clear his name."
+
+"Then, gracious goodness me, why does he not?" cried Molly, exasperated.
+
+This time it was O'Hara's turn to look superior.
+
+"Well, alanna, that's a question ye cannot hope to understand--because
+ye are but a woman."
+
+Lady O'Hara ignored the challenge.
+
+"But what is to be done?"
+
+"Nought. He will have to work it out himself. He bound me to secrecy
+some time ago, or I would be tempted to speak to Richard."
+
+"I quite _hate_ Richard!" she cried. "He must be a selfish, unkind
+person. And now Jack swears he must go away almost at once--and, oh! you
+should have seen Diana's face of despair when I mentioned that he was
+going abroad again. Miles, we must keep him here as long as ever we can!
+Oh, dear! 'tis all very worrying."
+
+She broke off as O'Hara pressed her hand warningly. My lord was coming
+across the lawn towards them.
+
+"I am in dire disgrace," he said. "I was left with your ferocious baby,
+Molly, and to quiet him, I gave him a string of beads that you had left
+on the table."
+
+"My precious Indian wooden beads!"
+
+"Yes--I believe so. Anyway, the paint came off, and when Jane returned,
+David looked as though he had some horrible disease. She was most
+annoyed about it." He sat down in Molly's lately vacated chair, and
+carefully wiped a daub of green from his forefinger.
+
+Molly laughed.
+
+"Poor Jane! She will have such a task to clean him. But you've arrived
+most opportunely. We were talking of you."
+
+O'Hara groaned inwardly, and tried to frown her down.
+
+"You were? I am flattered! May I ask what you were saying?"
+
+"Why, that we do not want you to go back to France."
+
+O'Hara breathed again.
+
+"That is very kind of you, my lady. I regret the necessity myself."
+
+"Are you sure it is necessary? You might just as well live in a nice
+place near here, with a dear old woman to keep house for you--and--and
+Jim--and--lots of pleasant things."
+
+My lord shook his head.
+
+"No, thank you!"
+
+"Yes, yes! And later on you could choose a wife!" she continued
+audaciously.
+
+"Not at all. There would be no choice; I should be made to marry the
+dear old woman. You would bully me into it."
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Seriously, Jack, could you not settle down near here?"
+
+"Not with that old woman, Molly."
+
+"Never mind her; won't you consider it? No one need know you--in fact,
+you need see no one--and--oh, Jack! don't look like that. Miles, is he
+not ridiculous?"
+
+"Sure, alanna, 'tis a dreary life he'd be leading," chuckled O'Hara.
+
+"I see what it is, Molly. You have planned to make me a recluse, _and_
+to marry me to my housekeeper. I protest, 'tis great ill-usage!"
+
+Molly eyed him doubtfully.
+
+"Would you _much_ object to the life, John?"
+
+"Madam," he replied solemnly, "you would find my corpse in the garden at
+the end of the first week."
+
+"Of course I should not like that," she pondered. "But I do not see what
+else we can do for you. Oh, and that reminds me! I drove over to
+Littledean yesterday--Miles, my love, will you be so kind as to fetch me
+my hat? I protest, the sun--"
+
+"We will move more into the shade," said her disobliging husband.
+
+"Oh, well! 'tis of no account, though I did hear that Brown was wanting
+to speak to you about the new cob--"
+
+"'Tis prodigious thoughtful of you, Molly, but I met Brown some time
+ago."
+
+Lady O'Hara gave it up.
+
+"Well, as I was saying, Jack, I went to call at Horton House. Dear me,
+what a beautiful girl Diana is, to be sure!"
+
+Carstares tried to think of something to say, and failing, made a
+non-committal sound.
+
+"Yes. They both sent their kind wishes, and hoped you were better.
+Goodness! 'tis very close here. I wonder if you will give me your arm
+round the garden? And would _you_ fetch me my hat? I left it in the
+hall, I think. Thank you very much!"
+
+She waited until he was out of earshot before she turned to her husband.
+
+"Now, Miles, you must please to stay where you are. I am not going to do
+anything indiscreet."
+
+"Molly, I can't have ye worry him--"
+
+"No such thing! I am going to coax him to stay here instead of going
+abroad. I feel sure that if we can but persuade him to stay, something
+will happen."
+
+"What will happen?"
+
+"Something!"
+
+"How do ye know?"
+
+"I don't know; I only feel it."
+
+"Very well, asthore. If you can tease Jack into staying, I'll bless ye."
+
+"That will be most enjoyable, I make no doubt!" she answered, and
+stepped back out of reach.
+
+"Oh, thank you, John!" She tied the hat over her curls, and placed her
+hand on my lord's arm. "Lazy Miles is going to sleep again!" she said.
+"And I so dislike to hear him snore, so let's go a long way away--into
+the rose garden!"
+
+"Don't go so far as all that!" drawled Miles, closing his eyes. "You
+will tire yourselves."
+
+"Do you allow him to make these ribald remarks?" inquired Jack, waiting
+for her to extricate a stone from her shoe.
+
+"Not usually," she answered. "He takes advantage when you are here." She
+dropped the pebble on top of O'Hara and strolled away with my lord.
+
+As soon as they had rounded a corner in the shrubbery, she commenced the
+attack.
+
+"I want to speak to you of Miles," she confided. "He is so worried."
+
+"Is he, Molly? Faith, I hadn't noticed it!"
+
+She reflected that neither had she, but continued, nothing daunted:
+
+"Ah, but he is!"
+
+"What worries him?"
+
+"You," sighed the lady mournfully. "'Tis the thought of your leaving us.
+I feel it myself."
+
+"Why--"
+
+"He had hoped you would be with us for a long time--as I had."
+
+"'Tis monstrous good of you both, but--"
+
+"I am sure I do not know what I shall do with Miles when you are gone.
+He was so looking forward to having you with him."
+
+"Molly--"
+
+"And, indeed, it has come as a great disappointment to both of us to
+hear you talk of leaving. Won't you think better of it?"
+
+"Molly, you overwhelm me.... How can I remain here indefinitely?"
+
+"If only you would! You don't know how happy it would make us. I declare
+Miles will worry himself quite ill if you persist in being so unkind."
+
+"Oh, Molly, you rogue!"
+
+She could not repress a smile, but checked it almost at once. "I mean
+it, Jack."
+
+"What! That Miles is worrying himself ill over me? Fie!"
+
+"Perhaps not as bad as that," she admitted. "But, indeed, he is much
+perturbed ... and, oh! I wish that you would not make us so unhappy."
+She dabbed at her eyes with a wispy handkerchief, but managed to watch
+his face all the same. "David loves you so, the pet! and Miles is so
+delighted to have found you again--and _I_ like you--and--and--and I
+think 'twill be indeed rude and horrid if you do go--besides being so
+silly!"
+
+"Do you, Molly? You make me feel I should be an ungrateful boor to
+refuse--"
+
+The handkerchief was whisked away.
+
+"Then, of course you won't try to refuse! You'll stay? Promise!"
+
+"I cannot thank you enough--"
+
+"Oh, you nice Jack! Till the autumn? Promise!"
+
+"Molly, I really--"
+
+"Promise! I shall cry if you do not!"
+
+"I cannot! How could I prey upon your hospitality for so--"
+
+"What rubbish, Jack! As if Miles had not spent months and months at
+Wyncham when you were boys--"
+
+"That was different--"
+
+"--when you were boys, and now you are so proud that you refuse to stay
+three miserable little months with us--"
+
+"No, no, Molly; indeed, 'tis not that!"
+
+"Confess, if Miles were a bachelor, you would not hesitate?" He was
+silent, nonplussed.
+
+"You see! And just because he has a wife you are disagreeable and proud.
+You feel you cannot bear to stay with me--"
+
+"I swear I do not!"
+
+"Then why do you refuse?" she triumphed.
+
+"Molly--really, I--" He broke off, laughing. "You little wretch, you
+leave me nothing to say!"
+
+"Then you will stay, as I ask?"
+
+"You are quite sure--"
+
+"Quite."
+
+"Thank you very much, I will stay. 'Tis monstrous good of you, I vow.
+When you are tired of me, say so."
+
+"I will," she promised. "Oh, but we shall do famously! How pleased Miles
+will be! By the way," she continued, airily, "I asked the Miss
+Beauleighs to honour us on Wednesday, but, unfortunately, they could
+not. Still, perhaps some other d--"
+
+She stopped, a little frightened, for he was standing before her,
+gripping her shoulders in a very elder-brotherly fashion.
+
+"Listen to me, Molly. I know that you have discovered that I love Diana,
+and I know that you think to be very kind and to bring us together. But
+I tell you that 'twill not be kind at all, only very cruel to us both.
+If you worry her to come here, I must go. Do you see?"
+
+Molly looked into the stern eyes, and her lip trembled.
+
+"I'm very--sorry!" she faltered.
+
+Jack drew her arm through his once more.
+
+"'Tis nothing to be sorry about; and, indeed, I am very grateful to you
+for trying to make me happy. But please do not!"
+
+"No, I promise I will not. But--but do you think you are being quite
+fair to--"
+
+"Molly, tell me this: do you think you are being quite good to disobey
+your husband?"
+
+The blue eyes were dancing. She smiled doubtfully.
+
+"What do you mean, Jack?"
+
+"Do you tell me that Miles did not expressly forbid you to mention this
+subject to me?"
+
+She pulled her hand away, her mouth forming a soundless
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Well--well--well, how horrid of you!" she cried, and shook her fist at
+him. "I'm going now!"
+
+Later, she found her husband in the library, and ran into his arms.
+
+"Do you mind holding me tightly?" she asked. "I've--I've been put in the
+corner!"
+
+"What?" O'Hara drew her on to his knee.
+
+"Yes--figuratively--by Jack. I think, perhaps, I shouldn't like to marry
+him after all!"
+
+"What has he done?"
+
+"N-nothing. I'm _afraid_," polishing one of his buttons with an
+assiduous finger, "I'm _afraid_ that it was rather my own fault!"
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Yes--but I only said _very_ little about the Miss Beauleighs, and he
+suddenly turned into an iceberg and made me feel like a naughty little
+girl. But he is going to stay, all the same; so kiss me, Miles!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+ENTER CAPTAIN HAROLD LOVELACE
+
+
+At the end of August, after having spent a moderately quiet summer in
+the country, Lady Lavinia was again seized with a longing for town and
+its attractions. She would not listen to Richard's warnings of the
+atrocious condition of the roads, declaring that she cared not one jot,
+and go to London she must. After that one protest he desisted, and
+promised to take her there the following week, secretly counting himself
+lucky to have kept her so long at Wyncham in comparative cheerfulness of
+spirits. Lavinia was overjoyed, kissed him again and again, scolded
+herself for being such a wicked tease, and set about making her
+preparations for the journey.
+
+The roads proved even worse than Richard had prophesied, and twice the
+coach nearly upset, and times without number stuck fast in the mire,
+causing the inmates much inconvenience. Carstares rode by the side of
+the heavy vehicle, in which were his wife, her maid, her tiny dog, and
+countless bandboxes and small parcels. In spite of the worry the
+constant stoppages entailed, he quite enjoyed the journey, for Lavinia
+was in excellent spirits, and made light of their mishaps, receiving
+each fresh one with roguish laughter and some witty remark. Even when
+the chimney of her bed-chamber, at one of the inns at which they halted,
+smoked most vilely, she did not, as Richard quite expected she would,
+fly into a rage and refuse to spend another moment in the house, but
+after looking extremely doleful, cheered up and told dear Dicky that she
+would have his room while he should have hers. Then in the morning she
+would find him all dried up and _smoked_! In high good humour she went
+down to dinner with him, voted the partridges excellent, the pasties
+quite French, and the wine marvellously tolerable for such an
+out-of-the-way place, and kept him laughing at her antics until
+bed-time.
+
+The journey was, of necessity, very slow, not only on account of the bad
+roads, but because whenever my lady caught sight of wild roses growing
+on the hedges, she must stop to pluck some. Then she and Richard would
+stroll along for some way, he leading his horse, the coach following at
+a walking pace. All of which was very idyllic, and had the effect of
+sending Richard to the seventh heaven of content.
+
+When at length they arrived at Wyncham House, Mayfair, they found that
+the servants had arrived a week before, and had made good use of their
+time. Never, declared Lavinia, had the house looked so inviting--so
+spick and span.
+
+One of her black pages proffered a small monkey with much bowing and
+grinning, and the murmur of: "Massa's present."
+
+Lady Lavinia flew to embrace her Dicky. How did he guess that she had
+for so long yearned for a monkey? Surely she had but once or twice
+mentioned it? Oh, he was the very best of husbands! She danced off to
+her apartments in a state of ecstasy.
+
+The _beau monde_ was returning to town, and when, a few days later,
+Carstares conducted his wife to Ranelagh, they found the gardens fairly
+crowded and very gay. Lamps hung from tree branches, although it was
+still quite light; the fiddlers scraped away almost without a pause;
+fireworks shot up from one end; the summer-houses had all been freshly
+painted, and the Pavilion was a blaze of light.
+
+Consciousness of her beauty and the smartness of her Georgia silk gown,
+with its petticoat covered in gold net, considerably added to Lavinia's
+enjoyment. Her hair she wore powdered and elaborately curled down on
+both sides with dainty escalloped lace half concealing it, and a grey
+_capuchin_ over all. Her tippet was gold-laced to match her petticoat,
+and to fasten it she wore a brooch composed of clustered rubies. Rubies
+also hung in her earrings, which last were of such length that the other
+ladies turned to stare in envy, and the bracelets that she wore over her
+long gloves flashed also with the great red stones. She was well-pleased
+with Richard's appearance, and reflected that, when he chose, he could
+be very fashionable indeed. The claret-coloured velvet he was wearing
+was most distinguished, and the gold clocks to his hose quite ravishing.
+
+They had not been in the Gardens ten minutes before a little crowd of
+men had gathered around them, professing themselves enraptured to behold
+the fair Lady Lavinia once more. One of them fetched her a chair,
+another a glass of negus, and the rest hovered eagerly about her.
+
+Becomingly flushed with triumph, my lady gave her little hand to Mr.
+Selwyn, who had been once a very ardent admirer, laughed at his neat
+compliment, and declared that he was a dreadful flattering demon, and
+positively she would not listen to him!
+
+Sir Gregory Markham, who brought her the negus, she discovered to have
+just returned from Paris. On hearing this, she broke off in the middle
+of a conversation with an enchanted French Chevalier and turned to him,
+raising her china-blue eyes to his face and clasping tight-gloved
+hands.
+
+"Oh, Sir Gregory! Paris? Then tell me--please, tell me--have you seen my
+darling Devil?"
+
+"Why, yes, madam," responded Markham, handing her the glass he held.
+
+She sipped the negus, and gave it to the Chevalier to take care of.
+
+"I declare, I quite love you then!" she exclaimed. "What is he doing,
+and, oh! _when_ will he return to England?"
+
+Sir Gregory smiled.
+
+"How can I say?" he drawled. "I fear _monsieur s'amuse_!"
+
+She flirted her fan before her face.
+
+"Dreadful creature!" she cried. "How dare you say such things?"
+
+"Belmanoir?" inquired Lord D'Egmont, twirling his cane.
+
+"Enamoured of the Pompadour, is he not--saving your presence, Lady
+Lavvy!"
+
+Lavinia let fall her fan.
+
+"The Pompadour! He had best have a care!"
+
+"I believe there has already been some unpleasantness between his
+Majesty and the fair Jeanne on the subject of Devil. Since then she is
+supposed to have turned on him a cold shoulder."
+
+"_I_ heard 'twas he wearied of madame," said Markham.
+
+"Well, whichever it was, I am glad the episode is closed," decided
+Lavinia. "'Tis too dangerous a game to play with Louis' mistresses. Oh,
+mon cher Chevalier! if I had not forgot your presence! But I am sure you
+say dreadful ill-natured things of our George, now don't you? Oh, and
+have you held my negus all this time? How monstrous good of you! There,
+I will drink it, and Julian shall take the glass away.... _Voila_!" She
+handed it to D'Egmont and rapped Mr. Selwyn's knuckles with her fan,
+looking archly up at him as he stood behind her chair.
+
+"Naughty man! Will you have done whispering in my ear? I vow I will not
+listen to your impudences! No, nor laugh at them neither! Sir Gregory,
+you have given me no answer. When will Tracy return? For the Cavendish
+rout on Wednesday week? Ah, say yes!"
+
+"Certainly I will say yes, fair tormentor! But, to tell the truth, Tracy
+said no word of coming to London when I saw him."
+
+She pouted.
+
+"Now I hate you, Sir Gregory! And he has been absent since May! Oh,
+Julian, back already? You shall escort me to the fireworks then. Oh, my
+fan! Where is it? I know I dropped it on the ground--Selwyn, if you have
+taken it--Oh, Dicky, you have it! Thank you! See, I am going with
+Julian, and you may ogle Mrs. Clive, whom I see walking over there--yes,
+positively you may, and I shall not be jealous! Very well, Julian, I am
+coming! Chevalier, I shall hope to see you at the rout on Wednesday
+week, but you must wait upon me before then."
+
+The Frenchman brightened.
+
+"Madame is too good. I may then call at Wyncham 'Ouse? _Vraiment_, I
+shall but exist until then!" In a perfectly audible whisper, he confided
+to Wilding that "_miladi etait ravissante! mais ravissante!_"
+
+Lady Lavinia went off on her gratified cavalier's arm, encountering many
+bows and much admiration as she passed down the walk, leaving her
+husband not to ogle the beautiful Kitty, as she had advised, but to
+saunter away in the direction of the Pavilion in company with Tom
+Wilding and Markham.
+
+D'Egmont guided my lady into one of the winding alleys, and they
+presently came out on a large lawn, dotted over with people of all
+conditions. Towards them was coming Lavinia's brother--Colonel Lord
+Robert Belmanoir--very richly clad and rakish in appearance. When he saw
+his sister, a look of surprise came into his florid face, and he made
+her a sweeping leg.
+
+"'Pon my honour--Lavinia!"
+
+My lady was not fond of her brother, and acknowledged the salutation
+with a brief nod.
+
+"I am delighted to see you, Robert," she said primly.
+
+"The mere word 'delighted' in no way expresses my sensations," replied
+the Colonel in the drawling, rather unpleasant voice peculiar both to
+him and to the Duke. "Your servant, D'Egmont. I imagined, Lavvy, that
+you were in the country?"
+
+"Richard brought me to town last Tuesday," she answered.
+
+"How unwise of him!" taunted the Colonel. "Or had he no choice?"
+
+She tossed her head angrily.
+
+"If you are minded to be disagreeable, Robert, pray do not let me detain
+you!" she flashed.
+
+D'Egmont was quite unembarrassed by this interchange of civilities. He
+knew the Belmanoir family too well to be made uncomfortable by their
+bickerings.
+
+"Shall we leave him?" he asked Lavinia, smiling.
+
+"Yes," she pouted. "He is determined to be unpleasant."
+
+"My dear sister! On the contrary, I believe I can offer you some
+amusement. Lovelace is in town."
+
+"Captain _Harold_?" she cried incredulously.
+
+"The same."
+
+"Oh, Bob!" Impulsively she withdrew her hand from Julian's arm,
+transferring it to the Colonel's. "I must see him at once! To think he
+is returned after all these years! Quick, Julian, dear lad--go and find
+him--and tell him 'tis I, Lavinia, who want him! You know him, do you
+not? Yes--I thought you did. Send him to me at once!--at once!"
+
+D'Egmont looked very crestfallen at having his walk with the goddess
+thus cut short, but he had perforce to kiss her hand and to obey.
+
+"Yes. I thought you would be pleased," remarked Lord Robert, and
+chuckled. "Allow me to point out to you that there is a chair--two
+chairs--in fact, quite a number of chairs--immediately behind you."
+
+She sat down, chattering excitedly.
+
+"Why, 'tis nigh on five years since I saw Harry! Has he changed? Lud!
+but he will deem me an old woman! Is he like to be in town for long, I
+wonder?--Dear me, Bob, look at the two ladies over behind that
+seat!--Gracious! what extraordinary _coifs_, to be sure! And cherry
+ribbons, too!... Tell me, Bob, where did you meet Harry Lovelace?"
+
+The Colonel, who, far from attending to her monologue, had been sending
+amorous glances across to a palpably embarrassed girl, who hung on her
+papa's arm while that gentleman stopped to speak to a stout dowager,
+brought his gaze reluctantly back to his sister.
+
+"What's that you say, Lavvy?"
+
+"How provoking of you not to listen to me! I asked where you met
+Harold."
+
+"Where I met him? Let me see--where did I meet him? Oh, I remember! At
+the Cocoa-Tree, a fortnight since."
+
+"And he is altered?"
+
+"Not in any way, dear sister. He is the same mad, reckless rake-hell as
+ever. And unmarried."
+
+"How delightful! Oh, I shall be so glad to see him again!"
+
+"You must present him to Richard," sneered the Colonel, "as an old
+flame."
+
+"I must, indeed," she agreed, his sarcasm passing over her head. "Oh, I
+see him! Look! Coming across the grass!"
+
+She rose to meet the tall, fair young Guardsman who came swiftly towards
+her, curtsying as only Lady Lavinia could curtsy, with such stateliness
+and coquetry.
+
+"Captain Lovelace!"--she put forward both her hands.
+
+Lovelace caught them in his, and bent his head over them so that the
+soft, powdered curls of his loose wig fell all about his face.
+
+"Lady Lavinia!--Enchantress!--I can find no words! I am dumb!"
+
+"And I!"
+
+"In that case," drawled the Colonel, "you are not like to be very
+entertaining company. Pray give me leave!" He bowed and sauntered away
+down the path with a peculiarly malicious smile on his lips.
+
+Lavinia and Lovelace found two chairs, slightly apart from the rest, and
+sat down, talking eagerly.
+
+"Captain Lovelace, I believe you had forgot me?" she rallied him.
+
+"Never!" he answered promptly. "Not though you well-nigh broke my
+heart!"
+
+"No, no! I did not do that. I never meant to hurt you."
+
+He shook his head disbelievingly.
+
+"You rejected me to marry some other man: do you say you did not mean
+to?"
+
+"You naughty Harry!... You never married yourself?"
+
+"I?" The delicate features expressed a species of hurt horror. "I marry?
+No! I was ever faithful to my first love."
+
+She unfurled her fan, fluttering it delightedly.
+
+"Oh! Oh! _Always_, Harold? Now speak the truth!"
+
+"Nearly always," he amended.
+
+"Disagreeable man! You admit you had lapses then?"
+
+"So very trivial, my dear," he excused himself. "And I swear my first
+action on coming to London was to call at Wyncham House. Imagine my
+disappointment--my incalculable gloom (on the top of having already
+dropped a thousand at faro) when I found the shell void, and Venus--"
+
+She stopped him, her fan held ready for chastisement.
+
+"Sir! You said your _first_ action was to call upon me!"
+
+He smiled, shaking back his curls.
+
+"I should have said: my first action of any importance."
+
+"You do not deem losing a thousand guineas important?" she asked
+wistfully.
+
+"Well--hardly. One must enjoy life, and what's a thousand, after all? I
+had my pleasure out of it."
+
+"Yes!" she breathed, her eyes sparkling. "That is how I think! What
+pleasure can one get if one neither hazards nor spends one's money? Oh,
+well!" She shrugged one shoulder, dismissing the subject.
+
+"Have you seen Tracy of late?"
+
+"He was at a court ball I attended at Versailles, but I did not have a
+chance of speaking with him. I heard he was very popular at Paris."
+
+"Ay!" she said proudly. "He has the French air.... I so desire to see
+him again, but I fear he does not think of returning. I know he was
+promised for the Duchess of Devonshire's rout months ago--before even
+the date was fixed, she so dotes on him--but I do not expect to see him
+there." She sighed and drummed on the ground with her diamond-buckled
+shoe. "Harry, I am chilled! Take me to the Pavilion! I doubt they are
+dancing--and Dicky will be there."
+
+"Dicky?" he repeated. "Dicky! Lavinia, do not tell me there is another
+claimant to your heart?"
+
+"Wicked, indelicate creature! 'Tis my husband!"
+
+"Your _husband_! Enfin--"
+
+She cast him a sidelong glance of mingled coquetry and reproof.
+
+"Your mind is at rest again, I trust?"
+
+"Of course! A husband? Pooh, a bagatelle, no more!"
+
+"My husband is not a bagatelle!" she laughed. "I am very fond of him."
+
+"This grows serious," he frowned. "'Tis very unfashionable, surely?"
+
+She met his teasing eyes and cast down her lashes.
+
+"Captain Lovelace, you may take me to the Pavilion."
+
+"Sweet tormentor, not until you cease so to misname me."
+
+"Harold, I am indeed chilly!" she said plaintively and snatched her hand
+from his lips. "No, no! People will stare--look, there is my odious
+brother returning! I declare I will not stay to listen to his hateful,
+sneering remarks!... Come!"
+
+They walked across the grass together, keeping up a running fire of
+raillery, punctuated on his side by extravagant compliments filled with
+classical allusions, all more or less erroneous, and on hers by
+delighted little laughs and mock scoldings. So they came to the
+Pavilion, where the musicians fiddled for those who wished to dance, and
+where most of the company had assembled now that it was growing chilly
+without. Down one end of the hall, card-tables were set out, where
+members of both sexes diced and gambled, drinking glasses of burgundy or
+negus, the men toasting the ladies, and very often the ladies returning
+the toasts with much archness and low curtseying.
+
+Lavinia cast off her _capuchin_ and plumed her feathers, giving a
+surreptitious shake to her ruched skirts and smoothing her ruffles. She
+rustled forward with great stateliness, fan unfurled, head held high,
+her gloved fingers resting lightly on Lovelace's velvet-clad arm.
+Richard, hearing the little stir caused by her entry, glanced up, and
+perceived her. He did not recognise her companion, but the sparkle in
+her eyes and the happy curve to her full lips were quite enough to tell
+him that it was someone whom she was very contented to have met. He had
+ample opportunity for studying Lovelace as the good-looking pair drew
+near, and he could not but admire the delicate, handsome face with the
+grey eyes that held a laugh in them, the pleasure-loving, well-curved
+mouth, and the chin that spoke of determination. Here was not one of
+Lavinia's lisping, painted puppy-dogs, for in spite of the effeminate
+curls, it was easy to see that this man had character and a will of his
+own, and, above all, a great charm of manner. He saw Lavinia blush and
+rap the Captain's knuckles in answer to some remark, and his heart sank.
+He rose and came to meet them.
+
+Lady Lavinia smiled sweetly upon him, and patted his arm with a
+possessive little air.
+
+"Dicky dear, I have found an old friend--a very old friend! Is it not
+agreeable? Captain Lovelace--Mr. Carstares."
+
+The two men bowed, Richard with reluctancy, the Captain with easy
+_bonhomie_.
+
+"Sir, I claim to be a worshipper at the shrine of which you, I believe,
+are High Priest!" he said impudently, and bowed again, this time to my
+lady.
+
+"You are one of many, sir," smiled Richard.
+
+Lady Devereux came tripping up to them, and kissed Lavinia with a great
+show of affection.
+
+"My dearest life! My sweet Lavinia!"
+
+Lady Lavinia presented a powdered cheek.
+
+"Dearest Fanny, how charming to see you again!" she cooed. Through her
+lashes she gazed at her friend's enormous headdress, with its rolls of
+powdered curls and the imitation flowers perched upon the top of the
+erection.
+
+"But, my angel!" exclaimed Lady Fanny, stepping back to view her,
+"surely you have been ill?"
+
+"How strange!" smiled Lavinia. "I was about to ask you that same
+question, my dear! 'Tis age, I doubt not. Do we both look such dreadful
+hags?" She turned her bewitching little countenance to the men, and
+smiled appealingly.
+
+Compliments showered upon her, and Lady Devereux, who was conscious that
+her own sallow countenance, in spite of rouge and powder, must appear
+even more sallow beside Lavinia's pink-and-whiteness, flushed in
+annoyance and turned away, begging her dearest Lavvy to come to the faro
+with her. But Lavinia, it appeared, was going to watch the dicing at
+Richard's table: she vowed she should bring him monstrous good luck.
+
+"I don't doubt it, my dear," replied her husband, "but I am not playing
+to-night. Will you not take your luck to Bob?" He nodded to where the
+Colonel was lounging, dice-box in hand.
+
+Lavinia pouted.
+
+"No, I want you to play!"
+
+"'Tis of no avail, Lady Lavinia!" drawled Sir Gregory. "Richard is the
+very devil to-night."
+
+Selwyn, rattling his dice, paused, and looked round at Markham with a
+face of innocent surprise. Then he turned slowly and stared at
+Carstares' grave, almost stern countenance, with even more surprise. He
+started to rattle the dice again, and shifted back to face his opponent,
+with pursed lips.
+
+"Is he?" he inquired with studied depression.
+
+Even Lavinia joined in the general laugh, not so much at the wit's words
+as at his comic expression, and the extreme deliberation with which he
+had enacted the little scene.
+
+Someone cried a bet to Lovelace, which was promptly accepted, and
+Lavinia's eyes glowed afresh as she followed the Captain to a table.
+
+Richard went to fetch her some refreshment, and on his return, found her
+leaning over Lovelace's chair, her hand on his shoulder, eagerly casting
+the dice on to the table. He was in time to see her clap her hands and
+to hear her cry of: "My luck! Oh, my luck is in! I will throw again!"
+
+Glancing round she caught sight of her husband, and her face fell.
+
+"Do you _mind_, Dicky?" she pleaded.
+
+He did mind, but he could not appear churlish before all these men; so
+he laughed and shook his head, and went to her elbow to watch her play.
+
+When she at length ceased, her luck had run out, and she had lost her
+much-prized ruby earring to Mr. Selwyn, who placed it carefully in his
+vest pocket, vowing he should wear it next his heart for ever. Then, and
+then only, did she consent to leave the gaming tables for the dancing
+hall, and for another hour Richard had the felicity of watching her
+tread the minuet with various young bloods, but most often with her
+new-found Harry Lovelace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE REAPPEARANCE OF HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER
+
+
+It seemed to Richard in the days that followed, that Captain Lovelace
+was never out of his house. If he went to his wife's boudoir, there was
+Lovelace, hanging over her while she played upon the spinet or glanced
+through the pages of the _Rambler_. If Lavinia went to a ball or
+masquerade, the Captain was always amongst the favoured ones admitted to
+her chamber for the express purpose of watching her don her gown and
+judiciously place her patches. If Carstares begged his wife's company
+one morning, she was full of regrets: Harry was calling to take her to
+Vauxhall or to Spring Gardens. When he entered his door, the first sight
+that met his eyes was the Captain's amber-clouded cane and point-edged
+hat; and when he looked out of the window, it was more often to see a
+chair draw up at the house and Lovelace alight. After patiently enduring
+a week of his continued presence, Carstares remonstrated with his wife:
+she must not encourage her friend to spend all his time at Grosvenor
+Square. At first she had looked reproachful, and then she inquired his
+reason. His reluctant answer was that it was not seemly. At that her
+eyes had opened wide, and she demanded to know what could be more seemly
+than the visits of such an old friend? With a gleam of humour, Richard
+replied that it was not Captain Harold's age that he objected to, but,
+on the contrary, his youth. On which she accused him of being jealous.
+It was true enough, but he indignantly repudiated the suggestion. Very
+well, then, he was merely stupid! He must not be cross; Harry was her
+very good friend, and did not Richard admire the new device for her
+hair? Richard was not to be cajoled: did she clearly understand that
+Lovelace's visits must cease? She only understood one thing, and that
+was that Dicky was marvellous ill-tempered and ridiculous to-day. And he
+must not tease her! Yes, she would be very good, but so must he! And now
+she was going shopping, and she would require at least twenty guineas.
+
+In spite of her promise to "be good," she made no attempt to discourage
+Lovelace's attentions, always smiling charmingly upon him and beckoning
+him to her side.
+
+It was the morning of the Duchess of Devonshire's rout that Carstares
+again broached the subject. My lady was in bed, her fair hair unpowdered
+and streaming all about her shoulders, her chocolate on a small table at
+her side and countless _billets doux_ from admirers scattered on the
+sheet. In her hand she held a bouquet of white roses with a card
+attached bearing, in bold, sprawling characters, the initials "H. L."
+Perhaps it was the sight of those incriminating letters that roused
+Richard's anger. At all events, with a violence quite unlike his usual
+gentle politeness, he snatched the flowers from her hand, and sent them
+whizzing into a corner.
+
+"Let there be an end to all this folly!" he cried.
+
+Lavinia raised herself on one elbow, astonished.
+
+"H-how _dare_ you?" she gasped.
+
+"It has come to that!" he answered. "How dare I, your husband, try to
+control your actions in any way? I tell you, Lavinia, I have had enough
+of your antics, and I will not longer put up with them!"
+
+"You--you--What in heaven's name ails you, Richard?"
+
+"This! I will not countenance that puppy's invasion of my house!" He
+made a furious gesture towards the wilted bouquet.
+
+"Neither will I permit you to make yourself the talk of London through
+him!"
+
+"I? I? _I_ make myself the talk of London? How dare you? Oh! how dare
+you?"
+
+"I beg you will cease that foolishness. There is no question of my
+daring. How dare _you_ disobey me, as you have been doing all this past
+week?"
+
+She cowered away from him.
+
+"Dicky!"
+
+"'Tis very well to cry 'Dicky,' and to smile, but I have experienced
+that before. Sometimes I think you are utterly without heart!--a
+selfish, vain, extravagant woman!"
+
+The childish lips trembled. Lady Lavinia buried her face in the pillows,
+sobbing.
+
+Carstares' face softened.
+
+"I beg your pardon, my dear. Mayhap that was unjust."
+
+"And cruel! And cruel!"
+
+"And cruel. Forgive me."
+
+She twined white, satiny arms about his neck.
+
+"You did not _mean_ it?"
+
+"No. I mean that I will not allow Lovelace to dangle after you,
+however."
+
+She flung away from him.
+
+"You have no right to speak like that. I knew Harry long before I ever
+set eyes on _you_!"
+
+He winced.
+
+"You infer that he is more to you than I am?"
+
+"No! Though you try to make me hate you. No! I love you best. But I will
+not send Harry away!"
+
+"Not if I order it?"
+
+"Order it? Order it? No! No! A thousand times no!"
+
+"I do order it!"
+
+"And I refuse to listen to you!"
+
+"By God, madam, you need a lesson!" he flamed. "I am minded to take you
+back to Wyncham this very day! And I promise you that, an you do not
+obey me in this, to Wyncham you _shall_ go!" He stamped out of the room
+as he spoke, and she sank back amongst her pillows, white and trembling
+with fury.
+
+As soon as she was dressed, she flounced downstairs, bent on finishing
+the quarrel. But Carstares had gone out some time since, and was not
+expected to return until late. For a moment Lavinia was furious, but the
+timely arrival of a box from her mantua-maker's chased away the frowns
+and wreathed her face in smiles.
+
+Richard did not return until it was time to prepare for the rout, and on
+entering the house he went straight to his chamber, putting himself into
+the hands of his valet. He submitted to the delicate tinting of his
+finger-nails, the sprinkling of his linen with rosewater and the
+stencilling of his brows. He was arrayed in puce and gold, rings slipped
+on to his fingers, his legs coaxed into hose with marvellous clocks
+splashed on their sides, and a diamond buckle placed above the large
+black bow of his tie-wig. Then, powdered, painted and patched, he went
+slowly across to his wife's room.
+
+Lavinia, who had by now quite forgotten the morning's _contretemps_,
+greeted him with a smile. She sat before the mirror in her under-gown,
+with a loose _déshabillé_ thrown over her shoulders. The _coiffeur_ had
+departed, and her hair, thickly powdered, was dressed high above her
+head over cushions, twisted into curls over her ears and allowed to fall
+in more curls over her shoulders. On top of the creation were poised
+ostrich feathers, scarlet and white, and round her throat gleamed a
+great necklet of diamonds. The room was redolent of some heavy perfume;
+discarded ribbons, laces, slippers and gloves strewed the floor; over
+the back of a chair hung a brilliant scarlet domino, and tenderly laid
+out on the bed was her gown, a mass of white satin and brocade, with
+full ruffles over the hips and quantities of foaming lace falling from
+the corsage and from the short sleeves. Beside it reposed her fan, her
+soft lace gloves, her mask and her tiny reticule.
+
+Carstares gingerly sat down on the extreme edge of a chair and watched
+the maid tint his wife's already perfect cheeks.
+
+"I shall break hearts to-night, shall I not?" she asked gaily, over her
+shoulder.
+
+"I do not doubt it," he answered shortly.
+
+"And you, Dicky?" She turned round to look at him. "Puce... 'tis not the
+colour I should have chosen, but 'tis well enough. A new wig, surely?"
+
+"Ay."
+
+Her eyes questioned his coldness, and she suddenly remembered the events
+of the morning. So he was sulky? Very well! Monsieur should see!
+
+Someone knocked at the door; the maid went to open it.
+
+"Sir Douglas Faversham, Sir Gregory Markham, Moosso le Chevalier and
+Captain Lovelace are below, m'lady."
+
+A little devil prompted Lavinia.
+
+"Oh, la-la! So many? Well, I cannot see all, 'tis certain. Admit Sir
+Gregory and Captain Lovelace."
+
+Louisa communicated this to the lackey and shut the door.
+
+Richard bit his lip angrily.
+
+"Are you sure I am not _de trop_?" he asked, savagely sarcastic.
+
+Lady Lavinia cast aside her _déshabillé_ and stood up.
+
+"Oh, 'tis no matter--I am ready for my gown, Louisa."
+
+There came more knocking at the door, and this time it was Carstares who
+rose to open it.
+
+There entered Markham, heavily handsome in crimson and gold, and
+Lovelace, his opposite, fair and delicately pretty in palest blue and
+silver. As usual, he wore his loose wig, and in it sparkled three
+sapphire pins.
+
+He made my lady a marvellous leg.
+
+"I am prostrated by your beauty, fairest!"
+
+Sir Gregory was eyeing Lavinia's white slippers through his quizzing
+glass.
+
+"Jewelled heels, 'pon my soul!" he drawled.
+
+She pirouetted gracefully, her feet flashing as they caught the light.
+
+"Was it not well thought on?" she demanded. "But I must not waste
+time--the dress! Now, Markham--now Harry--you will see the creation!"
+
+Lovelace sat down on a chair, straddle-wise, his arms over the back, and
+his chin sunk in his hands. Markham leant against the _garde-robe_ and
+watched through his glass.
+
+When the dress was at last arranged, the suggested improvements in the
+matter of lace, ribbons, and the adjustment of a brooch thoroughly
+discussed, bracelets fixed on her arms and the flaming domino draped
+about her, it was full three-quarters of an hour later, and Carstares
+was becoming impatient. It was not in his nature to join with the two
+men in making fulsome compliments, and their presence at the toilette
+filled him with annoyance. He hated that Lavinia should admit them, but
+it was the _mode_, and he knew he must bow the head under it.
+
+My lady was at last ready to start; her gilded chair awaited her in the
+light of the _flambeaux_ at the door, and with great difficulty she
+managed to enter it, taking absurd pains that her silks should not
+crush, nor the nodding plumes of her huge head-dress become disordered
+by unseemly contact with the roof. Then she found that she had left her
+fan in her room, and Lovelace and Markham must needs vie with one
+another in the fetching of it. While they wrangled wittily for the
+honour, Richard went quietly indoors and presently emerged with the
+painted chicken-skin, just as Lovelace was preparing to ascend the
+steps. At last Lavinia was shut in and the bearers picked up the poles.
+Off went the little cavalcade down the long square, the chair in the
+middle. Lovelace walked close beside it on the right, and Richard and
+Markham on the left. So they proceeded through the uneven streets,
+carefully picking their way through the dirtier parts, passing other
+chairs and pedestrians, all coming from various quarters into South
+Audley Street. They were remarkably silent: Markham from habitual
+laziness, Lovelace because he sensed Richard's antagonism, and Richard
+himself on account of his extremely worried state of mind. In fact,
+until they reached Curzon Street no one spoke, and then it was only
+Markham, who, glancing behind him at the shuttered windows of the great
+corner house, casually remarked that Chesterfield was still at Wells. An
+absent assent came from Carstares, and the conversation came to an end.
+
+In Clarges Street they were joined by Sir John Fortescue, an austere
+patrician, and although some years his senior, a close friend of
+Richard's. They fell behind the chair, and Fortescue took Richard's
+proffered arm.
+
+"I did not see you at White's to-day, John?"
+
+"No. I had some business with my lawyer. I suppose you did not stumble
+across my poor brother?"
+
+"Frank? I did not--but why the 'poor'?"
+
+Fortescue shrugged slightly.
+
+"I think the lad is demented," he said. "He was to have made one of
+March's supper-party last night, but at four o'clock received a
+communication from heaven knows whom which threw him into a state of
+unrest. What must he do but hurry off without a word of explanation.
+Since then I have not set eyes on him, but his man tells me he went to
+meet a friend. Damned unusual of him is all I have to say."
+
+"Very strange. Do you expect to see him to-night?"
+
+"I should hope so! My dear Carstares, who is the man walking by your
+lady's chair?"
+
+"Markham?"
+
+"The other."
+
+"Lovelace."
+
+"Lovelace? And who the devil is he?"
+
+"I cannot tell you--beyond a captain in the Guards."
+
+"That even is news to me. I saw him at Goosetree's the other night, and
+wondered. Somewhat of a rake-hell, I surmise."
+
+"I daresay. I do not like him."
+
+They were entering the gates of Devonshire House now, and had to part
+company, for the crush was so great that it was almost impossible to
+keep together. Carstares stayed by Lavinia's chair, and the other men
+melted away into the crowd. Chairs jostled one another in the effort to
+get to the door, town coaches rolled up, and having let down their fair
+burdens, passed out again slowly, pushing through the throng.
+
+When the Carstares' chair at last drew near the house, it was quite a
+quarter of an hour later. The ball-room was already full and a blaze of
+riotous colour. Lavinia was almost immediately borne off by an
+infatuated youth for whom she cherished a motherly affection that would
+have caused the unfortunate to tear his elegant locks, had he known it.
+
+Richard distinguished Lord Andrew Belmanoir, one of a group of bucks
+gathered about the newest beauty, Miss Gunning, who, with her sister
+Elizabeth, had taken fashionable London by storm. Andrew wore a mask,
+but he was quite unmistakable by his length of limb and carelessly
+rakish appearance.
+
+Wilding, across the room, beckoned to Richard, and on his approach,
+dragged him to the card-room to play at lansquenet with March, Selwyn
+and himself.
+
+Carstares found the Earl in great good-humour, due, so Selwyn remarked,
+to the finding of an opera singer even more lovely than the last. From
+lansquenet they very soon passed to dice and betting, with others who
+strolled up to the table. Then Carstares excused himself and went back
+to the ball-room. He presently found himself by the side of one Isabella
+Fanshawe, a sprightly widow, greatly famed for her wittiness and good
+looks. Carstares had met her but once before, and was now rather
+surprised that she motioned him to her side, patting the couch with an
+inviting, much be-ringed hand.
+
+"Come and sit by me, Mr. Carstares. I have wanted to speak with you this
+long time." She lowered her mask as she spoke and closely scrutinised
+his face with her bright, humorous eyes.
+
+"Why, madam, I am flattered," bowed Richard.
+
+She cut him short.
+
+"I am not in the mood for compliments, sir. Nor am I desirous of making
+or hearing clever speeches. You are worrying me."
+
+Richard sat down, intrigued and attracted by this downright little
+woman.
+
+"I, madam?"
+
+"You, sir. That is, your face worries me." Seeing his surprise, she
+laughed, fanning herself. "'Tis comely enough, I grant you! I mean there
+is such a strong likeness to--a friend of mine."
+
+Richard smiled politely and relieved her of the fan.
+
+"Indeed, madam?"
+
+"Yes. I knew--this other gentleman in Vienna, three years ago. I should
+judge him younger than you, I think. His eyes were blue, but very
+similar to yours. His nose was almost identical with yours, but the
+mouth--n-no. Yet the whole expression--" She broke off, noticing her
+companion's sudden pallor. "But you are unwell, sir?"
+
+"No, madam, no! What was your friend's name?"
+
+"Ferndale," she answered. "Anthony Ferndale."
+
+The fan stopped its swaying for a moment.
+
+"Ah!" said Richard.
+
+"Do you know him?" she inquired eagerly.
+
+"Many years ago, madam, I was--acquainted with him. Can you tell me--was
+he in good spirits when last you saw him?"
+
+She pursed her lips thoughtfully.
+
+"If you mean was he gay, was he witty--yes. But sometimes I thought--Mr.
+Carstares, when he was silent, his eyes were so sad--! Indeed, I do not
+know why I tell you this."
+
+"You may be sure, madam, your confidence is safe with me. I had--a great
+regard for this gentleman." He opened and shut her fan as he spoke,
+fidgeting with the slender sticks. "You, too, were interested in him,
+madam?"
+
+"I do not think ever anyone knew him and was not, sir. It was something
+in his manner, his personality--I cannot explain--that endeared him to
+one. And he once--aided me--when I was in difficulties."
+
+Richard, remembering scraps of gossip concerning the widow's past,
+merely bowed his head.
+
+She was silent for a time, staring down at her hands, but presently she
+looked up smiling, and took her fan away from him.
+
+"I cannot abide a fidget, sir!" she told him. "And I see Lord
+Fotheringham approaching. I am promised to him this dance." She rose,
+but Richard detained her.
+
+"Mrs. Fanshawe, will you permit me to call upon you? I would hear more
+of--your friend. You, mayhap, think it strange--but--"
+
+"No," she answered. "I do not. Certainly call upon me, sir. I lodge in
+Mount Street with my sister--No. 16."
+
+"I protest, madam, you are too good--"
+
+"Again, no. I have told you, I like a man to talk as a man and not as an
+affected woman. I shall be pleased to welcome you."
+
+She curtsied and went away on the Viscount's arm.
+
+At the same moment a voice at Richard's elbow drawled:
+
+"Do I see you at the vivacious widow's feet, my good Dick?"
+
+Carstares turned to face his brother-in-law, Colonel Belmanoir.
+
+"Is not all London?" he smiled.
+
+"Oh, no! Not since the beautiful Gunnings' arrival. But I admit she is a
+dainty piece. And Lavinia? Will she break her heart, I wonder?" He
+laughed beneath his breath as he saw Richard's eyes flash.
+
+"I trust not," replied Carstares. "Are you all here to-night?"
+
+"Our illustrious head is absent, I believe. Andrew is flirting with the
+Fletcher girl in the Blue Salon; I am here, and Lavinia is amusing
+herself with Lovelace. Yes, Richard, Lovelace! Be careful!" With another
+sneering laugh he walked on, bowing to Elizabeth Gunning, who passed by
+on the arm of her partner, his Grace of Hamilton, most palpably _épris_.
+
+At that moment two late-comers entered the room and made their way
+towards their hostess, who appeared delighted to see them, especially
+the taller of the two, whose hand she slapped with good-humoured
+raillery. The shorter gentleman wore no mask, and the Colonel recognised
+Frank Fortescue. His eyes travelled to the other, who, unlike most of
+the men who only held their masks, had fastened his across his eyes, and
+they widened in surprise. The purple domino, worn carelessly open,
+revealed black satin encrusted with silver and diamonds. The natural
+hair was raven-black, the nostrils were pinched and the lips thin.
+
+"The Devil!" ejaculated Robert, and strolled over to him.
+
+Fortescue walked away when he saw who approached, and his Grace of
+Andover turned slowly towards his brother.
+
+"I rather thought you were in Paris," yawned the colonel.
+
+"I am always sorry to disillusion you," bowed his Grace.
+
+"Not at all; I am transported with joy at seeing you. As is Lavinia, it
+appears."
+
+Lady Lavinia, on recognising his Grace, had dropped her partner's hand
+and fled incontinent towards him.
+
+"You, Tracy!" She clasped delighted hands on his arm.
+
+"This is very touching," sneered Robert. "It only needs Andrew to
+complete the happy reunion. Pray excuse me!"
+
+"With pleasure," replied the Duke gently, and bowed as if to a stranger.
+
+"He grows tedious," he remarked, as soon as the Colonel was out of
+earshot.
+
+"Oh, Bob! I take no account of _him_! But, Tracy, how is it you have
+come to-day? I thought--"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, do I wear an air of mystery? I imagined you knew I was
+promised to Dolly Cavendish to-night?"
+
+"Yes, but--oh, what matters it? I am so charmed to see you again, dear!"
+
+"You flatter me, Lavinia."
+
+"And now that you have come, I want to hear why you ever went! Tracy,
+take me into the room behind us. I know 'tis empty."
+
+"Very well, child, as you will." He held back the curtain for her and
+followed her into the deserted chamber.
+
+"You want to know why I went?" he began, seating himself at her side. "I
+counsel you, my dear, to cast your mind back to the spring--at Bath."
+
+"Your _affaire_! Of course! So the lady proved unkind?"
+
+"No. But I bungled it."
+
+"_You_? Tell me at once!--at once!"
+
+His Grace stretched out his leg and surveyed his shoe-buckle through
+half-closed lids.
+
+"I had arranged everything," he said, "and all would have been well but
+for an interfering young jackanapes who chanced along the track and saw
+fit to espouse Madam Diana's cause." He paused. "He tripped me up by
+some trick, and then--_que veux-tu_?"
+
+"Who was it?"
+
+"How should I know? At first he seemed familiar. At all events, he knew
+me. He may be dead by now. I hope he is."
+
+"Gracious! Did you wound him?"
+
+"I managed to fire at him, but he was too quick, and the bullet took him
+in the shoulder. It may, however, have been mortal."
+
+"And so you went to Paris?"
+
+"Ay. To forget her."
+
+"And have you forgotten?"
+
+"I have not. She is never out of my thoughts. I plan again."
+
+His sister sighed.
+
+"She is then more beautiful than the Pompadour?" she asked meaningly.
+
+Tracy turned his head.
+
+"The Pompadour?"
+
+"Ay! We heard you contrived to amuse yourself in a pretty fashion,
+Tracy!"
+
+"Really? I had no idea people were so interested in my affairs. But
+'amuse' is an apt word."
+
+"Ah? You were not then _épris_?"
+
+"I? With that low-born cocotte? My dear Lavinia!"
+
+She laughed at his haughty tone.
+
+"You've not always been so nice, Tracy! But what of your Diana? An you
+are so infatuated, you had best wed her."
+
+"Why, so I think."
+
+Lady Lavinia gasped.
+
+"Tracy! You do not mean it? Goodness me, but a marriage!"
+
+"Why not, Lavinia?"
+
+"Oh, a respectable married man, forsooth! And how long will the passion
+last?"
+
+"I cannot be expected to foretell that, surely? I hope, for ever."
+
+"And you'll tie yourself up for the sake of one chit? Lud!"
+
+"I can conceive a worse fate for a man."
+
+"Can you? Well, tell me more! 'Tis monstrous exciting. Do you intend to
+court her?"
+
+"At this stage of the proceedings? That were somewhat tactless, my dear.
+I must abduct her, but I must be more careful. Once I have her, I can
+propitiate Papa."
+
+"Tracy, 'tis the maddest scheme ever I heard! What will the others say?"
+
+"Do you really suppose I care?"
+
+"No, I suppose not. Oh, will not Bob be furious, though!"
+
+"It were almost worth while--just for the sake of foiling him. He would
+so like to succeed me. But I really do not think he must." His elbow was
+on his knee, his chin in his hand, and a peculiar smile on his lips.
+"Can you imagine him stepping into my ducal shoes, Lavinia?"
+
+"Very easily!" she cried. "Oh, yes, yes, Tracy! Marry the girl!"
+
+"If she will."
+
+"Why, 'tis not like you to underrate your persuasive powers!"
+
+His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up in a curious grimace.
+
+"I believe one cannot force a girl to the altar," he said.
+
+"Unless she is a fool, she'll have you."
+
+"Her parent would be influenced by my dukedom, but she, no. Not even if
+she knew of it."
+
+"Does she not know?"
+
+"Certainly not. I am Mr. Everard."
+
+"How wise of you, Tracy! So you've nought to fear?"
+
+"Fear?" He snapped his fingers. "I?"
+
+The heavy curtain swung noiselessly aside. Richard Carstares stood in
+the opening.
+
+Tracy turned his head and scrutinised him languidly. Then he put up his
+hand and removed his mask.
+
+"Is it possible the husband scented an intrigue? It seems I am doomed to
+disappoint to-night."
+
+Lavinia, smarting from her morning's wrongs, laughed savagely.
+
+"More probable he mistook me for someone else!" she snapped.
+
+Richard bowed, his hand on the curtain. He had shown no surprise at
+seeing the Duke.
+
+"Far more probable, my dear. I thought you Lady Charlwood! Pray give me
+leave." He was gone on the word.
+
+Tracy replaced his mask, chuckling.
+
+"Honest Dick grows cold, eh? But what a snub, Lavinia!"
+
+Her little hand clenched.
+
+"Oh, how dare he! How dare he insult me so?"
+
+"My dear sister, in all justice to him, you must admit the boot was
+rather on the other leg."
+
+"Oh, I know--I know! But he is so provoking!--so jealous!--so
+unreasonable!"
+
+"Jealous? And why?"
+
+With an impatient twitch at her petticoat she made answer, not looking
+at him.
+
+"Oh, I do not know! Nor he! Take me back to the ball-room."
+
+"Certainly, my dear." He rose and led her out. "I shall do myself the
+honour of waiting on you--to-morrow."
+
+"Yes? How delightful 'twill be! Come to dine, Tracy! Richard is promised
+to the Fortescues."
+
+"In that case, I have much pleasure in accepting your invitation.... In
+heaven's name, who is this?"
+
+Lovelace was bearing down upon them.
+
+"Lavinia! I have been seeking you everywhere!--ah--your servant, sir!"
+He bowed to his Grace, and took Lavinia's hand.
+
+"Oh--oh, Harold!--you remember Tracy?" she said nervously.
+
+"Tracy! I did not know you masked! I saw you last in Paris."
+
+"Really? I regret I was not aware of your presence. It is a good many
+years since I had the honour of seeing you."
+
+"Five," nodded Lovelace, and sent a smiling, amorous glance at Lavinia.
+
+"Exactly," bowed his Grace. "You have, I perceive, renewed your
+acquaintance with my sister."
+
+When they were gone he caressed his chin, thoughtfully.
+
+"Lovelace ... and Richard is so jealous, so unreasonable. Now I do hope
+Lavinia will do nothing indiscreet--Yes, Frank, I was talking to myself;
+a bad habit."
+
+Fortescue, who had come up behind him, took his arm.
+
+"A sign of lunacy, my dear. Jim Cavendish demands you."
+
+"Does he? May I ask why?"
+
+"He is in the card-room. There is some bet on, I believe."
+
+"In that case I shall have to go. You had best accompany me, Frank."
+
+"Very well. You have seen Lady Lavinia?"
+
+Beneath the mask his Grace's eyes narrowed.
+
+"I have seen Lavinia. Also I have seen an old friend--Lovelace by name."
+
+"The captain with the full-bottomed wig? Your friend, you say?"
+
+"Did I say so? I should correct myself: a friend of my sister's."
+
+"Indeed? Yes, I believe I have seen him in her company."
+
+Tracy smiled enigmatically.
+
+"I daresay."
+
+"And what of you, Tracy?"
+
+"Well? _What_ of me?"
+
+"You told me this morning that you had at last fallen in love. It is
+true? You are honestly in love?"
+
+"Honestly? How do I know? I only know that I have felt this passion for
+four months, and now it is stronger than ever. It sounds like love."
+
+"Then, an she is a good woman, I hope she will consent to take you, such
+as you are, and make of you such as she can!"
+
+"Now that is very neat, Frank. I congratulate you. Of course she will
+take me; as to the rest--I think not."
+
+"Tare an' ouns, Tracy! but an that is the tone you take with her, she'll
+have none of you!"
+
+"I have never found it unsuccessful."
+
+"With your common trollops, no! But if your Diana is a lady, she will
+dispatch you about your business! Woo her, man! Forget your own damned
+importance, for I think you will need to humble yourself to the dust if
+all that you tell me has passed between you is true!"
+
+They had paused outside the card-room. A curtain shut it off from the
+ball-room, and with his hand on it, Tracy stared arrogantly down at his
+friend.
+
+"Humble myself? 'Fore Gad, you must be mad!"
+
+"Belike I am; but I tell you, Tracy, that if your passion is love, 'tis
+a strange one that puts yourself first. I would not give the snap of a
+finger for it! You want this girl, not for her happiness, but for your
+own pleasure. That is not the love I once told you would save you from
+yourself. When it comes, you will count yourself as nought; you will
+realise your own insignificance, and above all, be ready to make any
+sacrifice for her sake. Yes, even to the point of losing her!"
+
+His Grace's lips sneered.
+
+"Your eloquence is marvellous," he remarked. "I have not been so amused
+since I left Paris."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME
+
+
+When the Duke of Andover dined next day at Grosvenor Square, he
+contrived, by subtle means, to make his sister feel inexplicably ill at
+ease. He let fall pleasant little remarks concerning her friendship with
+Captain Lovelace, in which she read disapproval and a sinister warning.
+She was afraid of him, as she was not of her husband, and she knew that
+if he ever guessed at the depths of her affection for the old flame, he
+would take very effective measures towards stopping her intercourse with
+him. It was, then, entirely owing to his return that she told Lovelace
+that he must not so palpably adore her. Neither must he visit her so
+frequently. They were both in her boudoir at the time, one morning, and
+no doubt Lavinia looked very lovely and very tempting in her wrapper,
+with her golden curls free from powder and loosely dressed beneath her
+escalloped lace ruffle. At all events, Lovelace abandoned his daintily
+bantering pose and seized her in his arms, nearly smothering her with
+fierce, passionate caresses.
+
+Her ladyship struggled, gave a faint shriek, and started to cry. As his
+kisses seemed to aggravate her tears, he picked her up, and carrying her
+to a chair, lowered her gently into it. Then, having first dusted the
+floor with his handkerchief, he knelt down beside her and possessed
+himself of both her hands.
+
+"Lavinia! Goddess! I adore you!"
+
+Bethinking herself that tears were ruinous to her complexion, Lady
+Lavinia pulled her hands away and dabbed at her eyes.
+
+"Oh, Harold!" she reproached him.
+
+"I have offended you! Wretch that I am--"
+
+"Oh, no, no!" Lady Lavinia gave him her hand again. "But 'twas wicked of
+you, Harry! You must never, never do it again!"
+
+His arm crept round her waist.
+
+"But I love you, sweetheart!"
+
+"Oh! Oh! Think of Dicky!"
+
+He released her at that, and sprang to his feet.
+
+"Why should I think of him? 'Tis of you and myself I think! Only a week
+ago you vowed he was unkind--"
+
+"You are monstrous wicked to remind me of that! We were both cross--and
+then we were both sorry. I am very fond of poor Dicky."
+
+"Fond of him! Ay, so you may be, but you do not love him! Not as a woman
+loves a man--do you?"
+
+"Harold!"
+
+"Of course you do not! You used to love me--no, do not shake your head,
+'tis true! You would have married me had it not been for Tracy."
+
+"Oh, Harry! How can you say so? What had he to do with it?"
+
+"What, indeed! Whose fault was it that I was time after time refused
+admittance at Andover? Whose fault was it that you were induced to marry
+Carstares?"
+
+"Not Tracy's. 'Twas my own wish."
+
+"Fostered by his influence?"
+
+"Oh, no!"
+
+"You never loved Carstares--"
+
+"I did! I do!"
+
+"You may think so, but I know better. Why, he is not even suited to you!
+You were made for life and pleasure and hazard! With me you would have
+had all that; with him--"
+
+She had risen to her feet and drawn nearer to him, her eyes sparkling,
+but now she covered her ears with her hands and stamped pettishly.
+
+"I will not listen! I will not, I tell you! Oh, you are unkind to plague
+me so!"
+
+Lovelace took her into his arms once more, and drawing down her hands,
+kissed her again and again. She resisted, trying to thrust him off, but
+she was crushed against him, and he would have kissed her again, had not
+there come an interruption.
+
+A knock fell on the door, and the footman announced:
+
+"His Grace of Andover, m'lady!"
+
+The guilty pair sprang apart in the nick of time, she fiery red, he
+pale, but composed.
+
+His Grace stood in the doorway, his quizzing glass raised inquiringly.
+His eyes went swiftly from one to the other and widened. He bowed
+elaborately.
+
+"My dear Lavinia! Captain Lovelace, your very obedient!"
+
+Lovelace returned the bow with much flourish.
+
+"Your Grace!"
+
+"Dear me, Tracy!" cried Lavinia, advancing. "What an unexpected visit!"
+
+"I trust I have not arrived at an inopportune moment, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, no!" she assured him. "I am quite charmed to see you! But at such
+an early hour--! I confess, it quite astonishes me!" She brought him to
+a chair, chattering like a child, and so innocent was his expression, so
+smiling his attitude towards the Captain, that she imagined that he
+suspected nothing, and had not noticed her blushes.
+
+It was only when Lovelace had departed that she was undeceived. Then,
+when his Grace moved to a chair opposite her, she saw that he was
+frowning slightly.
+
+"You--you are put out over something, Tracy?" she asked nervously.
+
+The frown deepened.
+
+"N-no. I am not 'put out.' I merely anticipate the sensation."
+
+"I--I don't understand. What mean you?"
+
+"At present, nothing."
+
+"Tracy, please do not be mysterious! Are you like to be put out?"
+
+"I trust not, Lavinia."
+
+"But what annoys you?"
+
+Instead of answering, he put a question:
+
+"I hope you amused yourself well--last night, my dear sister?"
+
+She flushed. Last night had been Lady Davenant's masquerade, to which
+Lord Robert had conducted her. She had danced almost exclusively with
+Lovelace the whole evening, but as they were both masked, she was rather
+surprised at the question.
+
+"I enjoyed myself quite tolerably, thank you. You were there?"
+
+"No, Lavinia, I was not there."
+
+"Then how do you kn--" She stopped in confusion, biting her lips. For an
+instant she caught a glimpse of his eyes, piercing and cold.
+
+"How do I know?" smoothly finished his Grace "One hears things, Lavinia.
+Also--" he glanced round the room, "one sees things."
+
+"I--I don't understand you!" she shot out, twisting the lace of her gown
+with restless, uneasy fingers.
+
+"No? Must I then be more explicit?"
+
+"Yes! Yes! I should be glad!"
+
+"Then let me beg of you, my dear Lavinia, that you will commit no
+indiscretion."
+
+Her cheeks flamed.
+
+"You mean--"
+
+"I mean that you have grown too friendly with Harold Lovelace."
+
+"Well! What of it?"
+
+His Grace put up his eye-glass, faintly astonished.
+
+"What of it? Pray think a moment, Lavinia!"
+
+"'Tis not likely that _I_ shall be the one to disgrace the name, Tracy!"
+
+"I sincerely hope not. I give you my word I should do all in my power to
+prevent any foolhardy action on your part. Pray do not forget it."
+
+She sat silent, biting her lips.
+
+"It is, my child, unwise to play with fire. Sooner or later one gets
+burnt. And remember that your gallant captain has not one half of
+Richard's wealth."
+
+Up she sprang, kicking her skirts as she always did when angered.
+
+"Money! money!--always money!" she cried. "I do not care one rap for it!
+And Richard is not wealthy!"
+
+"Richard is heir to wealth," replied his Grace calmly. "And even an you
+are so impervious to its charms, I, my dear, am not. Richard is
+extremely useful to me. I beg you will not leave him for any such mad
+rake as Lovelace, who would be faithful to you for perhaps three months,
+certainly not longer."
+
+"Tracy, I will not have you speak to me like this! How dare you insult
+me so? I have given you no cause! I did not say I had any desire to run
+away with him--and he _would_ be faithful to me! He has been faithful
+all these years!"
+
+His Grace smiled provokingly.
+
+"My dear--!"
+
+"Oh, I know there have been episodes--indiscretions. Do you think I
+count him the worse for that?"
+
+"Evidently not."
+
+"There has never been another serious love with him! I hate you!"
+
+"You are overfree with your emotions, my dear. So you do indeed
+contemplate an elopement?"
+
+"No, no, no! I do not! I am _fond_ of Dicky!"
+
+"Dear me!"
+
+"Of course I shall not leave him!"
+
+"Why then, I am satisfied," he answered, and rose to his feet. "I shall
+look to see Captain Lovelace more out of your company." He picked up his
+hat and cane and stood directly in front of her. One dead white hand, on
+which blazed a great ruby seal ring, took her little pointed chin in a
+firm clasp and tilted her head up until she was forced to meet his eyes.
+They held hers inexorably, scorchingly.
+
+"You understand me?" he asked harshly.
+
+Lavinia's eyes filled with tears and her soft underlip trembled.
+
+"Yes," she fluttered, and gave a tiny sob. "Oh, yes, Tracy!"
+
+The eyes lost something of their menacing gleam, and he smiled, for once
+without a sneer, and releasing her chin, patted her cheek indulgently.
+
+"Bear in mind, child, that I am fifteen years your senior, and I have
+more worldly wisdom in my little finger than you have in the whole of
+your composition. I do not wish to witness your ruin."
+
+The tears brimmed over, and she caught his handkerchief from him,
+dabbing at her eyes with one heavily-laced corner.
+
+"You do love me, Tracy?"
+
+"In the recesses of my mind I believe I cherish some affection for you,"
+he replied coolly, rescuing his handkerchief. "I used to class you with
+your deplorable brothers, but I think perhaps I was wrong."
+
+She gave an hysterical laugh.
+
+"Tracy, how can you be so disagreeable? Lud! but I pity Diana an she
+marries you!"
+
+To her surprise he flushed a little.
+
+"Diana, an she marries me, will have all that her heart could desire,"
+he answered stiffly, and took his leave.
+
+Once outside in the square he looked for a sedan, and not seeing one,
+walked away towards Audley Street. He went quickly, but his progress was
+somewhat retarded by two ladies, who, passing in their chairs down the
+street, perceived him and beckoned him to their sides. Escaping
+presently from them, he turned into Curzon Street, and from thence down
+Half Moon Street, where he literally fell into the arms of Tom Wilding,
+who had much to say on the subject of March's last bet with Edgecumbe.
+His Grace affected interest, politely declined Wilding's proffered
+escort, and hurried down into Piccadilly, walking eastwards towards St.
+James's Square, where was the Andover town house. He was fated to be
+again detained, for as he walked along Arlington Street, Mr. Walpole was
+on the point of descending the steps of No. 5. He also had much to say
+to his Grace. He had no idea that Belmanoir had returned from Paris. A
+week ago he had arrived? Well, he, Walpole, had been out of town all the
+week--at Twickenham. He hoped Bel. would honour him with his company at
+the small card-party he was giving there on Thursday. George was coming,
+and Dick Edgecumbe; he had asked March and Gilly Williams, but the Lord
+knew whether both would be induced to appear! Bel. had heard of Gilly's
+absurd jealousy? Wilding was promised, and Markham; several other
+answers he was awaiting.
+
+Andover accepted gracefully and parted from Mr. Walpole. He made the
+rest of his journey in peace, and on arriving at his house, went
+straight to the library, where sat a sleek, eminently
+respectable-looking individual, dressed like a groom. He stood up as his
+Grace entered, and bowed.
+
+Belmanoir nodded shortly and sat down at his desk.
+
+"I have work for you, Harper."
+
+"Yes, sir--your Grace, I should say."
+
+"Do you know Sussex?"
+
+"Well, your Grace, I don't know as how--"
+
+"_Do you know Sussex?_"
+
+"No, your Grace--er--yes, your Grace! I should say, not well, your
+Grace!"
+
+"Have you heard of a place called Littledean?"
+
+"No, s--your Grace."
+
+"Midhurst?"
+
+"Oh, yes, your Grace."
+
+"Good. Littledean is seven miles west of it. You will find that
+out--also an inn called, I think, 'The Pointing Finger.' There you will
+lodge."
+
+"Yes, your Grace, certainly."
+
+"At a very little distance from there is a house--Horton House, where
+lives a certain Mr. Beauleigh, with his sister and daughter. You are to
+watch the comings and goings of these people with the utmost care.
+Eventually you will become groom to Mr. Beauleigh."
+
+"B-but, your Grace!" feebly protested the astonished Harper.
+
+"You will approach their present groom, and you will insinuate that I,
+Andover, am in need of a second groom. You will tell him that I pay
+handsomely--treble what Mr. Beauleigh gives him. If I know human nature,
+he will apply for the post. You then step in. If Mr. Beauleigh asks for
+some recommendation, you are to refer him to Sir Hugh Grandison, White's
+Chocolate House, St. James's Street. When you are engaged I will send
+further instructions."
+
+The man gaped, shut his mouth, and gaped again.
+
+"Do you fully understand me?" asked Belmanoir calmly.
+
+"Er--er--yes, your Grace!"
+
+"Repeat what I have said, then."
+
+Harper stumbled through it and mopped his brow unhappily.
+
+"Very well. In addition, I pay you twice as much as Mr. Beauleigh gives
+you, and, at the end, if you serve me well--fifty guineas. Are you
+satisfied?"
+
+Harper brightened considerably.
+
+"Yes, your Grace! Thank you, sir!"
+
+Tracy laid twenty guineas before him.
+
+"That is for your expenses. Remember this: the sooner the thing is done,
+the more certain are your fifty guineas. That is all. Have you any
+questions to ask?"
+
+Harper cudgelled his still dazed brain, and finding none, shook his
+head.
+
+"No, your Grace."
+
+"Then you may go."
+
+The man bowed himself out, clutching his guineas. He was comparatively a
+newcomer in his Grace's service, and he was by no means accustomed to
+the Duke's lightning method of conducting his affairs. He was not sure
+that he quite appreciated it. But fifty guineas were fifty guineas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+MRS. FANSHAWE LIGHTS A FIRE AND O'HARA FANS THE FLAME
+
+
+Richard Carstares very soon availed himself of Mrs. Fanshawe's
+permission to call upon her, and duly put in an appearance at No. 16,
+Mount Street. He found the house very tastefully appointed, the sister
+elderly and good-natured, and the widow herself an excellent hostess.
+The first time he called he was not the only visitor; two ladies whom he
+did not know and a young cousin were already there, and later, a bowing
+acquaintance, Mr. Standish, also arrived. Seeing that he would have no
+opportunity to talk with the widow on the subject of his brother, he
+very soon took his leave, promising to wait upon her again at no very
+distant date. When, three days later, he again sent in his name and was
+admitted, he found the lady alone, and was gratified to hear her order
+the servant to deny her to all other visitors.
+
+He bowed over her hand and hoped she was well.
+
+Mrs. Fanshawe drew him down beside her on the settee.
+
+"I am very well, Mr. Carstares. And you?"
+
+"Also," he smiled, but his looks belied his words.
+
+She told him so, laughing, and he pleaded a worried week.
+
+"Well, sir, I presume you did not come to talk to me about your health,
+but about my friend--eh?"
+
+"I assure--"
+
+"Remember, no vapid compliments!" she besought.
+
+"Then, madam, yes. I want to hear about--Ferndale. You see, I--like
+you--took a great interest in him."
+
+She sent him a shrewd glance, and nodded.
+
+"Of course. I will tell you all I know, Mr. Carstares, but it is not
+very much, and maybe you will be disappointed. But I only knew him the
+short time we were both in Vienna, and--he was not very communicative."
+
+"Ah!--he did not confide in you, madam?"
+
+"No. If one attempted to draw his confidence, he became a polite
+iceberg."
+
+"Nevertheless, madam, please tell me all that you know."
+
+"It will not take long, I fear. I met him in '48 at Vienna, in the
+Prater, where I was walking with my husband, who had come to Vienna for
+his health. I chanced to let fall my reticule when Sir Anthony was
+passing us, and he picked it up, speaking the most execrable German."
+She smiled a little at the remembrance. "Mr. Fanshawe, who had the
+greatest dislike for all foreigners, was overjoyed to hear the English
+accent. He induced Sir Anthony to continue his walk with us, and
+afterwards he called at our lodgings. I think he, too, was glad to meet
+a fellow-countryman, for he came often, and once when I had been talking
+with him for some time he let fall--what shall I say?--his reserve--his
+guard--and told me that he had scarcely spoken his own language for four
+years. Afterwards he seemed to regret having said even that much, and
+turned the subject." She paused and looked up to see if her auditor was
+interested.
+
+"Yes, yes?" urged Richard. "And then?"
+
+"I do not remember. He came, as I said, often, mostly to talk to my
+husband, who was a great invalid, but sometimes to see me. He would
+hardly ever speak of England--I think he did not trust himself. He never
+mentioned any relations or any English friends, and when I spoke of
+home, he would shut his mouth very tightly, and look terribly sad. I
+saw that for some reason the subject pained him, so I never spoke of it
+if I could help it.
+
+"He was a most entertaining companion, Mr. Carstares; he used to tell my
+husband tales that made him laugh as I had not heard him laugh for
+months. He was very lively, very witty, and almost finickingly well
+dressed, but what his occupation was I could not quite ascertain. He
+said he was a gentleman of leisure, but I do not think he was at all
+wealthy. He frequented all the gaming houses, and I heard tales of his
+marvellous luck, so one day I taxed him with it, and he laughed and said
+he lived by Chance--he meant dice. Yet I know, for I once had
+conversation with his servant, that his purse was at times very, very
+slender."
+
+"The time he aided you, Mrs. Fanshawe, when was that?"
+
+She flushed.
+
+"That was a few months after we first met him. I was--foolish; my
+married life was not--very happy, and I was--or, rather, I fancied
+myself--in love with an Austrian nobleman, who--who--well, sir, suffice
+it that I consented to dine with him one evening. I found then that he
+was not the _galant homme_ I had thought him, but something quite
+different. I do not know what I should have done had not Sir Anthony
+arrived."
+
+"He did arrive then?"
+
+"Yes. You see, he knew that this Austrian had asked me to dine--I told
+him--and he counselled me to refuse. But I--well, sir, I have told you,
+I was young and very foolish--I would not listen. When he called at our
+house and found that I was out, he at once guessed where I had gone, and
+he followed me to the Count's house, gave an Austrian name, and was
+announced just as the Count tried to--tried to--kiss me. I think I shall
+never forget the relief of that moment! He was so safe, and so English!
+The Count was furious, and at first I thought he would have his lackeys
+throw Anthony out. But when he heard all that Anthony had to say, he
+realised that it was useless to try to detain me--and I was taken home.
+Anthony was very kind--he did not scold, neither had he told my husband.
+Two days after, he and the Count fought a duel, and the Count was
+wounded in the lung. That was all. But it made me very grateful to him
+and interested in his affairs. Mr. Fanshawe left Vienna a few weeks
+after that, and I have never seen my _preux chevalier_ since." She
+sighed and looked steadily across at Carstares. "And you--you are so
+like him!"
+
+"You think so, madam?" was all he could find to say.
+
+"I do, sir. And something more, which, perhaps, you will deem an
+impertinence. Is Anthony your brother?"
+
+The suddenness of the attack threw Carstares off his guard. He went
+white.
+
+"Madam!"
+
+"Please be not afraid that mine is the proverbial woman's tongue, sir.
+It does not run away with me, I assure you. When I saw you the other
+night for the first time, I was struck by the resemblance, and I asked
+my partner, Mr. Stapely, who you were. He told me, and much more beside,
+which I was not at the time desirous of hearing."
+
+"Trust Will Stapely!" exclaimed Richard, and mentally cursed the amiable
+gossip-monger.
+
+"Among other things he told me of your elder brother-who--who--in fact,
+he told me the whole story. Of course, my mind instantly leapt to my
+poor Sir Anthony, despite that in appearance he is younger than you. Was
+I right?"
+
+Richard rose to his feet and walked away to the window, standing with
+his back to her.
+
+"Ay!"
+
+"I was sure of it," she nodded. "So that was why he would not speak of
+England? Poor boy!"
+
+Richard's soul writhed under the lash of her pity.
+
+"So he will always be outcast," she continued. "Alone, unhappy, without
+friends--"
+
+"No!" he cried, turning. "'Fore Gad, no, madam!"
+
+"Will society--cruel, hard society--receive him, then?" she asked.
+
+"Society will--one day--receive him, Mrs. Fanshawe. You will see."
+
+"I long for that day," she sighed. "I wish I had it in my power to help
+him--to repay in part the debt I owe him."
+
+At that he lifted his head.
+
+"My brother, madam, would count it not a debt, but an honour," he
+answered proudly.
+
+"Yes," she smiled. "You are like him; when you speak like that you might
+almost be he."
+
+"He is worth a thousand of me, Mrs. Fanshawe!" he replied vehemently,
+and broke off, staring down at the table.
+
+"And his name?" she asked softly.
+
+"John Anthony St. Ervine Delaney Carstares," he said, "Earl of Wyncham."
+
+"So the Anthony was real! I am so glad, for he would always be Anthony
+to me."
+
+There was a long silence, broken at last by the lady.
+
+"I fear I have made you sad, Mr. Carstares. You will drink a dish of
+Bohea with me, before you go? And we will not speak of this again."
+
+"You are very good, madam. Believe me, I am grateful to you for telling
+me all that you have. I beg you will allow me to wait on you again ere
+long?"
+
+"I shall be honoured, sir. I am nearly always at home to my friends."
+
+Her sister entered the room soon after, and private conversation came to
+an end.
+
+Carstares lay awake long that night, hearing the hours toll by and the
+owls screech in the square. The widow's words had sunk deep into his
+ever-uneasy conscience, and he could not sleep for the thought of John,
+"alone, unhappy, without friends." ... Time after time had he argued
+this question with himself: John or Lavinia? ... He fell to wondering
+where his brother now was; whether he was still roaming the South
+Country, a highwayman. No one would ever know how he, Richard, dreaded
+each fresh capture made by the military. Every time he expected John to
+be among the prisoners, and he visited Newgate so often that his friends
+twitted him on it, vowing he had Selwyn's love of horrors.
+
+He would argue that the matter rested in John's own hands: if he were
+minded to come back to society, he would do so; but deep within himself
+he knew that such a decision was unworthy of one even so debased as was
+he. Then his mind went to Lavinia, who alternately enchanted and
+exasperated him. Only a week ago she had defied him openly in the matter
+of her friendship with Lovelace, yet had she not afterwards apologised,
+and thrust the Captain aside for his sake? She was so sweetly naughty,
+so childishly unreasonable. Selfish? Yes, he supposed so, but he loved
+her!--loved her so greatly that it were a pleasure to him to die for her
+sake. Yet John--John was his brother--the adored elder brother, and by
+obeying Lavinia he was wronging him, hurting him. If only Lavinia would
+consent to the truth being told! It always came back to that point: if
+only she would consent. And she never would. She insisted that, having
+married her under false pretences, he had no right to disgrace her now.
+She was right, he knew, but he wished she could be for once unselfish.
+
+So he worried on through the night, tossing to and fro in his great bed,
+a weight on his mind, a ceaseless ache in his heart.
+
+Towards dawn he fell asleep and did not wake again until his chocolate
+was brought to him. Bitterly he reflected that at least John had no
+conscience to prey upon him; he did not fall asleep with his brain
+seething with conflicting arguments, and awake with the decision as far
+off as ever. To-day his head ached unbearably, and he stayed in bed for
+some time contemplating the grey morning. A fog hung over the Square,
+and through it the trees, with their withered autumn leaves, loomed
+dismally before the windows. There was something infinitely depressing
+about the dull outlook, and presently he rose and allowed his valet to
+dress him, not able to stand the inaction any longer. His headache was
+better by the time he had visited his wife in her room, and listened to
+her enthusiastic account of last night's rout, and, going out into the
+square, he called a chair, ordering the men to carry him to White's,
+where he intended to write two letters. Somehow, Wyncham House was too
+poignantly full of memories of John to-day, and he was thankful to be
+out of it.
+
+White's was crowded even at that hour of the morning, and the noise
+seemed to cut through his head. Men hailed him from all sides, offering
+him bets; someone tried to tell him some piece of scandal; they would
+not let him alone, and at last his jagged nerves would no longer support
+it, and he left the house to go further down the street to his other
+club, the Cocoa-Tree, which he hoped to find less rowdy. It was fuller
+than he expected, but many of the men had come as he had, to write
+letters and to be quiet. Very little gaming was as yet in swing.
+
+Richard wrote steadily for perhaps an hour, and sealed his last letter
+preparatory to leaving. As he affixed the wafer, he was conscious of a
+stir behind him, and heard exclamations of:
+
+"Where in thunder did you spring from?"
+
+"Gad, 'tis an age since I've seen you!"
+
+"Lord, 'tis O'Hara!"
+
+Then came the soft Irish voice in answer, and he slewed round in his
+chair to face them all. Miles O'Hara was the centre of a little group of
+interested and welcoming clubmen, explaining his arrival.
+
+"Sure, I was in town on a matter of business, and I thought I must come
+to the club to see ye all while I was here, for 'tis not often I get the
+chance--"
+
+Richard rose, gathering up his letters and stared across at this man who
+had been Jack's greatest friend. He took a step towards him. As he did
+so, O'Hara turned and caught sight of him. Richard was about to hail
+him, when he suddenly noticed the change in his expression. The good
+humour died out of the Irishman's eyes and left them hard and scornful.
+His pleasant mouth curved into a disdainful line. Carstares stood still,
+one hand on the back of a chair, his eyes rivetted to O'Hara's face,
+reading all the reproach, the red-hot anger that Miles was trying to
+convey to him. O'Hara achieved a sneer and turned his shoulder,
+continuing to address his friends.
+
+Richard's head swam. O'Hara was ignoring him, would not speak to him....
+O'Hara knew the truth! He walked blindly to the door, and groped for the
+handle.... O'Hara knew! He was in the passage, on the front steps, in
+the road, shuddering. O'Hara knew, and he had looked at him as if--as
+if--again he shuddered, and seeing an empty chair, hailed it, bidding
+the men carry him to Grosvenor Square.... O'Hara despised
+him!--reproached him! Then Jack was in trouble? He had seen him and
+learnt the truth? God, but his brain was reeling! ...
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+DEVELOPMENTS
+
+
+After the encounter with O'Hara, whatever peace of mind Richard had had,
+left him. He knew not a moment's quiet; all day, and sometimes all
+night, his brain worried round and round the everlasting question: John
+or Lavinia? He had quite decided that it must be either the one or the
+other; the idea that he might conceivably retain his wife _and_ confess
+the truth, never occurred to him. So often had Lavinia assured him that
+he had no right to expect her to share his disgrace, that now he
+believed it. He thought that she would elope with Lovelace, whom, his
+tortured mind decided, she really loved. Any attempt to frustrate such
+an action would, he supposed wretchedly, be the essence of selfishness.
+Of course he was not himself, and his brain was not working normally or
+rationally; had he but known it, he was mentally ill, and if Lavinia had
+thought to examine him closely she could not have failed to observe the
+fever spots on each cheek, the unnaturally bright eyes and the dark
+rings encircling them. Richard wore the look of one goaded beyond
+endurance, and utterly tired and overwrought. As he told Mrs. Fanshawe,
+when she exclaimed at his appearance--he could not rest; he must always
+be moving, thinking. She saw that he was not entirely himself, and
+counselled him to consult a doctor. His half-angry repudiation of all
+illness did not surprise her, but she was considerably startled when, in
+answer to her pleading that he should have a care for himself, he
+vehemently said: "If I could die, I should be glad!" She wondered what
+his wife was about not to see his condition, and wished that she might
+do something. But she was not acquainted with Lady Lavinia, and she
+felt it would be a piece of gross presumption on her part to speak to
+her of Richard. If she had thought his malady to be physical, she
+reflected, she might venture a word, but as she perceived it to be
+mental, she could only hope that it would pass in time, and that he
+would recover from his run-down condition.
+
+Lady Lavinia was pursuing her butterfly existence, heeding nothing but
+her own pleasure, bent on enjoying herself. She succeeded very well, on
+the whole, but she could not help wishing that Dicky were a little more
+cheerful and wishful to join in her gaiety. Of late he was worse than
+ever, and although he supplied her wants uncomplainingly, she would
+almost rather he had refused her and shown a little life, than give way
+to her with this dreadful apathy.
+
+Lovelace was out of town for a week, and Lavinia was surprised to find
+how little she missed him. To be sure, playing with fire was very
+pleasant, but when it was removed out of her reach, it really made no
+odds. She missed Harry's adulation and his passionate love-making, for
+she was one of those women who must always have admiration and
+excitement, but she was not made miserable by his absence. She continued
+to flutter round to all the entertainments of the season with one or
+other of her brothers, and when Lovelace returned he was disturbed by
+her casual welcome. However, she was undoubtedly pleased to see him, and
+soon fell more or less under his spell, allowing him to be by her side
+when Tracy was not near, and to charm her ears with compliments and
+gallantry.
+
+To do him justice, Captain Harold was really in love with her and was
+quite ready to relinquish his commission if only she would run away with
+him. He had private means of his own, and promised her that her every
+whim should be satisfied. But Lavinia scolded him and shook her head.
+Apart from any ulterior consideration, Richard was, after all, her
+husband; he, too, loved her, and she was very, very fond of him,
+although she did plague him dreadfully.
+
+Lovelace assured her that her husband did not love her nearly as much as
+he, and when she smiled her disbelief, lost his temper and cried that
+all the town knew Carstares to be at Mrs. Fanshawe's feet!
+
+Lavinia stiffened.
+
+"Harold!"
+
+"I am only surprised that you have been blind to it," he continued.
+"Where do you think he goes every day for so long? White's? No. To 16,
+Mount Street! Stapely called there and met him; another day Lady
+Davenant saw him with her; Wilding has also met him at her house. He
+spends nearly every afternoon with her!"
+
+Lavinia was a Belmanoir, and she had all the Belmanoir pride. Rising to
+her feet she drew her cloak about her with her most queenly air.
+
+"You forget yourself, Harold," she said haughtily. "Never dare to speak
+to me of my husband again in that tone! You may take me at once to my
+brother."
+
+He was very penitent, wording his apology most cleverly, smoothing her
+ruffled plumage, withdrawing his words, but at the same time contriving
+to leave their sting behind. She forgave him, yes, but he must never
+offend her so again.
+
+Although she had indignantly refused to believe the scandal, it
+nevertheless rankled, and she found herself watching her husband with
+jealous eyes, noticing his seeming indifference towards her and his
+many absences from home. Then came a day when she caused her chair to be
+borne down Mount Street at the very moment when Richard was coming out
+of No. 16.
+
+That was enough for Lavinia. So he was indeed tired of her! He loved
+another woman!--some wretched widow! For the first time a real worry
+plagued her. She stayed at home that evening and exerted all her arts to
+captivate her husband. But Richard, seeing John unhappy, reproachful,
+every way he turned, his head on fire, his brain seething with
+conflicting arguments, hardly noticed her, and as soon as he might
+politely do so, left her, to pace up and down the library floor, trying
+to make up his mind what to do.
+
+Lady Lavinia was stricken with horror. She had sickened him by her
+megrims, as Tracy had prophesied she would! He no longer cared for her!
+_This_ was why he continually excused himself from accompanying her when
+she went out! For once in her life she faced facts, and the prospect
+alarmed her. If it was not already too late, she must try to win back
+his love, and to do this she realised she must cease to tease him for
+money, and also cease to snap at him whenever she felt at all out of
+sorts. She must charm him back to her. She had no idea how much she
+cared for him until now that she thought he did not care for her. It was
+dreadful: she had always been so sure of Dicky! Whatever she did,
+however exasperating she might be, he would always adore her.
+
+And all the time, Richard, far from making love to Mrs. Fanshawe, was
+hearing anecdotes of his brother from her, little details of his
+appearance, things he had said. He drank in all the information,
+clutching eagerly at each fresh scrap of gossip, greedy to hear it if it
+in any way concerned John. His brain was absorbed with this one
+subject, and he never saw when Lavinia smiled upon him, nor did he seem
+to hear her coaxing speeches. When she remarked, as she presently did,
+on his pallor, he almost snapped at her, and left the room. Once she put
+her arms about him and kissed him on the lips; he put her gently aside,
+too worried to respond to the caress, but, had she known it--grateful
+for it.
+
+His Grace of Andover meeting his sister at Ranelagh Gardens, thought her
+face looked pinched, and her eyes unhappy. He inquired the reason, but
+Lady Lavinia refused to confide even in him, and pleaded a headache.
+Andover, knowing her, imagined that she had been refused some kickshaw,
+and thought no more about it.
+
+He himself was very busy. Only two days before a groom had presented
+himself at St. James's Square, bearing a missive from Harper, very
+illegible and ill-spelt, but to the point:
+
+"YR. GRACE,
+
+"I have took the liberty of engageing this Man, Douglas, in Yr. Name. I
+hope I shall soon be Able to have carrid out the Rest of yr. Grace's
+Instructions, and trust my Connduct will met with Yr. Grace's Approvall.
+
+Very Obed'tly,
+
+M. HARPER."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Tracy confirmed the engagement and straightway dispatched the man to
+Andover, where the head groom would undoubtedly find work for him to do.
+He was amused at the blind way in which the man had walked into his
+trap, and meditated cynically on the frailty of human nature, which
+will always follow the great god Mammon.
+
+Not three days later came another letter, this time from Mr. Beauleigh,
+addressed to him at White's, under the name of Sir Hugh Grandison. It
+asked for the man Harper's character.
+
+His Grace of Andover answered it in the library of his own home, and
+smiled sarcastically as he wrote Harper down "exceeding honest and
+trustworthy, as I have always found."
+
+He was in the middle of the letter when the door was unceremoniously
+pushed open and Andrew lounged into the room.
+
+His Grace looked up frowning. Not a whit dismayed by the coolness of his
+reception, his brother kicked the door to and lowered his long limbs
+into a chair.
+
+"May I ask to what I owe the honour of this intrusion?" smiled Tracy
+dangerously.
+
+"Richard," was the cheerful reply, "Richard."
+
+"As I am not interested in either him or his affairs--"
+
+"How truly amiable you are to-day! But I think you'll be interested in
+this, 'tis so vastly mysterious."
+
+"Indeed? What is the matter?"
+
+"Just what I want to know!"
+
+Tracy sighed wearily.
+
+"Pray come to the point, Andrew--if point there be. I have no time to
+waste."
+
+"Lord! Busy? Working? God ha' mercy!" The young rake stretched his legs
+out before him and cast his eyes down their shapeliness. Then he
+stiffened and sat up, staring at one white-stockinged ankle.
+
+"Now, damn and curse it! where did that come from?" he expostulated
+mildly.
+
+"Where did _what_ come from?"
+
+"That great splash of mud on my leg. Brand new on this morning, and I've
+scarce set my nose without doors. Damn it, I say! A brand new--"
+
+"Leg?"
+
+"Hey? What's that you say?"
+
+"Nought. When you have quite finished your eulogy, perhaps you would
+consent to tell me your errand?"
+
+"Oh, ay!--but twenty shillings the pair! Think of it! ... Well, the
+point--there is one, you see--is this: it is Richard's desire that you
+honour him with your presence at Wyncham on Friday week, at three in the
+afternoon exactly. To which effect he sends you this." He tossed a
+letter on to the desk. "You are like to have the felicity of meeting me
+there."
+
+Tracy ripped open the packet and spread the single sheet on the desk
+before him. He read it through very deliberately, turned it over, as if
+in search of more, re-read it, folded it, and dropped it into the
+wastebasket at his side. He then picked up his quill and dipped it in
+the ink again.
+
+"What think you?" demanded Andrew, impatiently.
+
+His Grace wrote tranquilly on to the end of the line.
+
+"What think I of what?"
+
+"Why, the letter, of course! What ails the man? 'Something of great
+import to impart to us,' forsooth! What means he?"
+
+"Yes, I noticed 'twas very badly worded," commented Tracy. "I have not
+the vaguest notion as to his meaning."
+
+"But what do you make of it? Lord, Tracy, don't be such a fish! Dick is
+summoning quite a party!"
+
+"You appear to be in his confidence, my dear Andrew. Allow me to
+congratulate you. No doubt we shall know more--ah--on Friday week, at
+three o'clock."
+
+"Oh, you'll go, then?"
+
+"Quite possibly." He went on writing unconcernedly.
+
+"And you've no idea of what 'tis about? Dick is very strange. He hardly
+listens to what one has to say, and fidget--Lord!"
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"I think he looks ill, an' 'pon my soul, so does Lavvy! Do you suppose
+there is aught amiss?"
+
+"I really have no idea. Pray do not let me detain you."
+
+Andrew hoisted himself out of his chair.
+
+"Oh, I'm not staying, never fear! ... I suppose you cannot oblige me
+with--say--fifty guineas?"
+
+"I should be loth to upset your suppositions," replied his Grace
+sweetly.
+
+"You will not? Well, I didn't think you would somehow! But I wish you
+might contrive to let me have it, Tracy. I've had prodigious ill-luck of
+late, and the Lord knows 'tis not much I get from you! I don't want to
+ask Dick again."
+
+"I should not let the performance grow monotonous, certainly," agreed
+the other. "Fifty, you said?"
+
+"Forty-five would suffice."
+
+"Oh, you may have it!" shrugged his Grace. "At once?"
+
+"Blister me, but that's devilish good of you, Tracy! At once would be
+convenient to _me_!"
+
+His Grace produced a key from his vest pocket and unlocked a drawer in
+the desk. From it he took a small box. He counted out fifty guineas, and
+added another to the pile. Andrew stared at it.
+
+"What's that for?" he inquired.
+
+"The stockings," replied Tracy, with a ghost of a smile. Andrew burst
+out laughing.
+
+"That's good! Gad! but you're devilish amusing, 'pon rep. you are!" He
+thanked his Grace profusely and gathering up the money, left the room.
+
+Outside he gave vent to a low whistle of astonishment. "Tare an' ouns!
+he must be monstrous well-pleased over something!" he marvelled. "I
+shall awaken soon, I doubt not." He chuckled a little as he descended
+the staircase, but his face was full of wonderment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lovelace called nearly every day at Wyncham House, but was always
+refused admittance, as Lady Lavinia deemed it prudent not to see him.
+There came a day, however, when he would not be gainsaid, and was
+ushered into her drawing-room. He kissed her hands lingeringly, holding
+them for a long while in his.
+
+"Lavinia! Cruel fair one!"
+
+She drew her hands away, not too well pleased at his intrusion.
+
+"How silly, Harold! I cannot have you tease me every day!"
+
+She allowed him to sit by her on the window seat, and he again possessed
+himself of her hands. Did she love him? She hoped he was not going to be
+foolish. Of course not. He did not believe her, and started to plead his
+suit, imploring her to come away with him. In vain Lady Lavinia begged
+him to be quiet; she had stirred up a blaze, and it threatened to
+consume her. He was so insistent that, expecting Richard at any moment,
+and terrified lest there should be a disturbance, she promised to give
+him an answer next evening, at the theatre. She managed to be rid of him
+in this way, and, with a relieved sigh, watched him walk down the
+square. She was very fond of dear Harry, but really, he was dreadfully
+tiresome at times.
+
+She brought her tiny mirror out from her pocket and surveyed her
+reflection critically, giving a tweak to one curl, and smoothing another
+back. She was afraid she was looking rather old this evening, and hoped
+that Richard would not think so. She glanced up at the clock, wondering
+where he was; surely he should be in by now? Then she arranged a chair
+invitingly, pushed a stool up to it and sat down opposite. With a sigh,
+she reflected that it was an entirely new departure for her to strive to
+please and captivate her husband, and she fell a-thinking of how he must
+have waited on her in the old days, waiting as she was waiting
+now--hoping for her arrival. Lady Lavinia was beginning to realise that
+perhaps Dick's life had not been all roses with her as wife.
+
+The door opened and Richard came into the room. Deep lines were between
+his brows, but his mouth was for once set firmly. He looked sombrely
+down at her, thinking how very beautiful she was.
+
+Lady Lavinia smiled and nodded towards the chair she had prepared.
+
+"Sit down, Dicky! I am so glad you have come! I was monstrous dull and
+lonely, I assure you!"
+
+"Were you?" he said, fidgeting with her scissors. "No, I will not sit
+down. I have something to say to you, Lavinia. Something to tell you."
+
+"Oh, _have_ you?" she asked. "Something nice, Dicky?"
+
+"I fear you will hardly think so. I am about to make an end."
+
+"Oh--oh, are you? Of _what_?"
+
+"Of this--this deceitful life I am leading--have been leading. I--I--I
+am going to confess the whole truth."
+
+"Rich-ard!"
+
+He let fall the scissors and paced restlessly away down the room.
+
+"I--I tell you, Lavinia, I cannot endure it! I cannot! I cannot! The
+thought of what John may be bearing is driving me crazy! I must speak!"
+
+"You--you can't!" she gasped. "After seven years! Dicky, for heaven's
+sake--!" The colour ebbed and flowed in her cheeks.
+
+"I cannot continue any longer this living of a lie--I have been feeling
+it more and more ever since--ever since I met--Jack--that time on the
+road. And now I can no longer stand it. Everywhere I go I seem to see
+him--looking at me--you don't understand--"
+
+Lavinia cast aside her work.
+
+"No! No! I do not! 'Pon rep., but you should have thought of this
+before, Dick!"
+
+"I know it. Nothing can excuse my cowardice--my weakness. I know all
+that, but it is not too late even now to make amends. In a week they
+will all know the truth."
+
+"What--what do you mean?"
+
+"I have requested all whom it concerns to come to Wyncham the Friday
+after this."
+
+"Good heavens! Dick, Dick, _think_!"
+
+"I have thought. God! _how_ I have thought!"
+
+"It is not fair to me! Oh, think of your honour--Wyncham!"
+
+"My honour is less than nothing. 'Tis of his that I think."
+
+She sprang up, clutching at his arm, shaking him.
+
+"Richard, you are mad! You must not do this! You must not, I say!"
+
+"I implore you, Lavinia, not to try to make me change my decision. It is
+of no use. Nothing you can say will make any difference."
+
+She flew into a passion, flinging away from him, her good resolutions
+forgotten.
+
+"You have no right to disgrace me! If you do it, I will never forgive
+you! I won't stay with you--I--"
+
+He broke in--this was what he had expected; he must not whine; this was
+retribution.
+
+"I know. I have faced that."
+
+She was breathless for a moment. He knew! He had faced it! He had taken
+her seriously--he always expected her to leave him! Oh, he must indeed
+be tired of her, and wanted her to go! What was he saying?
+
+"I know that you love Lovelace. I--I have known it for some time."
+
+Lavinia sank into the nearest chair. To what depths had her folly led
+her?
+
+"I shall put no obstacle in the way of your flight, of course...."
+
+This was dreadful! Lady Lavinia buried her face in her hands and burst
+into tears. It was true then--he did not love her--he loved Mrs.
+Fanshawe--_she_ was to elope. She sobbed pitifully as the full horror of
+the situation struck her.
+
+The temptation to gather her into his arms almost overmastered Richard,
+but he managed to choke it down. If he allowed himself to kiss her, she
+would try to break his resolution--mayhap, she would succeed. So he
+looked away from her, tortured by the sound of her crying.
+
+Lavinia wept on, longing to feel his arms about her, ready to consent to
+anything if only he would show that he loved her. But when he made no
+movement towards her, pride came back, and flicking her handkerchief
+across her eyes, she rose to her feet.
+
+"You are cruel!--cruel!--cruel! If you do this thing I _shall_ leave
+you!"
+
+Now surely he would say something--contradict her!
+
+With an immense effort, Richard controlled himself.
+
+"I am--sorry--Lavinia," he said in a queer, constrained voice.
+
+It was of no avail. She had killed his love, and he was longing to be
+rid of her. She walked to the door, and turned.
+
+"I see that you do not love me," she said, with deadly calmness. "I
+understand perfectly." Then, as she wrenched the handle round: "I hate
+you!" she cried, and fled, her silken skirts rustling furiously down the
+corridor. A door slammed in the distance, and there was silence.
+
+Carstares stood very still, staring down at her crumpled broidery.
+Presently he stooped to pick it up, and her violet scent was wafted up
+to him. He carried it to his lips, passionately.
+
+If Lavinia had been able to see him, it would have changed the whole
+state of affairs; as it was she locked herself into her room and
+continued her cry in private. When she had no more tears to shed, she
+sat up and tried to think that she wanted to elope. Harold would be very
+good to her, she was sure, and she would doubtless lead a very exciting
+life, but--somehow the more she thought of it, the less she wanted to
+elope. Then she remembered that Dicky--why had she never realised how
+much she cared for him?--was in love with some horrid widow, and did not
+want her to remain with him. The idea was not to be borne, she was not
+going to be the unwanted wife. She would have to go away, though not
+with Lovelace. Dicky should _not_ force her to elope with another man.
+She would go somewhere alone--she had forgotten--she had no money. The
+dowry that had been hers was spent years ago. She was utterly dependent
+on her husband. That settled it: she _must_ elope with Harry!
+
+"Oh, was anyone ever so beset!" she sobbed as her misery swept in upon
+her with full force. "Why should I run away if I don't want to?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+LADY LAVINIA GOES TO THE PLAY
+
+
+Richard was away from home all next day, and his wife had plenty of time
+in which to meditate upon her situation. She had quite come to the
+conclusion that she must elope with Lovelace, and was only waiting for
+to-night to tell him so. She would never, never ask Richard to let her
+stay with him now that she knew he loved another. Truly a most trying
+predicament. The Carstares were going to-night to Drury Lane to see
+Garrick play one of his most successful comedies: the _Beaux'
+Stratagem_. The _monde_ that would flock to see the inimitable Archer
+was likely to be a very distinguished one, especially as the cast held
+the added attraction of Mrs. Clive, and ordinarily Lady Lavinia would
+have looked forward with much excitement to seeing the piece. To-day,
+however, she felt that she would far rather go to bed and cry. But
+Lovelace had to be answered, and besides that, she had invited two
+cousins, new come from Scotland, to accompany her, and she could not
+fail them.
+
+So that evening saw her seated in her box, wonderfully gowned as usual,
+scanning the house. Behind her stood her husband--when she thought that
+this was the last time she would ever go with him to the theatre she had
+much ado to keep from bursting into tears before them all--and in the
+chair at her side was the cousin, Mrs. Fleming. Mr. Fleming stood with
+his hands behind his back, exclaiming every now and then as his kinsman,
+young Charles Holt, pointed out each newcomer of note. He was a short,
+tubby little man, dressed in sober brown, very neat as regards his
+wrists and neckband, but attired, so thought Lavinia, for the country,
+and not for town. His dark suit contrasted strangely with Mr. Holt's
+rather garish mixture of apple-green and pink, with waistcoat of yellow,
+and Richard's quieter, but far more handsome apricot and silver. His
+wig, too, was not at all modish, being of the scratch type that country
+gentlemen affected. His wife was the reverse of smart, but she was loud
+in her admiration of her more affluent cousin's stiff silks and laces.
+
+She had married beneath her, had Mrs. Fleming, and the Belmanoirs had
+never quite forgiven the shocking _mesalliance_. William Fleming was
+nought but a simple Scotsman, whose father--even now the family
+shuddered at the thought--had been a farmer!
+
+Lavinia was not over-pleased that they should have elected to visit
+London, and still less pleased that they should evince such an affection
+for the Hon. Richard and his wife.
+
+"Well, to be sure, Lavvy, 'tis pleasant to sit here and admire all the
+people!" exclaimed Mrs. Fleming, for perhaps the twentieth time. "I
+declare I am grown positively old-fashioned from having lived for so
+long in the country!--yes, my dear, positively old-fashioned! ... I
+cannot but marvel at the great hoops everyone is wearing! I am sure mine
+is not half the size of yours, and the lady down there in the stage-box
+has one even larger!"
+
+Lavinia directed her gaze towards the box in question. At any other time
+she would have been annoyed to see that the occupant was Lady Carlyle,
+her pet rival in all matters of fashion. Now she felt that nothing
+signified, and merely remarked that she considered those absurd garlands
+of roses on the dress quite grotesque.
+
+Behind, Holt was directing Mr. Fleming's attention to a box at the back
+of the house.
+
+"'Pon my soul, William! 'Tis the Duchess of Queensberry and her
+son--March, you know. I assure you there is no one more amiable in town.
+When I last visited her--"
+
+"Charles knows well-nigh everyone here," remarked Mrs. Fleming
+ingenuously, and wondered why her cousin laughed.
+
+When the curtain rose on the first act, Lovelace was nowhere to be seen,
+and Lavinia tried to interest herself in the play. But it is difficult
+to be interested in anything when one's whole mind is occupied with
+something else far more overwhelming. She was not the only one of the
+party that Garrick failed to amuse. Richard sat wretchedly in the shadow
+of the box, thinking how, in a short while, he would never again conduct
+his wife to the theatre and never again sit at her side watching her
+every change of expression.
+
+In the first interval Lovelace had still not arrived, but many other
+acquaintances had arrived and called to see the Carstares. Markham,
+Wilding, Devereux, Sir John Fortescue--all came into the box at
+different times, paid homage to Lavinia, were introduced to Mrs.
+Fleming, laughed and cracked jokes with the men, and drifted away again.
+
+How was it she had never before realised how much she enjoyed her life?
+wondered Lavinia. She settled down to listen to the second act, and
+Garrick's skill caught her interest and held it. For a moment she forgot
+her woes and clapped as heartily as anyone, laughing as gaily.
+
+The next instant she remembered again, and sank back into unutterable
+gloom.
+
+But Richard had heard her merry laugh, and his heart was even gloomier
+than hers. There was no help for it: Lavinia was delighted at the
+thought of leaving him.
+
+As the curtain fell, Mrs. Fleming suddenly demanded if it was not Tracy
+seated in the box over on the other side. Lavinia turned to look. In the
+box, alone, sat his Grace, seemingly unaware of her presence.
+
+"Is it not Tracy?" persisted Mrs. Fleming. "I remember his face so
+well."
+
+"Yes," nodded Lavinia, and waved to him.
+
+Andover rose, bowed, and left his box. In a few moments he was in their
+own, kissing his cousin's hand.
+
+Lavinia now caught sight of Lovelace standing on the floor of the
+theatre looking up at her. He, too, disappeared from view, and she
+guessed that he was coming to speak with her. He had evidently failed to
+perceive the Duke, who was just a little behind her in the shadow.
+
+Richard and Mr. Fleming had left the box, and only Charles Holt
+remained, engaging Mrs. Fleming's whole attention. If only Tracy would
+go! How was she ever to give Lovelace her answer with him sitting there
+so provokingly.
+
+Captain Lovelace knocked at the door. Carelessly she bade him enter, and
+affected surprise on seeing him. His Grace looked at her through
+narrowed lids, and shot a swift glance at Lovelace, whose discomfiture
+at finding him there was palpable. Not a trace of emotion was visible on
+that impassive countenance, but Lavinia felt her brother's attitude to
+be sinister, as if he divined her wishes and was determined to frustrate
+them. She watched him smile on Lovelace and beg him to be seated.
+Whether by accident or design, she was not sure which, he had so placed
+the chairs that he himself was between her and the captain. Skilfully
+he drew Mrs. Fleming into the conversation, and rearranged his stage.
+
+Lavinia found herself listening to the amiable Mr. Holt, and out of the
+tail of her eye observed that Lovelace had fallen a victim to her
+cousin. She could find no way of speaking to him, and dared not even
+signal, so adroitly was his Grace stage-managing the scene. Lavinia was
+now quite certain that he was managing it. Somehow he had guessed that
+she had arranged to speak to Lovelace to-night, and was determined to
+prevent her. How he had found out, she could not imagine, but she was
+too well acquainted with him to be surprised. He would never let her
+disgrace herself if he could help it--she knew that. In whatever manner
+he himself might behave, his sister's conduct must be above reproach; he
+would find some means of separating them until he could cause Lovelace
+to be removed. She did not in the least know how he would contrive to do
+this, but she never doubted that he could and would. And then she would
+have to stay with Richard--Richard, who did not want her. If only Tracy
+would go! Ah! he was rising!
+
+His Grace of Andover begged Captain Lovelace to bear him company in his
+box. He would brook no refusal. He bore his captive off in triumph.
+
+A minute later Mr. Fleming re-entered the box. The third act had just
+begun when Richard re-appeared, and softly took his seat. On went the
+play. Neither Tracy nor Lovelace came to the box during the next
+interval, and from her point of vantage Lavinia could see that Andrew
+had been introduced to the latter. She could guess how cleverly his
+Grace was keeping the Captain by him....
+
+Lord Avon, who had only a week ago returned from Bath, came to pay his
+respects. He had much to tell dear Lady Lavinia. How Cholmondely and
+Falmouth had dared to fight a duel in Crescent Fields, and had been
+arrested. How furious the Beau was, but how his age was beginning to
+tell on him, and how it was whispered that his power was waning. All of
+which at any ordinary time would have interested my lady quite
+prodigiously, but now bored and even annoyed her.
+
+On went the play. Scrub and Boniface kept the house in a roar; all but
+Richard and his wife were enthralled. The incomparable Kitty failed to
+hold Lavinia's attention. Would Lovelace manage to speak to her in the
+last interval? A solicitous enquiry from Mrs. Fleming roused her, and
+she had perforce to smile--to own to a slight headache, and to evince
+some interest in the play. One more interval: would he come? She became
+aware of a hand laid on her shoulder. Richard's voice, gravely
+courteous, sounded in her ears.
+
+"You are heated, my dear. Will you walk outside a little?"
+
+She felt a mad desire to cling to his hand, and suppressed it forcibly.
+She rose, hesitating. Mrs. Fleming decided the point.
+
+"The very thing. How considerate of you, Mr. Carstares! I shall like to
+walk amongst all the people, to be sure! Here is Charles offering to
+escort us, too! What say you, Lavvy?"
+
+"I--oh, I shall be pleased to do what suits you best, cousin," she
+answered.
+
+"Then let us go, my love. Charles has an arm for each, so we may leave
+our husbands to chat."
+
+They went out into the broad passage and walked towards the foyer. There
+Lord March espied Lavinia, who was always a favourite with him, and came
+forward, offering his arm. Lavinia took it, thankful to escape from Mr.
+Holt's vapid conversation. She let March conduct her to where his mother
+was sitting, with Mr. Selwyn at her elbow. Someone fetched her a glass
+of ratafie, and Montagu came to talk to her.
+
+Stepping out of his box, Richard fell into the arms of his Grace of
+Andover.
+
+"Ah! Dick!"
+
+Richard eyed him coldly.
+
+"You wanted me?"
+
+Tracy saw Mr. Fleming approaching
+
+"Only to ask if I may return with you to Grosvenor Square. I have
+something important to say."
+
+"Certainly," bowed Richard, and turned aside.
+
+Lovelace, who had succeeded in escaping from the Belmanoir claws,
+hurried in search of Lavinia. Not finding her in her box, he gathered
+she must be in the foyer and made his way towards it. As soon as she saw
+him coming she set down her glass and rose to her feet.
+
+"Oh, Captain Lovelace! Have you come to fetch me back to my seat? I have
+scarce set eyes on you this evening. No, Markham, you may _not_ come!
+No, nor you, my lord! Madam--" She curtsied low to the old Duchess and
+walked away on Harold's arm.
+
+When they were once in the deserted passage behind the boxes, he turned
+eagerly towards her.
+
+"Well, my dearest? Well?"
+
+Lady Lavinia's mouth drooped miserably.
+
+"Yes," she said, "I shall have to come with you."
+
+The tone was damping, to say the least of it, but he did not seem to
+notice it.
+
+"Lavinia! You mean it?"
+
+"Yes," she assented, still more dejectedly.
+
+"My beautiful love! You will really come? When? At once?"
+
+"At--Oh, no, no!"
+
+"Darling, the sooner the better. I understand 'tis a great step to
+expect you to take in a hurry, but I assure you 'tis wisest. Can you
+come to-morrow?"
+
+Her big eyes dilated.
+
+"No! No! I--oh, I cannot leave Dicky so soon!" She ended with a sob.
+
+"But, Lavinia, my dearest! You surely do not want to _stay_ with him?"
+he cried.
+
+"Yes I do!" she answered. "I--I don't want ever to leave him!"
+
+This blighting speech left him gasping.
+
+"You--but--heavens! what are you saying? You love _me_!"
+
+"No, I don't!" she contradicted. "I always s-said I d-didn't. I love my
+husband!"
+
+"You are distraught!" he exclaimed. "If you love him, why do you consent
+to elope with me?"
+
+She looked at him reproachfully.
+
+"There is no one else," she said mournfully.
+
+"Good Lord! What--"
+
+"I have to elope with someone--because--Dick--d-doesn't love me any
+more--you see. I will come with you, and I will try to be good."
+
+He kissed her hand quickly
+
+"Sweetheart! ... I still think you are not yourself. You will think
+differently to-morrow--you do not really love Carstares."
+
+She shut her mouth obstinately, tilting her regal little head.
+
+He watched her anxiously.
+
+"If you really do love him, 'tis ridiculous to elope with me," he said.
+
+Her fingers tightened on his wrist.
+
+"But I must! You don't understand, Harry! You _must_ take me! Don't you
+want me?"
+
+"Of course I do, but not if you are longing to be somewhere else all the
+time. The whole thing seems preposterous!"
+
+"'Tis all dreadful!--dreadful! I have never been so unhappy in my life!
+I--oh, I wish I had not been so heedless and selfish!"
+
+Lovelace pondered for a moment, as they stood outside her box; then,
+seeing that people were returning to their seats, he opened the door and
+took her in.
+
+"Listen, dear! This is the maddest scheme ever I heard; but if you are
+determined, you shall carry it through. Come to my lodgings to-morrow
+evening! Bring as little baggage as possible; I will have all ready, and
+we will post at once to Dover. Then in time I hope you will forget
+Richard and come to care for me a little."
+
+"You are very, very good, Harry! Yes, I will do just as you say and, oh,
+I am sorry to put you out like this! I am nought but a plague to
+everyone, and I wish I were dead! You don't really love me, and I shall
+be a burden!"
+
+"I do indeed love you!" he assured her, but within himself he could not
+help wishing that he had not fallen quite so passionately in love with
+her. "I'll leave you now, sweet, for your husband will be returning at
+any moment." He kissed her hands lightly "_A demain_, fairest!"
+
+How she sat through the last act Lavinia could never afterwards imagine.
+She was longing to be at home--so soon to be home no longer--and quiet.
+Her head ached now as Richard's had ached for weeks. More than anything
+did she want to rest it against her husband's shoulder, so temptingly
+near, and to feel his sheltering arms about her. But Dick was in love
+with Isabella Fanshawe, and she must sit straight and stiff in her chair
+and smile at the proper places.
+
+At last the play was ended! The curtain descended on the bowing Archer,
+and the house stamped and clapped its appreciation. The curtain rose
+again--what! not finished yet? Ah, no! it was but Garrick leading Mrs.
+Clive forward. Would they never have done?
+
+Mrs. Fleming was standing; she supposed they were going, and got up.
+Someone put her cloak about her shoulders; Richard--for the last time.
+Mr. Holt escorted her to her coach, and put her and her cousin into it.
+He and Mr. Fleming had their chairs; so only Richard and Tracy went with
+the ladies. The Flemings were staying with friends in Brook Street, just
+off Grosvenor Square, so that when they had put Harriet down, only a few
+more yards remained to be covered.
+
+Lavinia wondered dully why Tracy had elected to come with them. What did
+he want? Was he going to warn Dick of her intended flight? He little
+knew the true state of affairs!
+
+At the foot of the staircase at Wyncham House she turned to say
+good-night.
+
+She merely nodded to Tracy, but to Dick she extended her hand. He took
+it in his, kissing it, and she noticed how cold were his fingers, how
+burning hot his lips. Then he released her, and she went slowly up the
+stairs to her room.
+
+His Grace watched her through his eyeglass. When she was out of sight he
+turned and surveyed Richard critically.
+
+"If that is the way you kiss a woman, Lavinia has my sympathies," he
+remarked.
+
+Richard's lips tightened. He picked up a stand of lighted candles and
+ushered his Grace into the drawing-room.
+
+"I presume you did not come to tell me that?" he asked.
+
+"Your presumption is correct, Richard. I have come to open your eyes."
+
+"You are too kind."
+
+His Grace laid his hat on the table, and sat down on the arm of a chair.
+
+"I think perhaps I am. It may interest you to hear that Lavinia intends
+to elope with our gallant friend the Captain." Richard bowed.
+
+"You knew it?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+Andover looked him over.
+
+"May I ask what steps you are taking to prevent her?"
+
+"None."
+
+His Grace's expression was quite indescribable. For a moment he was
+speechless, and then he reverted to heavy sarcasm.
+
+"Pray remember to be at hand--to conduct her to her chair!" he drawled.
+"Upon my soul, you sicken me!
+
+"I am grieved. There is a remedy," replied Carstares significantly.
+
+Tracy ignored the suggestion.
+
+"I suppose it is nothing to you that you lose her? No; It is nothing to
+you that she disgraces her name? Oh, no!"
+
+"_My_ name, I think."
+
+"Our name! Is it possible for her to disgrace yours?"
+
+Richard went white and his hand flew instinctively to his sword hilt.
+
+Tracy looked at him.
+
+"Do you think I would soil my blade with you?" he asked, very softly.
+
+Richard's hand fell from the hilt: his eyes searched the other's face.
+
+"You know?" he asked at last, quite calmly.
+
+"You fool," answered his Grace gently. "You fool, do you think I have
+not always known?"
+
+Richard leaned against the mantel-shelf.
+
+"You never thought I was innocent? You knew that night? You guessed?"
+
+The Duke sneered.
+
+"Knowing both, could I suspect other than you?" he asked insultingly.
+
+"Oh, my God!" cried Carstares suddenly. "Why could you not have said so
+before?"
+
+The Duke's eyes opened wide.
+
+"It has chafed you--eh? I knew it would. I've watched you." He chuckled
+beneath his breath. "And those fools never looked beneath the surface.
+One and all, they believed that John would cheat. John! They swallowed
+it tamely and never even guessed at the truth."
+
+"You, at least, did not believe?"
+
+"I? Hardly. Knowing you for a weak fool and him for a quixotic fool, I
+rather jumped to conclusions."
+
+"Instead, you tried to throw the blame on him. I would to God you had
+exposed me!"
+
+"So you have remarked. I confess I do not understand this heroic
+attitude. Why should I interfere in what was none of my business? What
+proof had I?"
+
+"Why did you raise no demur? What motive had you?"
+
+"I should have thought it fairly obvious."
+
+Richard stared at him, puzzled.
+
+"Gad, Richard! but you are singularly obtuse. Have I not pointed out
+that John was a quixotic fool? When did I say he was a weak one?"
+
+"You mean--you mean you wanted Lavinia to marry me--because you thought
+to squeeze me as you willed?" asked Carstares slowly.
+
+His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up.
+
+"You are so crude," he complained.
+
+"It suited you that Jack should be disgraced? You thought I should seize
+his money. You--you--"
+
+"Rogue? But you will admit that I at least am an honest rogue. You
+are--er--a dishonest saint. I would sooner be what I am."
+
+"I know there is nothing on God's earth more vile than I am!" replied
+Carstares, violently.
+
+His Grace sneered openly.
+
+"Very pretty, Richard, but a little tardy, methinks." He paused, and
+something seemed to occur to him. "'Tis why you purpose to let Lavinia
+go, I suppose? You confess the truth on Friday--eh?"
+
+Richard bowed his head.
+
+"I have not the right to stop her. She--chooses her own road."
+
+"She knows?" sharply.
+
+"She has always known."
+
+"The jade! And I never guessed it!" He paused. "Yes, I understand your
+heroic attitude. I am sorry I cannot pander to it. In spite of all this,
+I cannot permit my sister to ruin herself."
+
+"She were as effectually ruined an she stayed with me."
+
+"Pshaw! After seven years, who is like to care one way or the other
+which of you cheated? Play the man for once and stop her!"
+
+"She _loves_ Lovelace, I tell you!"
+
+"What of it? She will recover from that."
+
+"No--I cannot ask her to stay with me--'twould be damnably selfish."
+
+His Grace appeared exasperated.
+
+"'Fore Gad, you are a fool! Ask her! _Ask_ her! Force her! Kick Lovelace
+from your house and abandon the heroic pose, I beg of you!"
+
+"Do you suppose I want to lose her?" cried Carstares. "'Tis because I
+love her so much that I will not stand in the way of her happiness!"
+
+The Duke flung round and picked up his hat.
+
+"I am sorry I cannot join with you in your heroics. I must take the
+matter into my own hands, as usual, it seems. Lord, but you should have
+learnt to make her obey you, my good Dick! She has led you by the nose
+ever since she married you, and she was a woman who wanted mastering!"
+He went over to the door and opened it. "I will call upon you to-morrow,
+when I shall hope to find you more sane. They do not purpose to leave
+until late, I know, for Lovelace is promised to Mallaby at three
+o'clock. There is time in which to act."
+
+"I shall not interfere," repeated Richard.
+
+His Grace sneered.
+
+"So you have remarked. It remains for me to do. Good-night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+RICHARD PLAYS THE MAN
+
+
+Lady Lavinia's frame of mind when she awoke next morning was hardly
+befitting one who contemplated an elopement. A weight seemed to rest on
+her chest, hopeless misery was gathered about her head. She could not
+bring herself to drink her chocolate, and, feeling that inaction was the
+worst of all, she very soon crawled out of bed and allowed her maid to
+dress her. Then she went with dragging steps to her boudoir, wondering
+all the time where Richard was and what he was doing. She seated herself
+at her window and looked out on to the square, biting the edge of her
+handkerchief in the effort to keep back her tears.
+
+Richard was in a no more cheerful mood. He, too, left his chocolate
+untouched, and went presently down to the breakfast table and looked at
+the red sirloin with a feeling of acute nausea. He managed to drink a
+cup of coffee, and immediately afterwards left the room and made his way
+to his wife's boudoir. He told himself he was acting weakly, and had far
+better avoid her, but in the end he gave way to his longing to see her,
+and knocked on one white panel.
+
+Lavinia's heart leapt. How well she knew that knock!
+
+"Come in!" she called, and tried to compose her features.
+
+Richard entered and shut the door behind him.
+
+"Oh--oh--good-morning!" she smiled. "You--wanted to speak with
+me--Dick?"
+
+"I--yes--that is--er--have you the Carlyles' invitation?"
+
+It was, perhaps, an unlucky excuse. Lavinia turned away and fought
+against her tears.
+
+"I--I believe--'tis in my--escritoire," she managed to say. "I--I will
+look for it."
+
+She rose and unlocked the bureau, standing with her back to him.
+
+"'Tis no matter," stammered Carstares. "I--only--'twas but that I could
+not find it. Pray do not disturb yourself!"
+
+"Oh--not--at all," she answered, scattering a handful of letters before
+her. "Yes--here 'tis." She came up to him with the note in her hand,
+extending it.
+
+Carstares looked down at the golden head, and at the little face with
+its eyes cast down, and red mouth set so wistfully. Heavens, how could
+he bear to live without her! Mechanically he took the letter.
+
+Lavinia turned away, and as she stepped from him something snapped in
+Richard's brain. The luckless invitation was flung down.
+
+"No, by God you shall not!" he cried suddenly.
+
+Lavinia stopped, trembling.
+
+"Oh--oh, what do you mean?" she fluttered.
+
+The mists were gone from his mind now, everything was clear. Lavinia
+should not elope with Lovelace. In two strides he was at her side, had
+caught her by the shoulders and swung her to face him.
+
+"You shall not leave me! Do you understand? I cannot live without you!"
+
+Lavinia gave a little cry full of relief, joy and wonderment, and shrank
+against him.
+
+"Oh, please, please forgive me and keep me with you!" she cried, and
+clung to the lapels of his coat.
+
+Carstares swept her right off the ground in the violence of his embrace,
+but she did not mind, although the crushing was ruinous to her silks.
+Silks were no longer uppermost in her brain. She returned his kisses
+eagerly, sobbing a little.
+
+When Carstares was able to say anything beyond how he loved her, he
+demanded if she did not love him?
+
+"Of course I do!" she cooed. "I always, always did, only I was so
+selfish and so careless!"
+
+He carried her to the sofa and sat down with her on his knee, trying to
+look into her face. But she had somehow contrived to hide it on his
+shoulder, and he did not succeed.
+
+"Then you never loved that puppy?" he asked, amazed.
+
+One hand crept up to his other shoulder.
+
+"Oh, Dicky, no! And--and you--you don't love that horrid Mrs. Fanshawe,
+do you?"
+
+He was still more amazed.
+
+"Mrs. Fanshawe? Great heavens, no! You never thought that, surely?"
+
+"I did--I did! Since you were always at her house, and so cold to
+me--how could I help it?"
+
+"Cold to _you_? My dearest, surely not?"
+
+"You were--you truly were--and I was so miserable--I--I thought I had
+been so unreasonable and so horrid that you had ceased to I-love me--and
+I did not know what to do. And--and then you told me that you were going
+to--to confess--and I lost my temper and said I would n-not stay with
+you--But I never, never meant it--and when you seemed to expect me to
+go--I--I did not know what to do again!"
+
+He patted her shoulder comfortingly.
+
+"Sweetheart, don't cry! I had no idea of all this--why, I was sure that
+you loved Lovelace--I never doubted it--why in the world did you not
+tell me the truth?"
+
+She sat up at that, and looked at him.
+
+"Why, how could I?" she demanded. "I was quite certain that you loved
+Isabella Fanshawe. I felt I had to go away, and I could not do it
+alone--so--so--so, of course I had to elope. And I told Harold last
+night that I would go with him--and I'm afraid he didn't quite want me
+when he heard that I loved you. Oh, Dicky darling, you'll tell him that
+I won't go with him, won't you?"
+
+He could not help laughing.
+
+"Ay, I'll tell him. 'Pon rep., sweetheart, I can find it in me to be
+sorry for him!"
+
+"Oh, he will not mind for long," she said philosophically. "He loves so
+_easily_, you see! But you, Dick--why did you go so often--so _very_
+often to see Mrs. Fanshawe?"
+
+His face grew solemn.
+
+"She knew--Jack--in Vienna--I--I wanted to hear all she could tell me of
+him--I could think of nothing else."
+
+"Oh, Dicky! How--how wickedly foolish I have been! And 'twas that that
+made you so cold--and I thought--oh, dear!"
+
+He drew her head down on to his shoulder again.
+
+"My poor love! Why, 'tis the kindest lady imaginable, but as to loving
+her--!" He kissed her hand lingeringly. "I love--and have always
+loved--a far different being: a naughty, wilful, captivating little
+person, who--"
+
+Lady Lavinia clasped her arms about his neck.
+
+"You make me feel so very, very dreadful! I have indeed been
+naughty--I--"
+
+"And you'll be so many times again," he told her, laughing.
+
+"No, no! I--will--try to be good!"
+
+"I do not want you good!" Richard assured her. "I want you to be your
+own dear self!" ... Lady Lavinia disengaged herself with a contented
+little sigh, and stood up.
+
+"How charming it is to be happy again, to be sure!" she remarked
+naively. "To think that only half an hour ago I was wishing to be dead!"
+She went over to the glass and straightened her hair.
+
+Richard looked at her rather anxiously.
+
+"Lavinia--you--you quite understand, I am going to tell everyone the
+truth--next Friday?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I do, of course--'tis dreadfully disagreeable of you, but I
+suppose you will do it. I do _hope_ people will not refuse to recognise
+us, though."
+
+"No one would ever refuse to recognise you, dearest."
+
+She brightened.
+
+"Do you really think so? Well, perhaps after all, 'twill not be so
+_very_ horrid. And--and you will like to have Jack again, won't you?
+Yes--I knew you would. Oh, 'twill all be quite comfortable after a
+little while, I make no doubt!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+His Grace of Andover arose betimes, and early sallied forth into the
+street. He called a chair, and drove to an address in the Strand, where
+lodged a certain Colonel Shepherd. Half-an-hour did he spend with the
+Colonel, and when he at length emerged from the house the curl of his
+lip betokened satisfaction. He did not at once hail a chair, but walked
+along in the direction of St. James's, entering the park in company
+with one Dare, who, seven years before, had given a certain memorable
+card-party.
+
+Dare was pleasantly intrigued over Richard's latest oddity.
+
+"Have you an idea what 'tis about, Belmanoir?" he inquired. "Has he
+written you to come as well?"
+
+"I believe I did receive some communication from Carstares; yes--I
+remember, Andrew brought it."
+
+"Well, what does it mean? Fortescue is bidden, and Davenant. 'Tis very
+curious."
+
+"My dear Dare, I am not in Richard's confidence. We shall doubtless hear
+all that there is to hear at the given time. Mysteries do not interest
+me. But 'twill be a pleasant reunion.... Fortescue and Davenant, you
+say? Strange! I have heard that Evans and Milward have also received
+their sum--invitations. It should be most entertaining."
+
+"'Tis prodigious curious," repeated Dare. "No one can imagine what 'tis
+all about!"
+
+"Ah?" His Grace's thin lips twitched.
+
+Midway through the afternoon he repaired to Wyncham House and was
+ushered into the library.
+
+Richard sat writing, but rose on seeing him, and came forward.
+
+It struck his Grace that Carstares was looking quite happy.
+
+"You seem cheerful, Richard!"
+
+"I am," smiled his brother-in-law.
+
+"I am much relieved to hear it. I have seen Shepherd."
+
+"Shepherd?" interrogated Carstares.
+
+"Lovelace's colonel, my dear Richard. You may count on Captain Harold's
+departure--on an important mission--in, say, forty-eight hours."
+
+"You may count on Captain Harold's departure in very much less, Tracy,"
+said Carstares, a twinkle in his eye.
+
+The Duke started forward.
+
+"She has gone?" he almost hissed.
+
+"Gone? No! She is in the drawing-room with him."
+
+"With Lovelace! And you permit it? You stand by and watch another man--"
+
+"Say farewell to my wife. But I am not watching it, as you see."
+
+The anger died out of his Grace's eyes.
+
+"Farewell? Do you tell me you at last came to your senses?"
+
+"We found that we both laboured under a delusion," replied Carstares
+pleasantly.
+
+"I am delighted to hear you say so. I hope you will for the future keep
+a stricter hold over Lavinia."
+
+"Do you?"
+
+"I do. I think I will not undo what I have done; Lovelace were perhaps
+better out of the way for a time."
+
+"Why, I have no objection to that," bowed Richard.
+
+His Grace nodded shortly and picked up his hat.
+
+"Then there remains nothing more to be done in the matter."
+
+He looked piercingly across at Carstares. "She did not love him?"
+
+Richard gave a happy little sigh.
+
+"She loves me."
+
+The heavy lids drooped again.
+
+"You cannot conceive my delight. If she indeed loves you, she is safe. I
+thought she had not got it in her. Pray bear my respects to her." His
+hand was on the door-knob, when something seemed to occur to him.
+
+"I take it my presence at Wyncham on Friday will not be necessary?" he
+said cynically.
+
+Richard flushed.
+
+"It will not be necessary."
+
+"Then I am sure you will excuse me an I do not appear. I have other,
+more important affairs on hand.....But I shall be loth to miss the
+heroics," he added pensively, and chuckled. "_Au revoir,_ my good
+Richard!"
+
+Richard bowed him out thankfully.
+
+Presently the front door opened and shut again, and looking out of the
+window he saw that Captain Harold Lovelace had taken his departure.
+
+He was now awaiting Mr. Warburton, whom he had sent in search of John
+some days ago. He should have been here by now, he thought, but perhaps
+he had been detained. Richard was aching to hear news of his brother,
+longing to see him once more. But at the same time he was dreading the
+meeting; he shrank from the thought of looking into Jack's eyes,
+cold--even scornful. It was not possible, so he reasoned, that Jack
+should feel no resentment....
+
+"Mr. Warburton, sir."
+
+Carstares turned and came eagerly forward to greet the newcomer.
+
+"Well? Well?"
+
+Mr. Warburton spread out deprecating hands.
+
+"Alas! Mr. Carstares."
+
+Richard caught his arm.
+
+"What mean you? He is not--dead?"
+
+"I do not know, sir."
+
+"You could not find him? Quick! Tell me?"
+
+"Alas! no, sir."
+
+"But the Chequers--he said--Surely they knew something?"
+
+"Nought, Mr. Carstares." Out came Mr. Warburton's snuff-box. Very
+deliberately he took a pinch, shaking the remains from his finger-tips.
+"The host, Chadber--an honest man, though lacking in humour--has not set
+eyes on my lord for well-nigh six months. Not since I went to advise my
+lord of the Earl's death."
+
+"But Warburton, he cannot be far? He is not dead! Oh, surely not that?"
+
+"No, no, Master Dick," soothed the lawyer. "We should have heard of it
+had he been killed. I fear he has gone abroad once more. It seems he
+often spoke of travelling again."
+
+"Abroad? God! don't let me lose him again!" He sank into a chair, his
+head in his arms.
+
+"Tut! I implore you, Mr. Carstares! Do not despair yet. We have no proof
+that he has left the country. I daresay we shall find him almost at
+once. Chadber thinks it likely he will visit the inn again ere long.
+Calm yourself, Master Dick!" He walked up to the man and laid a hand on
+one heaving shoulder. "We shall find him, never fear! But do not--I know
+'twould grieve him to see you so upset, Master Dick--pray, do not--!"
+
+"If I could only make amends!" groaned Richard.
+
+"Well, sir, are you not about to? He would not wish you to distress
+yourself like this! He was so fond of you! Pray, pray do not!"
+
+Carstares rose unsteadily and walked to the window. "I crave your
+pardon, Mr. Warburton--you must excuse me--I have been--living in
+hell--this last week."
+
+Warburton came over to his side.
+
+"Master Dick--I--you know I have never cared for you-as--well--as--"
+
+"You cared for him."
+
+"Er--yes, sir, exactly!--and of late years I may, perhaps, have been
+hard. I would desire to--er--apologise for any unjust--er--thoughts I
+may have harboured against you. I--I--possibly, I never quite
+understood. That is all, sir."
+
+He blew his nose rather violently, and then his hand found Richard's.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Richard Carstares had plenty to occupy him for the rest of the week.
+Arrangements had to be made, a house acquired for Lavinia, Wyncham House
+to be thoroughly cleaned and put in order, awaiting its rightful owner.
+Once she had made up her mind to face the inevitable, Lavinia quite
+enjoyed all the preparations. The new house in Great Jermyn Street she
+voted charming, and she straightway set to work to buy very expensive
+furniture for it, and to superintend all the alterations. In her present
+penitent mood she would even have accompanied her husband to Wyncham on
+Monday, to stand by him on the fateful Friday; but this he would not
+allow, insisting that she remain in town until his return. So she
+fluttered contentedly from Grosvenor Square to Jermyn Street, very busy
+and quite happy.
+
+Carstares was to travel to Wyncham on Monday, arriving there the
+following evening in company with Andrew, whom he was taking as far as
+Andover. His lordship had lately embroiled himself in a quarrel over a
+lady when deep in his cups, and owing to the subsequent duel at Barn
+Elms and the almost overpowering nature of his debts, he deemed it
+prudent to go into seclusion for a spell. Tracy disappeared from town in
+the middle of the week, whither no one knew, but it was universally
+believed that he had gone to Scotland on a visit.
+
+Monday at length dawned fair and promising. After bidding his wife a
+very tender farewell, and gently drying her wet eyelashes with his own
+handkerchief, Richard set out with his brother-in-law in the big
+travelling chaise soon after noon. Andrew had quite recovered his
+hitherto rather dampened spirits, and produced a dice-box from one
+pocket and a pack of cards from the other wherewith to beguile the
+tedium of the journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER CAPTURES THE QUEEN
+
+
+Diana stood in the old oak porch, riding-whip in hand, and the folds of
+her voluminous gown over her arm. Miss Betty stood beside her, surveying
+her with secret pride.
+
+Diana's eyes seemed darker than ever, she thought, and the mouth more
+tragic. She knew that the girl was, to use her own expression, "moping
+quite prodigiously for that Mr. Carr." Not all that she could do to
+entertain Diana entirely chased away the haunting sadness in her face;
+for a time she would be gay, but afterwards the laughter died away and
+she was silent. Many times had Miss Betty shaken her fist at the absent
+John.
+
+Presently Diana gave a tiny sigh, and looked down at her aunt, smiling.
+
+"You would be surprised how excellently well Harper manages the horses,"
+she said. "He is quite a godsend. So much nicer than that stupid
+William."
+
+"Indeed, yes," agreed Miss Betty. "Only think, my dear, he was groom to
+Sir Hugh Grandison--I saw the letter Sir Hugh writ your Papa--a
+remarkable elegant epistle, I assure you, my love."
+
+Diana nodded and watched the new groom ride up, leading her mount. He
+jumped down, and, touching his hat, stood awaiting his mistress's
+pleasure.
+
+Diana went up to the cob, patting his glossy neck.
+
+"We are going towards Ashley to-day, aunt," she said. "I am so anxious
+to find some berries, and Harper tells me they grow in profusion not far
+from here."
+
+"Now, my dear, pray do not tire yourself by going too far--I doubt it
+will rain before long and you will catch your death of cold!"
+
+Diana laughed at her.
+
+"Oh, no, aunt! Why, the sky is almost cloudless! But we shall not be
+long, I promise you. Only as far as Crossdown Woods and back again."
+
+She gave her foot to the groom just as Mr. Beauleigh came out to watch
+her start.
+
+"Really, my dear, I must ride with you to-morrow," he told her. "'Tis an
+age since we have been out together."
+
+"Why, Papa, will you not accompany me this afternoon?" cried Diana
+eagerly. "I should so like it!"
+
+It struck her aunt that Harper awaited the answer to this question
+rather anxiously. She watched him, puzzled. However, when Mr. Beauleigh
+had refused she could not see any change in his expression, and
+concluded that she must have been mistaken.
+
+So with a wave of her hand, Diana rode away, the groom following at a
+respectful distance. Yet somehow Miss Betty was uneasy. A presentiment
+of evil seemed to touch her, and when the riders had disappeared round a
+bend in the road she felt an insane desire to run after them and call
+her niece back. She gave herself a little shake, saying that she was a
+fond old woman, over-anxious about Diana. Nevertheless, she laid a
+detaining hand on her brother's arm as he was about to go indoors.
+
+"Wait, Horace! You--you _will_ ride with Di more frequently, will you
+not?"
+
+He looked surprised.
+
+"You are uneasy, Betty?"
+
+"Oh--uneasy--! Well, yes--a little. I do not like her to go alone with a
+groom, and we do not know this man."
+
+"My dear! I had the very highest references from Sir Hugh Grandison,
+who, I am sure, would never recommend anyone untrustworthy. Why, you saw
+the letter yourself!"
+
+"Yes, yes. Doubtless I am very stupid. But you _will_ ride with her
+after to-day, will you not?"
+
+"Certainly I will accompany my daughter when I can spare the time," he
+replied with dignity, and with that she had to be content.
+
+Diana rode leisurely along the lane, beside great trees and hedges that
+were a blaze of riotous colour. Autumn had turned the leaves dull gold
+and flame, mellow brown and deepest red, with flaming orange
+intermingled, and touches of copper here and there where some beech tree
+stood. The lane was like a fairy picture, too gorgeous to be real; the
+trees, meeting overhead, but let the sunlight through in patches, so
+that the dusty road beneath was mottled with gold.
+
+The hedges retained their greenness, and where there was a gap a vista
+of fields presented itself. And then they came upon a clump of berries,
+black and red, growing the other side of the little stream that
+meandered along the lane in a ditch. Diana drew up and addressed her
+companion.
+
+"See, Harper--there are berries! We need go no further." She changed the
+reins to her right hand and made as if to spring down.
+
+"The place I spoke of is but a short way on, miss," ventured the man,
+keeping his seat.
+
+She paused.
+
+"But why will these not suffice?"
+
+"Well, miss, if you like. But those others were a deal finer. It seems a
+pity not to get some."
+
+Diana looked doubtfully along the road.
+
+"'Tis not far?"
+
+"No, miss; but another quarter of a mile, and then down the track by the
+wood."
+
+Still she hesitated.
+
+"I do not want to be late," she demurred.
+
+"No, miss, of course not. I only thought as how we might come back by
+way of Chorly Fields."
+
+"Round by the mill? H'm...."
+
+"Yes, miss. Then as soon as we get past it there is a clear stretch of
+turf almost up to the house."
+
+Her eye brightened.
+
+"A gallop? Very well! But let us hurry on."
+
+She touched the cob with her heel, and they trotted on briskly out of
+the leafy canopy along the road with blue sky above and pasture land
+around. After a little while the wood came in sight, and in a minute
+they were riding down the track at right angles to the road. Harper was
+at Diana's heels, drawing nearer. Half unconsciously she quickened her
+pace. There was not a soul in sight.
+
+They were coming to a bend in the road, and now Harper was alongside.
+
+Choking a ridiculous feeling of frightened apprehension, Diana drew
+rein.
+
+"I do not perceive those berries!" she said lightly.
+
+"No, miss," was the immediate response. "They are just a step into the
+wood. If you care to dismount here I can show you."
+
+Nothing could be more respectful than the man's tone. Diana shook off
+her nervous qualms and slipped down. Harper, already on the ground, took
+the cob's rein and tied both horses to a tree.
+
+Diana gathered her skirts over her arm and picked her way through the
+brambles to where he had pointed.
+
+The blackberry hedges he held back for her entrance swung back after
+they had passed, completely shutting out all view of the road. There
+were no berries.
+
+Diana's heart was beating very fast, all her suspicions springing to
+life again, but she showed no sign of fear as she desired him to hold
+the brambles back again for her to pass out.
+
+"For there are no berries here, as you can see for yourself."
+
+She swept round and walked calmly towards the bushes.
+
+Then, how she could never quite remember, she was seized from behind,
+and before she had time to move, a long piece of silk was flung over her
+head and drawn tight across her mouth, while an arm, as of steel, held
+and controlled her.
+
+Fighting madly, she managed to get one arm free, and struck out
+furiously with her slender crop. There was a brief struggle, and it was
+twisted from her grasp, and her hands tied behind her, despite all her
+efforts to be free.
+
+Then her captor swung her writhing into his arms, and strode away
+through the wood without a word.
+
+Diana was passive now, reserving her strength for when it might avail
+her something, but above the gag her eyes blazed with mingled fright and
+fury. She noticed that she was being carried not into the wood, but
+along it, and was not surprised when they emerged on to the road where
+it had rounded the bend.
+
+With a sick feeling of terror, she saw a coach standing in the road, and
+guessed, even before she knew, what was her fate. Through a haze she saw
+a man standing at the door, and then she was thrust into the coach and
+made to sit down on the softly-cushioned seat. All her energies were
+concentrated in fighting against the faintness that threatened to
+overcome her. She won gradually, and strained her ears to catch what was
+being said outside.
+
+She caught one sentence in a familiar, purring voice:
+
+"Set them loose and tie this to the pummel." Then there was silence.
+
+Presently she heard footsteps returning. An indistinguishable murmur
+from Harper, and the door opened to allow his Grace of Andover to enter
+the coach. It gave a lurch and rumbled on.
+
+Tracy looked down with a slight smile into the gold-flecked eyes that
+blazed so indignantly into his.
+
+"A thousand apologies, Miss Beauleigh! Allow me to remove this scarf."
+
+As he spoke he untied the knot, and the silk fell away from her face.
+
+For a moment she was silent, struggling for words wherewith to give vent
+to her fury; then the red lips parted and the small, white teeth showed,
+clenched tightly together.
+
+"You cur!" she flung at him in a panting undertone. "Oh, you cur!--you
+coward! Undo my hands!"
+
+"With pleasure." He bowed and busied himself with this tighter knot.
+
+"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies for incommoding you so grievously.
+I am sure that you will admit the necessity."
+
+"Oh, that there were a _man_ here to avenge me!" she raged.
+
+His Grace tugged at the stubborn knot.
+
+"There are three outside," he answered blandly. "But I do not think they
+are like to oblige you."
+
+He removed her bonds and sat back in the corner, enjoying her. His eyes
+fell on her bruised wrists, and at once his expression changed, and he
+frowned, leaning forward.
+
+"Believe me, I did not mean that," he said, and touched her hands.
+
+She flung him off.
+
+"Do not touch me!"
+
+"I beg your pardon, my dear." He leaned back again nonchalantly.
+
+"Where are you taking me?" she demanded, trying to conceal the fear in
+her voice.
+
+"Home," replied his Grace.
+
+"Home!" Incredulously she turned to look at him, hope in her eyes.
+
+"Home," he reiterated. "_Our_ home."
+
+The hope died out.
+
+"You are ridiculous, sir."
+
+"'Tis an art, my dear, most difficult to acquire."
+
+"Sir--Mr. Everard--whoever you are--if you have any spark of manliness
+in you, of chivalry, if you care for me at all, you will this instant
+set me down!"
+
+Never had she seemed more beautiful, more desirable. Her eyes shone with
+unshed tears, soft and luminous, and the tragic mouth pleaded, even
+trying to smile.
+
+"It would appear that none of these attributes belongs to me," murmured
+his Grace, and wondered if she would weep. He had never a taste for a
+weeping woman.
+
+But Diana was proud. She realised that tears, prayers and all would
+avail her nothing, and she was determined not to break down, at least in
+his presence. Tracy was surprised to see her arrange her skirts and
+settle back against the cushions in the most unconcerned manner
+possible.
+
+"Then, since you are so ungallant, sir, pray tell me what you purpose
+doing with me?" The tone was light, even bantering, but with his
+marvellous, almost uncanny perspicacity, he sensed the breathless terror
+behind it.
+
+"Why, my dear, I had planned to marry you," he answered, bowing.
+
+The knuckles gleamed white on her clenched hand. "And if I refuse?"
+
+"I do not _think_ you will refuse, my dear." She could not repress a
+shiver.
+
+"I do refuse!" she cried sharply.
+
+The smile with which he received this statement drove the blood cold in
+her veins.
+
+"Wait. I think you will be glad to marry me--in the end," he drawled.
+
+Her great eyes were hunted, desperate, and her face was very white. The
+dry lips parted.
+
+"I think--you will be--very sorry--when my father--comes."
+
+The indulgent sneer brought the blood racing back to her cheeks.
+
+"And he will come!"
+
+His Grace was politely interested.
+
+"Really? But I do not doubt it, Diana, an he knows where to come."
+
+"He will find a way, never fear!"
+
+She laughed with a confidence she was far from feeling.
+
+"I do not fear--not in the least--I shall be delighted to welcome him,"
+promised his Grace. "I do not anticipate a refusal of your hand from
+him."
+
+"No?" Diana, too, could sneer.
+
+"No, my dear. Not after a little--persuasion."
+
+"Who are you?" she shot at him.
+
+His shoulders shook in the soundless laugh peculiar to him.
+
+"I am several people, child."
+
+"So I apprehend," she retorted smoothly. "Sir Hugh Grandison amongst
+them?"
+
+"Ah, you have guessed that?"
+
+"It rather leaps to the eye, sir." She spoke in what was almost an exact
+imitation of his sarcastic tone.
+
+"True. It was neatly done, I flatter myself."
+
+"Quite marvellous, indeed."
+
+He was enjoying her as he had rarely enjoyed a woman before. Others had
+sobbed and implored, railed and raved; he had never till now met one who
+returned him word for word, using his own weapons against him.
+
+"Who else have you the honour to be?" she asked, stifling a yawn.
+
+"I am Mr. Everard, child, and Duke of Andover."
+
+Then she turned her head and looked at him with glittering eyes.
+
+"I have heard of you, sir," she said, evenly.
+
+"You are like to hear more, my dear."
+
+"That is as may be, your Grace."
+
+Now she understood the elaborate hilt of the mysterious sword with the
+coronet on it, wrought in jewels. She wondered whether Jack had it
+still, wherever he was. If only some wonderful providence would bring
+him to her now in her dire need! There was no one to strike a blow for
+her; she was entirely at the mercy of a ruthless libertine, whose
+reputation she knew well, and whose presence filled her with dread and a
+speechless loathing. She felt very doubtful that her father would
+succeed in finding her. If only Jack were in England! He would come to
+her, she knew.
+
+His Grace leaned towards her, laying a thin, white hand on her knee.
+
+"My dear, be reasonable. I am not such a bad bargain after all."
+
+The tenderness in his voice filled her with horror. He felt her shrink
+away.
+
+"Take your hand away!" she commanded throbbingly. "Do not touch me!" He
+laughed softly and at the sound of it she controlled her terrors and
+dropped again to the mocking tone she had adopted. "What? Ungallant
+still, your Grace? Pray keep your distance!"
+
+The pistol holster on the wall at her side caught her attention.
+Instantly she looked away, hoping he had not observed her. Very little
+escaped his Grace.
+
+"I am desolated to have to disappoint you, my dear. It is empty."
+
+She laid a careless hand on the holster, verifying his statement.
+
+"This? Oh, I guessed it, your Grace!"
+
+He admired her spirit more and more. Was there ever such a girl?
+
+"My name is Tracy," he remarked.
+
+She considered it with her head tilted to one side.
+
+"I do not like your name, sir," she answered.
+
+"'There was no thought of pleasing you when I was christened,'" he quoted
+lazily.
+
+"Hardly, sir," she said. "You might be my father."
+
+It was a master stroke, and for an instant his brows drew together. Then
+he laughed.
+
+"_Merci du compliment, mademoiselle_! I admire your wit."
+
+"I protest I am overwhelmed. May I ask when we are like to arrive at our
+destination?"
+
+"We should reach Andover soon after eight, my dear."
+
+So it was some distance he was taking her?
+
+"I suppose you had the wit to provide food for the journey?" she yawned.
+"You will not wish to exhibit me at an inn, I take it?"
+
+He marvelled at her indomitable courage
+
+"We shall halt at an inn certainly, and my servant will bring you
+refreshment. That will be in about an hour."
+
+"So long?" she frowned. "Then, pray excuse me an I compose myself to
+sleep a little. I am like to find the journey somewhat tedious, I fear."
+
+She shifted farther into the corner, leaned her head back against the
+cushions and closed her eyes.
+
+Thus outwitting his Grace. For it is impossible to be passionate with a
+girl who feigns sleep when she should be struggling to escape from you.
+So Tracy, who, whatever else he might lack, possessed a keen sense of
+humour, settled himself in his corner and followed her example. So they
+jogged on....
+
+Arrived at length at the inn, the coach pulled up slowly. Diana opened
+her eyes with a great assumption of sleepiness.
+
+"Already?" she marvelled.
+
+"I trust you have slept well," said his Grace suavely.
+
+"Excellently well, I thank you, sir," was the unblushing reply.
+
+"I am relieved to hear you say so, my dear. I had thought you unable
+to--your mouth kept shut so admirably. Doubtless you have schooled your
+jaw not to drop when you sleep sitting up? I wish I might do the same."
+
+The triumph in his voice was thinly veiled. She found nothing to say.
+
+He rose.
+
+"With your leave, I will go to procure you some refreshment, child. Do
+not think me uncivil if I remind you that a servant stands without
+either door."
+
+"I thank you for the kind thought," she smiled, but her heart was sick
+within her.
+
+He disappeared, returning a few moments later with a glass of wine and
+some little cakes.
+
+"I deplore the scanty nature of your repast," he said. "But I do not
+wish to waste time. You shall be more fittingly entertained when we
+reach Andover."
+
+Diana drank the wine gratefully, and it seemed to put new life into her.
+The food almost choked her, but rather than let him see it, she broke a
+cake in half and started to eat it, playing to gain time: time in which
+to allow her father a chance of overtaking them before it was too late.
+She affected to dislike the cake, and rather petulantly demanded a 'maid
+of honour.'
+
+Tracy's eyes gleamed.
+
+"I fear I cannot oblige you, my dear. When we are married you can go to
+Richmond, and you shall have maids of honour in plenty."
+
+He relieved her of her glass, taking it from hands that trembled
+pitifully.
+
+The rest of the journey was as some terrible nightmare. She felt that
+she dared no longer feign sleep. She was terrified at what his Grace
+might do, and kept him at arm's length by means of her tongue and all
+her woman's wit. As a matter of fact, Andover had himself well in hand,
+and had no intention of letting his passion run away with him. But as
+the time went on and the light went, some of Diana's control seemed to
+slip from her, and she became a little less the self-possessed woman,
+and a little more the trapped and frightened child. When they at last
+reached Andover Court, and his Grace assisted her to alight her legs
+would barely carry her up the steps to the great iron-clamped door. She
+trembled anew as he took her hand.
+
+On the threshold he paused and bowed very low. "Welcome to your future
+home, my queen," he murmured, and led her in, past wooden-faced footmen
+who stared over her head, to his private room, where a table was set for
+two. He would have taken her in his arms then, but she evaded him and
+slipped wearily into a chair.
+
+"I protest," she managed to say, "I protest, I am faint through want of
+food."
+
+Andover, looking at her white lips, believed her. He took a seat
+opposite.
+
+Two footmen came to wait on them, and although her very soul was shamed
+that they should see her there, she was thankful for their restraining
+presence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+MY LORD RIDES TO FRUSTRATE HIS GRACE
+
+
+My lord yawned most prodigiously and let fall the _Spectator._ His eyes
+roved towards the clock, and noted with disgust that the hands pointed
+to half after five. He sighed and picked up the _Rambler_.
+
+His host and hostess were visiting some miles distant, and were not
+likely to be back until late, so my lord had a long dull evening in
+front of him, which he relished not at all. Lady O'Hara had tried to
+induce him to accompany them, promising that he would meet no one he
+knew, but he had for once been prudent and refused steadfastly. So my
+lady, after pouting crossly at him and assuring him that he was by far
+the most obstinate and disagreeable man that she had ever come across,
+not excepting her husband, who, to be sure, had been quite prodigiously
+annoying all day, relented, told him she understood perfectly, and even
+offered to kiss him to make up for her monstrous ill-humour. Jack
+accepted the offer promptly, waved farewell to her from the porch, and
+returned to the empty drawing-room to while away the time with two
+numbers of the _Spectator_ and his own thoughts till dinner, which was
+to be later than usual to-day, on account of an attack of vapours which
+had seized the cook.
+
+His thoughts were too unpleasant to be dwelt on; everything in his world
+seemed to have gone awry. So he occupied himself with what seemed to him
+a particularly uninteresting number of the _Spectator_. The sun had
+almost disappeared, and very soon it became too dark to read; no candles
+having been brought as yet, my lord, very unromantically, went to sleep
+in his chair. Whether he would have eventually snored is not known, for
+not more than a quarter of an hour afterwards the butler roused him with
+the magic words:
+
+"Dinner is served, sir."
+
+Carstares turned his head lazily.
+
+"What's that you say, James?"
+
+"Dinner is served, sir," repeated the man, and held the door wide for
+him to pass out.
+
+"Faith! I'm glad to hear it!"
+
+My lord rose leisurely and pulled his cravat more precisely into
+position. Although he was to be alone, he gave his costume a touch here
+and there, and flicked a speck of dust from one great cuff with his
+elegant lace handkerchief.
+
+He strolled across the old panelled hall to the dining-room, and sat
+down at the table.
+
+The curtains were drawn across the windows, and clusters of candles in
+graceful silver holders were arranged on the table, shedding a warm
+light on to the white damask and the shining covers. The footmen
+presented a fish, and my lord permitted a little to be put on his plate.
+The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink claret or burgundy,
+or ale? Mr. Carr would drink claret. A sirloin of beef next made its
+appearance, and went away considerably smaller. Then before my lord was
+spread an array of dishes. Partridges flanked one end, a pasty stood
+next, a cream, two chickens, a duck, and a ham of noble proportions.
+
+My lord went gently through.
+
+The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink a glass of burgundy?
+He exhibited a dusty bottle. My lord considered it through his eyeglass
+and decided in favour. He sipped reflectively and waved the ham away.
+
+Sweetmeats appeared before him and a soup, while plump pigeons were
+uncovered at his elbow.
+
+One was whipped deftly on to his plate, and as he took up his knife and
+fork to carve it, a great scuffling sounded without, angry voices being
+raised in expostulation, and, above all, a breathless, insistent appeal
+for Mr. Carr or Sir Miles. My lord laid down the knife and fork and came
+to his feet.
+
+"It appears I am demanded," he said, and went to the door. It was opened
+for him at once, and he stepped out into the hall to find Mr. Beauleigh
+trying to dodge the younger footman, who was refusing to let him pass.
+At the sight of Carstares he stepped back respectfully. Mr. Beauleigh,
+hot, distraught, breathless, fell upon my lord.
+
+"Thank God you are here, sir!" he cried.
+
+Carstares observed him with some surprise. Mr. Beauleigh had been so
+very frigid when last they had met.
+
+"I am glad to be at your service, sir," he bowed. "You have commands for
+me?"
+
+"We are in terrible trouble," almost moaned the other. "Betty bade me
+come to find you, or failing you, Sir Miles, for none other can help
+us!"
+
+Carstares' glance grew sharper.
+
+"Trouble? Not--But I forget my manners--we shall talk more at ease in
+here." He led Mr. Beauleigh into the morning-room. Beauleigh thrust a
+paper into his hands.
+
+"Diana went riding this afternoon, and only her horse returned--with
+this attached to the pommel! Read it, sir! Read it!"
+
+"Diana!" Carstares strode over to the light, and devoured the contents
+of the single sheet, with eager eyes.
+
+They were not long, and they were very much to the point:
+
+"Mr. Beauleigh may haply recall to mind a certain 'Mr. Everard,' of
+Bath, whose Addresses to Miss Beauleigh were cruelly repulsed. He
+regrets having now to take the Matter into his Own Hands, and trusts to
+further his Acquaintance with Mr. Beauleigh at some Future Date, when
+Miss Beauleigh shall, He trusts, have become 'Mrs. Everard.'"
+
+Jack crumpled the paper furiously in his hand, grinding out a startling
+oath.
+
+"--insolent cur!"
+
+"Yes, yes, sir! But what will that avail my daughter? I have come
+straight to you, for my sister is convinced you know this Everard, and
+can tell me where to seek them!"
+
+Carstares clapped a hand on his shoulder.
+
+"Never fear, Mr. Beauleigh! I pledge you my word she shall be found this
+very night!"
+
+"You know where he has taken her? You do? You are sure?"
+
+"Back to his earth, I'll lay my life; 'tis ever his custom." He strode
+to the door, flung it wide and shot clear, crisp directions at the
+footman. "See to it that my mare is saddled in ten minutes and Blue
+Devil harnessed to your master's curricle! Don't stand staring--go! And
+send Salter to me!"
+
+The footman scuttled away, pausing only to inform my lord that Salter
+was not in.
+
+Carstares remembered that he had given Jim leave to visit his Mary at
+Fittering, and crushed out another oath. He sprang up the stairs, Mr.
+Beauleigh following breathlessly.
+
+In his room, struggling with his boots, he put a few questions.
+
+Mr. Beauleigh related the whole tale, dwelling mournfully on the
+excellent references for Harper he had received from Sir Hugh Grandison.
+
+Jack hauled at his second boot.
+
+"Tracy himself, of course!" he fumed, adjusting his spurs.
+
+"Pray, Mr. Carr, who is this scoundrel? Is it true that you know him?"
+
+"Andover," answered Jack from the depths of the garde-robe. "Damn the
+fellow, where has he put my cloak?" This to the absent Jim, and not the
+Duke.
+
+"Andover! Not--surely not the Duke?" cried Mr. Beauleigh.
+
+"I know of none other. At last!"
+
+He emerged and tossed a heavy, many-caped coat on to the bed.
+
+"Now, sir, your attention for one moment."
+
+He was buckling on his sword as he spoke, and not looking at the other
+man.
+
+"Tracy will have borne Di--Miss Beauleigh off to Andover Court, seven
+miles beyond Wyncham, to the south-west. Your horse, I take it, is not
+fresh," (he knew Mr. Beauleigh's horse). "I have ordered the curricle
+for you. I will ride on at once by short cuts, for there is not a moment
+to be lost--"
+
+"The Duke of Andover!" interrupted Mr. Beauleigh. "The Duke of Andover!
+Why, do you think he purposes to marry my daughter?"
+
+Jack gave a short, furious laugh.
+
+"Ay! As he married all the others!"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh winced.
+
+"Sir! Pray why should you say so?"
+
+"I perceive you do not know his Grace. Perchance you have heard of Devil
+Belmanoir?"
+
+Then the little man paled.
+
+"Good God, Mr. Carr, 'tis not he?"
+
+Carstares caught up his hat and whip.
+
+"Ay, Mr. Beauleigh, 'tis indeed he. Now perhaps you appreciate the
+necessity for haste?"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh's eyes were open at last.
+
+"For God's sake, Mr. Carr, after them!"
+
+"'Tis what I intend, sir. You will follow as swiftly as possible?"
+
+"Yes, yes, but do not wait for anything! Can you reach Andover--in
+time?"
+
+"I reach Andover to-night," was the grim answer. "And you, sir? You know
+the road?"
+
+"I will find out. Only go, Mr. Carr! Do not waste time, I implore you!"
+
+Jack struggled into his riding coat, clapped his hat on to his head, and
+with his Grace of Andover's sword tucked beneath his arm, went down the
+stairs three and four at a time, and hurried out on to the drive, where
+the groom stood waiting with Jenny's bridle over his arm. Carstares cast
+a hasty glance at the girths and sprang up. The mare sidled and
+fidgeted, fretting to be gone, but was held in with a hand of iron while
+her master spoke to the groom.
+
+"You must drive Mr. Beauleigh to Andover Court as fast as you can. It is
+a matter of life and death. You know the way?"
+
+The amazed groom collected his wits with difficulty.
+
+"Roughly, sir."
+
+"That will do--Mr. Beauleigh will know. Drive your damnedest, man--Sir
+Miles won't mind. You understand?"
+
+Jack's word was law in the O'Hara household.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered the man, and touched his hat.
+
+On the word, he saw the beautiful straining mare leap forward, and the
+next moment both horse and rider were swallowed in the gloom.
+
+"Well I'm--darned," exploded the groom, and turned to fetch the
+curricle.
+
+Across the stretch of moorland went Jack at a gallop, Jenny speeding
+under him like the wind, and seeming to catch something of her master's
+excitement. Low over her neck he bent, holding the Duke's sword across
+his saddle-bows with one hand and with the other guiding her. So he
+covered some three miles. He reined in then, and forced her to a canter,
+saving her strength for the long distance ahead of them. She was in
+splendid condition, glorying in the unrestrained gallop across the turf,
+and although she was too well-mannered to pull on the rein, Carstares
+could see by the eager twitching of her ears how she longed to be gone
+over the ground. He spoke soothingly to her and guided her on to the
+very lane where Diana had ridden that afternoon. She fell into a long,
+easy stride that seemed to eat up the ground. Now they were off the
+lane, riding over a field to join another road, leading west. A hedge
+cut them off, but the mare gathered her legs beneath her and soared
+over, alighting as gracefully as a bird, and skimming on again up the
+road.
+
+Her responsive ears flickered as he praised her, and pulled her up.
+
+"Easy now, Jenny, easy!"
+
+She was trembling with excitement, but she yielded to his will and
+trotted quietly for perhaps another half-hour.
+
+Carstares rose and fell rhythmically in the saddle, taking care to keep
+his spurred heels from her glossy sides. He guessed the time to be about
+seven o'clock, and his brows drew together worriedly. Jenny was made of
+steel and lightning, but would she manage it? He had never tested her
+powers as he was about to now, and he dared not allow her much breathing
+space. Every minute was precious if he were to reach Andover before it
+was too late.
+
+Assuming that Tracy had captured Diana at four, or thereabouts, he
+reckoned that it should take a heavy coach four hours or more to reach
+Andover. Jenny might manage it in two and a half hours, allowing for
+short cuts, in which case he ought to arrive not long after the others.
+
+He was tortured by the thought of Diana at the mercy of a man of Tracy's
+calibre; Diana in terror; Diana despairing. Unconsciously he pressed his
+knees against the smooth flank and once more Jenny fell into that long,
+swift stride. She seemed to glide over the ground with never a jar nor a
+stumble. Carstares was careful not to irk her in any way, only keeping a
+guiding, restraining hand on the rein, and for the rest letting her go
+as she willed. On and on they sped, as the time lagged by, sometimes
+through leafy lanes, at others over fields and rough tracks. Not for
+nothing had Carstares roamed this country for two years; almost every
+path was familiar to him; he never took a wrong turn, never swerved,
+never hesitated. On and on, past sleeping villages and lonely
+homesteads, skirting woods, riding up hill and down dale, never
+slackening his hold on the rein, never taking his eyes off the road
+before him, except now and then to throw a glance to the side on the
+look-out for some hidden by-path. After the first hour a dull pain in
+his shoulder reminded him of his wound, still troublesome. He set his
+teeth and pressed on still faster.
+
+The mare caught her foot on a loose stone and stumbled. His hand held
+her together, the muscles standing out like ribbed steel, his voice
+encouraged her, and he made her walk again. This time she did not fret
+against the restraint. He shifted the sword under his bridle hand, and
+passed the right down her steaming neck, crooning to her softly beneath
+his breath.
+
+She answered with a low, throbbing whinny. She could not understand why
+he desired her to gallop on, braving unknown terrors in the dark; all
+she could know was that it was his wish. It seemed also that he was
+pleased with her. She would have cantered on again, but he made her walk
+for, perhaps, another five minutes, until they were come to a stretch of
+common he knew well. It was getting late, and he pressed her with his
+knee, adjuring her to do her best, and urging her to a gallop, leaning
+right forward, the better to pierce the darkness ahead. A gorse bush
+loomed before them, and Jenny shied at it, redoubling her pace.
+
+With hand and voice he soothed her, and on they sped. He judged the time
+to be now about half-past eight, and knew that they must make the
+remaining miles in an hour. Even now the coach might have arrived, and
+beyond that he dared not think.
+
+Another half-hour crept by, and he could feel the mare's breath coming
+short and fast, and reined in again, this time to a canter. He was off
+the moor now, on a road he remembered well, and knew himself to be not
+ten miles from Wyncham. Five more miles as the crow flies.... He knew
+he must give Jenny another rest, and pulled up, dismounting and going to
+her head.
+
+Her legs were trembling, and the sweat rolled off her satin skin. She
+dropped her nose into his hand, sobbingly. He rubbed her ears and patted
+her, and she lipped his cheek lovingly, breathing more easily.
+
+Up again then, and forward once more, skimming over the ground.
+
+Leaving Wyncham on his right, Carstares cut west and then north-west, on
+the highroad now, leading to Andover. Only two more miles to go....
+
+Jenny stumbled again and broke into a walk. Her master tapped her
+shoulder, and she picked up her stride again.
+
+She was almost winded, and he knew it, but he had to force her onwards.
+She responded gallantly to his hand, although her breath came sobbingly
+and her great, soft eyes were blurred.
+
+At last the great iron gates were in view; he could see them through the
+dusk, firmly shut. He pulled up and walked on, looking for a place in
+the hedge where Jenny might push through.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+MY LORD ENTERS BY THE WINDOW
+
+
+His Grace of Andover made a sign to the footmen, and with a sinking
+heart Diana watched them leave the room, discreetly closing the door
+behind them. She affected to eat a peach, skinning it with fingers that
+were stiff and wooden. Tracy leaned back in his chair, surveying her
+through half-shut eyelids. He watched her eat her peach and rise to her
+feet standing with her hand on the back of the high, carved chair. She
+addressed him nervously and with would-be lightness.
+
+"Well, sir, I have eaten, and I protest I am fatigued. Pray have the
+goodness to conduct me to your housekeeper."
+
+"My dear," he drawled, "nothing would give me greater pleasure--always
+supposing that I possessed one."
+
+She raised her eyebrows haughtily.
+
+"I presume you have at least a maidservant," she inquired. "If I am to
+remain here, I would retire."
+
+"You shall, child, all in good time. But do not be in a hurry to deprive
+me of your fair company." He rose as he spoke, and taking her hand, led
+her dumbly to a low-backed settee at the other end of the great room.
+
+"If you have aught to say to me, your Grace, I beg that you will reserve
+it until to-morrow. I am not in the humour to-night."
+
+He laughed at her.
+
+"Still so cold, child?"
+
+"I am not like to be different, sir."
+
+His eyes glinted.
+
+"You think so? I shall show you that you are wrong, my dear. You may
+loathe me, you may love me, but I think you will lose something of that
+icy indifference. Allow me to point out to you that there is a couch
+behind you."
+
+"I perceive it, sir."
+
+"Then be seated."
+
+"It is not worth the while, sir. I am not staying." He advanced one step
+towards her with that in his face that made her sink hurriedly on to the
+couch.
+
+He nodded smiling.
+
+"You are wise, Diana."
+
+"Why so free with my name, sir?" This with icy sweetness.
+
+Tracy flung himself down beside her, his arm over the back of the settee
+and the fingers of his drooping hand just touching her shoulder. It was
+all the girl could do to keep from screaming. She felt trapped and
+helpless, and her nerve was in pieces.
+
+"Nay, sweet! An end to this quibbling. Bethink you, is it worth your
+while to anger me?"
+
+She sat rigid and silent.
+
+"I love you--ay, you shudder. One day you will not do that."
+
+"You call this love, your Grace?" she cried out, between scorn and
+misery.
+
+"Something near it," he answered imperturbably.
+
+"God help you then!" she shivered, thinking of one other who had loved
+her so differently.
+
+"Belike He will," was the pleasant rejoinder. "But we wander from the
+point. It is this: you shall retire to your chamber at once--er--armed
+with the key--an you will swear to marry me to-morrow."
+
+Very white, she made as if to rise. The thin fingers closed over her
+shoulders, forcing her to remain.
+
+"No, my dear. Sit still."
+
+Her self-control was slipping away from her; she struggled to be free of
+that hateful hand.
+
+"Oh, you brute, you brute! Let me go!"
+
+"When you have given me your answer, sweetheart."
+
+"It is no!" she cried. "A thousand times no!"
+
+"Think...."
+
+"I have thought! I would rather die than wed you!"
+
+"Very possibly. But death will not be your lot, my pretty one," purred
+the sinister voice in her ear. "Think carefully before you answer; were
+it not better to marry me with all honour than to--"
+
+"You devil!" she panted, and looked wildly round for some means of
+escape. The long window was open, she knew, for the curtain blew out
+into the room. But his Grace was between it and her.
+
+"You begin to think better of it, child? Remember, to-morrow will be too
+late. This is your chance, now. In truth," he took a pinch of snuff, "in
+truth, it matters not to me whether you will be a bride or no."
+
+With a sudden movement she wrenched herself free and darted to the
+window. In a flash he was up and had caught her as she reached it,
+swinging her round to face him.
+
+"Not so fast, my dear. You do not escape me so."
+
+His arm was about her waist, drawing her irresistibly towards him. Sick
+with fear, she struck madly at the face bent close to hers.
+
+"Let me go! How dare you insult me so? Oh, for God's sake let me go!"
+
+He was pressing her against him, one hand holding her wrists behind her
+in a grip of iron, his other arm about her shoulders.
+
+"For my own sake I will keep you," he smiled, and looked gloatingly down
+at her beautiful, agonised countenance, with its wonderful eyes gazing
+imploringly at him, and the sensitive mouth a-quiver. For one instant he
+held her so, and then swiftly bent his head and pressed his lips to
+hers.
+
+She could neither struggle nor cry out. A deadly faintness assailed her,
+and she could scarcely breathe.
+
+"By God, it is too late!" he swore. "You had best give in, madam--nought
+can avail you now."
+
+And then the unexpected happened. Even as in her last desperate effort
+to free herself she moaned the name of him whom she deemed hundreds of
+miles away across the sea, a crisp voice, vibrating with a species of
+cold fury, sounded directly behind them.
+
+"You delude yourself, Belmanoir," it said with deadly quiet.
+
+With an oath Tracy released the girl and wheeled to face the intruder.
+
+Framed by the dark curtains, drawn sword in hand, murder in his blue
+eyes, stood my lord.
+
+Tracy's snarl died slowly away as he stared, and a look of blank
+amazement took its place.
+
+Diana, almost unable to believe her eyes, dizzy with the suddenness of
+it all, stumbled blindly towards him, crying:
+
+"Thank God! Thank God! Oh, Jack!"
+
+He caught her in his arms, drawing her gently to the couch.
+
+"Dear heart, you never doubted I should come?"
+
+"I thought you in France!" she sobbed, and sank down amongst the
+cushions.
+
+Carstares turned to meet his Grace.
+
+Tracy had recovered from the first shock of surprise and was eyeing him
+though his quizzing glass.
+
+"This is an unexpected pleasure, my lord," he drawled with easy
+insolence.
+
+Diana started at the mode of address and looked up at Carstares,
+bewildered.
+
+"I perceive your sword in the corner behind you, your Grace!" snapped
+Jack, and flung over to the door, twisting the key round in the lock and
+slipping it into his breeches pocket.
+
+To Diana he was as a stranger, with no laugh in the glittering blue
+eyes, and none of the almost finicking politeness that usually
+characterised his bearing. He was very white, with lips set in a hard
+straight line, and his nostrils slightly expanded.
+
+His Grace shrugged a careless refusal.
+
+"My dear Carstares, why should I fight you?" he inquired, seemingly not
+in the least annoyed by the other's intrusion.
+
+"I had anticipated that answer, your Grace. So I brought _this_!"
+
+As he spoke Jack drove the sword he held into the wood floor, where it
+stayed, quivering.
+
+Nonchalantly Tracy took it in his hand and glanced at the hilt.
+
+His fingers tightened on it convulsively, and he shot a piercing glance
+at Jack.
+
+"I am entirely at your service," he said very smoothly, and laid the
+sword on the table.
+
+Some of the glare died out of my lord's eyes, and a little triumphant
+smile curved the corners of his mouth. Quickly he divested himself of
+his fine velvet coat, his waistcoat and his scabbard, and pulled off
+the heavy riding boots, caked with mud. He proceeded to tuck up his
+ruffles, awaiting his Grace's convenience.
+
+As one in a dream, Diana saw the table pushed back, the paces measured,
+and heard the ring of steel against steel.
+
+My lord opened the attack after a few moments' cautious circling,
+lunging swiftly and recovering, even as the Duke countered and delivered
+a lightning _riposte en quinte_. My lord parried gracefully in tierce,
+and chuckled softly to himself.
+
+With parted lips and wide eyes, the girl on the couch watched each fresh
+lunge. A dozen times it seemed as though Carstares must be run through,
+but each time, by some miraculous means, he regained his opposition, and
+the Duke's blade met steel.
+
+Once, indeed, thrusting in _quarte_, Tracy's point, aimed too high,
+flashed above the other's guard and ripped the cambric shirt at the
+sleeve. My lord retired his foot nimbly, parried, and _riposted_ with a
+straight thrust, wrist held high, before Tracy could recover his
+opposition. The blades clashed as forte met foible, and my lord lunged
+straight at his opponent's breast.
+
+Diana shut her eyes, expecting every moment to hear the dull thud of
+Tracy's body as it should fall to the ground. It did not come, but
+instead there sounded a confused stamping, and scraping of blades, and
+she looked again to find the Duke disengaging over my lord's supple
+wrist and being parried with the utmost ease and dexterity.
+
+Carstares knew that he would not be able to last long, however. His
+shoulder, fretted by the long ride, was aching intolerably, and his
+wrist seemed to have lost some of its cunning. He was conscious of a
+singing in his head which he tried, in vain, to ignore. But his eyes
+glowed and sparkled with the light of battle and the primitive lust to
+kill.
+
+The Duke was fencing with almost superhuman skill, moving heavily and
+deliberately, seemingly tireless.
+
+Carstares, on the other hand, was as swift and light as a panther, grace
+in every turn of his slim body.
+
+He feinted suddenly inside the arm, deceiving the parade of tierce. His
+Grace fell back a pace, parrying in _quarte_, and as John with a quick
+twist changed to _quarte_ also and the blades crossed, Tracy lunged
+forward the length of his arm, and a deep red splash stained the
+whiteness of my lord's sleeve at the shoulder.
+
+Diana gave a choked cry, knowing it to be the old wound, and the Duke's
+blade came to rest upon the ground.
+
+"You are--satisfied?" he asked coolly, but panting a little.
+
+My lord reeled slightly, controlled himself and brushed his left hand
+across his eyes.
+
+"On guard!" was all he replied, ignoring a pleading murmur from the
+girl.
+
+Tracy shrugged, meeting Carstares' blade with his, and the fight went
+on.
+
+Tracy's eyes were almost shut, it appeared to Diana, his chin thrust
+forward, his teeth gripping the thin lower lip.
+
+To her horror she saw that Carstares was breathing in gasps, and that
+his face was ashen in hue. It was torture to her to sit impotent, but
+she held herself in readiness to fly to his rescue should the need
+arise. Suddenly my lord feinted on both sides of the arm and ripped open
+the Duke's sleeve, causing a steady trickle of blood to drip down on to
+the floor.
+
+Tracy took no notice, but countered so deftly that John's blade wavered,
+and he staggered back. For an instant it seemed as though the end had
+come, but somehow he steadied himself, recovering his guard.
+
+Diana was on her feet now, nearly as white as her lover, her hands
+pressed to her breast. She saw that John's point was no longer so
+purposeful, and the smile had gone from his lips. They were parted now,
+the upper one rigid, and a deep furrow cut into his brow.
+
+Then, startling in the stillness of the great house, came the clanging
+of a bell, pulled with some violence.
+
+Carstares' white lips moved soundlessly, and Diana, guessing it to be
+her father, moved, clinging to the wall, towards the door.
+
+A moment later along the passage came the sound of steps; a gay,
+boisterous voice was raised, followed by a deeper, graver one.
+
+His Grace's face became devilish in its expression, but Carstares took
+no notice, seeming not to hear. Only he thrust with such skill that his
+Grace was forced to fall back a pace. The loud voices demanded to know
+what was toward in the locked room, and Diana, knowing that my lord was
+nearly spent, beat upon the panels.
+
+"Quickly, quickly!" she cried. "Break through, for heaven's sake,
+whoever you are! 'Tis locked!"
+
+"Good Gad! 'tis a woman!" exclaimed the voice. "Listen,
+Dick!--why--why--'tis a fight!"
+
+"Oh, be _quick_!" implored poor Diana.
+
+And then came the deeper voice: "Stand away, madam, we will burst the
+lock."
+
+She moved quickly aside, turning her attention once more to the duel by
+the window, as Andrew flung his shoulder against the stout wood. At the
+third blow the lock gave, the door flew wide, and Lord Andrew was
+precipitated into the room.
+
+And the two by the window fought on unheeding, faster and faster.
+
+"Well, I'm damned!" said Andrew, surveying them. He walked forward
+interestedly, and at the same moment caught sight of Jack's face. He
+stared in amazement, and called to Richard.
+
+"Good Lord! Here! Dick! Come here! Surely it's--_who_ is that man?"
+
+Diana saw the tall gentleman, so like her lover in appearance, step
+forward to the young rake's side. The next events happened in a flash.
+She heard a great cry, and before she had time to know what he was
+doing, Richard had whipped his sword from its scabbard and had struck up
+the two blades. In that moment the years rolled back, and, recognising
+his brother, Jack gasped furiously:
+
+"Damn--you--Dick! Out--of--the way!"
+
+Tracy stood leaning on his sword, watching, his breath coming in gasps,
+but still with that cynical smile on his lips.
+
+Richard, seeing that his brother would fly at the Duke again, closed
+with him, struggling to wrest the rapier from his weakened grasp.
+
+"You fool, John, leave go! Leave go, I say!"
+
+With a twist he had the sword in his hand and sent it spinning across
+the room as without a sound my lord crumpled up and fell with a thud to
+the floor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+IN WHICH WHAT THREATENED TO BE TRAGEDY TURNS TO COMEDY
+
+
+With a smothered cry Diana flew across the room to where my lord lay in
+a pitiful little heap, but before her was Richard. He fell on his knees
+beside the still figure, feeling for the wound.
+
+Diana, on the other side, looked across at him.
+
+"'Tis his shoulder, sir--an old wound. Oh, he is not--he cannot
+be--_dead_?"
+
+Richard shook his head dumbly and gently laid bare the white shoulder.
+The wound was bleeding very slightly, and they bound it deftly betwixt
+them, with their united handkerchiefs and a napkin seized from the
+table.
+
+"'Tis exhaustion, I take it," frowned Richard, his hand before the pale
+lips. "He is breathing still."
+
+Over her shoulder Diana shot an order:
+
+"One of you men, please fetch water and cognac!"
+
+"At once, madam!" responded Andrew promptly, and hurried out.
+
+She bent once more over my lord, gazing anxiously into his face.
+
+"He will live? You--are sure? He--he must have rid all the way from
+Maltby--for me!" She caught her breath on a sob, pressing one lifeless
+hand to her lips.
+
+"For you, madam?" Richard looked an inquiry.
+
+She blushed.
+
+"Yes--he--we--I--"
+
+"I see," said Richard gravely.
+
+She nodded.
+
+"Yes, and--and the Duke--caught me, and--brought me here--and--and then
+_he_ came--and saved me!"
+
+The air blowing in from the window stirred the ruffles of my lord's
+shirt, and blew a strand of her dark hair across Diana's face. She
+caught it back and stared at Richard with a puzzled air.
+
+"Pardon me, sir--but you are so like him!"
+
+"I am his brother," answered Richard shortly.
+
+Her eyes grew round with surprise.
+
+"His _brother_, sir? I never knew Mr. Carr had a brother!"
+
+"Mr.--who?" asked Richard.
+
+"Carr. It is not his name, is it? I heard the Duke call him
+Carstares--and--my lord."
+
+"He is the Earl of Wyncham," answered Richard, stretching out a hand to
+relieve Andrew of the jug of water he was proffering.
+
+"Good--gracious!" gasped Diana. "B-but he said he was a highwayman!"
+
+"Quite true, madam."
+
+"True? But how--how ridiculous--and how like him!"
+
+She soaked a handkerchief in the water, and bathed my lord's forehead.
+
+"He is not coming to in the least," she said nervously. "You are sure
+'tis not--not--"
+
+"Quite. He'll come round presently. You said he had ridden far?"
+
+"He must have, sir--I wish he were not so pale--he was staying with the
+O'Haras at Maltby."
+
+"What? The O'Haras?"
+
+"Yes--and he must have ridden from there--and his wound still so
+tender!" Again she kissed the limp hand.
+
+Over by the window his Grace, his breath recovered, was eyeing Andrew
+through his quizzing-glass.
+
+"May I inquire what brings you here?" he asked sweetly. "And why you saw
+fit to bring the saintly Richard?"
+
+"I came because it suited me to do so. I never dreamed you were
+here--'Pon my soul, I did not!"
+
+"Where then did you think I was?"
+
+"Never thought about you at all, my dear fellow. I'm not your squire."
+
+"Why is Richard here?"
+
+"Lord, what a catechism! He is here because he brought me with him on
+his way to Wyncham. Have you any objection?"
+
+"It would be useless," shrugged Tracy. "Have I killed that young fool?"
+
+Andrew looked him over in disgust.
+
+"No, you have not. You have barely touched him, thanks be."
+
+"Dear me! Why this sudden affection for Carstares?"
+
+Andrew swung round on his heel, remarking over his shoulder:
+
+"He may be a cheat, but he's a damned fine fellow. By Gad! he nearly
+pinked you as I entered!" He chuckled at the memory of that glorious
+moment.
+
+"He nearly pinked me a dozen times," replied Tracy, binding his arm
+round more tightly. "He fights like ten devils. But he was fatigued."
+
+He followed Andrew across the room and stood looking down at his
+unconscious foe.
+
+Diana's eyes challenged him.
+
+"Stand back, your Grace! You have no more to do here!"
+
+He drew out his snuff-box and took a pinch.
+
+"So that is how the matter lies, my dear. I did not know that."
+
+"You pretend that it would have made a difference in your treatment of
+me?"
+
+"Not the slightest, child," he replied, shutting the box with a snap.
+"It has merely come as a slight surprise to me. It seems he has the luck
+this round." He walked away again as another great bell-peal sounded
+through the house.
+
+Andrew, pouring cognac into a glass, paused with bottle held in mid-air.
+
+"Thunder and turf! We are like to be a party! Who now?" He set the glass
+down and lounged out of the room, bottle in hand. They heard him give an
+astonished cry and a loud laugh, and the next moment O'Hara strode into
+the room, booted and spurred and enveloped in a heavy surcoat. He came
+swiftly upon the little group about my lord and went down on one knee
+beside him. His eyes seemed to take in everyone at a glance. Then he
+looked across at Richard.
+
+"Is he alive?"
+
+Richard nodded, not meeting the hard, anxious gaze.
+
+O'Hara bent over his friend.
+
+"He has been wounded?"
+
+Diana answered this.
+
+"Only slightly, Sir Miles, but 'twas his shoulder again. He was tired
+after the ride--Mr. Carstares thinks he has fainted from exhaustion."
+
+O'Hara very gently slipped one arm beneath my lord's shoulders and the
+other under his knees, rising with him as easily as if he were carrying
+a baby. He walked over to the couch, lowering his burden on to the
+cushions that Diana placed to receive him.
+
+"He will be easier there," he said, and looked across at her.
+
+"Ye are quite safe, child?"
+
+"Quite--quite--He came just in time--and fought for me." She dabbed
+openly at her eyes. "I--I love him so, Sir Miles--and now I hear that he
+is an Earl!" she sighed.
+
+"Well, child, 'twill make no difference, I take it. I hope he'll make ye
+happy."
+
+She smiled through her tears very confidently.
+
+O'Hara turned and faced Richard, who was standing a little in the rear,
+watching his brother's face. He met O'Hara's scathing look squarely.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Nought," answered the Irishman cuttingly, and walked over to where Lord
+Andrew was arguing hotly with his brother.
+
+Carstares returned to my lord's side and stood looking silently down at
+him.
+
+Diana suddenly gave a little joyful cry.
+
+"He is coming round! He moved his head! Oh, Jack, my dear one, look at
+me!" She bent over him with eyes alight with love.
+
+My lord's eyelids flickered and opened. For a moment he stared at her.
+
+"Why--Diana!" She took his head between her hands and kissed him full on
+the mouth. Then she raised his head to look into the blue eyes.
+
+My lord's arm crept round her and held her tight against him. After a
+moment she disengaged herself and stood aside. Jack's eyes, still a
+little bewildered, fell upon his brother. He struggled up on his elbow.
+
+"Am I dreaming? _Dick_!" His voice was full of a great joy. Richard went
+quickly to him, trying to put him back on the cushions.
+
+"My dear Jack--no, no--lie still!"
+
+"Lie still?" cried my lord, swinging his feet to the ground. "Not a bit
+of it! I am well enough, but a trifle dizzy. How in thunder did you come
+here? Surely 'twas you knocked up my sword? Yes? Interfering young cub!
+Give me your arm a minute!"
+
+"But why do you want to get up?" pleaded a soft voice in his ear.
+
+"So that I can take you in my arms, sweetheart," he answered, and
+proceeded to do so.
+
+Then his glance, wandering round the room, alighted on the heated group
+by the table; Andrew vociferously indignant, Tracy coolly sarcastic, and
+O'Hara furious.
+
+"Tare an' ouns!" ejaculated my lord. "Where _did_ they all spring from?"
+
+"I don't quite know!" laughed Diana. "Sir Miles came a few minutes
+ago--the other gentleman came with Mr. Carstares."
+
+"Ay, I remember him--'tis Andrew, eh, Dick? Zounds! how he has grown!
+But what in the world are they all fighting over? Miles! Miles, I say!"
+
+O'Hara wheeled round, surprised.
+
+"Oho! Ye are up, are ye." He crossed to his side. "Then sit down!"
+
+"Since you are all so insistent, I will. How did you come here?"
+
+O'Hara went round to the back of the couch to arrange a cushion beneath
+the hurt shoulder, and leaned his arms upon the back, looking down with
+a laugh in his eyes.
+
+"Faith, I rode!"
+
+"But how did you know? Where--"
+
+"'Twas all on account of that young rascal David," he said. "Molly
+fretted and fumed all the way to the Frasers, vowing the child would be
+neglected, and what not, and we'd not been in the house above an hour or
+so, when up she jumps and says she knows that _something_ has happened
+at home, and nothing will suffice but that I must drive her back. We
+arrived just as Beauleigh was setting out. He told us the whole tale,
+and of course I had Blue Peter saddled in the twinkling of an eye and
+was off after ye. But, what with taking wrong turns and me horse not
+happening to be made of lightning, I couldn't arrive until now."
+
+"You cannot have been so long after me," said Jack. "For I wasted full
+half-an-hour outside here, trying to find an opening in the hedge for
+Jenny to get through. She is now stalled in a shed at the bottom of the
+lawn with my cloak over her. I'll swear she's thirsty, too."
+
+"I'll see to that," promised O'Hara.
+
+Andrew came across the room and bowed awkwardly to my lord, stammering a
+little. Carstares held out his hand. "Lord, Andy! I scarce knew you!"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, Andrew took the outstretched hand and
+answered, laughingly. But my lord had not failed to notice the
+hesitation, short though it had been.
+
+"I--beg your pardon. I had forgot," he said stiffly.
+
+Andrew sat down beside him, rather red about the ears.
+
+"Oh, stuff, Jack! I'm a clumsy fool, but I did not mean that!" Richard
+stepped forward into the full light of the candles.
+
+"If you will all listen to me one moment, I shall be greatly obliged,"
+he said steadily.
+
+Lord John started forward.
+
+"Dick!" he cried, warningly, and would have gone to him, but for
+O'Hara's hand on his shoulder, dragging him back.
+
+"Ah, now, be aisy," growled Miles. "Let the man say it!"
+
+"Hold your tongue, O'Hara! Dick, wait one moment! I want to speak to
+you!"
+
+Richard never glanced at him.
+
+"I am about to tell you something that should have been told--seven
+years ago--"
+
+"Once and for all, I forbid it!" snapped my lord, trying to disengage
+himself from O'Hara's grip.
+
+Miles leant over him.
+
+"See here, me boy, if ye don't keep a still tongue in your head, it's
+meself that'll be gagging you, and that's that!"
+
+My lord swore at him.
+
+Diana laid a gentle hand on his arm.
+
+"Please, John! Please be still! Why should not Mr. Carstares speak?"
+
+"You don't know what he would do!" fumed Jack.
+
+"In fact, Miss Beauleigh, Sir Miles and Andrew are completely in the
+dark," drawled the Duke. "Shall I tell the tale, Richard?"
+
+"Thank you, I shall not require your assistance," was the cold
+rejoinder. "But I must ask you to be quiet, John."
+
+"I will not! You must n--"
+
+"That will do," decided O'Hara, and placed a relentless hand over his
+mouth. "Go on, Carstares!"
+
+"For the sake of Miss Beauleigh, I will tell you that seven years ago my
+brother and I went to a card-party. I cheated. He took the blame. He has
+borne it ever since because I was too much a coward to confess. That is
+all I have to say."
+
+"'Twas for that ye wanted to see me on Friday?" shot out O'Hara.
+
+Richard nodded, dully.
+
+"Yes, I was going to tell you then."
+
+"H'm! I'm glad ye had decided to play the man's part for once!"
+
+With a furious oath Jack wrenched himself free and rounded on his
+friend.
+
+"You take too much upon yourself, O'Hara!"
+
+He rose unsteadily and walked to Richard's side.
+
+"Dick has told you much, but not all. You none of you know the reasons
+we had for acting as we did. But you know him well enough to believe
+that it needed very strong reasons to induce him to allow me take the
+blame. If anyone has aught to say in the matter, I shall be glad if he
+will say it to me--now!" His eyes flashed menacingly as they swept the
+company, and rested for an instant on O'Hara's unyielding countenance.
+Then he turned and held out his hand to his brother with his own
+peculiarly wistful smile.
+
+"Can you bear to speak to me?" muttered Richard, with face averted.
+
+"Gad, Dick, don't be ridiculous!" He grasped the unwilling hand. "You
+would have done the same for me!"
+
+Andrew pressed forward.
+
+"Well, I can see no use in raking up old scores! After all, what does it
+matter? It's buried and finished. Here's my hand on it, Dick! Lord! I
+couldn't turn my back on the man I've lived on for years!" He laughed
+irrepressibly, and wrung Richard's hand.
+
+My lord's eyes were on O'Hara, pleading. Reluctantly the Irishman came
+forward.
+
+"'Tis only fair to tell you, Richard, that I can't see eye to eye with
+Andrew, here. However, I'm not denying that I think a good deal better
+of ye now than I did--seven years ago."
+
+Richard looked up eagerly.
+
+"You never believed him guilty?"
+
+O'Hara laughed.
+
+"Hardly!"
+
+"You knew 'twas I?"
+
+"I had me suspicions, of course."
+
+"I wish--oh, how I wish you had voiced them!"
+
+O'Hara raised his eyebrows, and there fell a little silence. His Grace
+of Andover broke it, coming forward in his inimitable way. He looked
+round the room at each member of the company.
+
+"One, two, three--four, five--" he counted. "Andrew, tell them to lay
+covers for five in the dining-room."
+
+"Aren't you staying?" asked his brother, surprised.
+
+"I have supped," replied Tracy coolly.
+
+For a moment O'Hara's mouth twitched, and then he burst out laughing.
+Everyone looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Ecod!" he gasped. "Oh, sink me an I ever came across a more amusing
+villain! 'Lay covers for five!' Oh, damme!"
+
+"Or should I have said six?" continued his Grace imperturbably. "Am I
+not to have the honour of Mr. Beauleigh's company?"
+
+O'Hara checked his mirth.
+
+"No, ye are not! He was content to let me manage the business, and went
+back to Littledean."
+
+"I am sorry," bowed his Grace, and turned to my lord, who, with his arm
+about Diana's waist, was watching him arrogantly.
+
+"I see how the land lies," he remarked. "I congratulate you, John. I
+cannot help wishing that I had finished you that day in the road. Permit
+me to say that you fence rather creditably."
+
+My lord bowed stiffly.
+
+"Of course," continued his Grace smoothly, "you also wish you had
+disposed of me. I sympathise. But, however much you may inwardly despise
+and loathe me, you cannot show it--unless you choose to make yourself
+and me the talk of town--not forgetting Mistress Diana. Also I abhor bad
+tragedy. So I trust you will remain here to-night as my guest--er,
+Andrew, pray do not omit to order bed-chambers to be
+prepared--Afterwards you need never come near me again--in fact, I hope
+that you will not."
+
+My lord could not entirely repress a smile.
+
+"I thank your Grace for your hospitality, which I fear," he glanced down
+at Diana's tired face, "I shall be compelled to accept. As to the
+rest--I agree. Like you, I dislike bad tragedy."
+
+Diana gave a tiny laugh.
+
+"You are all so stiff!" she said _I_ shall go to bed!"
+
+"I will take you to the stairs then," said Jack promptly, and led her
+forward.
+
+She stopped as they were about to pass his Grace, and faced him.
+
+Tracy bowed very low.
+
+"Good-night, madam. Carstares will know which room I had assigned to
+you. You will find a servant there."
+
+"Thank you," she said steadily. "I shall try to forget the happenings of
+this day, your Grace. I see the truth in what you say--we cannot afford
+to let the world see that we are at enmity, lest it should talk. And, I
+confess it freely, I find it less hard to forgive you the insults of--of
+to-day, since they brought--Jack--to me. An I had not been in such dire
+straits, I might never have seen him again."
+
+"In fact," bowed his Grace, "everything has been for the best!"
+
+"I would not say that, sir," she replied, and went out.
+
+For a moment there was silence in the room. No one quite knew what to
+say. As usual, it was Tracy who came to the rescue, breaking an
+uncomfortable pause.
+
+"I suggest that we adjourn to the dining-room," he said. "I gather we
+may have to wait some time before his lordship reappears. O'Hara, after
+you!"
+
+"One moment," replied Miles. "Jack's mare is in a shed somewhere. I said
+I would see to her."
+
+"Andrew!" called his Grace. "When you have finished superintending the
+laying of the supper, give orders concerning Carstares' mare!"
+
+A casual assent came from outside, and immediately afterwards Lord
+Andrew's voice was heard shouting instructions to someone, evidently
+some way off.
+
+On the whole, the supper-party passed off quite smoothly. His Grace was
+smilingly urbane, Andrew boisterous and amusing, and O'Hara bent on
+keeping the conversation up. Richard sat rather silent, but my lord,
+already deliriously happy, soon let fall his armour and joined in the
+talk, anxious to hear all the news of town for the last six years.
+
+O'Hara was several times hard put to it to keep from laughing out loud
+at his thoughts. The humour of the situation struck him forcibly. After
+fighting as grimly as these men fought, and after all that had
+transpired, that they should both sit down to supper as they were doing,
+appealed to him strongly. He had quite thought that my lord would
+incline to tragedy and refuse to stay an instant longer in the Duke's
+house.
+
+It was not until midnight, when everyone else had gone to bed, that the
+brothers came face to face, alone. The dining-room was very quiet now,
+and the table bore a dissipated look with the remains of supper left on
+it. My lord stood absently playing with the long-handled punch spoon,
+idly stirring the golden dregs at the bottom of the bowl. The candles
+shed their light full on his face, and Richard, standing opposite in the
+shadow, had ample opportunity of studying it.
+
+It seemed to him that he could not look long enough. Unconsciously his
+eyes devoured every detail of the loved countenance and watched each
+movement of the slender hand. He found John subtly changed, but quite
+how he could not define. He had not aged much, and he was still the same
+laughter-loving Jack of the old days, with just that intangible
+difference. O'Hara had felt it, too: a slight impenetrability, a
+reserve.
+
+It was my lord who broke the uncomfortable silence. As if he felt the
+other's eyes upon him, he looked up with his appealing, whimsical smile.
+
+"Devil take it, Dick, we're as shy as two schoolboys!"
+
+Richard did not smile, and his brother came round the table to his side.
+
+"There's nought to be said betwixt us two, Dick. 'Twould be so damned
+unnecessary. After all--we always shared in one another's scrapes!"
+
+He stood a moment with his hand on Richard's shoulder; then Richard
+turned to him "What you must _think_ of me!" he burst out. "My God, when
+I realise--"
+
+"I know. Believe me, Dick, I know just what you must have felt. But pray
+forget it! It's over now, and buried."
+
+There was another long silence. Lord John withdrew his hand at last, and
+perched on the edge of the table, smiling across at Richard.
+
+"I'd well-nigh forgot that you were a middle-aged papa! A son?"
+
+"Ay--John--after you."
+
+"I protest I am flattered. Lord, to think of you with a boy of your
+own!" He laughed, twirling his eyeglass.
+
+At last Richard smiled.
+
+"To think of you an uncle!" he retorted, and suddenly all vestige of
+stiffness had fled.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Next morning Richard went on to Wyncham, and Diana, Jack and O'Hara
+travelled back to Sussex. Jack would not go home yet. He protested that
+he was going to be married first, and would then bring home his
+Countess. But he had several instructions to give his brother concerning
+the preparation of his house. The last thing he requested Richard to do
+was to seek out a certain city merchant, Fudby by name, and to rescue a
+clerk, Chilter, from him, bearing him off to Wyncham. All this he called
+from the coach window, just before they set off.
+
+Richard led Jenny, whom he was to ride home, up to the door of the
+vehicle, and expostulated.
+
+"But what in thunder am I to do with the man?"
+
+"Give him to Warburton," advised Jack flippantly. "I know he needs a
+clerk--he always did!"
+
+"But perhaps he will not desire to come--"
+
+"You do as I tell you!" laughed his brother. "I shall expect to find him
+at Wyncham when I arrive! _Au revoir_!" He drew his head in, and the
+coach rumbled off.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+LADY O'HARA IS TRIUMPHANT
+
+
+After spending a restless night, starting at every sound, and hearing
+the hours strike slowly away, Lady O'Hara arose not a whit refreshed and
+considerably more ill at ease than she had been before.
+
+During the night she had imagined all sorts of impossible horrors to
+have befallen her husband, and if, when the reassuring daylight had
+come, the horrors had somewhat dispersed, enough remained to cause her
+an anxious morning as she alternated between the hall window and the
+gate.
+
+No less worried was Jim Salter. He had returned from Fittering last
+night to find his master and Sir Miles gone, Lady O'Hara in a state of
+frightened bewilderment, and the house in a whirl. No one, least of all
+poor Molly, seemed to know exactly where the two men had gone. All she
+knew was that they had come back upon a scene of turmoil, with Mr.
+Beauleigh in the midst of a small crowd of excited servants. Her husband
+had elbowed his way through, and into his ears had Mr. Beauleigh poured
+his story. Then O'Hara seemed to catch the excitement, and she had been
+hurried into the house with the hasty explanation that Jack was off
+after Devil, who had caught Diana, and he must to the rescue. Ten
+minutes after, she had an alarming vision of him galloping off down the
+drive, his sword at his side and pistols in the saddle-holsters. The
+poor little lady had sent an imploring cry after him, checked almost
+before it had left her lips. Afterwards she wished it had never been
+uttered, and rather hoped that it had escaped O'Hara's ears.
+
+Salter arrived not half-an-hour later, and his feelings when told that
+his beloved master had ridden off in search of a fight, may be more
+easily imagined than described. He was all for setting out in his wake,
+but her ladyship strongly vetoed the plan, declaring that Sir Miles
+would be rescue enough, and she was not going to be left entirely
+without protectors. Jim was far too respectful to point out that there
+were five able-bodied men, not counting himself, in the house, but as
+his master had left no instructions for him, he capitulated.
+
+He proved nought but a Job's comforter next day, for when my lady
+pessimistically premised that both Carstares _and_ her husband were
+undoubtedly hurt, he did not, as she expected he would, strive to
+reassure her, but gave a gloomy assent. Whereupon she cast an indignant
+glance in his direction, and turned her back.
+
+At four in the afternoon they were both in the hall, anxiously watching
+the drive.
+
+"To be sure, 'tis monstrous late!" remarked Molly, with wide,
+apprehensive eyes.
+
+"Yes, my lady."
+
+"If--if nought were amiss, they should have been back by now, surely?"
+
+"Yes indeed, my lady."
+
+Lady O'Hara stamped her foot.
+
+"Don't say jes!" she cried.
+
+Jim was startled.
+
+"I beg pardon, m'lady?"
+
+"You are not to say yes! After all, they may have gone a long
+way--they--er--they may be tired! Jenny may have gone
+lame--anything--anything may have happened!"
+
+"Yes, m'--I mean certainly, your ladyship!" hastily amended Jim.
+
+"In fact, I should not be surprised an they were not at all hurt!"
+
+He shook his head despondently, but luckily for him the lady failed to
+notice it, and continued with airy cheerfulness:
+
+"For my husband has _often_ told me what an excellent swordsman Mr.
+Carstares is, and--"
+
+"Your ladyship forgets his wound."
+
+What she might have been constrained to reply to this is not known, for
+at that moment came the sound of coach-wheels on the gravel. With one
+accord she and Salter flew to the door, and between them, wrenched it
+open, just as a gentleman's travelling coach, postillioned by men in
+gold and black, and emblazoned with the Wyncham arms, drew up at the
+door.
+
+My lady was down the steps in the twinkling of an eye, almost before one
+of the grooms had opened the door to offer an arm to my lord. Carstares
+sprang lightly out, followed by O'Hara, seemingly none the worse for
+wear.
+
+Molly ran straight into her husband's arms, regardless of the servants,
+hugging him.
+
+Jim Salter hurried up to my lord.
+
+"Ye are not hurt, sir?" he cried.
+
+Carstares handed him his hat and cloak.
+
+"Nought to speak of, Jim. But 'Everard' well-nigh finished me for all
+that!" He laughed at Jim's face of horror, and turned to Molly, who,
+having satisfied herself that her husband was quite uninjured and had
+never once been in danger of his life, had come towards him, full of
+solicitude for his shoulder.
+
+"Oh, my dear Jack! Miles tells me you have hurt your poor shoulder
+again! And pray what has been done for it? I dare swear not one of you
+great men had the wit to summon a doctor, as indeed you should have,
+for--"
+
+"Whist now, asthore!" adjured her husband. "'Tis but a clean scratch
+after all. Take him into the house and give him something to drink! I'll
+swear 'tis what he needs most!"
+
+Molly pouted, laughed and complied.
+
+Over the ale Jack related the whole escapade up to the moment when he
+had parted from Diana at Littledean. Then O'Hara took up the tale with a
+delightful chuckle.
+
+"Sure, Molly, ye never saw anything to equal poor old Beauleigh when his
+daughter had told him Jack's name! Faith, he didn't know what to do at
+all, he was so excited! And Miss Betty I thought would have the vapours
+from the way she flew from Di to Jack and back again, in such a state of
+mind as ye can't imagine!"
+
+Molly, who had listened with round eyes, drew a deep ecstatic breath.
+Then she bounced up, clapping her hands, and proclaimed that she was
+right after all!
+
+"What will ye be meaning, alanna?" inquired O'Hara.
+
+"Pray, sir, did I not say _over_ and _over_ again that if I could only
+induce Jack to stay with us everything would come right? Now, Miles, you
+know I did!"
+
+"I remember ye said something like it once," admitted her spouse.
+
+"Once, indeed! I was always sure of it. And I did coax you to stay, did
+I not, Jack?" she appealed.
+
+"You did," he agreed. "You assured me that if I was churlish enough to
+leave, Miles would slowly sicken and pine away!"
+
+She ignored her husband's ribald appreciation of this.
+
+"Then you see that 'tis all owing to me that--" She broke off to shake
+O'Hara, and the meeting ended in riotous hilarity.
+
+When he went to change his clothes, Carstares found Jim already in his
+room awaiting him. He hailed him gaily, and sat down before his
+dressing-table.
+
+"I require a very festive costume to-night, Jim. Rose velvet and cream
+brocade, I think."
+
+"Very good, your lordship," was the prim reply.
+
+Jack slewed round.
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"I understand your lordship is an Earl," said poor Jim.
+
+"Now who was the tactless idiot who told you that? I had intended to
+break the news myself. I suppose now, you know my--story?"
+
+"Yes, si--my lord. I--I suppose ye won't be requiring my services any
+longer?"
+
+"In heaven's name, why not? Do you wish to leave me?"
+
+"Wish to--! No, sir--my lord--I--I thought ye'd maybe want a smarter
+valet--and--not me."
+
+My lord turned back to the mirror and withdrew the pin from his cravat.
+
+"Don't be a fool."
+
+This cryptic remark seemed greatly to reassure Jim.
+
+"Ye mean it, sir?"
+
+"Of course I do. I should be lost without you after all this time. Marry
+that nice girl at Fittering, and she shall maid my lady. For I'm to be
+married as soon as may be!"
+
+"Ay, s--my lord! I'm sure I'm very glad, s--your lordship. Rose, sir?
+With the silver lacing?"
+
+"I think so, Jim. And a cream--very pale cream waistcoat, broidered in
+with rose. There is one, I know."
+
+"Yes, sir--your lordship."
+
+My lord eyed him despondently.
+
+"Er--Jim!"
+
+"Yes--your lordship?"
+
+"I'm sorry, but I cannot endure it."
+
+"I beg pardon, my lord?"
+
+"I can't have you call me 'your lordship,' after every second word--I
+really cannot."
+
+"Why, sir--may I still call you 'sir'?"
+
+"I would much rather you did."
+
+"Ay, sir--thank you...."
+
+In the middle of tying the bow to his master's wig Jim paused, and in
+the mirror Jack saw his face fall.
+
+"What's amiss now? And what have you done with my patches?"
+
+"In that little box, sir--yes--that one. I was just thinking--here's the
+haresfoot, sir--that I shall never be able to see ye hold up a coach
+now!"
+
+My lord, striving to affix the patch in just the right spot at the
+corner of his mouth, tried to control his features, failed, and went off
+into a peal of laughter that reached O'Hara in the room across the
+landing, and caused him to grin delightedly. He had not heard that laugh
+for many a long day.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE
+
+
+His Grace of Andover sat at the window of his lodgings at Venice,
+looking down at a letter in his hand. The writing was his sister's.
+After a moment he drew a deep breath and broke the seal, spreading the
+sheets out upon the broad sill.
+
+"My very dear Tracy,
+
+"So you have gone again with no Farewell to yr. poor Sister, sir! I am
+indeed very offended, but I understand yr. Reason. As soon as I sett
+mine eyes on Diana I knew the Truth and recognised yr. dark Beauty. I am
+monstrous grieved for you, dear. I quite love her myself, altho' she is
+very tiresomely lovely, but perhaps as she is dark and I am fair, we
+shall not clash.
+
+"The Home-coming was prodigious exciting. Andrew was present, Dicky, of
+course, and me. Mrs. Fanshawe, too, was there, for she knew Jack Abroad,
+and a monstrous queer Old Man, who was vastly fidgetty and overcome to
+see Jack. Then Sir Miles and his wife came, who I thought quite
+agreeable nice People, and Diana's Father and Aunt, rather Bourgeois,
+but, on the whole, presentable.
+
+"Everyone knows the Truth now, but most People have been prodigious kind
+and I scarce notice a difference in our Reception. Dearest Dicky is
+gayer than he was wont to be and more darling, and I almost enjoy being
+a Social Outcast.
+
+"When Diana is properly gowned, as should suit her position (but I
+grieve to say that she prefers to dress plainly), she will make a
+prodigious Elegantt Countess. I have promised to connduct her to my own
+Mantua Maker, which is very sacrificing, as I am sure You will agree. I
+know London will go Crazy about her, and, indeed, those who have
+allready seen her, which is Avon and Falmouth, are positively Foolish. I
+make no doubtt 'twill be very mortifying, but I suppose it must be
+borne.
+
+"She and Jack are prodigious happy together; it is most Unfashionable,
+but so am I happy with Dick, so there are a Pair of us, and we had best
+_sett_ Fashion.
+
+"Pray, return soon, my dear Tracy, you cannot conceive how I miss you. I
+was surprised you went away with Mr. Fortescue, I had no Notion you were
+so friendly.
+
+"With dearest Love,
+
+"Yr. Sister
+
+"LAVINIA.
+
+"P.S.--'Twill interest you to hear that Miss Gunning is to marry
+Coventry. 'Tis all over Town this last Week."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Slowly his Grace put the sheets together and handed them to Fortescue,
+who had just come into the room.
+
+"These, from my sister, may possibly interest you, Frank."
+
+Fortescue read the letter through, and at the end folded it and handed
+it back in silence. Tracy laid it down on the table at his elbow.
+
+"I began--wrongly," he said.
+
+"Yes," assented his friend. "She was not--that kind of girl."
+
+"But having begun wrongly--I could not undo the wrong."
+
+"So you made it worse," said Fortescue gently.
+
+"I would have married her in all honour--"
+
+"In your own arrogant fashion, Tracy."
+
+"As you say--in my own arrogant fashion, Frank. If I could go back a
+year--but where's the use? I am not whining. Presently I shall return
+to England and make my bow to--the Countess of Wyncham. Possibly, I
+shall not feel one jealous qualm. One never knows. At all events--I'll
+make that bow."
+
+"You will?" Frank looked sharply down at him. "Nothing more, Tracy! You
+do not purpose--"
+
+"Nothing more. You see, Frank--I love her."
+
+"I crave your pardon. Yes--she would not take you, but she has, I think,
+made you. As I once told you, when love came you would count yourself as
+nought, and her happiness as everything."
+
+For a moment his Grace was silent, and then back came the old smile,
+still cynical, yet with less of the sneer in it.
+
+"How very pleasant it must be, Frank, to have one's prophecies so
+happily verified!" he purred. "Allow me to felicitate you!"
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Black Moth
+       A Romance of the XVIIIth Century
+
+Author: Georgette Heyer
+
+Release Date: January 29, 2012 [EBook #38703]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK MOTH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Clare Graham & Laura McDonald
+(http://www.girlebooks.com), Marc D'Hooghe
+(http://www.freeliterature.org)
+
+
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+
+
+</pre>
+
+<h1>THE BLACK MOTH</h1>
+
+<h4>A ROMANCE OF THE XVIII CENTURY</h4>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>GEORGETTE HEYER</h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 95%;" />
+
+<p><a href="#Contents">Contents</a></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="PROLOGUE" id="PROLOGUE"></a>PROLOGUE</h3>
+
+
+<p>Clad in his customary black and silver, with raven hair unpowdered and
+elaborately dressed, diamonds on his fingers and in his cravat, Hugh
+Tracy Clare Belmanoir, Duke of Andover, sat at the escritoire in the
+library of his town house, writing.</p>
+
+<p>He wore no rouge on his face, the almost unnatural pallor of which
+seemed designedly enhanced by a patch set beneath his right eye. Brows
+and lashes were black, the former slanting slightly up at the corners,
+but his narrow, heavy-lidded eyes were green and strangely piercing. The
+thin lips curled a little, sneering, as one dead-white hand travelled to
+and fro across the paper.</p>
+
+<p>... but it seems that the Fair Lady has a Brother, who, finding Me
+Enamoured, threw down the Gauntlet. I soundly whipt the presumptuous
+Child, and so the Affair ends. Now, as you, My dear Frank, also took
+some Interest in the Lady, I write for the Express Purpose of informing
+You that at my Hands she has received no Hurt, nor is not like to. This
+I in part tell You that You shall not imagine Yr self in Honor bound
+again to call Me out, which Purpose, an I mistake not, I yesterday read
+in Yr Eyes. I should be Exceeding loth to meet You in a Second Time,
+when I should consider it my Duty to teach You an even severer Lesson
+than Before. This I am not Wishful of doing for the Liking I bear You.</p>
+
+<p>"So in all Friendship believe me, Frank,</p>
+
+<p>"Your most Obedient, Humble</p>
+
+<p>"DEVIL."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover paused, pen held in mid-air. A mocking smile dawned
+in his eyes, and he wrote again.</p>
+
+<p>"In the event of any Desire on Yr Part to hazard Yr Luck with my late
+Paramour, Permit Me to warn You 'gainst the Bantam Brother, who is in
+Very Truth a Fire-Eater, and would wish to make of You, as of Me, one
+Mouthfull. I shall hope to see You at the Queensberry Rout on Thursday,
+when You may Once More strive to direct mine Erring Footsteps on to the
+Thorny Path of Virtue."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace read the postscript through with another satisfied, sardonic
+smile. Then he folded the letter, and affixing a wafer, peremptorily
+struck the hand-bell at his side.</p>
+
+<p>And the Honourable Frank Fortescue, reading the postscript half-an-hour
+later, smiled too, but differently. Also he sighed and put the letter
+into the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"And so ends another <i>affaire</i>. ... I wonder if you'll go insolently to
+the very end?" he said softly, watching the paper shrivel and flare up.
+"I would to God you might fall honestly in love&mdash;and that the lady might
+save you from yourself&mdash;my poor Devil!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+<h3>AT THE CHEQUERS INN, FALLOWFIELD</h3>
+
+
+<p>Chadber was the name of the host, florid of countenance, portly of
+person, and of manner pompous and urbane. Solely within the walls of the
+Chequers lay his world, that inn having been acquired by his
+great-grandfather as far back as the year 1667, when the jovial Stuart
+King sat on the English throne, and the Hanoverian Electors were not yet
+dreamed of.</p>
+
+<p>A Tory was Mr. Chadber to the backbone. None so bitter 'gainst the
+little German as he, and surely none had looked forward more eagerly to
+the advent of the gallant Charles Edward. If he confined his patriotism
+to drinking success to Prince Charlie's campaign, who shall blame him?
+And if, when sundry Whig gentlemen halted at the Chequers on their way
+to the coast, and, calling for a bottle of Rhenish, bade him toss down a
+glass himself with a health to his Majesty, again who shall blame Mr.
+Chadber for obeying? What was a health one way or another when you had
+rendered active service to two of his Stuart Highness's adherents?</p>
+
+<p>It was Mr. Chadber's boast, uttered only to his admiring Tory
+neighbours, that he had, at the risk of his own life, given shelter to
+two fugitives of the disastrous 'Forty-five, who had come so far out of
+their way as quiet Fallowfield. That no one had set eyes on either of
+the men was no reason for doubting an honest landlord's word. But no one
+would have thought of doubting any statement that Mr. Chadber might
+make. Mine host of the Chequers was a great personage in the town, being
+able both to read and to write, and having once, when young, travelled
+as far north as London town, staying there for ten days and setting
+eyes on no less a person than the great Duke of Marlborough himself when
+that gentleman was riding along the Strand on his way to St. James's.</p>
+
+<p>Also, it was a not-to-be-ignored fact that Mr. Chadber's home-brewed ale
+was far superior to that sold by the landlord of the rival inn at the
+other end of the village.</p>
+
+<p>Altogether he was a most important character, and no one was more aware
+of his importance than his worthy self.</p>
+
+<p>To "gentlemen born," whom, he protested, he could distinguish at a
+glance, he was almost obsequiously polite, but on clerks and underlings,
+and men who bore no signs of affluence about their persons, he wasted
+none of his deference.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was that, when a little green-clad lawyer alighted one day from
+the mail coach and entered the coffee-room at the Chequers, he was
+received with pomposity and scarce-veiled condescension.</p>
+
+<p>He was nervous, it seemed, and more than a little worried. He offended
+Mr. Chadber at the outset, when he insinuated that he was come to meet a
+gentleman who might perhaps be rather shabbily clothed, rather short of
+purse, and even of rather unsavoury repute. Very severely did Mr.
+Chadber give him to understand that guests of that description were
+entirely unknown at the Chequers.</p>
+
+<p>There was an air of mystery about the lawyer, and it appeared almost as
+though he were striving to probe mine host. Mr. Chadber bridled, a
+little, and became aloof and haughty.</p>
+
+<p>When the lawyer dared openly to ask if he had had any dealings with
+highwaymen of late, he was properly and thoroughly affronted.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer became suddenly more at ease. He eyed Mr. Chadber
+speculatively, holding a pinch of snuff to one thin nostril.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you have staying here a certain&mdash;ah&mdash;Sir&mdash;Anthony&mdash;Ferndale?"
+he hazarded.</p>
+
+<p>The gentle air of injury fell from Mr. Chadber. Certainly he had, and
+come only yesterday a-purpose to meet his solicitor.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"I am he. Be so good as to apprise Sir Anthony of my arrival."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chadber bowed exceeding low, and implored the lawyer not to remain
+in the draughty coffee-room. Sir Anthony would never forgive him an he
+allowed his solicitor to await him there. Would he not come to Sir
+Anthony's private parlour?</p>
+
+<p>The very faintest of smiles creased the lawyer's thin face as he walked
+along the passage in Mr. Chadber's wake.</p>
+
+<p>He was ushered into a low-ceilinged, pleasant chamber looking out on to
+the quiet street, and left alone what time Mr. Chadber went in search of
+Sir Anthony.</p>
+
+<p>The room was panelled and ceilinged in oak, with blue curtains to the
+windows and blue cushions on the high-backed settle by the fire. A table
+stood in the centre of the floor, with a white table-cloth thereon and
+places laid for two. Another smaller table stood by the fireplace,
+together with a chair and a stool.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer took silent stock of his surroundings, and reflected grimly
+on the landlord's sudden change of front. It would appear that Sir
+Anthony was a gentleman of some standing at the Chequers.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the little man was plainly unhappy, and fell to pacing to and fro,
+his chin sunk low on his breast, and his hands clasped behind his back.
+He was come to seek the disgraced son of an Earl, and he was afraid of
+what he might find.</p>
+
+<p>Six years ago Lord John Carstares, eldest son of the Earl of Wyncham,
+had gone with his brother, the Hon. Richard, to a card party, and had
+returned a dishonoured man.</p>
+
+<p>That Jack Carstares should cheat was incredible, ridiculous, and at
+first no one had believed the tale that so quickly spread. But he had
+confirmed that tale himself, defiantly and without shame, before riding
+off, bound, men said, for France and the foreign parts. Brother Richard
+was left, so said the countryside, to marry the lady they were both in
+love with. Nothing further had been heard of Lord John, and the outraged
+Earl forbade his name to be mentioned at Wyncham, swearing to disinherit
+the prodigal. Richard espoused the fair Lady Lavinia and brought her to
+live at the great house, strangely forlorn now without Lord John's
+magnetic presence; but, far from being an elated bridegroom, he seemed
+to have brought gloom with him from the honeymoon, so silent and so
+unhappy was he.</p>
+
+<p>Six years drifted slowly by without bringing any news of Lord John, and
+then, two months ago, journeying from London to Wyncham, Richard's coach
+had been waylaid, and by a highwayman who proved to be none other than
+the scapegrace peer.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's feelings may be imagined. Lord John had been singularly
+unimpressed by anything beyond the humour of the situation. That,
+however, had struck him most forcibly, and he had burst out into a fit
+of laughter that had brought a lump into Richard's throat, and a fresh
+ache into his heart.</p>
+
+<p>Upon pressure John had given his brother the address of the inn, "in
+case of accidents," and told him to ask for "Sir Anthony Ferndale" if
+ever he should need him. Then with one hearty handshake, he had galloped
+off into the darkness....</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer stopped his restless pacing to listen. Down the passage was
+coming the tap-tap of high heels on the wooden floor, accompanied by a
+slight rustle as of stiff silks.</p>
+
+<p>The little man tugged suddenly at his cravat. Supposing&mdash;supposing
+debonair Lord John was no longer debonair? Supposing&mdash;he dared not
+suppose anything. Nervously he drew a roll of parchment from his pocket
+and stood fingering it.</p>
+
+<p>A firm hand was laid on the door-handle, turning it cleanly round. The
+door opened to admit a veritable apparition, and was closed again with a
+snap.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer found himself gazing at a slight, rather tall gentleman who
+swept him a profound bow, gracefully flourishing his smart
+three-cornered hat with one hand and delicately clasping cane and
+perfumed handkerchief with the other. He was dressed in the height of
+the Versailles fashion, with full-skirted coat of palest lilac laced
+with silver, small-clothes and stockings of white, and waistcoat of
+flowered satin. On his feet he wore shoes with high red heels and silver
+buckles, while a wig of the latest mode, marvellously powdered and
+curled and smacking greatly of Paris, adorned his shapely head. In the
+foaming lace of his cravat reposed a diamond pin, and on the slim hand,
+half covered by drooping laces, glowed and flashed a huge emerald.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer stared and stared again, and it was not until a pair of deep
+blue, rather wistful eyes met his in a quizzical glance, that he found
+his tongue. Then a look of astonishment came into his face, and he took
+a half step forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Jack!" he gasped. "Master&mdash;<i>Jack</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>The elegant gentleman came forward and held up a reproving hand. The
+patch at the corner of his mouth quivered, and the blue eyes danced.</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive that you are not acquainted with me, Mr. Warburton," he
+said, amusement in his pleasant, slightly drawling voice. "Allow me to
+present myself: Sir Anthony Ferndale, <i>a vous servir</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>A gleam of humour appeared in the lawyer's own eyes as he clasped the
+outstretched hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you are perhaps not acquainted with yourself, my lord," he
+remarked drily.</p>
+
+<p>Lord John laid his hat and cane on the small table, and looked faintly
+intrigued.</p>
+
+<p>"What's your meaning, Mr. Warburton?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am come, my lord, to inform you that the Earl, your father, died a
+month since."</p>
+
+<p>The blue eyes widened, grew of a sudden hard, and narrowed again.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that really so? Well, well! Apoplexy, I make no doubt?"</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer's lips twitched uncontrollably.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Master Jack; my lord died of heart failure."</p>
+
+<p>"Say you so? Dear me! But will you not be seated, sir? In a moment my
+servant will have induced the <i>chef</i> to serve dinner. You will honour
+me, I trust?"</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer murmured his thanks and sat down on the settle, watching the
+other with puzzled eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl drew up a chair for himself and stretched his foot to the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Six years, eh? I protest 'tis prodigious good to see your face again,
+Mr. Warburton.... And I'm the Earl? Earl and High Toby, by Gad!" He
+laughed softly.</p>
+
+<p>"I have here the documents, my lord...."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares eyed the roll through his quizzing glass.</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive them. Pray return them to your pocket, Mr. Warburton."</p>
+
+<p>"But there are certain legal formalities, my lord&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. Pray do not let us mention them!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the Earl smiled, and his smile was singularly sweet and winning.</p>
+
+<p>"At least, not until after dinner, Warburton! Instead, you shall tell me
+how you found me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Richard directed me where to come, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, of course! I had forgot that I told him my&mdash;<i>pied-à-terre</i> when I
+waylaid him."</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer nearly shuddered at this cheerful, barefaced mention of his
+lordship's disreputable profession.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;indeed, sir. Mr. Richard is eager for you to return."</p>
+
+<p>The handsome young face clouded over. My lord shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible, my dear Warburton. I am convinced Dick never voiced so
+foolish a suggestion. Come now, confess! 'tis your own fabrication?"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton ignored the bantering tone and spoke very deliberately.</p>
+
+<p>"At all events, my lord, I believe him anxious to make&mdash;amends."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares shot an alert, suspicious glance at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. Amends."</p>
+
+<p>My lord studied his emerald with half-closed eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>"But why&mdash;amends, Warburton?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Is not that the word, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I confess it strikes me as inapt. Doubtless I am dull of
+comprehension."</p>
+
+<p>"You were not wont to be, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"No? But six years changes a man, Warburton. Pray, is Mr. Carstares
+well?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe so, sir," replied the lawyer, frowning at the deft change of
+subject.</p>
+
+<p>"And Lady Lavinia?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay." Mr. Warburton looked searchingly across at him, seeing which, my
+lord's eyes danced afresh, brim full with mischief.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to hear it. Pray present my compliments to Mr. Carstares
+and beg him to use Wyncham as he wills."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir! Master Jack! I implore you!" burst from the lawyer, and he sprang
+up, moving excitedly away, his hands twitching, his face haggard.</p>
+
+<p>My lord stiffened in his chair. He watched the other's jerky movements
+anxiously, but his voice when he spoke was even and cold.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton wheeled and came back to the fireplace, looking hungrily
+down at my lord's impassive countenance. With an effort he seemed to
+control himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Jack, I had better tell you what you have already guessed. I
+know."</p>
+
+<p>Up went one haughty eyebrow.</p>
+
+<p>"You know what, Mr. Warburton?"</p>
+
+<p>"That you are innocent!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of what, Mr. Warburton?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of cheating at cards, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord relaxed, and flicked a speck of dust from his great cuff.</p>
+
+<p>"I regret the necessity of having to disillusion you, Mr. Warburton."</p>
+
+<p>"My lord, do not fence with me, I beg! You can trust me, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Then do not keep up this pretence with me; no, nor look so hard
+neither! I've watched you grow up right from the cradle, and Master Dick
+too, and I know you both through and through. I <i>know</i> you never cheated
+at Colonel Dare's nor anywhere else! I could have sworn it at the
+time&mdash;ay, when I saw Master Dick's face, I knew at once that he it was
+who had played foul, and you had but taken the blame!"</p>
+
+<p>"No!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know better! Can you, Master Jack, look me in the face and truthfully
+deny what I have said? Can you? Can you?" My lord sat silent.</p>
+
+<p>With a sigh, Warburton sank on to the settle once more. He was flushed,
+and his eyes shone, but he spoke calmly again.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you cannot. I have never known you lie. You need not fear I
+shall betray you. I kept silence all these years for my lord's sake, and
+I will not speak now until you give me leave."</p>
+
+<p>"Which I never shall."</p>
+
+<p>"Master Jack, think better of it, I beg of you! Now that my lord is
+dead&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"It makes no difference."</p>
+
+<p>"No difference? 'Twas not for his sake? 'Twas not because you knew how
+he loved Master Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then 'tis Lady Lavinia&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>My lord smiled sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Warburton! And you averred you knew us through and through! For
+whose sake should it be but his own?"</p>
+
+<p>"I feared it!" The lawyer made a hopeless gesture with his hands. "You
+will not come back?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Warburton, I will not; Dick may manage my estates. I remain on the
+road."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton made one last effort.</p>
+
+<p>"My lord!" he cried despairingly, "Will you not at least think of the
+disgrace to the name an you be caught?"</p>
+
+<p>The shadows vanished from my lord's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Warburton, I protest you are of a morbid turn of mind! Do you know,
+I had not thought of so unpleasant a contingency? I swear I was not born
+to be hanged!"</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer would have said more, had not the entrance of a servant,
+carrying a loaded tray, put an end to all private conversation. The man
+placed dishes upon the table, lighted candles, and arranged two chairs.</p>
+
+<p>"Dinner is served, sir," he said.</p>
+
+<p>My lord nodded, and made a slight gesture toward the windows. Instantly
+the man went over to them and drew the heavy curtains across.</p>
+
+<p>My lord turned to Mr. Warburton.</p>
+
+<p>"What say you, sir? Shall it be burgundy or claret, or do you prefer
+sack?"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton decided in favour of claret.</p>
+
+<p>"Claret, Jim," ordered Carstares, and rose to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"I trust the drive has whetted your appetite, Warburton, for honest
+Chadber will be monstrous hurt an you do not justice to his capons."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall endeavour to spare his feelings," replied the lawyer with a
+twinkle, and seated himself at the table.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever might be Mr. Chadber's failings, he possessed an excellent
+cook. Mr. Warburton dined very well, beginning on a fat duck, and
+continuing through the many courses that constituted the meal.</p>
+
+<p>When the table was cleared, the servant gone, and the port before them,
+he endeavoured to guide the conversation back into the previous
+channels. But he reckoned without my lord, and presently found himself
+discussing the Pretender's late rebellion. He sat up suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"There were rumours that you were with the Prince, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares set down his glass in genuine amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, yes. I do not know whence the rumour came, but it reached
+Wyncham. My lord said nought, but I think Mr. Richard hardly credited
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"I should hope not! Why should they think me turned rebel, pray?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton frowned.</p>
+
+<p>"Rebel, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rebel, Mr. Warburton. I have served under his Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>"The Carstares were ever Tories, Master Jack, true to their rightful
+king."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Warburton, I owe nought to the Stuart princes. I was born in
+King George the First's reign, and I protest I am a good Whig."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton shook his head disapprovingly.</p>
+
+<p>"There has never been a Whig in the Wyncham family, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And you hope there never will be again, eh? What of Dick? Is he
+faithful to the Pretender?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think Mr. Richard does not interest himself in politics, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares raised his eyebrows, and there fell a silence.</p>
+
+<p>After a minute or two Mr. Warburton cleared his throat.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I suppose, sir&mdash;you have no idea of&mdash;er&mdash;discontinuing
+your&mdash;er&mdash;profession?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord gave an irrepressible little laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, Mr. Warburton, I've only just begun!"</p>
+
+<p>"Only&mdash;But a year ago, Mr. Richard&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I held him up? Ay, but to tell the truth, sir, I've not done much since
+then!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then, sir, you are not&mdash;er&mdash;notorious?"</p>
+
+<p>"Good gad, no! Notorious, forsooth! Confess, Warburton, you thought me
+some heroic figure? 'Gentleman Harry', perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton blushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir&mdash;I&mdash;er&mdash;wondered."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall have to disappoint you, I perceive. I doubt Bow Street has
+never heard of me&mdash;and&mdash;to tell the truth&mdash;'tis not an occupation which
+appeals vastly to my senses."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why, my lord, do you continue?"</p>
+
+<p>"I must have some excuse for roaming the country," pleaded Jack. "I
+could not be idle."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not&mdash;compelled to&mdash;er&mdash;rob, my lord?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares wrinkled his brow inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Compelled? Ah&mdash;I take your meaning. No, Warburton, I have enough for my
+wants&mdash;now; time was&mdash;but that is past. I rob for amusement's sake."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton looked steadily across at him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am surprised, my lord, that you, a Carstares, should find
+it&mdash;amusing."</p>
+
+<p>John was silent for a moment, and when he at length spoke it was
+defiantly and with a bitterness most unusual in him.</p>
+
+<p>"The world, Mr. Warburton, has not treated me so kindly that I should
+feel any qualms of conscience. But, an it gives you any satisfaction to
+know it, I will tell you that my robberies are few and far between. You
+spoke a little while ago of my probable&mdash;ah&mdash;fate&mdash;on Tyburn Tree. I
+think you need not fear to hear of that."</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;It gives me great satisfaction, my lord, I confess," stammered the
+lawyer, and found nothing more to say. After a long pause he again
+produced the bulky roll of parchment and laid it down before the Earl
+with the apologetic murmur of:</p>
+
+<p>"Business, my lord!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares descended from the clouds and eyed the packet with evident
+distaste. He proceeded to fill his and his companion's glass very
+leisurely. That done, he heaved a lugubrious sigh, caught Mr.
+Warburton's eye, laughed in answer to its quizzical gleam, and broke the
+seal.</p>
+
+<p>"Since you <i>will</i> have it, sir&mdash;business!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton stayed the night at the Chequers and travelled back to
+Wyncham next day by the two o'clock coach. He played piquet and ecarte
+with my lord all the evening, and then retired to bed, not having found
+an opportunity to argue his mission as he had hoped to do. Whenever he
+had tried to turn the conversation that way he had been gently but
+firmly led into safer channels, and somehow had found it impossible to
+get back. My lord was the gayest and most charming of companions, but
+talk "business" he would not. He regaled the lawyer with spicy anecdotes
+and tales of abroad, but never once allowed Mr. Warburton to speak of
+his home or of his brother.</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer retired to rest in a measure reassured by the other's good
+spirits, but at the same time dispirited by his failure to induce
+Carstares to return to Wyncham.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, although he was not up until twelve, he was before my
+lord, who only appeared in time for lunch, which was served as before in
+the oak parlour.</p>
+
+<p>He entered the room in his usual leisurely yet decided fashion and made
+Mr. Warburton a marvellous leg. Then he bore him off to inspect his
+mare, Jenny, of whom he was inordinately proud. By the time they
+returned to the parlour luncheon was served, and Mr. Warburton realised
+that he had scarcely any time left in which to plead his cause.</p>
+
+<p>My lord's servant hovered continually about the room, waiting on them,
+until his master bade him go to attend to the lawyer's valise. When the
+door had closed on his retreating form, Carstares leaned back in his
+chair, and, with a rather dreary little smile, turned to his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"You want to reason with me, I know, Mr. Warburton, and, indeed, I will
+listen an I must. But I would so much rather that you left the subject
+alone, believe me."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton sensed the finality in his voice, and wisely threw away his
+last chance.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand 'tis painful, my lord, and I will say no more. Only
+remember&mdash;and think on it, I beg!"</p>
+
+<p>The concern in his face touched my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"You are too good to me, Mr. Warburton, I vow. I can only say that I
+appreciate your kindness&mdash;and your forbearance. And I trust that you
+will forgive my seeming churlishness and believe that I am indeed
+grateful to you."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I might do more for you, Master Jack!" stammered Warburton, made
+miserable by the wistful note in his favourite's voice. There was no
+time for more; the coach already awaited him, and his valise had been
+hoisted up. As they stood together in the porch, he could only grip my
+lord's hand tightly and say good-bye. Then he got hurriedly into the
+coach, and the door was slammed behind him.</p>
+
+<p>My lord made his leg, and watched the heavy vehicle move forward and
+roll away down the street. Then with a stifled sigh he turned and walked
+towards the stables. His servant saw him coming and went at once to meet
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"The mare, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"As you say, Jim&mdash;the mare. In an hour."</p>
+
+<p>He turned and would have strolled back.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;your honour!"</p>
+
+<p>He paused, looking over his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"They're on the look-out, sir. Best be careful."</p>
+
+<p>"They always are, Jim. But thanks."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye&mdash;ye wouldn't take me with ye, sir?" pleadingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Take you? Faith, no! I've no mind to lead you into danger. And you
+serve me best by remaining to carry out my orders."</p>
+
+<p>The man fell back.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir; but&mdash;but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There are none, Jim."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir&mdash;but ye <i>will</i> have a care?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will be the most cautious of men." He walked away on the word, and
+passed into the house.</p>
+
+<p>In an hour he was a very different being. Gone was the emerald ring, the
+foppish cane; the languid air, too, had disappeared, leaving him brisk
+and businesslike. He was dressed for riding, with buff coat and buckskin
+breeches, and shining top boots. A sober brown wig replaced the powdered
+creation, and a black tricorne was set rakishly atop.</p>
+
+<p>He stood in the deserted porch, watching Jim strap his baggage to the
+saddle, occasionally giving a curt direction. Presently Mr. Chadber
+appeared with the stirrup-cup, which he drained and handed back with a
+word of thanks and a guinea at the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>Someone called lustily from within, and the landlord, bowing very low,
+murmured apologies and vanished.</p>
+
+<p>Jim cast a last glance at the saddle-girths, and, leaving the mare
+quietly standing in the road, came up to his master with gloves and
+whip.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares took them silently and fell to tapping his boot, his eyes
+thoughtfully on the man's face.</p>
+
+<p>"You will hire a coach, as usual," he said at length, "and take my
+baggage to&mdash;" (He paused, frowning)&mdash;"Lewes. You will engage a room at
+the White Hart and order dinner. I shall wear&mdash;apricot and&mdash;h'm!"</p>
+
+<p>"Blue, sir?" ventured Jim, with an idea of being helpful.</p>
+
+<p>His master's eyes crinkled at the corners.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a humorist, Salter. Apricot and cream. Cream? Yes, 'tis a
+pleasing thought&mdash;cream. That is all&mdash;Jenny!"</p>
+
+<p>The mare turned her head, whinnying as he came towards her.</p>
+
+<p>"Good lass!" He mounted lightly and patted her glossy neck. Then he
+leaned sideways in the saddle to speak again to Salter, who stood beside
+him, one hand on the bridle.</p>
+
+<p>"The cloak?"</p>
+
+<p>"Behind you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"My wig?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Pistols?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ready primed, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. I shall be in Lewes in time for dinner&mdash;with luck."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. Ye&mdash;ye will have a care?" anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Have I not told you?" He straightened in the saddle, touched the mare
+with his heel, and bestowing a quick smile and a nod on his man, trotted
+easily away.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD AT THE WHITE HART</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Sir Anthony Ferndale" sat before the dressing-table in his room at the
+White Hart, idly polishing his nails. A gorgeous silk dressing gown lay
+over the back of his chair, and, behind him, Jim was attending to his
+wig, at the same time hovering anxiously over the coat and waistcoat
+that were waiting to be donned.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares left off polishing his nails, yawned, and leaned back in his
+chair, a slim, graceful figure in cambric shirt and apricot satin
+breeches. He studied his cravat for some moments in the mirror, and
+lifted a hand to it. Salter held his breath. With extreme deliberation
+the hand moved a diamond and emerald pin the fraction of an inch to one
+side, and fell to his side again. Salter drew a relieved breath, which
+brought his master's eyes round to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"No trouble, Jim?"</p>
+
+<p>"None at all, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither had I. 'Twas most surprisingly easy. The birds had no more
+fight in them than sparrows. Two men in a coach&mdash;one a bullying rascal
+of a merchant, the other his clerk. Gad! but I was sorry for that little
+man!" He paused, his hand on the rouge pot.</p>
+
+<p>Salter looked an inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," nodded Carstares. "Very sorry. The fat man would appear to bully
+and browbeat him after the manner of his kind; he even blamed him for my
+advent, the greasy coward! Yes, Jim, you are right&mdash;he did not appeal to
+me, <i>ce M. Fudby</i>. So&mdash;" ingenuously, "I relieved him of his cash-box
+and two hundred guineas. A present for the poor of Lewes."</p>
+
+<p>Jim jerked his shoulder, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>"If ye give away all ye get, sir, why do ye rob at all?" he asked
+bluntly.</p>
+
+<p>His whimsical little smile played about my lord's mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis an object for my life, Jim: a noble object. And I believe it
+amuses me to play Robin Hood&mdash;take from the rich to give to the poor,"
+he added, for Salter's benefit. "But to return to my victims&mdash;you would
+have laughed had you but seen my little man come tumbling out of the
+coach when I opened the door!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tumble, sir? Why should he do that?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was at pains to explain the reason. It seems he had been commanded
+to hold the door to prevent my entering&mdash;so when I jerked it open,
+sooner than loose his hold, he fell out on to the road. Of course, I
+apologised most abjectly&mdash;and we had some conversation. Quite a nice
+little man.... It made me laugh to see him sprawling on the road,
+though!"</p>
+
+<p>"Wish I could have seen it, your honour. I would ha' liked fine to ha'
+been beside ye." He looked down at the lithe form with some pride. "I'd
+give something to see ye hold up a coach, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>Haresfoot in hand, Jack met his admiring eyes in the glass, and laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"I make no doubt you would.... I have cultivated a superb voice, a
+trifle thick and beery, a little loud, perhaps&mdash;ah, something to dream
+of o' nights! I doubt they do, too," he added reflectively, and affixed
+the patch at the corner of his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"So? A little low, you think? But 'twill suffice&mdash;What's toward?"</p>
+
+<p>Down below in the street there was a great stirring and bustling:
+horses' hoofs, shouts from the ostlers, and the sound of wheels on the
+cobble-stones. Jim went to the window and looked down, craning his neck
+to see over the balcony.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a coach arrived, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That much had I gathered," replied my lord, busy with the powder.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. O lord, sir!" He was shaken with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"What now?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the curiousest sight, sir! Two gentlemen, one fat and t'other
+small! One's all shrivelled-looking, like a spider, while t'other&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Resembles a hippopotamus&mdash;particularly in the face?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well yes, sir. He do rather. And he be wearing purple."</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens, yes! Purple, and an orange waistcoat!"</p>
+
+<p>Jim peered afresh.</p>
+
+<p>"So it is, sir! But how did you know?" Even as he put the question,
+understanding flashed into Jim's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think that I have had the honour of meeting these gentlemen,"
+replied my lord placidly. "My buckle, Jim.... Is't a prodigious great
+coach with wheels picked out in yellow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, your honour. The gentlemen seem a bit put out, too."</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite probable. Does the smaller gentleman wear
+somewhat&mdash;ah&mdash;muddied garments?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't see, sir; he stands behind the fat gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Bumble Bee.... Jim!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir!" Jim turned quickly at the sound of the sharp voice.</p>
+
+<p>He found that my lord had risen, and was holding up a waistcoat of
+pea-green pattern on a bilious yellow ground, between a disgusted finger
+and thumb. Before his severe frown Jim dropped his eyes and stood
+looking for all the world like a schoolboy detected in some crime.</p>
+
+<p>"You put this&mdash;this monstrosity&mdash;out for <i>me</i> to wear?" in awful tones.</p>
+
+<p>Jim eyed the waistcoat gloomily and nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Did I not specify cream ground?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. I thought&mdash;I thought that 'twas cream!"</p>
+
+<p>"My good friend, it is&mdash;it is&mdash;I cannot say what it is. And pea-green!"
+he shuddered. "Remove it."</p>
+
+<p>Jim hurried forward and disposed of the offending garment.</p>
+
+<p>"And bring me the broidered satin. Yes, that is it. It is particularly
+pleasing to the eye."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," agreed the abashed Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"You are excused this time," added my lord, with a twinkle in his eye.
+"What are our two friends doing?"</p>
+
+<p>Salter went back to the window</p>
+
+<p>"They've gone into the house, sir. No, here's the spider gentleman! He
+do seem in a hurry, your honour!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" murmured his lordship. "You may assist me into this coat. Thanks."</p>
+
+<p>With no little difficulty, my lord managed to enter into the fine satin
+garment, which, when on, seemed moulded to his back, so excellently did
+it fit. He shook out his ruffles and slipped the emerald ring on to his
+finger with a slight frown.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I shall remain here some few days," he remarked presently.
+"To&mdash;ah&mdash;allay suspicion." He looked across at his man as he spoke,
+through his lashes.</p>
+
+<p>It was not in Jim's nature to inquire into his master's affairs, much
+less to be surprised at anything he might do or say. He was content to
+receive and promptly execute his orders, and to worship Carstares with a
+dog-like devotion, following blindly in his wake, happy as long as he
+might serve him.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares had found him in France, very down upon his luck, having been
+discharged from the service of his late master owing to the penniless
+condition of that gentleman's pocket. He had engaged him as his own
+personal servant, and the man had remained with him ever since, proving
+an invaluable acquisition to my Lord John. Despite a singularly wooden
+countenance, he was by no means a fool, and he had helped Carstares out
+of more than one tight corner during his inglorious and foolhardy career
+as highwayman. He probably understood his somewhat erratic master better
+than anyone else, and he now divined what was in his mind. He returned
+that glance with a significant wink.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas them gentlemen ye held up to-day, sir?" he asked, jerking an
+expressive thumb towards the window.</p>
+
+<p>"M'm. Mr. Bumble Bee and friend. It would almost appear so. I think I do
+not fully appreciate Mr. Bumble Bee. I find his conduct rather tiresome.
+But it is just possible that he thinks the same of me. I will further my
+acquaintance with him."</p>
+
+<p>Jim grunted scornfully, and an inquiring eye was cocked at him.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not admire our friend? Pray, do not judge him by his exterior.
+He may possess a beautiful mind. But I do not think so. N-no, I really
+do not think so." He chuckled a little. "Do you know, Jim, I believe I
+am going to enjoy myself to-night!"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt it, your honour. 'Twere child's play to trick the fat
+gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"Probably. But it is not with the fat gentleman that I shall have to
+deal. 'Tis with all the officials of this charming town, an I mistake
+not. Do I hear the small spider returning?"</p>
+
+<p>Salter stepped back to the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir&mdash;with three others."</p>
+
+<p>"Pre-cisely. Be so good as to hand me my snuff-box. And my cane. Thank
+you. I feel the time has now come for me to put in an appearance. Pray,
+bear in mind that I am new come from France and journey by easy stages
+to London. And cultivate a stupid expression. Yes, that will do
+excellently."</p>
+
+<p>Jim grinned delightedly; he had assumed no expression of stupidity, and
+was consequently much pleased with this pleasantry. He swung open the
+door with an air, and watched "Sir Anthony" mince along the passage to
+the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>In the coffee-room the city merchant, Mr. Fudby by name, was relating
+the story of his wrongs, with many an impressive pause, and much
+emphasis, to the mayor, town-clerk, and beadle of Lewes. All three had
+been fetched by Mr. Chilter, his clerk, in obedience to his orders, for
+the bigger the audience the better pleased was Mr. Fudby. He was now
+enjoying himself quite considerably, despite the loss of his precious
+cash-box.</p>
+
+<p>So was not Mr. Hedges, the mayor. He was a fussy little man who suffered
+from dyspepsia; he was not interested in the affair, and he did not see
+what was to be done for Mr. Fudby. Further, he had been haled from his
+dinner, and he was hungry; and, above all, he found Mr. Fudby very
+unattractive. Still, a highroad robbery was serious matter enough, and
+some course of action must be thought out; so he listened to the story
+with an assumption of interest, looking exceedingly wise, and, at the
+proper moments, uttering sounds betokening concern.</p>
+
+<p>The more he saw and heard of Mr. Fudby, the less he liked him. Neither
+did the town-clerk care for him. There was that about Mr. Fudby that did
+not endear him to his fellow-men, especially when they chanced to be his
+inferiors in the social scale. The beadle did not think much about
+anything. Having decided (and rightly) that the affair had nothing
+whatever to do with him, he leaned back in his chair and stared stolidly
+up at the ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>The tale Mr. Fudby was telling bore surprisingly little resemblance to
+the truth. It was a much embellished version, in which he himself had
+behaved with quite remarkable gallantry. It had been gradually concocted
+during the journey to Lewes.</p>
+
+<p>He was still holding forth when my lord entered the room. Carstares
+raised his glass languidly to survey the assembled company, bowed
+slightly, and walked over to the fire. He seated himself in an armchair
+and took no further notice of anybody.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hedges had recognised at a glance that here was some <i>grand
+seigneur</i> and wished that Mr. Fudby would not speak in so loud a voice.
+But that individual, delighted at having a new auditor, continued his
+tale with much relish and in a still louder tone.</p>
+
+<p>My lord yawned delicately and took a pinch of snuff.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes," fussed Mr. Hedges. "But, short of sending to London for the
+Runners, I do not see what I can do. If I send to London, it must, of
+course, be at your expense, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fudby bristled.</p>
+
+<p>"At <i>my</i> expense, sir? Do ye say at <i>my</i> expense? I am surprised! I
+repeat&mdash;I am surprised!"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir? I can order the town-crier out, describing the horse,
+and&mdash;er&mdash;offering a reward for the capture of any man on such an
+animal. But&mdash;" he shrugged and looked across at the town-clerk&mdash;"I do
+not imagine that 'twould be of much use&mdash;eh, Mr. Brand?"</p>
+
+<p>The clerk pursed his lips and spread out his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear not; I very much fear not. I would advise Mr. Fudby to have a
+proclamation posted up round the country." He sat back with the air of
+one who has contributed his share to the work, and does not intend to
+offer any more help.</p>
+
+<p>"Ho!" growled Mr. Fudby. He blew out his cheeks. "'Twill be a grievous
+expense, though I suppose it must be done, and I cannot but feel that if
+it had not been for your deplorably cowardly conduct, Chilter&mdash;yes,
+cowardly conduct, I say&mdash;I might never have been robbed of my two
+hundred!" He snuffled a little, and eyed the flushed but silent Chilter
+with mingled reproach and scorn. "However, my coachman assures me he
+could swear to the horse again, although he cannot remember much about
+the man himself. Chilter! How did he describe the horse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;er&mdash;chestnut, Mr. Fudby&mdash;chestnut, with a half-moon of white on its
+forehead, and one white foreleg."</p>
+
+<p>Jack perceived that it was time he took a hand in the game. He half
+turned in his chair and levelled his quizzing-glass at Mr. Chilter.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon?" he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fudby's eye brightened. The fine gentleman was roused to an
+expression of interest at last. He launched forth into his story once
+more for my lord's benefit. Carstares eyed him coldly, seeing which, Mr.
+Hedges came hurriedly to the rescue.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes, Mr. Fudby&mdash;quite so! Your pardon, sir, I have not the honour
+of knowing your name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ferndale," supplied Jack, "Sir Anthony Ferndale."</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes&mdash;" Mr. Hedges bowed. "Pray pardon my importuning you with
+our&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," said my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;quite so&mdash;The fact is, these&mdash;er&mdash;gentlemen have had
+the&mdash;er&mdash;misfortune to be waylaid on their journey here."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Anthony's glass was again levelled at the group. His expression
+betokened mild surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>All</i> these gentlemen?" he inquired blandly. "Dear, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no, no, sir! Not all&mdash;Only Mr.&mdash;er&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Fudby," said that worthy, and discovered that Sir Anthony was bowing
+frigidly. At once he rose, and resting his knuckles on the table before
+him, bent his body slowly and painfully. Sir Anthony inclined his head.
+Whereupon, to the delight of all the rest, Mr. Fudby bowed again with
+even greater stateliness than before. Mr. Hedges observed Sir Anthony's
+lips to twitch convulsively. He waited for Mr. Fudby to subside, and
+then continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;Mr. Fudby and Mr.&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My clerk!" snapped Fudby.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Anthony favoured Mr. Chilter with his peculiarly sweet smile, and
+turned again to Mr. Hedges.</p>
+
+<p>"I see. A <i>daylight</i> robbery, you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Broad daylight!" boomed Mr. Fudby.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes, yes," interposed the mayor, fearing a fresh outbreak from that
+quarter. "I wonder if you have seen anything of such an animal as
+Mr.&mdash;er&mdash;Chilter&mdash;described?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a most extraordinary thing," said Carstares slowly, "but I have
+just bought such an one." He glanced round with an inquiring smile and
+one eyebrow lifted.</p>
+
+<p>"Well!" ejaculated Mr. Fudby. "Well!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, sir, what a strange coincidence! May I ask where you bought
+it, and from whom?"</p>
+
+<p>"She has not been in my possession over two hours. I bought her from an
+out-at-elbows ruffian, on my way hither. I thought at one time that
+'twas strange that the man should possess such a mare&mdash;pure bred, I
+vow&mdash;and wondered why he was so eager to be rid of her."</p>
+
+<p>"He was eager because he knew he would be recognised by her," explained
+Mr. Fudby kindly.</p>
+
+<p>"Without doubt. Perhaps you would like to see her? I will send my man&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, no!" cried the mayor. "We would not dream of so inconveniencing
+you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twere a pleasure," bowed Jack, devoutly hoping that Mr. Fudby would
+not require to see Jenny, who, he felt sure, would betray him by her
+very evident affection.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Sir Anthony, 'tis quite unnecessary, I assure you, but I thank
+you for all that. Mr. Fudby, if you would describe the man himself, I
+will see to the proclamation."</p>
+
+<p>"Describe him, Chilter!" ordered Mr. Fudby, who was becoming rather
+grumpy.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chilter smiled suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir!" he said with alacrity. "'Twas a great ruffianly
+fellow, monstrous tall&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How tall?" interrupted the town-clerk. "Six feet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, quite!" lied Mr. Chilter. "And fat."</p>
+
+<p>Jack's shoulders shook.</p>
+
+<p>"Fat, you say?" he asked gently.</p>
+
+<p>"Very fat," affirmed Mr. Chilter. "And prodigious rough, swearing
+dreadfully in his speech."</p>
+
+<p>"You could not see his face, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chilter hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I could see his mouth and chin," he said, "and I remarked a long scar
+running from his under-lip to the&mdash;er&mdash;bottom of his face."</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily Carstares' hand caressed his perfectly smooth chin. Either
+the little clerk was a born romancer, or for some reason or other he did
+not want the highwayman to be taken.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Sir Anthony?" the mayor was saying. "Does that description fit
+your man?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord frowned thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Tall," he said slowly, "and fat&mdash;you said fat, I think, Mr. Chilter?"</p>
+
+<p>Rather anxiously Mr. Chilter reiterated this statement.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! And with a long scar&mdash;yes, that is undoubtedly he. Furthermore," he
+added audaciously, "he has a squint in his left eye. 'Tis a most
+ill-favoured rogue in all."</p>
+
+<p>"It would appear so, Sir Anthony," remarked the mayor drily. He did not
+in the least believe the story of the squint, and imagined that the fine
+court gentleman was amusing himself at their expense. Nevertheless, he
+had no intention of remonstrating; the sooner he could withdraw from
+this very tiresome affair the better. So he gravely took down all the
+absurd particulars, remarked that the man should be easy to find, and
+made ready to depart.</p>
+
+<p>The town-clerk rose, and tapped the beadle on the shoulder, whereupon
+that worthy, with a grunt, abandoned his pose of masterly inactivity and
+followed the mayor out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fudby rose.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt I shall never see my money again," he said pettishly. "If you,
+Chilter had not been so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to offer you some snuff, Mr. Chilter," interposed my lord
+gently, extending his jewelled box. "Doubtless, sir, you would wish to
+see my mare?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know nought of horses," snorted Mr. Fudby. "'Tis my clerk who appears
+to have remarked all the details." He sneered terrifically.</p>
+
+<p>"Then pray, do me the honour of walking as far as the stables, Mr.
+Chilter. 'Twere as well to be certain about the mare. Mr.-ah&mdash;Fudby,
+your servant."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"And now, Mr. Chilter, I have a grudge against you," said Carstares, as
+they walked across the little garden.</p>
+
+<p>"Me, sir? Oh&mdash;er&mdash;have you, Sir Anthony?"</p>
+
+<p>He looked up and perceived that the gentleman was laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Mr. Chilter, a very serious grudge: you have described me as fat!"</p>
+
+<p>Chilter nearly fainted.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You</i>, sir," he gasped, and stared in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Also that I swear dreadfully in my speech, and that I have a scar
+running from my mouth to my chin."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chilter stood stock-still in the middle of the path.</p>
+
+<p>"It was you, sir, all the time? <i>You</i> held us up? Were <i>you</i> the man who
+wrenched open the door?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was that infamous scoundrel. I beg leave once more to apologise for
+my carelessness in opening that same door. Now tell me, why did you
+take such pains to throw dust in their sleepy eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>They resumed their walk slowly. The little clerk flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"I scarce know, sir, save that I&mdash;that I liked you, and&mdash;and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I see. 'Twas prodigious good of you, Mr. Chilter. I wonder if there is
+anything that I can do to show my gratitude?"</p>
+
+<p>Again the clerk flushed and lifted his head proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, sir, but there is nought."</p>
+
+<p>By now they had reached the stable. Carstares opened the door and they
+entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then will you accept this in token of my regard, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Chilter gazed at the emerald ring that glowed and winked at him from
+the palm of my lord's hand. He looked up into the blue eyes and
+stammered a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir&mdash;I&mdash;I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis honestly come by!" pleadingly. "Come, Mr. Chilter, you'll not hurt
+my feelings by refusing? You will keep it in remembrance of a man&mdash;a fat
+man, Mr. Chilter&mdash;who rudely jerked you on to the road?"</p>
+
+<p>The clerk took it with unsteady fingers.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you most&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I beg of you. 'Tis I thank you for aiding me so kindly.... Come
+and see my Jenny! Well, lass?" For the mare at the first sound of his
+voice had turned in her loose-box, and was whinnying and pawing the
+ground eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand, sir, anything: how it is that you are a
+highwayman, or why you have honoured me with your confidence&mdash;why you
+should trust me. But&mdash;thank you."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, Mr. Chilter placed his hand in my lord's, and for the
+second time in his life, felt the pressure of those firm, kindly
+fingers.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, your honour! Ye've lost your emerald!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Jim. I gave it away."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye&mdash;ye <i>gave</i> it away, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"M'm. To the small spider."</p>
+
+<p>"B-but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And he called me fat, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Called ye fat, sir?" asked the man, bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Very fat. By the way, let me tell you that I bought Jenny at
+Fittering to-day from the naughty ruffian who waylaid Mr. Bumble Bee."
+He proceeded to give Jim a sketch of what had transpired below. When he
+had finished the man shook his head severely.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt ye'll never learn wisdom, sir," he scolded.</p>
+
+<p>"I? What have I done?"</p>
+
+<p>"What did ye want to tell it all to the spider man for, sir? 'Twas most
+incautious of ye. Like as not, he'll split to the fat gentleman, and
+we'll have the whole town at our heels."</p>
+
+<p>"Which just shows all you know of the small spider," replied his master
+calmly. "Hand me the powder."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+<h3>INTRODUCING THE HON. RICHARD CARSTARES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Wyncham! A stately old house with mullioned windows, standing high on
+its stone terraces, half-covered by creepers; a house surrounded by
+lawns, rolling down on the one side to a river that rippled and murmured
+its way along beneath overhanging trees and a blue sky, over boulders
+and rocks, so clear and sparkling that the myriad pebbles could be seen
+deep down on its bed.</p>
+
+<p>In the other direction, the velvet lawns stretched away till they met
+the orchards and the quiet meadowland.</p>
+
+<p>On two sides the house had its terraces, very white in the sunshine,
+with stone steps leading down to a miniature lake where water-lilies
+grew, and where the tiny fish darted to and fro unconcernedly.</p>
+
+<p>Flagged walks there were, running between flower beds a riot of colour,
+and solemn old trees that had stood there through all the years. Cool
+woodland lay beyond the little river, carpeted with dark moss, where in
+spring the primroses grew. So thick was the foliage of the trees that
+the sun but penetrated in uneven patches.</p>
+
+<p>Up the terrace walls crept roses, yellow and red, pink and white, and
+tossed their trailing sprays across the parapet. Over the walls of the
+house they climbed, mingling with purple clematis, jasmine, and sickly
+honeysuckle. The air was heavy with their united perfumes, while, wafted
+from a bed below, came the smoky scent of lavender.</p>
+
+<p>The old house seemed half asleep, basking in the sunlight. Save for a
+peacock preening its feathers on the terrace steps, there was no sign of
+life....</p>
+
+<p>The old place had harboured generations of Carstares. Earl had succeeded
+Earl and reigned supreme, and it was only now that there was no Earl
+living there. No one knew where he was. Scarce a month ago one died, but
+the eldest son was not there to take his place. For six years he had
+been absent, and none dared breathe his name, for he disgraced that
+name, and the old Earl cast him off and forbade all mention of him. But
+the poor folk of the countryside remembered him. They would tell one
+another tales of his reckless courage; his sweet smile and his winning
+ways; his light-heartedness and his never-failing kindness and
+good-humour. What a rider he was! To see him sit his horse! What a
+swordsman! Do ye mind the time he fought young Mr. Welsh over yonder in
+the spinney with half the countryside watching? Ah, he was a one, was
+Master Jack! Do ye mind how he knocked the sword clean out o' Mr.
+Welsh's hand, and then stood waiting for him to pick it up? And do ye
+mind the way his eyes sparkled, and how he laughed, just for the sheer
+joy o' living?</p>
+
+<p>Endless anecdotes would they tell, and the old gaffers would shake their
+heads and sigh, and long for the sight of him again. And they would jerk
+their thumbs towards the Manor and shrug their old shoulders
+significantly. Who wanted Mr. Richard for squire? Not they, at least.
+They knew he was a good squire and a kindly man, but give them Master
+John, who would laugh and crack a joke and never wear the glum looks
+that Mr. Richard affected.</p>
+
+<p>In the house, Richard Carstares paced to and fro in his library, every
+now and again pausing to glance wretchedly up at the portrait of his
+brother hanging over his desk. The artist had managed to catch the
+expression of those blue eyes, and they smiled down at Richard in just
+the way that John was always wont to smile&mdash;so gaily, and withal so
+wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>Richard was twenty-nine, but already he looked twice his age. He was
+very thin, and there were deep lines on his good-looking countenance.
+His grey eyes bore a haunted, care-worn look, and his mouth, though
+well-shaped, was curiously lacking in determination. He was dressed
+soberly, and without that touch of smartness that had characterised him
+six years ago. He wore black in memory of his father, and it may have
+been that severity, only relieved by the lace at his throat, that made
+his face appear so prematurely aged. There was none of his brother's
+boyishness about him; even his smile seemed forced and tired, and his
+laughter rarely held merriment.</p>
+
+<p>He pulled out his chronometer, comparing it with the clock on the
+mantelpiece. His pacing took him to the door, and almost nervously he
+pulled it open, listening.</p>
+
+<p>No sound came to his ears. Back again, to and fro across the room,
+eagerly awaiting the clanging of a bell. It did not come, but presently
+a footfall sounded on the passage without, and someone knocked at the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>In two strides Richard was by it, and had flung it wide. Warburton stood
+there.</p>
+
+<p>Richard caught his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Warburton! At last! I have been waiting this hour and more!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton disengaged himself, bowing.</p>
+
+<p>"I regret I was not able to come before, sir," he said primly.</p>
+
+<p>"I make no doubt you travelled back as quickly as possible&mdash;come in,
+sir."</p>
+
+<p>He led the lawyer into the room and shut the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, Warburton&mdash;sit down. You&mdash;you found my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>Again Warburton bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"I had the felicity of seeing his lordship, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"He was well? In good spirits? You thought him changed&mdash;yes? Aged
+perhaps, or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship was not greatly changed, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Richard almost stamped in his impatience.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Warburton, come! Tell me everything. What did he say? Will he
+take the revenues? Will he&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship, sir, was reluctant to take anything, but upon maturer
+consideration, he&mdash;ah&mdash;consented to accept his elder son's portion. The
+revenues of the estate he begs you will make use of."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! But you told him that I would touch nought belonging to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tried to persuade his lordship, sir. To no avail. He desires you to
+use Wyncham as you will."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll not touch his money!"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton gave the faintest of shrugs.</p>
+
+<p>"That is as you please, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Something in the suave voice made Richard, from his stand by the desk,
+glance sharply down at the lawyer. Suspicion flashed into his eyes. He
+seemed about to speak, when Warburton continued:</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I may set your mind at rest on one score, Mr. Carstares: his
+lordship's situation is tolerably comfortable. He has ample means."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but he lives by&mdash;robbery!"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton's thin lips curled a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Does he not?" persisted Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"So he would have us believe, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis true! He&mdash;waylaid me!"</p>
+
+<p>"And robbed you, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rob me? He could not rob his own brother, Warburton!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your pardon, Mr. Carstares&mdash;you are right: his lordship could not rob a
+brother. Yet have I known a man do such a thing."</p>
+
+<p>For a long minute there was no word spoken. The suspicion that had dwelt
+latent in Carstares' eyes sprang up again. Some of the colour drained
+from his cheeks, and twice he passed his tongue between his lips. The
+fingers of his hand, gripping a chair-back, opened and shut
+spasmodically. Rather feverishly his eyes searched the lawyer's face,
+questioning.</p>
+
+<p>"John told you&mdash;told you&mdash;" he started, and floundered hopelessly.</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship told me nothing, sir. He was singularly reticent. But
+there was nothing he could tell me that I did not already know."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, Warburton? Why do you look at me like that? Why do
+you fence with me? In plain words, what do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton rose, clenching his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I know you, Master Richard, for what you are!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" Carstares flung out his hand as if to ward off a blow.</p>
+
+<p>Another tense silence. With a great effort Warburton controlled himself,
+and once more the mask of impassivity seemed to descend upon him. After
+that one tortured cry Richard became calm again. He sat down; on his
+face a look almost of relief, coming after a great strain.</p>
+
+<p>"You learnt the truth ... from John. He ... will expose me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. I have not learnt it from him. And he will never expose you."</p>
+
+<p>Richard turned his head. His eyes, filled now with a species of dull
+pain, looked full into Warburton's.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh?" he said. "Then you...?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I, sir. I have pledged my word to his lordship. I would not speak
+all these years for your father's sake&mdash;now it is for his." He choked.</p>
+
+<p>"You ... are fond of John?" Still the apathetic, weary voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Fond of him&mdash;? Good God, Master Dick, I love him!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I," said Richard, very low.</p>
+
+<p>He received no reply, and looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't believe me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Once, sir, I was certain of it. Now&mdash;!" he shrugged.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet 'tis true, Warburton. I would give all in my power to undo that
+night's work."</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot expect me to believe that, sir. It rests with you alone
+whether his name be cleared or not. And you remain silent."</p>
+
+<p>"Warburton, I&mdash;Oh, do you think it means nothing to me that John is
+outcast?"</p>
+
+<p>Before the misery in those grey eyes some of Warburton's severity fell
+away from him.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Richard, I want to think the best I can of you. Master Jack
+would tell me nothing. Will you not&mdash;can you not explain how it came
+that you allowed him to bear the blame of your cheat?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"There's no explanation&mdash;no excuse. I forced it on him! On Jack, my
+brother! Because I was mad for love of Lavinia&mdash;Oh, my God, the thought
+of it is driving me crazed! I thought I could forget; and then&mdash;and
+then&mdash;I met him! The sight of him brought it all back to me. Ever since
+that day I have not known how to live and not shriek the truth to
+everyone! And I never shall! I never shall!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me, sir," pleaded Warburton, touched in spite of himself.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's head sunk into his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"The whole scene is a nightmare.... I think I must have been mad.... I
+scarce knew what I was about. I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Gently, sir. Remember I know hardly anything. What induced you to mark
+the cards?"</p>
+
+<p>"That debt to Gundry. My father would not meet it; I had to find the
+money. I could not face the scandal&mdash;I tell you I was mad for Lavinia! I
+could think of nought else. I ceased to care for John because I thought
+him in love with her. I could not bear to think of the disgrace which
+would take her from me.... Then that night at Dare's. I was losing; I
+knew I could not pay. Gad! but I can see my notes of hand under
+Milward's elbow, growing... growing.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack had played Milward before me, and he had won. I remember they
+laughed at him, saying his luck had turned at last&mdash;for he always lost
+at cards. Milward and I played with the same pack that they had
+used.... There was another table, I think. Dare was dicing with
+Fitzgerald; someone was playing faro with Jack behind me. I heard Jack
+say his luck was out again&mdash;I heard them laugh.... And all the time I
+was losing ... losing.</p>
+
+<p>"The pin of my cravat fell out on to my knee. I think no one saw it. As
+I picked it up the thought that I should mark the cards seemed to flash
+into my mind&mdash;oh, it was despicable, I know! I held the ace of clubs in
+my hand: I scratched it with that pin&mdash;in one corner. It was easily
+done. By degrees I marked all four, and three of the kings.</p>
+
+<p>"No one noticed, but I was nervous&mdash;I dared do no more. I replaced that
+pin. Soon I began to win&mdash;not very much. Then Tracy Belmanoir came
+across the room to watch our play. From that moment everything seemed to
+go awry. It was the beginning of the trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy stood behind me watching.... I could feel him there, like some
+black moth, hovering.... I don't know how long he stayed like that&mdash;it
+seemed hours. I could feel his eyes.... I could have shrieked&mdash;I'll
+swear my hands were trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Suddenly he moved. I had played the ace of hearts. He said: 'One
+moment!' in that soft, sinister voice of his.</p>
+
+<p>"Milward was surprised. I tried to tell myself that Devil had noticed
+nothing.... The mark on that card was so faint that I could scarce see
+it myself. I thought it impossible that he, a mere onlooker, should
+discover it. He stepped forward. I remember he brushed my shoulder. I
+remember how the light caught the diamonds he was wearing. I think my
+brain was numbed. I could only repeat to myself: 'Extravagant Devil!
+Extravagant Devil!' and stare at those winking jewels. Then I thought:
+'He is Lavinia's brother, but I do not like him; I do not like him...'
+&mdash;little foolish things like that&mdash;and my throat was dry&mdash;parched.</p>
+
+<p>"He bent over the table ... stretched out his white, white hand ...
+turned over the ace ... lifted his quizzing glass ... and stared down at
+the card. Then he dropped the glass and drew out his snuff-box.... It
+had Aphrodite enamelled on the lid. I remember it so distinctly.... I
+heard Tracy ask Milward to examine the ace. I wanted to spring up and
+strangle him.... I could scarce keep my hands still." Richard paused. He
+drew his hand across his eyes, shuddering.</p>
+
+<p>"Milward saw the scratch. He cried out that the cards were marked!
+Suddenly everyone seemed to be gathered about our table&mdash;all talking!
+Jack had his hand on my shoulder; he and Dare were running through the
+pack. But all the while I could look at no one but Tracy&mdash;Andover. He
+seemed so sinister, so threatening, in those black clothes of his. His
+eyes were almost shut&mdash;his face so white. And he was looking at me! He
+seemed to be reading my very soul.... For an instant I thought he knew!
+I wanted to shout out that he was wrong! I wanted to shriek to him to
+take his eyes away! Heaven knows what I should have done!... but he
+looked away&mdash;at Jack, with that sneering smile on his damned mask of a
+face! I could have killed him for that smile! I think Jack understood
+it&mdash;he dropped the cards, staring at Tracy.</p>
+
+<p>"Everyone was watching them ... no one looked at me. If they had they
+must surely have learnt the truth; but they were hanging on Andover's
+lips, looking from him to Jack and back again.... I remember Fitzgerald
+dropped his handkerchief&mdash;I was absurdly interested in that. I was
+wondering why he did not pick it up, when Andover spoke again.... 'And
+Carstares' luck turned...?' Like that, Warburton! With just that faint,
+questioning in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Before Jack could speak there was an outcry. Dare cried 'Shame!' to
+Andover. They laughed at him, as well they might. But I saw them
+exchange glances&mdash;they were wondering.... It was suspicious that Jack
+should have had that run of luck&mdash;and that he should lose as soon as he
+left that table.</p>
+
+<p>"Milward&mdash;poor, silly Milward&mdash;gaped at Tracy and stuttered that surely
+'twas another pack we had used. I could hardly breathe! Then Andover
+corrected him&mdash;How did he <i>know</i>? No one else remembered, or thought of
+noticing&mdash;only he!</p>
+
+<p>"I can see Jack now, standing there so stiffly, with his head thrown up,
+and those blue eyes of his flashing.</p>
+
+<p>"'Do I understand you to accuse me, Belmanoir?' he said. Oh, but he was
+furious!</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy never said a word. Only his eyes just flickered to my face and
+away again.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack's hand was gripping my shoulder hard. I could feel his anger....
+Dare called out that the suggestion was preposterous. That John should
+cheat!</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy asked him if the cards were his. Gad! I can hear his soft,
+mocking voice now!</p>
+
+<p>"Dare went purple&mdash;you know his way, Warburton.</p>
+
+<p>"'Opened in your presence on this table!' he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"'By Carstares!' smiled Tracy.</p>
+
+<p>"It was true. But why should Tracy remember it, and none other? They
+stared at him, amazed. Dare turned to Jack for corroboration. He nodded.
+I think he never looked haughtier....</p>
+
+<p>"You know how fond of Jack Dare was? He tried to bluster it off&mdash;tried
+to get control over the affair. It was to no avail. We were puppets,
+worked by that devil, Belmanoir! One man managing that ghastly scene....
+He pointed out that only three of us had used that pack: Jack, Milward
+and I.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"'Next you will accuse Dick!' he snapped scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"'One of you, certainly,' smiled Andover. 'Or Milward.'</p>
+
+<p>"Then everyone realised that one of us three must have marked the cards.
+Milward was upset, but no one suspected him. It was Jack&mdash;or me.</p>
+
+<p>"As long as I live I shall never forget the horror of those moments. If
+I were exposed it meant the end of everything between Lavinia and me. I
+tell you, Warburton, I would have committed any sin at that moment!
+Nothing would have been too black&mdash;I could not bear to lose her. You
+don't know what she meant to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I can guess, sir," said the lawyer, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! No one could imagine the depths of my love for her! I think not
+even Jack.... I felt his hand leave my shoulder.... The truth had dawned
+on him. I heard the way the breath hissed between his teeth as he
+realised.... Somehow I got to my feet, clutching at the table, facing
+him. I don't excuse myself&mdash;I know my conduct was beyond words
+dastardly. I looked across at him&mdash;just said his name, as though I could
+scarce believe my ears. So all those watching thought. But Jack knew
+better. He knew I was imploring him to save me. He understood all that I
+was trying to convey to him. For an instant he stared at me. I
+thought&mdash;I thought&mdash;God forgive me, I prayed that he might take the
+blame on himself. Then he smiled. Coward though I was, when I saw that
+hurt, wistful little smile on his lips, I nearly blurted out the whole
+truth. Not quite.... I suppose I was too mean-spirited for that.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack bowed to the room and again to Dare. He said: 'I owe you an
+apology, sir.'</p>
+
+<p>"Dare sprang forward, catching him by the shoulder&mdash;crying out that it
+could not be true! When Jack laughed&mdash;he fell away from him as from the
+plague. And all of them! My God, to see them drawing away&mdash;not looking
+at Jack! And Jack's face&mdash;growing paler and harder ... every moment....
+All his friends... turning their backs to him. Davenant&mdash;even Jim
+Davenant walked away to the fireplace with Evans.</p>
+
+<p>"I could not look at Jack. I dared not. I could not go to him&mdash;stand by
+him! I had not the right. I had to leave him there&mdash;in the middle of the
+room&mdash;alone. The awful hurt in his eyes made me writhe. The room was
+whirling round&mdash;I felt sick&mdash;I know I fell back into my chair, hiding my
+face. I hardly cared whether they suspected me or not. But they did not.
+They knew how great was the love between us, and they were not surprised
+that I broke down.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard Andover's soft voice ... he was telling some tale to Dare. Oh,
+they were well-bred those men! They skimmed over the unpleasant little
+episode&mdash;ignored Jack!</p>
+
+<p>"Jack spoke again. I could guess how bravely he was keeping a proud
+front. I know word for word what he said: 'Mr. Dare, your Grace,
+Gentlemen&mdash;my apologies for being the cause of so unpleasant an
+incident. Pray give me leave.'</p>
+
+<p>"They paid no heed. I heard him walk to the door&mdash;heard him open it. I
+could not look at him. He&mdash;he paused ... and said just one word: 'Dick!'
+quite softly. Heaven knows how I got to him! I know I overturned my
+chair. That drew Dare's attention. He said: 'You are not going, Dick?' I
+shouted 'Yes,' at him, and then Jack took my arm, leading me out.</p>
+
+<p>"And&mdash;and all he said was: 'Poor old Dick!'... He&mdash;he had no word of
+blame for me. He would not allow me to go back and tell the truth&mdash;as I
+would have done. Ay, Warburton, when Jack called me to him, I could have
+cried it aloud&mdash;but&mdash;he would not have it.... He said: 'For Lavinia's
+sake.'..."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton blew his nose violently. His fingers were trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"You know what happened afterwards. You know how my father turned Jack
+out penniless&mdash;you know how his friends shunned him&mdash;you know my poor
+mother's grief. And you know that he went away&mdash;that we could not find
+him when&mdash;my mother died.... His last words to me&mdash;were: 'Make
+Lavinia-happy&mdash;and try to forget&mdash;all this.' Forget it! Heavens! Try as
+I might, I could hear nothing further of him until two months ago, when
+he&mdash;waylaid me. Then I was half-dazed at the suddenness of it. He&mdash;he
+grasped my hand&mdash;and&mdash;laughed! It was so dark, I could scarce see him. I
+only had time to demand his address, and then&mdash;he was off&mdash;galloping
+away over the heath. I think&mdash;even then&mdash;he bore no malice."</p>
+
+<p>"He does not now!" said Warburton sharply. "But, Master Dick, if all
+this is true, why do you not even now clear him? Surely&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Richard turned his head slowly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I may not drag my wife's name through the mud. By clearing him&mdash;I
+ruin her."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton could find nothing to say. Only after some time did he clear
+his throat and say that he was honoured by Carstares' confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;ah&mdash;you dwell on the part played by his Grace on that evening.
+Surely your&mdash;shall we say&mdash;overwrought imagination magnified that?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard was disinterested.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so. Mayhap 'twas his extraordinary personality dominating me.
+He cannot have pulled the wires as I thought he did. Not even Belmanoir
+could make me act as I did. But&mdash;but at the time I felt that he was
+pushing&mdash;pushing&mdash;compelling me to accuse Jack. Oh, doubtless I was
+mad!"</p>
+
+<p>Warburton eyed the dejected figure compassionately. Then he seemed to
+harden himself and to regain some of his lost primness of manner.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;ah&mdash;you are determined not to accept the revenues, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not yet sunk so low, Mr. Warburton."</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship leaves Wyncham and all appertaining to it at your
+disposal. He would be grieved at your refusal."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not touch it."</p>
+
+<p>The lawyer nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"I confess, Mr. Carstares, I am relieved to hear you say that. It will
+not be necessary again to communicate with his lordship. I think he does
+not desire any intercourse with&mdash;his family. He finds it too painful.
+But he wished to be remembered to you, sir. Also to her ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you.... You could&mdash;ascertain nothing of his situation? He did not
+confide in you?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was very reticent, sir. I think he is not unhappy."</p>
+
+<p>"And not&mdash;embittered?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not that, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton rose, plainly anxious to be gone.</p>
+
+<p>Reluctantly Richard followed his example.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;have nothing further to tell me of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I regret, sir&mdash;nothing."</p>
+
+<p>Richard went slowly to the door, and opened it.</p>
+
+<p>"You must allow me to thank you, sir, for your goodness in undertaking
+what I know must have been a painful task. I am very grateful."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton bowed low.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg you will not mention it, sir. Nothing I might do for the
+Carstares could be aught but a pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>Again he bowed, and the next instant was gone.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+<h3>INTRODUCING THE LADY LAVINIA CARSTARES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Richard went slowly back to his chair. After a moment he sat down,
+staring blankly out of the window, his hands loosely clasped on the desk
+before him. So he remained for a long while, immobile. At last, with the
+faintest of sighs, he moved and picked up a quill. He dipped it in the
+ink, and, with his other hand, drew towards him a sheaf of papers.
+Presently he was writing steadily.</p>
+
+<p>For perhaps twenty minutes the quill travelled to and fro across the
+pages; then it paused, and Richard looked up towards the door.</p>
+
+<p>It opened to admit Lady Lavinia. She came rustling into the room with
+her embroidery in her hand. She dropped her husband a mock curtsey and
+went over to a high-backed armchair, stretching out a dimpled hand to
+draw it forward. But even as her fingers touched it she had changed her
+mind, and fluttered over to the couch, there to seat herself with much
+swirling of brocades and arrangement of skirts. She then proceeded to
+occupy herself with her work, plying her needle hurriedly and jerkily.</p>
+
+<p>Richard watched her in silence, following each turn of the pretty hand
+and each movement of her fair head.</p>
+
+<p>The silence was evidently not to my lady's taste, for she presently
+began to beat an impatient tattoo on the floor with one slender foot.
+Still he said nothing, and she raised her pure china-blue eyes to his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>"Why so glum, Dick? Why do you not talk to me?" Her voice was rather
+high-pitched and childish, and she had a curious way of ending each
+sentence with an upward lilt and a long drawn-out accent, very
+fascinating to listen to.</p>
+
+<p>Richard smiled with an obvious effort.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I, my dear? I crave your pardon. Warburton has just been."</p>
+
+<p>Her face clouded over instantly, and the full-lipped mouth drooped
+petulantly.</p>
+
+<p>"He has seen him."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh?" She made the word twice its length, and filled it with
+disinterest.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Jack will have none of it. He asks me to be his steward and to use
+Wyncham as I will. He is very generous."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, oh yes. And you will, Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>He ignored the question.</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;Warburton&mdash;says he is not much changed."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh?" Again the long-drawn monosyllable, accompanied by a tiny yawn.</p>
+
+<p>"He says he does not think&mdash;Jack&mdash;bears me ill-will&mdash;" He paused, as if
+expecting her to speak, but she was absorbed in arranging two
+flowers&mdash;culled from a bowl at her side&mdash;at her breast, and took no
+notice. Carstares turned his head away wearily.</p>
+
+<p>"If it were not for you, my dear, I would tell the truth. I believe I
+shall go crazed an I do not."</p>
+
+<p>"Dick!" ... She dropped the flowers on the floor and thought no more
+about them. "Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you need have no fear! I do not suppose," bitterly, "that I have
+the courage to face them all now&mdash;after six years."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia moved restlessly, brushing her hand along the couch.</p>
+
+<p>"You will not do it, Richard? Promise! You <i>will</i> not? I could not bear
+the disgrace of it; promise me you will never do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," he said slowly, not looking at her. "No, I cannot promise that."</p>
+
+<p>She sprang to her feet, flinging her broidery from her carelessly, and
+waved fierce, agitated little hands.</p>
+
+<p>"That means you will do it. You <i>want</i> to disgrace me! You do not <i>care</i>
+how you hurt me by holding this threat over my head so cruelly! You&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia, for heaven's sake!" he implored, pushing back his chair. "Calm
+yourself!" He knew she was about to fly into one of her sudden passions,
+and frowned with acute vexation.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not! Oh yes, yes! You think me a shrew! I know! I know! But you
+need not frown on me, sir, for you are worse! No, I will not hush. I am
+a horrid woman, yes, but you are a cheat&mdash;a cheat&mdash;a cheat!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares strode over to her.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;no! Leave me alone! You make me miserable! You refuse me everything
+that I want most, and then you threaten to disgrace me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That is untrue!" cried Richard, goaded into replying. "I will not
+promise, that is all. What have I refused you that was within my means
+to give you? God knows you try your best to ruin me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There! There! 'Tis <i>I</i> who am to blame! Pray, did you not induce my
+lord to leave his money to John when you knew he would have willed it
+all to you an you had kept silence? You took no thought to me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake, Lavinia, be still! You do not know what you are
+saying!"</p>
+
+<p>She pressed her hands to her hot cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;I am unreasonable! I know it, but don't <i>tell</i> me so, for I cannot
+bear it! And don't look reproach at me, Richard! You drive me mad, I
+tell you!" She was sweeping up and down the room like some caged animal,
+lashing herself to a worse fury.</p>
+
+<p>"Say something, Richard! <i>Do</i> something! Don't stand there so quietly!
+Oh, you should never have married me! I displease you, and you make me
+worse; and you do not see how 'tis that I cannot live without pleasure,
+and money! I am despicable? Yes, yes, but what are you? Oh, why did you
+tell me you cheated <i>after</i> you had wedded me?" Angry sobs escaped her;
+her handkerchief was in shreds upon the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned his back to her, that she might not see how she had
+contrived to hurt him, and the movement drove her to fresh fury.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't do that! Don't! Don't! You make me worse by your dreadful
+silence! Oh, if you really loved me!"</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot doubt that!" he cried out, wheeling suddenly round. "You
+know how I love you! Don't you?" He gripped her by the shoulders and
+swung her to face him.</p>
+
+<p>She trembled and gave a sobbing little laugh. As suddenly as it had
+come, her anger left her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, yes! You do love me, Dicky?" She twined her arms about his
+neck and shrank closer.</p>
+
+<p>"God help me, yes!" he groaned, thrusting her away. "And you&mdash;you care
+for no one save yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"No! No!" she cried, pressing up to him again. "Do not say that, Dick.
+Indeed, I love you, but I cannot live without gaiety&mdash;you know I
+cannot. Oh, I do not doubt but what I am very selfish, but 'tis the way
+I am fashioned, and I cannot change my nature. And now I have hurt you,
+and I did not mean to! I did not mean to!"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, I know you did not; but try to be less a child, I beg of you!
+You are so uncontrolled, so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you would say that," she answered in a dead voice. "You do not
+understand me. You expect me to be good, and patient, and forbearing,
+and I tell you 'tis not in my nature."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Lavinia, you can control your passions," he said gently.</p>
+
+<p>"No! I cannot! We Belmanoirs&mdash;as God made us, so we are&mdash;and He made us
+spendthrift, and pleasure-loving, and mad!" She walked slowly to the
+door. "But you do not understand, and you try to make me staid, and
+thoughtful, and a good mother, when I am dying for <i>life</i>, and
+excitement, and care not that for housewifery!" She opened the door
+slowly. "And now my head aches, and you look grave and say 'tis my
+wicked temper, when I want you to be sorry, and to be ready to do
+anything to comfort me. Why can you not take me to London, when you know
+how I long to be there, instead of in this gloomy house with nought to
+do, save mind my child and my needle? I am so tired of it all! So very
+tired of it all!"</p>
+
+<p>She would have left the room then, but he detained her.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, Lavinia! You say you are unhappy?"</p>
+
+<p>She released the door handle and fluttered her hands expressively.</p>
+
+<p>"Unhappy? No, I am dull. I am ill-tempered. I am discontented. I am
+aught you please, so do not be sad, Richard. I cannot bear you to be
+solemn. Oh, why do we quarrel?" With one of her impulsive movements she
+was again at his side, with her beautiful face upturned. "Love me,
+Richard! Take me to London and never mind an I <i>do</i> squander your money.
+Say you do not care! Say that nothing matters so long as I am happy! Why
+do you not say it? Does anything matter? Don't be prudent, Dicky! Be
+wild! Be reckless! Be anything rather than grave and old!" Her arms
+crept up to his coaxingly. "Take me to London!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares smoothed the soft hair back from her forehead, very tenderly,
+but his eyes were worried.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, I will take you, but not just yet. There is so much to be done
+here. If you will wait a little longer&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, if I will wait! If I will be patient and good! But I cannot! Oh,
+you don't understand, Dicky&mdash;you don't understand!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, dear. I promise I will take you as soon as possible, and we
+will stay as long as you please."</p>
+
+<p>Her arms fell away.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to go now!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well&mdash;very well. We will go presently. Only don't reason with me."</p>
+
+<p>He looked at her concernedly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are overwrought, my love&mdash;and tired."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she agreed listlessly. "Oh yes; I will go now and rest. Forgive
+me, Dick!" She kissed her finger-tips and extended them to him. "I will
+be good one day." She turned and hurried out of the room and up the
+stairs, leaving the door open behind her.</p>
+
+<p>Richard stayed for a moment looking round at the signs of her late
+presence. Mechanically he stooped to pick up her embroidery and the
+pieces of her handkerchief. The two flowers were broken off short, and
+he threw them away. Then he left the room and went out on to the sunny
+terrace, gazing across the beautiful gardens into the blue distance.</p>
+
+<p>Across the lawn came a child of four or five, waving a grimy hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Father!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard looked down at him and smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, John?"</p>
+
+<p>The boy climbed up the terrace steps, calling his news all the way.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis Uncle Andrew, sir. He has rid over to see you, and is coming
+through the garden to find you."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he? Has he left his horse at the stables?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir. So I came to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right. Will you come with me to meet him?"</p>
+
+<p>The little rosy face lighted up with pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, may I?" he cried and slipped his hand in Richard's.</p>
+
+<p>Together they descended the steps and made their way across the lawn.</p>
+
+<p>"I have run away from Betty," announced John with some pride. "There's
+Uncle Andrew, sir!" He bounded away towards the approaching figure.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Andrew Belmanoir was Richard's brother-in-law, brother to the
+present Duke. He came up with John in his arms and tumbled him to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Good day, Dick! 'Tis a spoilt child you have here!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. He is but now escaped from his nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"Splendid! Come, John, you shall walk with us, and we'll confound fat
+Betty!" He slipped his arm through Richard's as he spoke. "Come, Dick!
+There's a deal I have to say to you." He grimaced ruefully.</p>
+
+<p>The child ran on ahead towards the woods, a great bull-mastiff at his
+heels.</p>
+
+<p>"What's to do now?" asked Richard, looking round into the mobile,
+dissipated countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"The devil's in it this time, and no mistake," answered his lordship
+with a rueful shake of his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Debts?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, yes! I was at Delaby's last night, and the stakes were high.
+Altogether I've lost about three thousand&mdash;counting what I owe Carew.
+And devil take me an I know where 'tis to come from! Here's Tracy turned
+saint and swears he'll see me damned before he hands me another penny. I
+doubt he means it, too."</p>
+
+<p>Tracy was the Duke. Richard smiled a little cynically; he had already
+had to lend his Grace a thousand guineas to pay off some "trifling
+debt."</p>
+
+<p>"He means it right enough. I believe it would puzzle him to find it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you say so? Why, 'tis impossible man! Tracy was in town scarce a
+fortnight since, and he had a run of the devil's own luck. I tell you
+Dick, I saw him walk off with a cool five thousand one night! And then
+he denies me a paltry three! Lord, what a brother! And all with the air
+of an angel, as if <i>he</i> had never lost at dice. And a homily thrown in!
+Anyone would think I had cheated, instead of&mdash;ahem!... Dick, I'm
+confoundedly sorry! Damned thoughtless of me&mdash;never thought about
+Jo&mdash;about what I was saying&mdash;I'm a fool!" For Richard had winced.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot help that," he said, forcing a laugh. "Have done with your
+apologies, and continue."</p>
+
+<p>They had come to the stream by now, and crossed the little bridge into
+the wood.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, there's not much more. 'Tis only that something must be done, for
+Carew won't wait, and stap me if I'd ask him, the lean-faced
+scarecrow!&mdash;so I came to you, Dick."</p>
+
+<p>He let go Richard's arm and flung himself down on a fallen tree-trunk,
+regardless of velvet and laces.</p>
+
+<p>"You're a good fellow, and you don't lecture a man as Tracy does, devil
+take him! And you play high yourself, or you did, though 'tis an age
+since I saw you win or lose enough to wink at. And, after all, you're
+Lavvy's husband, and&mdash;oh, damn it all, Dick, 'tis monstrous hard to ask
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares, leaning against a tree, surveyed the youthful rake amusedly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tush, Andrew!" he reassured him. "You're welcome to ask, but the Lord
+knows where I'm to find it! Gad, what a life! Here's Lavinia keeps
+buying silks, and I don't know what all, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"She was ever a spendthrift jade," said Andrew with a mighty frown.</p>
+
+<p>Richard laughed at him.</p>
+
+<p>"You're a thrifty fellow yourself, of course!"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew looked round for something to throw at him, and finding nothing,
+relapsed once more into deepest despondency.</p>
+
+<p>"You're in the right of't. We're a worthless lot. 'Tis the old man's
+blood in us, I doubt not, with a smattering of her Grace. You never knew
+my mother, Richard. She was French&mdash;Lavvy's the spit of her. There's
+Tracy&mdash;stap me, but Tracy's the very devil! Have you ever seen a face
+like his? No, I'll swear you've not! What with his sneering mouth and
+his green eyes&mdash;oh, 'tis enough to make a fellow go to the dogs to have
+a brother like it, 'pon my soul it is! Ay, you laugh, but I tell you
+'tis serious!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, go on!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well next there's Bob&mdash;damn it all, but I'm sorry for Bob! 'Tis a
+beggarly pittance they give one in the army, and he was never one to
+pinch and scrape. Well, as I say, there's Bob, and I never see him, but
+what it's: 'Lend me a hundred, Andy!' or the like. And all to buy his
+mistress some gewgaw. That's what sickens me! Why, Bob's for ever in
+some scrape with a petticoat, and as for Tracy! Gad, how they can! Then
+there's Lavinia, but I should think you know her by now, and lastly,
+there's your humble servant. And I tell you, Dick, what with the racing,
+and the cards, and the bottle, I shall be a ruined man before you can
+turn round! And the pother is I'll never be any different. 'Tis in the
+blood, so where's the use in trying?" He made a rueful grimace, and
+rose. "Come on, young rip! We're going back."</p>
+
+<p>John, engaged in the task of hunting for tadpoles in the water some
+yards distant, nodded and ran on.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear my lady is indisposed," said Richard hesitatingly. "You wished
+to see her?"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew winked knowingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Tantrums, eh? Oh, I know her. No, I do not care an I do not see her;
+'tis little enough she cares for me, though she's as thick as thieves
+with Tracy&mdash;oh, ay, I'll be dumb."</p>
+
+<p>They walked slowly back to the house, Andrew, silent for once, twirling
+his gold-mounted cane.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have the money, of course. When do you want it?" said Richard
+presently.</p>
+
+<p>"'Pon honour, you're a devilish good fellow, Dick! But if 'tis like to
+put you to any&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense. When do you need it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should pay Carew as soon as may be. Markham can wait over if&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Wednesday?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twill do excellently well. Dick, you're a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pshaw! 'Tis nought. I want your opinion on the bay mare I bought
+last week. You'll maybe think her a trifle long in the leg, but she's a
+fine animal."</p>
+
+<p>John had run indoors, and the two men proceeded to the stables alone,
+Andrew discoursing all the way, recounting for his brother-in-law's
+benefit the choicest morsels of scandal that were circulating town at
+the moment. That his auditor but attended with half an ear affected him
+not at all; he never paused for an answer, and, in any case, was far too
+good-natured to care if he received none.</p>
+
+<p>By the time they had duly inspected the mare and walked back to the
+house, it was nearly four o'clock, and, not altogether to Carstares'
+surprise, Lavinia was awaiting them on the terrace, clad in a totally
+different gown, and with her hair freshly arranged and curled.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould appear that Lavinia has recovered," remarked Andrew as they
+mounted the steps. "She was ever thus&mdash;not two minutes the same. Well,
+Lavvy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Andrew?" She gave him a careless hand to kiss, but smiled sweetly
+up at her husband. "My headache is so much better," she told him, "and
+they said that Andrew was come to see you. So I came downstairs." She
+turned eagerly to her brother. "Tell me, Andrew, is Tracy at home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, yes! He arrived yesterday, devil take him! Do you want him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," she nodded. "I want to see him again. I've not set eyes on
+him for an age. I want you to take me back with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, my dear, 'tis a trifle late in the day for such a drive?"
+demurred Richard, trying to conceal his annoyance. "Can you not wait
+until to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, you'll have to, Lavvy, for I'll not take you to-day, that's
+certain. I'm riding to Fletcher's when I leave here. Tracy can visit you
+to-morrow an he chooses."</p>
+
+<p>"Will he?" she asked doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew clapped his hand to his vest pocket. "If I had not forgot!" he
+exclaimed. "I've a letter from him for you. He intends waiting on you
+to-morrow, in any case. Lord, what it is to have a scatter brain like
+mine!" He pulled a handful of papers from his pocket and selected one,
+sealed, and addressed in a sloping Italian handwriting.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia pounced upon it joyfully, and tore it open. Andrew restored the
+rest of the documents to his pocket with yet another rueful laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Duns, Richard! Duns!"</p>
+
+<p>"Give them to me," answered the other, holding out his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no! But many thanks, Dick. These are quite unimportant."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not pay them all, and start afresh?" urged Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, no! Why, I should be so damned elated that before the day was out
+there'd be a score of fresh debts staring me in the face!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me lend you a thousand to begin on? Could you not keep out of
+debt?"</p>
+
+<p>"I keep out of debt? Impossible! Don't look so solemn, Dick; I told you
+'twas in the blood. We never have a penny to bless ourselves with, but
+what's the odds? I shall have a run of luck soon&mdash;a man can't always
+lose. Then I shall be able to repay you, but, of course, I shan't.
+It'll all go at the next table. <i>I</i> know!" He spoke so ingenuously that
+Richard could not be angry with him. There was a certain frankness about
+him that pleased, and though he might be spendthrift and heedless, and
+colossally selfish, Richard felt a genuine affection for him. He would
+have liked to argue the point further, but Lavinia came forward,
+refolding her letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy is coming to-morrow afternoon," she told her husband. "'Twill be
+prodigiously agreeable, will it not?"</p>
+
+<p>He assented, but with a lack of warmth that did not fail to strike her
+ears.</p>
+
+<p>"And he will stay to dine with us!" she cried challengingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, my love."</p>
+
+<p>"Look pleased, Dicky, look pleased! Why don't you like Tracy? He is my
+own brother; you <i>must</i> like him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I like him, Lavinia. Pray, do not be foolish."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am not! Don't be cross, Dicky dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you like him, I'm surprised," broke in Andrew. "I can't bear
+him! Ay, flash your eyes at me, Lavvy; I don't mind."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia opened her mouth to retaliate, but Richard hastily interposed.
+Their bickering was more than he could bear, and he never understood how
+Lavinia could stoop to quarrel with the boisterous youth, who tried so
+palpably to rouse her.</p>
+
+<p>He bore them both off to the house, feeling much like a nursemaid with
+two recalcitrant children.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h3>
+
+<h3>HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia dressed herself with even more than her usual care next
+afternoon, and well-nigh drove her maid distracted by her flashes of
+temper and impatient, contradictory orders. So lengthy was the toilet
+that she was only just in her boudoir when his Grace of Andover was
+announced. She had no time to tell the footman that she would receive
+his Grace, for almost before the words were out of James' mouth, he
+stood bowing in the doorway, sure of his welcome.</p>
+
+<p>He was curiously like his sister, this man, and at the same time
+curiously unlike. Hers were the high cheek-bones and pinched,
+aristocratic nostrils, but the mouth with its thin lips, and the
+heavy-lidded green eyes, were totally different. His Grace's brows
+slanted up at the corners, and his eyes, though piercing and bright,
+were constantly veiled by the black-lashed lids. He wore his own black
+hair, unpowdered, and that, together with the black and silver garments
+that he always affected, greatly enhanced the natural pallor of his
+countenance. Altogether it was a very striking figure that stood just
+before the closed white door and bowed to my lady.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia took an eager step towards him, swinging her pearl-grey
+brocades.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy!" she cooed, holding out both hands.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace advanced into the room and bent low over them.</p>
+
+<p>"I rejoice to find you within, Lavinia," he said, a faint tinge of
+sarcasm running through his smooth tones. "As you perceive, I rode
+over." He made a gesture towards his high boots with their
+wicked-looking spurs. "No doubt Andrew forgot to give you my letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," she said, slipping her hand in his arm. "He remembered in time,
+and&mdash;oh, Tracy, I was so vastly delighted to have it!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am indeed honoured," he replied. "I am come on a sufficiently
+important matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" She pulled her hand away disappointedly. "Money!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are really wonderful, my dear. As you so crudely remark&mdash;money!
+Will you not be seated?"</p>
+
+<p>She sank down on the couch dejectedly and watched him take a chair
+opposite her.</p>
+
+<p>"Your most noble lord and master lent me a trifling sum the other day,
+but very trifling. I am, as usual, hard-pressed. And that young fool
+Andrew must needs fall into debt."</p>
+
+<p>My lady opened wide her eyes in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you tell me you need money from Richard to pay Andrew's debts?" she
+asked, frankly incredulous.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not. Is it likely? The remark was purely by the way."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, in any case, Andrew borrowed three thousand from poor Dick only
+yesterday. I know, because I heard him speak of it."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace raised his black brows in patient exasperation.</p>
+
+<p>"How unnecessary of Andrew! And how typical! So 'poor Dick' has been
+squeezed already?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't speak like that, Tracy!" she cried. "Dicky is good to me!" She
+met his piercing look unflinchingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now this becomes interesting," drawled the Duke. "Since when have you
+come to that conclusion? And why this sudden loyalty?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have <i>always</i> been loyal to him, Tracy! You know I have! I worry
+him&mdash;and indeed he is very forbearing."</p>
+
+<p>"But how charming of him!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, do not sneer, Tracy! He has promised to take me to London for the
+whole winter&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace leant back in his chair again.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I understand," he said placidly. "I was at a loss before."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not that, Tracy! Indeed I realise how kind he is to me. And we
+have quarrelled again. We are always quarrelling, and I know 'tis all my
+fault."</p>
+
+<p>"What a comfortable conviction, my dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! 'Tis not comfortable, Tracy! For somehow I cannot change my
+disposition, though I <i>mean</i> to be patient and sweet. Tracy, I hate
+Wyncham!"</p>
+
+<p>"You hate Wyncham? There was a time&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know, I know! But I never meant to live here always like this! I want
+to go to London!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you said you were going?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am! But I want to go with someone who is gay-not&mdash;not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In fact, you want distraction, and not with the amiable Richard? Well,
+I can conceive that life with him might prove uninspiring. Safe, my
+dear, but not exciting."</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you would understand! You see, he does not like me to play at
+cards, because I cannot stop! And he cannot see how 'tis that I care
+nought for what he calls 'home-life' when there are routs, and the play,
+and <i>real</i> life. He&mdash;he is so&mdash;so&mdash;so <i>staid,</i> Tracy, and careful!"</p>
+
+<p>"A good trait in a husband, Lavinia," replied his Grace cynically. "'Tis
+because I do not possess it that I am single now."</p>
+
+<p>Her lips curled scornfully at this, for well she knew her brother.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Tracy, that is not so! It is because you are a devil! No woman
+would marry you!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is most interesting, my dear," purred his Grace. "But pray strive
+to be a little more original. Continue your analysis of Richard's
+sterling character."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis only that we are so different," she sighed. "I always desire to do
+things quickly&mdash;if I think of something, I want it at once&mdash;at once! You
+know, Tracy! And he likes to wait and think on it, and&mdash;oh, 'tis so
+tiresome, and it puts me in a bad humour, and I behave like a hysterical
+bourgeoise!" She got up swiftly, clasping her nervous little hands.
+"When he speaks to me in that gentle, reasoning way, I could scream,
+Tracy! Do you think I am mad?" She laughed unmusically.</p>
+
+<p>"No," he replied, "but the next thing to it: a Belmanoir. Perhaps it was
+a pity you ever married Richard. But there is always the money."</p>
+
+<p>"There is not," she cried out sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"Not? What mean you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, 'tis of this that I wanted to speak! You think my lord left his
+money to Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. He should be stupendously wealthy."</p>
+
+<p>"He is not!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, my good girl, the revenue must be enormous. He has the land,
+surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! No! He has not the land! Oh, but I am angry whenever I think on it!
+He induced my lord to leave it to John. <i>He</i> has but his younger son's
+portion!"</p>
+
+<p>"I still fail to understand. You informed me that the Earl left all to
+Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"He changed his will, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;changed&mdash;his&mdash;will! Then, my dear, must you have played your cards
+very badly!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas not my fault, Tracy&mdash;indeed 'twas not! I knew nought until the
+will was read. Richard never spoke a word to me about it! And now we are
+comparatively poor!" Her voice trembled with indignation, but his Grace
+only whistled beneath his breath.</p>
+
+<p>"I always knew, of course, that Dick was a fool, but I never guessed how
+much so till now!"</p>
+
+<p>At that she flared up.</p>
+
+<p>"He is not a fool! He is an honest man, and 'tis we<i>&mdash;we</i>, I tell
+you&mdash;who are mean and despicable and mercenary!"</p>
+
+<p>"Undoubtedly, Lavinia, but pray do not excite yourself over it. I
+suppose he is still devoted to that young hothead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes&mdash;'tis all Jack, Jack, Jack, until I am sick to death of the
+sound of his name&mdash;and&mdash;" She broke off, biting her lip.</p>
+
+<p>"And what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nought! But 'tis all so disagreeable, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly is slightly disturbing. You had better have chosen John,
+in spite of all, it seems."</p>
+
+<p>She stamped angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, where's the good in being flippant?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, where's the good in being anything else? The situation
+strikes me as rather amusing. To think of the worthy Richard so neatly
+overturning all my plans!"</p>
+
+<p>"If it had not been for you, I might never have married him. Why did you
+throw them both in my way? Why did I ever set eyes on either?"</p>
+
+<p>"It should have been a good match, my dear, and, if I remember rightly,
+no one was more alive to that fact than yourself."</p>
+
+<p>She pouted angrily and turned her shoulder to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Still," he continued reflectively, "I admit that for the smart lot we
+are, we do seem rather to have bungled the affair."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia swept round upon him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, do you care no more than that? How can you be so casual! Does it
+affect you not at all?"</p>
+
+<p>He wrinkled his thin nose expressively.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not weep over it, Lavinia, but 'tis a plaguey nuisance. But we
+must see what can be done. And that brings me back to the original
+subject. Despite these upsetting revelations, I still require that
+money."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear! How much must you have, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Five hundred might suffice."</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, do not the estates bring in anything?" she asked petulantly.
+"And Andrew told us you had a run of marvellous luck not a fortnight
+since?"</p>
+
+<p>"Since then, my dear, I have had three runs of marvellous ill-luck. As
+to the estates, they are mortgaged up to the hilt, as you very well
+know. What little there is is between three. And Robert is extravagant."</p>
+
+<p>"I hate Robert!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not partial to him myself, but it makes no odds."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish he might die!&mdash;oh no, no! Now I am become ill-natured again&mdash;I
+don't wish it&mdash;only I am so tired of everything. You shall have that
+money as soon as possible; but be careful, Tracy&mdash;please be careful!
+'Tis not easy to get money from Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I should imagine not. However, we have managed rather well up to
+the present, take it all in all."</p>
+
+<p>"Up to the present he has had all the money he wanted. My lord denied
+him nought!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, 'tis unfortunate, as I said before, but it must be endured. Where
+is Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not. You will stay to dinner, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you. I shall be charmed."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes&mdash;oh, how prodigiously pleasant it is to see you again! Soon I
+shall come to Andover. Will you let me stay a few days?"</p>
+
+<p>"The question is, will Richard allow you to stay so long in my
+contaminating presence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Richard would never keep me away, Tracy!" she replied proudly. "He
+<i>could</i> not. Oh, why is it that I don't love him more? Why do I not care
+for him as much as I care for you even?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, like all Belmanoirs, you care first for yourself and
+secondly for the man who masters you. That, alas! Richard has not yet
+succeeded in doing."</p>
+
+<p>"But I <i>do</i> love Richard. I do, I do, yet&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. 'Yet!' The 'grand passion' has not yet touched you, my dear,
+and you are quite self-absorbed."</p>
+
+<p>"Self-absorbed! Those are hard words."</p>
+
+<p>"But not too hard for the case. You think solely of yourself, your own
+pleasure, your own character, your own feelings. If you could cast
+yourself into the background a little, you would be less excitable and
+considerably less discontented."</p>
+
+<p>"How dare you, Tracy! Pray, what of you? Are you so selfless?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. I am precisely the same. I was merely suggesting that you
+might be happier an you could depose 'self.'"</p>
+
+<p>"You had best do the same yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, when I feel the need of greater happiness, I most
+undoubtedly shall. At present I am quite content."</p>
+
+<p>"You are unkind!" she protested. "And you sneer at me."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies! You shall come to Andover if the
+worthy Richard permits."</p>
+
+<p>Her face cleared as by magic.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy! Oh, I am so desirous to be gay once more! I cannot even
+receive now, on account of this mourning! But when I am at Andover&mdash;oh,
+we will not worry over anything, and I can be bad-tempered without
+feeling that someone is being hurt by me! Oh, come to Dicky at once&mdash;at
+once!"</p>
+
+<p>He rose leisurely.</p>
+
+<p>"I can imagine that you try Richard's patience somewhat," he remarked.
+"Happily, your impetuosity in no way disturbs me. We will go in search
+of Richard."</p>
+
+<p>Half-way down the great staircase she perceived her husband, and flew to
+meet him.</p>
+
+<p>"Richard, I was coming in search of you! Tracy has invited me to Andover
+for a week&mdash;he purposes to ask several people to stay, and there will be
+parties&mdash;and entertainment! You will let me go? Say yes, Dicky&mdash;say yes,
+quickly!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares bowed to his Grace, who stood watching them from the stairs.
+The bow was returned with exaggerated flourish. Carstares looked down at
+his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"So soon, Lavinia?" he remonstrated, and indicated her mourning. She
+shook his hand off impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Dicky, does it matter? What can it signify? I do not ask you to
+come&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No," he said half-sadly, half-amusedly. "I notice that, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! I did not mean to be unkind&mdash;you must not think that! You
+<i>don't</i> think it, do you, Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," he sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Dicky!" She patted his cheek coaxingly. "Then you will allow me to
+go&mdash;ah, but yes, yes, you must listen! You know how dull I am, and how
+silly&mdash;'tis because I need a change, and I <i>want</i> to go to Andover. I
+<i>want</i> to go!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dear, I know. But my father is not yet dead six weeks, and I
+cannot think it seemly&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Please, Dick, please! Please do not say no! 'Twill make me so unhappy!
+Oh, you will not be so unkind? You will not forbid me to go?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ask you not to, Lavinia. If you need a change, I will take you
+quietly to Bath, or where you will. Do not pain me by going to Andover
+just now."</p>
+
+<p>"Bath! Bath! What do I want with Bath at this time of the year? Oh, 'tis
+kind in you to offer, but I want to go to Andover! I want to see all the
+old friends again. And I want to get away from everything here&mdash;'tis all
+so gloomy&mdash;after&mdash;after my lord's death!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest, of course you shall go away&mdash;but if only you would remember
+that you are in mourning&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But 'tis what I wish to forget! Oh, Dicky, don't, don't, don't be
+unkind."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, dear. If you must go&mdash;go."</p>
+
+<p>She clapped her hands joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh thank you, Dicky! And you are not angry with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, dear, of course not."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Now I am happy! 'Tis sweet of you, Dicky, but confess you are
+secretly thankful to be rid of me for a week! Now are you not?" She
+spread out her fan in the highest good-humour and coquetted behind it.
+Richard was induced to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I shall miss you too sadly, dear."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" She dropped the fan. "But think how you will look forward to
+seeing me again, and I you. Why, I shall be so thankful to be back after
+a week away, that I shall be good for months!"</p>
+
+<p>His face lightened, and he caught her hands in his.</p>
+
+<p>"Darling, if I thought you would miss me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But of course I shall miss you, Dick&mdash;oh, <i>pray</i>, mind my frock! Shall
+I not miss him, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard suddenly remembered his brother-in-law's presence. He turned and
+went to the foot of the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>"So you are determined to wrest my wife from me?" he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy descended leisurely, opening his snuff-box.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I require a hostess," he said. "And I have"&mdash;he paused&mdash;"induced
+her to honour Andover with her presence. Shall we have the felicity of
+seeing you at any time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, no. I am not, you will understand, in the mood for the
+gaiety for which my poor Lavinia craves."</p>
+
+<p>The Duke bowed slightly, and they all three went out on to the terrace,
+Lavinia laughing and talking as Richard had not heard her laugh or talk
+for days. She was the life and soul of the little dinner-party, flirting
+prettily with her husband and exerting herself to please him in every
+way. She had won her point; therefore she was in excellent spirits with
+all the world, and not even the spilling of some wine on her new silk
+served to discompose her.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h3>
+
+<h3>BATH: 29 QUEEN SQUARE</h3>
+
+
+<p>The autumn and the winter passed smoothly, and April found the Carstares
+installed at Bath, whither Lady Lavinia had teased her husband into
+going, despite his desire to return to Wyncham and John. She herself did
+not care to be with the child, and was perfectly content that Richard
+should journey occasionally to Wyncham to see that all was well with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, she had enjoyed the winter, for she had induced Richard to
+open Wyncham House, Mayfair, the Earl's town residence, where she had
+been able to hold several entirely successful routs, and many select
+little card-parties. Admirers she had a-many, and nothing so pleased her
+vain little heart as masculine adulation. Carstares never entered his
+home without stumbling against some fresh flame of hers, but as they
+mostly consisted of what he rudely termed the lap-dog type, he was
+conscious of no jealous qualms, and patiently submitted to their
+inundation of his house. He was satisfied that Lavinia was happy, and,
+as he assured himself at times when he was most tried, nothing else
+signified.</p>
+
+<p>The only flaw to Lavinia's content was the need of money. Not that she
+was stinted, or ever refused anything that he could in reason give her;
+but her wants were never reasonable. She would demand a new town
+chariot, upholstered in pale blue, not because her own was worn or
+shabby, but because she was tired of its crimson cushions. Or she would
+suddenly take a fancy to some new, and usually fabulously expensive toy,
+and having acquired it, weary of it in a week.</p>
+
+<p>Without a murmur, Richard gave her lap-dogs (of the real kind), black
+pages, jewels, and innumerable kickshaws, for which she rewarded him
+with her brightest smiles and tenderest caresses. But when she required
+him to refurnish Wyncham House in the style of the French Court,
+throwing away all the present Queen Anne furniture, the tapestries, and
+the countless old trappings that were one and all so beautiful and so
+valuable, he put his foot down with a firmness that surprised her. Not
+for any whim of hers was Jack's house to be spoiled. Neither her coaxing
+nor her tears had any effect upon Richard, and when she reverted to
+sulks, he scolded her so harshly that she was frightened, and in
+consequence silenced.</p>
+
+<p>For a week she thought and dreamt of nothing but gilded French chairs,
+and then abruptly, as all else, the fancy left her, and she forgot all
+about it. Her mantua-maker's bills were enormous, and caused Richard
+many a sleepless night, but she was always so charmingly penitent that
+he could not find it in his heart to be angry; and, after all, he
+reflected, he would rather have his money squandered on her adornment
+than on that of her brothers. She was by turns passionate and cold to
+him: one day enrapturing him by some pretty blandishment, the next
+snapping peevishly when he spoke to her.</p>
+
+<p>At the beginning of the season he dutifully conducted her to routs and
+<i>bals masqués</i>, but soon she began to go always with either Andrew or
+Robert, both of whom were in town, and whose casual chaperonage she much
+preferred to Richard's solicitous care. Tracy was rarely in London for
+more than a few days at a time, and the Carstares, greatly to Richard's
+relief, saw but little of him. Carstares disliked Colonel Lord Robert
+Belmanoir, but the Duke he detested, not only for his habitual sneer
+towards him, but for the influence that he undoubtedly held over
+Lavinia. Richard was intensely jealous of this, and could sometimes
+hardly bring himself to be civil when his Grace visited my lady. Whether
+justly or not, he inwardly blamed Tracy for all Lavinia's crazy whims
+and periodical fits of ill-temper. It did not take his astute Grace long
+to discover this, and with amused devilry he played upon it, encouraging
+Lavinia in her extravagance, and making a point of calling on her
+whenever he was in town.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares never knew when not to expect to find him there; he came and
+went to and from London with no warning whatsoever. No one ever knew
+where he was for more than a day at a time, and no one was in the least
+surprised if he happened to be seen in London when he should, according
+to all accounts, have been in Paris. They merely shrugged their
+shoulders, and exchanged glances, murmuring: "Devil Belmanoir!" and
+wondering what fresh intrigue he was in.</p>
+
+<p>So altogether Richard was not sorry when my lady grew suddenly sick of
+town and was seized with a longing for Bath. He had secretly hoped that
+she might return to Wyncham, but when she expressed no such wish, he
+stifled his own longing for home, shut up the London house, and took her
+and all her baggage to Bath, installing her in Queen Square in one of
+the most elegantly furnished houses in the place.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia was at first charmed to be there again; delighted with the
+house, and transported over the excellencies of the new French milliner
+she had discovered.</p>
+
+<p>But the milliner's bills proved monstrous, and the drawing-room of her
+house not large enough for the routs she contemplated giving. The air
+was too relaxing for her, and she was subject to constant attacks of the
+vapours that were as distressing to her household as they were to
+herself. The late hours made her head ache as it never ached in London,
+and the damp gave her a cold. Furthermore, the advent of an attractive
+and exceedingly wealthy little widow caused her many a bitter hour, to
+the considerable detriment of her good-temper.</p>
+
+<p>She was lying on a couch in her white and gilt drawing room one
+afternoon&mdash;alas! the craze for French furniture was o'er-smelling-bottle
+in hand and a <i>bona fide</i> ache in her head, when the door opened and
+Tracy walked into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens!" she said faintly, and uncorked her salts.</p>
+
+<p>It was his Grace's first appearance since she had come to Bath, and the
+fact that he had politely declined an invitation that she had sent to
+him still rankled in her mind. He bowed over the limp hand that she
+extended, and looked her up and down.</p>
+
+<p>"I regret to find you thus indisposed, my dear sister," he said
+smoothly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis nought. Only one of my stupid headaches. I am never well here, and
+this house is stuffy," she answered fretfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You should take the waters," he said, scrutinising, through his
+eyeglass, the chair to which she had waved him. "It has an unstable
+appearance, my dear; I believe I prefer the couch." He moved to a
+smaller sofa and sat down.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, how long have you been in Bath?" she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"I arrived last Tuesday week."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia started up.</p>
+
+<p>"Last Tuesday week? Then you have been here ten days and not visited me
+until now!"</p>
+
+<p>He appeared to be examining the whiteness of his hands through the folds
+of black lace that drooped over them.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I had other things to do," he said coolly.</p>
+
+<p>A book of sermons that she had been trying to peruse slid to the ground
+as Lavinia jerked a cushion into place.</p>
+
+<p>"And you come to me when it suits you? How could you be so unkind as to
+refuse my invitation?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a rising, querulous note in her voice which gave warning of
+anger.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, if you exhibit your deplorable temper to me, I shall
+leave you, so have a care. I thought you would understand that your good
+husband's society, improving though it may be, would be altogether too
+oppressive for my taste. In fact, I was surprised at your letter."</p>
+
+<p>"You might have come for my sake," she answered peevishly, sinking back
+again. "I suppose you have been dancing attendance on the Molesly woman?
+Lud! but I think you men have gone crazed."</p>
+
+<p>Understanding came to his Grace, and he smiled provokingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that what upsets you? I wondered."</p>
+
+<p>"No, 'tis not!" she flashed. "And I do not see why you should think so!
+For my part, I cannot see that she is even tolerable, and the way the
+men rave about her is disgusting! Disgusting! But 'tis always the same
+when a woman is unattached and wealthy. Well! Well! Why do you not say
+something? Do you find her so lovely?"</p>
+
+<p>"To tell the truth, my dear, I have barely set eyes on the lady. I have
+been otherwise engaged, and I have done with all women, for the time,
+save one."</p>
+
+<p>"So I have heard you say before. Do you contemplate marriage? Lud! but I
+pity the girl." She gave a jeering little laugh, but it was evident that
+she was interested.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace was not in the least degree ruffled.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not contemplate marriage, Lavinia, so your sympathies are wasted.
+I have met a girl&mdash;a mere child, for sure&mdash;and I will not rest until I
+have her."</p>
+
+<p>"Lord! Another farmer's chit?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear sister, not another farmer's chit. A lady."</p>
+
+<p>"God help her! Who is she? Where does she live?"</p>
+
+<p>"She lives in Sussex. Her name I shall not tell you."</p>
+
+<p>Her ladyship kicked an offending cushion on to the floor, and snapped at
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, as you please! I shall not die of curiosity!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" The cynical lips curled annoyingly, and Lady Lavinia was seized
+with a mad desire to hurl her smelling-bottle at him. But she knew that
+it was worse than useless to be angry with Tracy, so she yawned
+ostentatiously, and hoped that she irritated him. If she did, she got no
+satisfaction from it, for he continued, quite imperturbably:</p>
+
+<p>"She is the daintiest piece ever a man saw, and I'll swear there's blood
+and fire beneath the ice!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible the girl will have none of your Grace?" wondered Lavinia
+in mock amazement, and had the pleasure of seeing him frown.</p>
+
+<p>The thin brows met over his arched nose, and the eyes glinted a little,
+while she caught a glimpse of cruel white teeth closing on a sensual
+under-lip. She watched his hand clench on his snuff-box, and exulted
+silently at having roused him. It was a very brief joy, however, for the
+next moment the frown had disappeared, the hand unclenched, and he was
+smiling again.</p>
+
+<p>"At present she is cold," he admitted, "but I hope that in time she will
+become more plastic. I think, Lavinia, I have some experience with your
+charming, if capricious sex."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt you have. Where did you meet this perverse beauty?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the Pump Room."</p>
+
+<p>"Lud! Pray, describe her."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be delighted. She is taller than yourself, and dark. Her hair
+is like a dusky cloud of black, and it ripples off her brow and over her
+little ears in a most damnably alluring fashion. Her eyes are brown, but
+there are lights in them that are purest amber, and yet they are dark
+and velvety&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>My lady had recourse to the smelling-bottle.</p>
+
+<p>"But I perceive I weary you. A man in love, my dear Lavinia&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She was up again at that.</p>
+
+<p>"In love? You? Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! You do not know what the
+word means. You are like a&mdash;like a fish, with no more of love in you
+than a fish, and no more heart than a fish, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Spare me the rest, I beg. I am very clammy, I make no doubt, but you
+will at least accord me more brain than a fish?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you have brain enough!" she raged. "Brain for evil! I grant you
+that!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is really very kind of you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The passion you feel now is not <i>love</i>. It is&mdash;it is&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Your pardon, my dear, but at the present moment I am singularly devoid
+of all strenuous emotions, so your remark is&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy, Tracy, I am even quarrelling with you!" she cried
+wretchedly. "Oh, why?&mdash;why?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are entirely mistaken, my dear. This is but the interchange of
+compliments. Pray, do not let me hinder you in the contribution of your
+share!"</p>
+
+<p>Her lip trembled.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, Tracy, go on."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. I had described her eyes, I think?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very tediously."</p>
+
+<p>"I will strive to be brief. Her lips are the most kissable that I have
+ever seen&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And, as you remarked, you have experience," she murmured. He bowed
+ironically.</p>
+
+<p>"Altogether she's as spirited a filly as you could wish for. All she
+needs is bringing to heel."</p>
+
+<p>"Does one bring a filly to heel? I rather thought&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"As usual, my dear Lavinia, you are right: one does not. One breaks in a
+filly. I beg leave to thank you for correcting my mixed metaphor."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pray do not mention it."</p>
+
+<p>"I will cease to do so. She needs breaking in. It should be amusing to
+tame her."</p>
+
+<p>"Should it?" She looked curiously at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Vastly. And I am persuaded it can be done. I will have her."</p>
+
+<p>"But what if she'll none of you?"</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the heavy lids were raised.</p>
+
+<p>"She will have no choice."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia shivered and sat up.</p>
+
+<p>"La, Tracy! Will you have no sense of decency?" she cried. "I suppose,"
+she sneered, "you think to kidnap the girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly," he nodded.</p>
+
+<p>She gasped at the effrontery of it.</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens, are you mad? Kidnap a lady! This is no peasant girl, remember.
+Tracy, Tracy, pray do not be foolish! How <i>can</i> you kidnap her?"</p>
+
+<p>"That, my dear, is a point which I have not yet decided. But I do not
+anticipate much trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"But goodness gracious me! has the child no protectors? No brothers? No
+father?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is a father," said Tracy slowly. "He was here at the beginning of
+their stay. He does not signify, and, which is important, he is of those
+that truckle. Were <i>I</i> to make myself known to him, I believe I might
+marry the girl within an hour. But I do not want that. At least&mdash;not
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Good God, Tracy! do you think you are living in the Dark Ages? One
+cannot do these things now, I tell you! Will you not at least remember
+that you represent our house? 'Twill be a pretty thing an there is a
+scandal!" She broke off hopelessly and watched him flick a remnant of
+snuff from his cravat.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy! 'Tis indeed a dangerous game you play. Pray consider!"</p>
+
+<p>"Really, Lavinia, you are most entertaining. I trust I am capable of
+caring for myself and mine own honour."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't sneer&mdash;don't sneer!" she cried. "Sometimes I think I quite
+hate you!"</p>
+
+<p>"You would be the more amusing, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>She swept the back of her hand across her eyes in a characteristic
+movement.</p>
+
+<p>"How cross I am!" she said, and laughed waveringly. "You must bear with
+me, Tracy. Indeed, I am not well."</p>
+
+<p>"You should take the waters," he repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I do!&mdash;I do! And that reminds me that I must look for your beauty."</p>
+
+<p>"She is not like to be there," he answered. "'Tis only very seldom that
+she appears."</p>
+
+<p>"What! Is she then <i>religieuse</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Religieuse</i>! Why, in heaven's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"But not to walk in the Rooms&mdash;!"</p>
+
+<p>"She is staying here with her aunt, who has been ill. They do not mix
+much in society."</p>
+
+<p>"How very dreadful! Yet she used to walk in the Rooms, for you met her
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he admitted coolly. "'Tis for that reason that she now avoids
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tracy, the poor child!" exclaimed his sister in a sudden fit of
+pity. "How can you persecute her, if she dislikes you?"</p>
+
+<p>"She does not."</p>
+
+<p>"Not! Then&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather, she fears me. But she is intrigued, for all that. I persecute
+her, as you call it, for her own (and my) ultimate good. But they quit
+Bath in a few days, and then, <i>nous verrons</i>!" He rose. "What of Honest
+Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't call him by that odious name! I will not have it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Odious, my dear? Odious? You would have reason an I called him
+<i>Dis</i>honest Dick."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't! Don't!" she cried, covering her ears. His Grace laughed softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Lavinia, you must get the better of these megrims of yours, for
+there is nought that sickens a man sooner, believe me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, go away!&mdash;go away!" she implored. "You tease me and tease me until
+I cannot bear it, and indeed I do not <i>mean</i> to be shrewish! Please go!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am on the point of doing so, my dear. I trust you will have in a
+measure recovered when next I see you. Pray bear my respects to Hon&mdash;to
+the Honourable Richard."</p>
+
+<p>She stretched out her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Come again soon!" she begged. "I shall be better to-morrow! 'Tis only
+to-day that my head aches till I could shriek with the worry and the
+pain of it! Come again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately I anticipate leaving Bath within a day or two. But
+nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to comply with your
+wishes." He kissed her hand punctiliously, and took his leave. At the
+door he paused, and looked back mockingly. "By the way&mdash;her name
+is&mdash;Diana." He bowed again and swept out, as Lavinia buried her face in
+the cushions and burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>It was thus that Richard found her, twenty minutes later, and his
+concern was so great that it in part restored her spirits, and she spent
+a quiet and, for him, blissful evening, playing at piquet.</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of a game she suddenly flung down her hand and caught at
+his wrist.</p>
+
+<p>"Dicky, Dicky&mdash;I will go home!"</p>
+
+<p>"Go home? What do you mean? Not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes&mdash;Wyncham! Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, do you mean it?" His voice quivered with joyful surprise, and
+the cards slipped from his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I mean it! But take me quickly before I change my mind! I can
+sleep at Wyncham, and here I lie awake all night, and my head aches.
+Take me home and I will try to be a better wife! Oh, Dicky, have I been
+tiresome and exacting? I did not mean to be! Why do you let me?" She
+came quickly round the table and knelt at his side, giving no heed to
+the crumpling of her billowing silks. "I have been a wicked, selfish
+woman!" she said vehemently. "But indeed I will be better. You must not
+<i>let</i> me be bad&mdash;you <i>must</i> not, I tell you!"</p>
+
+<p>He flung his arm about her plump shoulders and drew her tightly to him.</p>
+
+<p>"When I get you home at Wyncham, I promise you I will finely hector you,
+sweetheart," he said, laughing to conceal his deeper feelings. "I shall
+make you into a capital housewife!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I will learn to make butter," she nodded. "Then I must wear a
+dimity gown with a muslin apron and cap. Oh, yes, yes-a dimity gown!"
+She sprang up and danced to the middle of the room. "Shall I not be
+charming, Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very charming, Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course! Oh, we will go home at once&mdash;at once! But first I must
+procure some new gowns from Marguerite!"</p>
+
+<p>"To make butter in, dear?" he protested.</p>
+
+<p>She was not attending.</p>
+
+<p>"A dimity gown&mdash;or shall it be of tiffany with a quilted petticoat? Or
+both?" she chanted. "Dicky, I shall set a fashion in country toilettes!"</p>
+
+<p>Dicky sighed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h3>
+
+<h3>INTRODUCING SUNDRY NEW CHARACTERS</h3>
+
+
+<p>Not twenty minutes' walk from Lady Lavinia's house in Queen Square
+resided a certain Madam Thompson&mdash;a widow&mdash;who had lived in Bath for
+nearly fifteen years. With her was staying Miss Elizabeth Beauleigh and
+her niece, Diana. Madam Thompson had been at a seminary with Miss
+Elizabeth when both were girls, and they had ever afterwards kept up
+their friendship, occasionally visiting one another, but more often
+contenting themselves with the writing of lengthy epistles, full of
+unimportant scraps of news and much gossip, amusing only on Miss
+Elizabeth's side, and on the widow's uninteresting and rambling.</p>
+
+<p>It was a great joy to Madam Thompson when she received a letter from
+Miss Beauleigh begging that she and her niece might be allowed to pay a
+visit to her house in Bath, and to stay at least three weeks. The good
+lady was delighted at having her standing invitation at last accepted,
+and straightway wrote back a glad assent. She prepared her very best
+bedchamber for Miss Beauleigh, who, she understood, was coming to Bath
+principally for a change of air and scene after a long and rather trying
+illness.</p>
+
+<p>In due course the two ladies arrived, the elder very small and thin, and
+birdlike in her movements; the younger moderately tall, and graceful as
+a willow tree, with great candid brown eyes that looked fearlessly out
+on to the world, and a tragic mouth that belied a usually cheerful
+disposition, and hinted at a tendency to look on the gloomy side of
+life.</p>
+
+<p>Madam Thompson, whose first meeting with Diana this was, remarked on the
+sad mouth to Miss Elizabeth, or Betty as she was more often called, as
+they sat over the fire on the first night, Diana herself having retired
+to her room.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty shook her head darkly and prophesied that her precious Di
+would one day love some man as no man in <i>her</i> opinion deserved to be
+loved!</p>
+
+<p>"And she'll have love badly," she said, clicking her knitting-needles
+energetically. "<i>I</i> know these temperamental children!"</p>
+
+<p>"She looks so melancholy," ventured the widow.</p>
+
+<p>"Well there you are wrong!" replied Miss Betty. "'Tis the
+sunniest-tempered child, and the sweetest-natured in the whole wide
+world, bless her! But I don't deny that she can be miserable. Far from
+it. Why, I've known her weep her pretty eyes out over a dead puppy even!
+But usually she is gay enough."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear this house will be dull and stupid for her," said Madam Thompson
+regretfully. "If only my dear son George were at home to entertain
+her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My love, pray do not put yourself out! I assure you Diana will not at
+all object to a little quiet after the life she has been leading in town
+this winter with her friend's family."</p>
+
+<p>Whatever Diana thought of the quiet, she at least made no complaint, and
+adapted herself to her surroundings quite contentedly.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning they would all walk as far as the Assembly Rooms, and
+Miss Betty would drink the waters in the old Pump Room, pacing sedately
+up and down with her friend on one side and her niece on the other.
+Madam Thompson had very few acquaintances in Bath, and the people she
+did know were all of her own age and habits, rarely venturing as far as
+the crowded fashionable quarter; so Diana had to be content with the
+society of the two old ladies, who gossiped happily enough together, but
+whose conversation she could not but find singularly uninteresting.</p>
+
+<p>She watched the <i>monde</i> with concealed wistfulness, seeing Beau Nash
+strut about among the ladies, bowing with his extreme gallantry, always
+impeccably garbed, and in spite of his rapidly increasing age and bulk
+still absolute monarch of Bath. She saw fine painted madams in enormous
+hoops, and with their hair so extravagantly curled and powdered that it
+appeared quite grotesque, mincing along with their various cavaliers;
+elderly beaux with coats padded to hid their shrunken shoulders, and
+paint to fill the wrinkles on their faces; young rakes; stout dowagers
+with their demure daughters; old ladies who had come to Bath for their
+health's sake; titled folk of fashion, and plain gentry from the
+country&mdash;all parading before her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>One or two young bucks tried to ogle her, and received such indignant
+glances from those clear eyes, that they never dared annoy her again,
+but for the most part no one paid any heed to the unknown and plainly
+clad girl.</p>
+
+<p>Then came his Grace of Andover upon the stage.</p>
+
+<p>He drew Diana's attention from the first moment that he entered the Pump
+Room&mdash;a black moth amongst the gaily-hued butterflies. He had swept a
+comprehensive glance round the scene and at once perceived Diana.
+Somehow, exactly how she could never afterwards remember, he had
+introduced himself to her aunt and won that lady's good will by his
+smoothness of manner and polished air. Madam Thompson, who, left to
+herself, never visited the Assembly Rooms, could not be expected to
+recognise Devil Belmanoir in the simple Mr. Everard who presented
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>As he had told his sister, Diana was cold. There was something about his
+Grace that repelled her, even while his mesmeric personality fascinated.
+He was right when he said that she feared him; she was nervous, and the
+element of fear gave birth to curiosity. She was intrigued, and began to
+look forward to his daily appearance in the Pump Room with mingled
+excitement and apprehension. She liked his flattering attention, and his
+grand air. Often she would watch him stroll across the floor, bowing to
+right and left with that touch of insolence that characterised him, and
+rejoiced in the knowledge that he was coming straight to her, and that
+the painted beauties who so palpably ogled and invited him to their
+sides could not alter his course. She felt her power with a thrill of
+delight, and smiled upon Mr. Everard, giving him her hand to kiss, and
+graciously permitting him to sit with her beside her aunt. He would
+point out all the celebrities of town and Bath for her edification,
+recalling carefully chosen and still more carefully censured anecdotes
+of each one. She discovered that Mr. Everard was an entertaining and
+harmless enough companion, and even expanded a little, allowing him a
+glimpse of her whimsical nature with its laughter and its hint of tears.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover saw enough to guess at the unsounded depths in her
+soul, and he became lover-like. Diana recoiled instinctively, throwing
+up a barrier of reserve between them. It was not what he said that
+alarmed her, but it was the way in which he said it, and the vague
+something in the purring, faintly sinister voice that she could not
+quite define, that made her heart beat unpleasantly fast, and the blood
+rush to her temples. She began first to dread the morning promenade,
+and then to avoid it. One day she had a headache; the next her foot was
+sore; another time she wanted to work at her fancy stitchery, until her
+aunt, who knew how she disliked her needle, and how singularly free from
+headaches and all petty ailments she was wont to be, openly taxed her
+with no longer wishing to walk abroad.</p>
+
+<p>They were in the girl's bedroom at the time, Diana seated before her
+dressing-table, brushing out her hair for the night. When her aunt put
+the abrupt question she hesitated, caught a long strand in her comb, and
+pretended to be absorbed in its disentanglement. The clouds of rippling
+hair half hid her face, but Miss Betty observed how her fingers
+trembled, and repeated her question. Then came the confession. Mr.
+Everard was unbearable; his attentions were odious; his continued
+presence revolting to Mistress Di. She was afraid of him, afraid of his
+dreadful green eyes and of his soft voice. She wished they had never
+come to Bath, and still more that they had not met him. He looked at her
+as if&mdash;as if&mdash;oh, in short, he was hateful!</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty was horrified.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot mean it! Dear, dear, dear! Here was I thinking what a
+pleasant gentleman he was, and all the time he was persecuting my poor
+Di, the wretch! <i>I</i> know the type, my love, and I feel inclined to give
+him a good piece of my mind!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no&mdash;no!" implored Diana. "Indeed, you must do no such thing,
+Auntie! He has said nought that I could possibly be offended at&mdash;'tis
+but his <i>manner</i>, and the&mdash;and the way he looked at me. Indeed, indeed,
+you must not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, child! Of course I shall say nought. But it makes me so monstrous
+angry to think of my poor lamb being tormented by such as he that I
+declare I could tear his eyes out! Yes, my dear, I could! Thank goodness
+we are leaving Bath next week!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," sighed Diana. "I cannot help being glad, though Madam Thompson is
+very amiable! 'Tis so very different when there is no man with one!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right, my love. We should have insisted on your father's
+staying with us instead of allowing him to fly back to his fusty, musty
+old volumes. I shall not be so foolish another time, I can assure you.
+But we need not go to the Assembly Rooms again."</p>
+
+<p>"I need not go," corrected Diana gently. "Of course you and Madam
+Thompson will continue to."</p>
+
+<p>"To tell the truth, my love," confessed Miss Betty, "I shall not be
+sorry for an excuse to stay away. 'Tis doubtless most ill-natured of me,
+but I cannot but think that Hester has altered sadly since last I saw
+her. She is always talking of sermons and good works!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana twisted her luxuriant hair into a long plait, and gave a gurgling
+little laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Auntie, is it not depressing? I wondered how you could tolerate it!
+She is so vastly solemn, poor dear thing!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Miss Betty charitably, "she has seen trouble, has Hester
+Thompson, and I have my doubts about this George of hers. A worthless
+young man, I fear, from all accounts. But, unkind though it may be, I
+shall be glad to find myself at home again, and that's the truth!" She
+rose and picked up her candle. "In fact, I find Bath not half so amusing
+as I was told 'twould be."</p>
+
+<p>Diana walked with her to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not amusing at all when one has no friends; but last year, when my
+cousins were with us and papa took a house for the season on the North
+Parade, 'twas most enjoyable. I wish you had been there, instead of with
+that disagreeable Aunt Jennifer!"</p>
+
+<p>She kissed her relative most affectionately and lighted her across the
+landing to her room. Then she returned to her room and shut the door,
+giving a tired little yawn.</p>
+
+<p>It was at about that moment that his Grace of Andover was ushered into
+the already crowded card-room of my Lord Avon's house in Catharine
+Place, and was greeted with ribald cries of "Oho, Belmanoir!", and
+"Where's the lady, Devil?"</p>
+
+<p>He walked coolly forward into the full light of a great pendant
+chandelier, standing directly beneath it, the diamond order on his
+breast burning and winking like a living thing. The diamonds in his
+cravat and on his fingers glittered every time he moved, until he seemed
+to be carelessly powdered with iridescent gems. As usual, he was clad in
+black, but it would have been difficult to find any other dress in the
+room more sumptuous or more magnificent than his sable satin with its
+heavy silver lacing, and shimmering waistcoat. Silver lace adorned his
+throat and fell in deep ruffles over his hands, and in defiance of
+Fashion, which decreed that black alone should be worn to tie the hair,
+he displayed long silver ribands, very striking against his unpowdered
+head.</p>
+
+<p>He raised his quizzing glass and looked round the room with an air of
+surprised hauteur. Lord Avon, leaning back in his chair at one of the
+tables, shook a reproving finger at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Belmanoir, Belmanoir, we have seen her and we protest she is too
+charming for you!"</p>
+
+<p>"In truth, we think we should be allowed a share in the lady'th
+thmileth," lisped one from behind him, and his Grace turned to face
+dainty, effeminate little Viscount Fotheringham, who stood at his elbow,
+resplendent in salmon-pink satin and primrose velvet, with skirts so
+full and stiffly whaleboned that they stood out from his person, and
+heels so high that instead of walking he could only mince.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy made a low leg.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely shall you have a share in her smiles an she wills it so," he
+purred, and a general laugh went up which caused the fop to flush to the
+ears, as he speedily effaced himself.</p>
+
+<p>He had been one of those who had tried to accost Diana, and
+gossip-loving Will Stapely, with him at the time, had related the story
+of his discomfiture to at least half-a-dozen men, who immediately told
+it to others, vastly amused at the pertinacious Viscount's rebuff.</p>
+
+<p>"What was it Selwyn said?" drawled Sir Gregory Markham, shuffling cards
+at Lord Avon's table.</p>
+
+<p>Davenant looked across at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"George? Of Belmanoir? When?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, at White's one night&mdash;I forget&mdash;Jack Cholmondely was there&mdash;he
+would know; and Horry Walpole. 'Twas of Devil and his light o'
+loves&mdash;quite apt, on the whole."</p>
+
+<p>Cholmondely looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"Did I hear my name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. What was it George said of Belmanoir at White's the night Gilly
+made that absurd bet with Ffolliott?"</p>
+
+<p>"When Gilly&mdash;oh, yes, I remember. 'Twas but an old hexameter tag,
+playing on his name: '<i>Est bellum bellis bellum bellare puellis</i>.' He
+seemed to think it a fitting motto for a ducal house."</p>
+
+<p>There was another general laugh at this. Markham broke in on it:</p>
+
+<p>"Who is she, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace turned.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is who?" he asked languidly.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Avon burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, come now, Belmanoir, that won't do! It really will not! Who is she,
+indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, Belmanoir, who is the black-haired beauty, and where did you find
+her?" cried Tom Wilding, pressing forward with a glass in one hand and a
+bottle of port in the other. "I thought you were captivated by Cynthia
+Evans?"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy looked bewildered for the moment, and then a light dawned on him.</p>
+
+<p>"Evans! Ah, yes! The saucy widow who lived in Kensington, was it not? I
+remember."</p>
+
+<p>"He had forgotten!" cried Avon, and went off into another of the noisy
+laughs that had more than once caused Mr. Nash to shudder and to close
+his august eyes. "You'll be the death of me, Devil! Gad! but you will!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I trust not. Thank you, Wilding." He accepted the glass that Tom
+offered, and sipped delicately.</p>
+
+<p>"But you've not answered!" reminded Fortescue from another table. He
+dealt the cards round expertly. "Is it hands off, perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," replied his Grace. "It generally is, Frank, as you know."</p>
+
+<p>"To my cost!" was the laughing rejoinder, and Fortescue rubbed his sword
+arm as if in memory of some hurt. "You pinked me finely, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Clumsily, Frank, clumsily. It might have been quicker done."</p>
+
+<p>The Viscount, who had been a second at the meeting, tittered amiably.</p>
+
+<p>"Neatetht thing I ever thaw, 'pon my honour. All over in leth than a
+minute, Avon! Give you my word!"</p>
+
+<p>"Never knew you had fought Devil, Frank? What possessed you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was more mad than usual, I suppose," replied Fortescue in his low,
+rather dreamy voice, "and I interfered between Tracy and his French
+singer. He objected most politely, and we fought it out in Hyde Park."</p>
+
+<p>"Gad, yes!" exclaimed his partner, Lord Falmouth. "Why, I was Devil's
+second! But it was ages ago!"</p>
+
+<p>"Two years," nodded Fortescue, "but I have not forgotten, you see!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, I had! And 'twas the funniest fight I ever saw, with you as
+furious as could be and Devil cool as a cucumber. You were never much of
+a swordsman, Frank, but that morning you thrust so wildly that stap me
+if I didn't think Devil would run you through. 'Stead of that he pinks
+you neatly through the sword-arm, and damme if you didn't burst out
+laughing fit to split! And then we all walked off to breakfast with you,
+Frank, as jolly as sandboys. Heavens, yes. That was a fight!"</p>
+
+<p>"It was amusing," admitted Tracy at Fortescue's elbow. "Don't play,
+Frank."</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue flung his cards face downwards on the table. "Curse you,
+Tracy, you've brought bad luck!" he said entirely without rancour. "I
+had quite tolerable hands before you came."</p>
+
+<p>"Belmanoir, I will thtake my chestnut mare 'gaintht your new grey,"
+lisped the Viscount, coming up to the table, dice-box in hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Stap me, but that is too bad!" cried Wilding. "Don't take him, Devil!
+Have you seen the brute?"</p>
+
+<p>The four players had finished their card-playing and were quite ready
+for the dice.</p>
+
+<p>"Trust in your luck, Belmanoir, and take him!" advised Pritchard, who
+loved hazarding other men's possessions, but kept a tight hold on his
+own.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, take him!" echoed Falmouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't," said Fortescue.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I shall take him," answered his Grace tranquilly. "My grey
+against your chestnut and the best of three. Will you throw?"</p>
+
+<p>The Viscount rattled his box with a flourish. Two threes and a one
+turned up.</p>
+
+<p>With a hand on Fortescue's shoulder, and one foot on the rung of his
+chair, Tracy leaned forward and cast his own dice on to the table. He
+had beaten the Viscount's throw by five. The next toss Fotheringham won,
+but the last fell to his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>"Damnathion!" said the Viscount cheerfully. "Will you thtake your grey
+againtht my Terror?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thunder and turf, Fotheringham! You'll lose him!" cried Nettlefold
+warningly. "Don't stake the Terror!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonthenth! Do you take me, Belmanoir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," said the Duke, and threw.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, an you are in a gaming mood, I will play you for the right to try
+my hand with the dark beauty!" called Markham across the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Against what?" asked Fortescue.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what he wills!"</p>
+
+<p>The Viscount had cast and lost, and his Grace won the second throw.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears my luck is in," he remarked. "I will stake my beauty against
+your estates, Markham."</p>
+
+<p>Sir Gregory shook his head, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Keep the lady!"</p>
+
+<p>"I intend to, my dear fellow. She is not your style. I begin to wonder
+whether she altogether suits my palate." He drew out his snuff-box and
+offered it to his host, and the other men finding that he was proof
+against their railing, allowed the subject to drop.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of the evening his Grace won three thousand guineas&mdash;two
+at ombre and one at dice&mdash;lost his coveted grey hunter and won him back
+again from Wilding, to whom he had fallen. He came away at three o'clock
+in company with Fortescue, both perfectly cool-headed, although his
+Grace, for his part, had imbibed a considerable quantity of burgundy,
+and more punch than any ordinary man could take without afterwards
+feeling very much the worse for wear.</p>
+
+<p>As my Lord Avon's door closed behind them, Tracy turned to his friend:</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we walk, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Since our ways lie together, yes," replied Fortescue, linking his arm
+in the Duke's. "Down Brock Street and across the Circus is our quickest
+way."</p>
+
+<p>They strolled down the road for a few moments in silence, passing a
+linkman on the way. Fortescue bade him a cheery good-night, which was
+answered in a very beery voice, but the Duke said nothing. Frank looked
+into his dark-browed face thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You've had the luck, to-night, Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"Moderately. I hoped entirely to repair last week's losses."</p>
+
+<p>"You are in debt, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe so."</p>
+
+<p>"To what extent, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear fellow, I neither have, nor wish to have, the vaguest notion.
+Pray do not treat me to a sermon!"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not. I've said all I have to say on the subject."</p>
+
+<p>"Many times."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;many times. And it has had no more effect upon you than if I had
+not spoken."</p>
+
+<p>"Less."</p>
+
+<p>"I daresay. I wish it were not so, for there's good in you somewhere,
+Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"By what strange process of reasoning do you arrive at that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Fortescue laughing, "there's nearly always some good in the
+very worst of men. I count on that&mdash;and your kindness to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be interested to know when I have been kind to you&mdash;beyond the
+time when I was compelled to teach you to leave me and my affairs
+alone."</p>
+
+<p>"I was not referring to that occasion," was the dry answer. "I had not
+seen your act in that light. I meant well over the episode."</p>
+
+<p>"You could not damn yourself more effectually than by saying that," said
+his Grace calmly. "But we wander from the point. When have I done you an
+act of kindness?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know very well. When you extricated me from that cursed
+sponging-house."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember now. Yes, that <i>was</i> good of me. I wonder why I did it?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis what I want to know."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I must have had some sort of an affection for you. I would
+certainly never have done such a thing for anyone else."</p>
+
+<p>"Not even for your own brother!" said Frank sharply.</p>
+
+<p>They had crossed the Circus and were walking down Gay Street now.</p>
+
+<p>"Least of all for them," came the placid response. "You are thinking of
+Andrew's tragic act? Most entertaining, was it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"You evidently found it so."</p>
+
+<p>"I did. I wanted to prolong the sensation, but my esteemed
+brother-in-law came to the young fool's rescue."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you have assisted him?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the end I fear I should have had to."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe there must be a kink in your brain!" cried Fortescue. "I
+cannot else account for your extraordinary conduct!"</p>
+
+<p>"We Belmanoirs are all half-mad," replied Tracy sweetly, "but I think
+that in my case it is merely concentrated evil."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not believe it! You have shown that you can behave differently!
+You do not try to strip me of all I possess&mdash;why all those unfortunate
+youths you play with?"</p>
+
+<p>"You see, you possess so little," the Duke excused himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither do you sneer at me in your loathsome fashion. Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have hardly ever any desire to. I like you."</p>
+
+<p>"Tare an' ouns! you must like someone else in the world besides me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can think of no one. And I do not exactly worship the ground <i>you</i>
+tread on. The contemplation of my brothers appals me. I have loved
+various women, and shall no doubt love many more&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Tracy," interposed Fortescue, "you have never loved a woman in your
+life. 'Tis that that might save you. I do not allude to the lustful
+passion you indulge in, but real love. For God's sake Belmanoir, live
+clean!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray do not distress yourself, Frank. I am not worth it."</p>
+
+<p>"I choose to think that you are. I cannot but feel that if you had been
+loved as a boy&mdash;Your mother&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever see my mother?" inquired his Grace lazily.</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever seen my sister?"</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In a rage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Really, I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, if you have, you have seen my mother. Only she was ten times
+more violent. In fact, we were a pleasant party when we were all at
+home."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand."</p>
+
+<p>"Good Gad! I believe you are sorry for me?" cried Tracy scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I am. Is it a presumption on my part?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Frank, when I am sorry for myself you may be sorry too. Until
+then&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"When that day comes I shall no longer pity you."</p>
+
+<p>"Very deep, Frank! You think I shall be on the road to recovery? A
+pretty conceit. Luckily, the happy moment has not yet come&mdash;and I do not
+think it is like to. We appear to have arrived."</p>
+
+<p>They were standing outside one of the tall houses where Fortescue
+lodged. He turned and grasped his friend's shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, give up this mad life you lead! Give up the women and the drink,
+and the excessive gaming; for one day, believe me, you will overstep
+yourself and be ruined!"</p>
+
+<p>The Duke disengaged himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I very much object to being man-handled in the street," he complained.
+"I suppose you still <i>mean</i> well. You should strive to conquer the
+tendency."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder if you know how insolent is your tone, Belmanoir?" asked
+Fortescue steadily.</p>
+
+<p>"Naturally. I should not have attained such perfection in the art else.
+But pray accept my thanks for your good advice. You will forgive me an I
+do not avail myself of it, I am sure. I prefer the crooked path."</p>
+
+<p>"Evidently," sighed the other. "If you will not try the straight and
+narrow way, I can only hope that you will fall very deeply and very
+honestly in love; and that the lady will save you from yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"I will inform you of it when it comes to pass," promised his Grace.
+"And now: good-night!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night!" Frank returned the low bow with a curt nod. "I shall see
+you to-morrow&mdash;that is, this morning&mdash;at the Baths?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," was the smiling
+rejoinder. "Sleep soundly, Frank!" He waved an ironic farewell and
+crossed the road to his own lodgings, which stood almost directly
+opposite.</p>
+
+<p>"And I suppose <i>you</i> will sleep as soundly as if you had not a stain on
+your conscience&mdash;and had not tried your uttermost to alienate the regard
+of the only friend you possess," remarked Frank bitterly to the
+darkness. "Damn you, Tracy, for the villain you are!" He walked up the
+steps to his own front door and turned the key in the lock. He looked
+over his shoulder as a door slammed across the street. "Poor Devil!" he
+said. "Oh, you poor Devil!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h3>
+
+<h3>THE BITER BIT</h3>
+
+
+<p>With John Carstares the winter had passed quite uneventfully. He
+continued his highway robbery, but he made two bad blunders&mdash;not from
+the point of view of a thief, but from that of the gentleman in him. The
+first was when he stopped an opulent-looking chariot, which he found to
+contain two ladies, their maid and their jewels, and the second when the
+occupant of a large travelling coach chanced to be an old gentleman who
+possessed far greater courage than physical strength. On the first
+occasion my lord's dismay had been ludicrous, and he had hastily retired
+after tendering a naive apology. The old gentleman in the second episode
+had defied him so gallantly that he had impulsively offered him the butt
+end of one of his pistols. The old man was so surprised that he allowed
+the weapon to fall to the ground, where it exploded quite harmlessly,
+sending up a cloud of dust and smoke. Carstares then begged his pardon
+most humbly, assisted him back into his coach, and rode off before the
+astonished Mr. Dunbar had time to collect his wits.</p>
+
+<p>The robbing was not carried out in a very scientific manner, for, as has
+been seen, Carstares could not bring himself to terrorise women or old
+men, and there only remained the young and the middle-aged gentlemen,
+one of whom Jack offered to fight for the possession of his jewels. His
+challenge was promptly accepted by the man, who happened to possess a
+strong sense of humour, and probably saw a chance of saving his
+belongings in the offer. He had been speedily worsted, but Carstares was
+so pleased with a particularly neat thrust which he had executed, that
+he forwent half the booty, and the pair of them divided the contents of
+the jewel-box by the roadside, the sporting gentleman keeping his most
+valued belongings and giving Jack the surplus. They parted on the very
+best of terms, and all Carstares got out of the episode was a little
+sword practice and a few trinkets.</p>
+
+<p>When day came he was patrolling the west side of Sussex, beyond
+Midhurst, not because he thought it a profitable part, but because he
+knew and loved the country. One late afternoon towards the end of the
+month he rode gaily into one of the small villages that nestle amongst
+the Downs, and made his way down the quaint main street to the George
+Inn, where he drew rein and dismounted. At his call an aged ostler
+hobbled out of a side door, chewing an inevitable straw, and after
+eyeing the newcomer and his steed for an appreciable length of time,
+evidently decided that they were worthy of his attention, for he came
+forward, remarking that it had been a pleasant day.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares agreed with him, and volunteered the information that it would
+be another fine day to-morrow, if the sunset were to be trusted. To this
+the ostler replied that he, for one, never trusted to no red sunsets,
+and added darkly that there warn't nothing so deceitful to his manner o'
+thinking. He'd known it be such a red sunset as never was, and yet be
+a-pouring with rain all next day.... Should he take the mare?</p>
+
+<p>Carstares shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I thank you. I remain here but a few moments. I doubt she's thirsty
+though&mdash;eh, Jenny?"</p>
+
+<p>"Water, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"For her, yes. For myself I fancy a tankard of your home-brewed ale.
+Stand, Jenny!" He turned away and walked up the steps to the inn door.</p>
+
+<p>"Be you a-going to leave her there, sir&mdash;a-standing all by herself?"
+inquired the man, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes! She's docile enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Well! Seems to me a risky thing to leave a hoss&mdash;and a skittish hoss at
+that&mdash;a-standing loose in the road. Ye won't be tying her to a post,
+master?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares leaned his arms on the balustrade and looked down at them.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not. She'd be very hurt at such treatment, wouldn't you, lass?"</p>
+
+<p>Jenny tossed her head playfully, as if in agreement, and the ostler
+scratched his head, looking from her to my lord:</p>
+
+<p>"A'most seems as if she understands what you be a-saying to her, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she understands! Don't I tell you 'tis a clever little lady?
+If I call her now she'll come up these steps to me, and not all the
+ostlers in Christendom could stop her."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't'ee go for to do it, sir!" urged the old man, backing. "She must
+be uncommon fond o' ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"She'd be a deal fonder of you if you'd fetch her a drink," hinted Jack
+broadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir! I be a-going this werry instant!" And with many an anxious
+glance over his shoulder at the perfectly quiet mare, he disappeared
+through an open doorway into the yard.</p>
+
+<p>When Carstares, tankard of ale in hand, emerged from the inn and sat
+himself down on one of the benches that stood against the wall, the
+mare was drinking thirstily from a bucket which the ancient one held for
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a wunnerful fine mare, sir," he remarked at length, after a
+careful inspection of her points.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares nodded pleasantly, and surveyed Jenny through half-shut eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so every time I look at her," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I should think she could get a bit of a pace on her, sir? Mebbe ye've
+tried her racing?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, she wasn't brought up to that. But she's fast enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir. No vices?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, no!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't kick neither?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! they allus knows who'll stand it and who won't."</p>
+
+<p>Jack drained his tankard, and setting it down on the bench beside him,
+rose to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"She'd not dream of kicking a friend. Jenny!"</p>
+
+<p>The ostler watched her pick her way towards her master, coquetting with
+her head, and sidling round him in the most playful manner possible. A
+slow smile dawned on the man's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, it be a purty sight to watch her&mdash;so it be!" he said, and received
+a guinea from Jack, who never tired of listening to praise of his
+beloved Jenny.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares remounted, nodded farewell to the ostler and rode leisurely on
+down the street, soon branching off to the right into a typical Sussex
+lane, where he trotted between uneven hedges, sweet with blossom and
+with May, and placid fields rolling away on either side, upwards until
+they merged into the undulating hills, barely discernible in the gloom,
+that are the downs. It was a wonderfully calm evening, with only a
+gentle west wind blowing, and the moon already shining faintly in the
+dark sky. There was nothing beyond the sound of the mare's hoofs to
+break the beautiful stillness of it all.</p>
+
+<p>He rode for some way without meeting a soul, and when at the end of an
+hour someone did chance along the road it was only a labourer returning
+home to his supper after a long day in the fields. John bade him a
+cheery good evening and watched him pass on down the road humming.</p>
+
+<p>After that he met no one. He rode easily along for miles, into the
+fast-gathering darkness. He was frowning as he rode, thinking.</p>
+
+<p>Curiously enough, it was on his penniless days in France that his mind
+dwelt this evening. He had resolutely thrust that dark time behind him,
+determined to forget it, but there were still days when, try as he
+might, he could not prevent his thoughts flying back to it.</p>
+
+<p>With clenched teeth he recalled the days when he, the son of an Earl,
+had taught fencing in Paris for a living.... Suddenly he laughed
+harshly, and at the unusual sound the mare pricked up her ears and
+sidled uneasily across the road. For once no notice was taken of her,
+and she quickened her pace with a flighty toss of her head....</p>
+
+<p>He thought how he, the extravagant John, had pinched and scraped and
+saved rather than go under; how he had lived in one of the poorer
+<i>quartiers</i> of the city, alone, without friends&mdash;nameless.</p>
+
+<p>Then, cynically now, he reviewed the time when he had taken to drinking,
+heavily and systematically, and had succeeded in pulling himself up at
+the very brink of the pit he saw yawning before him.</p>
+
+<p>Next the news of his mother's death.... John passed over that quickly.
+Even now the thought of it had the power of rousing in him all the old
+misery and impotent resentment.</p>
+
+<p>His mind sped on to his Italian days. On his savings he had travelled to
+Florence, and from there he went gradually south, picking up all the
+latest arts and subtleties of fence on the way.</p>
+
+<p>The change of scene and of people did much to restore his spirits. His
+devil-may-care ways peeped out again; he started to gamble on the little
+money he had left. For once Fortune proved kind; he doubled and trebled
+and quadrupled the contents of his purse. Then it was that he met Jim
+Salter, whom he engaged as his servant. This was the first friend since
+he had left England. Together they travelled about Europe, John gambling
+his way, Jim keeping a relentless hand on the exchequer. It was entirely
+owing to his watchfulness and care that John was not ruined, for his
+luck did not always hold good, and there were days when he lost with
+distressing steadiness. But Jim guarded the winnings jealously, and
+there was always something to fall back on.</p>
+
+<p>At last the longing for England and English people grew so acute that
+John made up his mind to return. But he found that things in England
+were very different from what they had been abroad. Here he was made to
+feel acutely that he was outcast. It was impossible to live in town
+under an assumed name, as he would like to have done, for too many
+people knew Jack Carstares, and would remember him. He saw that he must
+either live secluded, or&mdash;and the idea of becoming a highwayman occurred
+to him. A hermit's existence he knew to be totally unsuited to a man of
+his temperament, but the free, adventurous spirit of the road appealed
+to him. The finding of his mare&mdash;J. the Third, as he laughingly dubbed
+her&mdash;decided the point; he forthwith took on himself the role of
+quixotic highwayman, roaming his beloved South Country, happier than he
+had been since he first left England; bit by bit regaining his youth and
+spirits, which last, not all the trouble he had been through had
+succeeded in extinguishing....</p>
+
+<p>Clip-clap, clip-clop.... With a jerk he came back to earth and reined-in
+his mare, the better to listen.</p>
+
+<p>Along the road came the unmistakable sound of horses' hoofs, and the
+scrunch-scrunch of swiftly-revolving wheels on the sandy surface.</p>
+
+<p>By now the moon was right out, but owing to the fact that she was
+playing at hide-and-seek in and out of the clouds, it was fairly dark.
+Nevertheless, Jack fastened his mask over his face with quick, deft
+fingers, and pulled his hat well over his eyes. His ears told him that
+the vehicle, whatever it was, was coming towards him, so he drew into
+the side of the road, and taking a pistol from its holster, sat waiting,
+his eyes on the bend in the road.</p>
+
+<p>Nearer and nearer came the horses, until the leader swung round the
+corner. Carstares saw that it was an ordinary travelling chariot, and
+levelled his pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Halt, or I fire!" He had to repeat the command before it was heard, and
+to ride out from the shadow of the hedge.</p>
+
+<p>The chariot drew up and the coachman leaned over the side to see who it
+was bidding them to stop in so peremptory a manner.</p>
+
+<p>"What d'ye want? Who are ye? Is there aught amiss?" he cried testily,
+and found himself staring at a long-nosed pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Throw down your arms!"</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't got none, blast ye!"</p>
+
+<p>"On your honour?" Jack dismounted.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay! Wish I had, and I'd see ye damned afore I'd throw 'em down!"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the door of the coach opened and a gentleman leapt
+lightly down on to the road. He was big and loose-limbed as far as
+Carstares could see, and carried himself with an easy grace.</p>
+
+<p>My lord presented his pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Stand!" he ordered gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>The moon peeped coyly out from behind a cloud and shed her light upon
+the little group as if to see what all the fuss was about. The big man's
+face was in the shadow, but Jack's pistol was not. Into its muzzle the
+gentleman gazed, one hand deep in the pocket of his heavy cloak, the
+other holding a small pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Me very dear friend," he said in a rich brogue, "perhaps ye are not
+aware that that same pistol ye are pointing at me is unloaded? Don't
+move; I have ye covered!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack's arm fell to his side, and the pistol he held clattered to the
+ground. But it was not surprise at Jim's defection that caused him that
+violent start. It was something far more overwhelming. For the voice
+that proceeded from the tall gentleman belonged to one whom, six years
+ago, he had counted, next to Richard, his greatest friend on earth.</p>
+
+<p>The man moved a little, and the moonlight shone full on his face,
+clearly outlining the large nose and good-humoured mouth, and above, the
+sleepy grey eyes. Miles! Miles O'Hara! For once Jack could find nothing
+amusing in the situation. It was too inconceivably hideous that he
+should meet his friend in this guise, and, further, be unable to reveal
+himself. A great longing to tear off his mask and to grasp Miles' hand
+assailed him. With an effort he choked it down and listened to what
+O'Hara was saying:</p>
+
+<p>"If ye will be so kind as to give me your word of honour ye'll not be
+afther trying to escape, I should be greatly obliged. But I tell ye
+first that if ye attempt to move, I shall shoot."</p>
+
+<p>Jack made a hopeless gesture with his hand. He felt dazed. The whole
+thing was ridiculous; how Miles would laugh afterwards. He went cold.
+There would be no "afterwards".... Miles would never know.... He would
+be given over to the authorities, and Miles would never know that he had
+helped Jack Carstares to the scaffold.... Perhaps, too, he would not
+mind so very much, now that he, Jack, was so disgraced. One could never
+tell; even if he risked everything now, and told his true identity,
+Miles might turn away from him in disgust; Miles, who could never stoop
+to a dishonourable act. Carstares felt that he would bear anything
+sooner than face this man's scorn....</p>
+
+<p>"Never tell me 'tis a dumb man ye are, for I heard ye shout meself! Do
+ye give me your word of honour, or must I have ye bound?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares pulled himself together and set his teeth as he faced the
+inevitable. Escape was impossible; Miles would shoot, he felt sure, and
+then his disguise would be torn away and his friend would see that Jack
+Carstares was nothing but a common highwayman. Whatever happened, that
+must not be, for the sake of the name and Richard. So he quietly held
+out his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, I give my word, but ye can bind me if ye choose." It was his
+highwayman voice: raucous, and totally unlike his own.</p>
+
+<p>But O'Hara's eyes were fixed on the slender white hands held out to him.
+In his usual haphazard fashion, Jack had quite forgotten to grime his
+hands. They were shapely and white, and carefully manicured.</p>
+
+<p>Miles took either wrist in his large hands and turned them palm upwards
+in the moonlight.</p>
+
+<p>"Singularly white hands ye have, for one in your profession," he
+drawled, and tightened his hold as Jack tried to draw them away. "No, ye
+do not! Now be so good as to step within, me friend."</p>
+
+<p>Jack held back an instant.</p>
+
+<p>"My mare?" he asked, and O'Hara noted the anxiety in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye need not be after worrying about her," he said. "George!" The
+footman sprang forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Yessir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye see that mare? I want ye to ride her home. Can ye do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yessir!"</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt it," murmured Jack.</p>
+
+<p>So did Jenny. She refused point blank to allow this stranger to mount
+her. Her master had left her in one spot, and there she would stand
+until he chose to bid her move. In vain did the groom coax and coerce.
+She ran round him and seemed a transformed creature. She laid her ears
+flat and gnashed at the bit, ready to lash out furiously at the first
+opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>Jack watched the man's futile struggles with the ghost of a smile about
+his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Jenny!" he said quietly, and O'Hara looked round at him sharply,
+frowning. Unconsciously, he had spoken naturally, and the voice was
+faintly familiar.</p>
+
+<p>Jenny twitched the bridle from the perspiring groom and minced up to the
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"Would ye allow me to have a hand free&mdash;sir?" he asked. "Mebbe I can
+manage her."</p>
+
+<p>Without a word Miles released him, and he caught the bridle, murmuring
+something unintelligible to the now quiet animal.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara watched the beautiful hand stroke her muzzle reassuringly, and
+frowned again. No ordinary highwayman this.</p>
+
+<p>"Mount her now, will 'ee?" Jack flung at the groom, and kept a warning
+hand on the rein as the man obeyed. With a final pat he turned away.
+"She'll do now, sir."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye've trained her well. Get in, please."</p>
+
+<p>Jack obeyed, and in a minute or two O'Hara jumped in after him, and the
+coach began to move forward.</p>
+
+<p>For a while there was silence, Carstares keeping himself well under
+control. It was almost unbearable to think that after this brief drive
+he would never set eyes on his friend again, and he wanted so badly to
+turn and grasp that strong hand....</p>
+
+<p>Miles turned in his seat and tried to see the masked face in the
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are a gentleman?" he asked, going straight to the point.</p>
+
+<p>Jack was prepared for this.</p>
+
+<p>"Me, sir? Lor' no, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not believe ye. Don't be forgettin' I've seen your hands!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hands, sir?" in innocent bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, ye don't think I'd be believing ye an ordinary rogue, with hands
+like that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't rightly understand ye, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bejabers then, ye'll be understanding me tomorrow!"</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. Ye may as well tell me now as then. I'm not such a daft fool
+as I look, and I know a gentleman when I see one, even an he does growl
+at me as you do!" he chuckled. "And I'd an odd feeling I knew ye when ye
+spoke to the mare. I'd be loth to send a friend to the gallows."</p>
+
+<p>How well Jack knew that soft, persuasive voice. His hands clenched as he
+forced himself to answer:</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think I've ever seen ye afore, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe ye have not. We shall see to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"What do ye mean by to-morrow, sir?" ventured Carstares uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, ye will have the honour of appearing before me, me friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Before <i>you</i>, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? I'm a Justice of the Peace, heaven save the mark!"</p>
+
+<p>There was a breathless pause, and then at last the funny side of it
+struck Jack, and his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. The
+exquisite irony of it was almost too much for him. He, the Earl of
+Wyncham, was to be formally questioned by his friend Sir Miles O'Hara,
+J.P.!</p>
+
+<p>"What ails ye now, man? Ye find it amusing?" asked Miles, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Lud, yes!" gasped Jack, and collapsed into his corner.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY O'HARA INTERVENES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara found that her big, indolent husband was unusually silent
+next morning at breakfast. She had not been married long enough to
+consent to being practically ignored, no matter what the time of day,
+but she had been married quite long enough to know that before she took
+any direct action against him, she must first allow him to assuage his
+appetite. Accordingly she plied him with coffee and eggs, and with a
+satisfied and slightly motherly air, watched him attack a sirloin of
+beef. She was a pretty, birdlike little lady, with big eyes, and soft
+brown curls escaping from under a demure but very becoming mob cap. She
+measured five foot nothing in her stockings, and was sometimes referred
+to by her large husband as the Midget. Needless to say, this flippant
+appellation was in no wise encouraged by the lady.</p>
+
+<p>She decided that Miles had come to the end of his repast, and, planting
+two dimpled elbows on the table, she rested her small chin in her hands
+and looked across at him with something of the air of an inquisitive
+kitten.</p>
+
+<p>"Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara leaned back in his chair, and at the sight of her fresh
+prettiness his brow cleared and he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, asthore?"</p>
+
+<p>A reproachful finger was raised and a pair of red lips pouted adorably.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Miles, confess you've been vastly disagreeable this morning. Twice
+have I spoken to you and you've not troubled to answer me&mdash;nay, let me
+finish! And once you growled at me like a nasty bear! Yes, sir, you
+did!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I now, Molly? 'Tis a surly brute you're after thinking me, then?
+Troth, and I've been sore perplexed, me dear."</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara got up and sidled round to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you so, Miles?"</p>
+
+<p>He flung an arm about her and drew her on to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, yes, Molly."</p>
+
+<p>"Well then, Miles, had you not better tell me what it is that troubles
+you?" she coaxed, laying a persuasive hand on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>He smiled up at her.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis just an inquisitive puss you are!"</p>
+
+<p>Again the pout.</p>
+
+<p>"And ye should not pout your pretty lips at me if ye are not wanting me
+to kiss them!" he added, suiting the action to the word.</p>
+
+<p>"But of course I do!" cried my lady, returning the kiss with fervour.
+"Nay, Miles, tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"I see ye mean to have the whole tale out of me, so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure I do!" she nodded.</p>
+
+<p>He laid a warning finger on her lips and summoned up a mighty frown.</p>
+
+<p>"Now will ye be done interrupting, me lady?"</p>
+
+<p>Not a whit abashed, she bit the finger, pushed it away, and folding her
+hands in her lap, cast her eyes meekly heavenwards.</p>
+
+<p>With a twinkle in his own eyes the Irishman continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, alanna, ye must know that yesterday evening I was at Kilroy's on
+a matter of business&mdash;and that reminds me, Molly, we had a hand or two
+at faro and the like before I left, and I had very distressing luck&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>On a sudden my lady's demure air vanished.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so, Miles? I make no doubt the stakes were prodigious high?
+Pray, how much have you lost?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht, darlin', 'tis a mere thrifle, I assure you.... Well, as I was
+saying, on me way home, what should happen but that we be held up by one
+of these highwaymen&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>My lady's eyes widened in horror, and two little hands clutched at his
+coat.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>His arm tightened round her waist.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, asthore, I'm still alive to tell the tale, though 'tis not far
+I'll be getting with you interrupting at every moment!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, Miles, how terrible! You might have been killed! And you never
+told me! 'Twas monstrous wicked of you, darling!"</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, Molly, how should I be telling you when 'twas yourself that was
+fast asleep? Now will you whisht?"</p>
+
+<p>She nodded obediently, and dimpled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as I say, here was this man standing in the road, pointing his
+pistol at me. But will ye believe me, me love, when I tell you that that
+same pistol was as empty as&mdash;my own?" Here he was shaken with laughter.
+"Lud, Molly, 'twas the drollest thing! I had me pistol in me hand,
+knowing 'twas unloaded, and wondering what the devil, saving your
+presence, was to do next, when the idea struck me that I should try to
+bluff me fine sir. So I cried out that his pistol was unloaded, and
+completely took him by surprise! Sure he hadn't time to ask himself how
+the devil I should be knowing that! He dropped it on the road. Afther&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, you are becoming very Irish!"</p>
+
+<p>"Never say so, alanna. <i>After</i> that 'twas simple enough, and me lord
+gave in. He held out his hands for me to bind&mdash;and here's where 'tis
+puzzling, Molly&mdash;I saw that they were a prodigious sight too white and
+fine for an ordinary highwayman. So I taxed him with it&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas a gentleman in disguise! How splendid, Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>"Will ye hold your tongue, asthore, and not be spoiling me story on me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, indeed I am sorry! I will be good!"</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;and he started and seemed monstrous put out. What's more, me dear, I
+heard him speak to his mare in an ordinary, gentleman's voice. Molly, ye
+never saw the like of that same mare! The sweetest&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, never mind the mare, dear! I am all agog to hear about the
+gentleman-highwayman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, me love, though 'twas a prodigious fine mare&mdash;When I heard
+him speak, it flashed across me brain that I knew him&mdash;no, ye don't,
+Molly!" His hand was over her mouth as he spoke, and her eyes danced
+madly. "But I could not for the life of me think where I had heard that
+voice: 'twas but the one word I heard him speak, ye understand, and when
+I held his wrists I felt that 'twas no stranger. And yet 'tis
+impossible. When I got him within the coach&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How imprudent! He might have&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht now! When I got him within the coach I tried to worm his
+identity out of him, but 'twas to no avail. But when I told him he would
+have to appear before me to-day, he went off into a fit of laughing,
+till I wondered what he was at, at all. And not another word could I get
+out of him after beyond 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir.' Still, I felt that
+'twas a gentleman all the same, so I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.</p>
+
+<p>"You dear Miles! You let him escape?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, alanna, is it meself that would be doing the like? And me a
+Justice of the Peace withal? I told them not to handcuff me lord."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I do so wish you had let him escape! But if 'tis really a
+gentleman, you will?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will not then, asthore. I'll be sending him to await the Assizes."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very cruel, then."</p>
+
+<p>"But, me darlin'&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And I wish to get off your knee." He drew her close.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll see what can be done for your protege, Molly. But don't be
+forgetting he tried to kill the only husband you have!" He watched the
+effect of this with that humorous twinkle in his eye. But my lady was
+not to be put off.</p>
+
+<p>"With an empty pistol? Fie on you, Miles! And may I hide behind the
+screen while you question him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye may not."</p>
+
+<p>"But I wish so much to see him!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara shook his head with an air of finality she knew full well.
+However easy-going and good-natured her husband might be, there were
+times when he was impervious to all blandishments. So after darkly
+hinting that she would be nearer than he imagined, she gave up the
+contest to go and visit young Master David in his nursery.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>For some time in lock-up Carstares had cudgelled his brain to think out
+a possible mode of escape next day, but try as he might he could light
+on nothing. If only Miles were not to question him! It was hardly likely
+that he would be allowed to retain his mask, yet therein lay his only
+chance of preserving his incognito. He prayed that by some merciful
+providence O'Hara would either fail to recognise him or would at least
+pretend that he did not. Having decided that there was nothing further
+to be done in the matter he lay down on his extremely hard pallet, and
+went to sleep as if he had not a care in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, after a long and wordy argument with the head gaoler on
+the subject of masks, he was haled in triumph to the house.</p>
+
+<p>As the little cavalcade was about to ascend the steps that led to the
+front door, my Lady O'Hara came gaily forth carrying a basket and a pair
+of scissors, and singing a snatch of song. At the sight of the
+highwayman the song broke off and her red lips formed a long-drawn "Oh!"
+She stood quite still on the top step, gazing down at my lord. The two
+gaolers stood aside to allow her to come down, just as a greyhound
+darted up the steps and flung itself against her in an exuberance of
+joy. My lady, none too securely balanced, reeled; the basket fell from
+her arm, her foot missed the next step, and she tumbled headlong down.
+But in the flash of an eyelid Carstares had sprung forward and received
+her in his arms. He lowered her gently to the ground. "I trust you are
+not hurt, madam?" he asked, and retrieved her basket, handing it to her.</p>
+
+<p>Molly took it with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you sir, not at all; though I fear I should have injured myself
+quite considerably had you not been so swift in catching me. 'Twas most
+kind of you, I am sure!" She extended her small hand, and her eyes
+devoured him.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment my lord hesitated, and then, sweeping off his hat, he bowed
+low over the hand.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas less than nothing, madam," he said in his own cultivated voice.
+"I beg you will dismiss it from your mind." He straightened himself as
+the gaolers came forward, and put on his hat again.</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara stepped aside and watched them disappear into the house. Her
+cheeks were rather flushed, and her eyes suspiciously bright. Suddenly
+she nodded her head decisively, and throwing away her luckless basket,
+hurried across the lawn and entered the house through a long window.</p>
+
+<p>My lord was conducted to the library, where O'Hara sat awaiting him, and
+slouched forward with his hands thrust deep into his pockets and his hat
+still on his head.</p>
+
+<p>The head gaoler eyed him gloomily, and looked pained when Carstares with
+studied boorishness leaned carelessly against a fine carved table.</p>
+
+<p>"We 'ave refrained from 'andcuffin' pris'ner, sir, at your horders," he
+said, in a tone that warned O'Hara that should harm come of it, on his
+head be the blame.</p>
+
+<p>Miles nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," he said pleasantly, and glanced at the cloaked and masked
+figure before him with more suspicion than ever.</p>
+
+<p>"But I regrets to 'ave to report very hobstinate be'aviour on part of
+pris'ner, sir," added the gaoler impressively.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed?" said Miles gravely. "How so?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack controlled an insane desire to laugh, and listened to the gaoler's
+complaint.</p>
+
+<p>"You see the pris'ner, sir, with that great mask on 'is face? Afore we
+set out to come 'ere, I told 'im to take it hoff. And 'e refoosed, sir.
+Seeing as 'ow you gave no horders, I did not force 'im to hobey."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! ... Your name, please?"</p>
+
+<p>"John Smith, sir," answered Carstares promptly and hoarsely. O'Hara
+wrote it down with a sceptical smile on his lips that Jack did not quite
+like.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps ye will have the goodness to unmask?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a momentary silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir, I thought ye might allow me to keep it on?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did ye now? I will not be allowing any such thing."</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis impossible. Off with it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"If ye don't take it off, I shall ask these men to assist ye," warned
+Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"May I not speak with ye alone, sir?" pleaded Jack. By now O'Hara was
+greatly intrigued.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye may not. Unmask!" He was leaning half across the table, his eyes
+fixed on Jack's face.</p>
+
+<p>With a quaint little laugh that made O'Hara's brows contract swiftly, my
+lord shrugged his shoulders French fashion and obeyed. The mask and hat
+were tossed lightly on to the table, and Miles found himself gazing into
+a pair of blue eyes that met his half defiantly, half imploringly. He
+drew in his breath sharply and the thin ivory rule he held snapped
+suddenly between his fingers. And at that crucial moment a door behind
+him that had stood ajar was pushed open, and my Lady O'Hara came
+tripping into the room.</p>
+
+<p>The two gaolers and her husband turned at once to see who it was, while
+Jack, who had recognised her, but had not the least idea who she was,
+fell to dusting his boots with his handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara rose, and for once looked severe.</p>
+
+<p>"What&mdash;" he began, and stopped, for without so much as a glance at him,
+my lady ran towards the prisoner, crying:</p>
+
+<p>"Harry! Oh, Harry!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack gathered that he was the person addressed, and instantly made her
+an elaborate leg.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment she was tugging at the lapels of his coat, with her face
+upturned to his.</p>
+
+<p>"Harry, you WICKED boy!" she cried, and added beneath her breath: "My
+name is Molly!"</p>
+
+<p>A laugh sprang to my lord's eyes and his beautiful smile appeared.</p>
+
+<p>In a stupefied fashion O'Hara watched him steal an arm about her waist,
+and place a hand beneath her chin. The next instant a kiss was planted
+full on the little lady's lips, and he heard Jack Carstares' voice
+exclaim:</p>
+
+<p>"Fie on you, Molly, for a spoil-sport! Here had I fooled Miles to the
+top of my bent&mdash;and 'pon rep.! he scarce knows me yet!"</p>
+
+<p>My lady disengaged herself, blushing.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Miles, you do know Harry&mdash;my cousin Harry?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara collected his scattered wits and rose nobly to the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do, me dear, though at first he gave me such a shock, I was
+near dumbfounded. Ye are a mad, scatter-brained fellow to play such a
+thrick upon us, devil take ye!" He laid his hands on Jack's shoulders.
+"Pray, what did ye do it for, boy?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack's brain worked swiftly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Miles, never tell me you've forgot our wager! Did I not swear I'd
+have you at a disadvantage&mdash;to be even with you for that night at
+Jasper's? But what must you do but see my pistol was unloaded and make
+me lose my wager! Still, 'twas worth that and a night in gaol to see
+your face when I unmasked!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara shook him slightly, laughing, and turned to the two amazed
+gaolers. The senior gaoler met his humorous glance with a cold and
+indignant stare, and gave a prodigious sniff.</p>
+
+<p>"Me good fellows," drawled Miles, "I'm mighty sorry ye've been worried
+over me young cousin here. He's fooled us all it appears, but now
+there's nought to be done in the matter, though I've a mind to send him
+to await the next sessions!" He slipped a guinea into each curiously
+ready palm, and replied to the head gaoler's haughty bow with a pleasant
+nod. In silence he watched them leave the room shaking their heads over
+the incomprehensible ways of the gentry. Then he turned and looked
+across at Carstares.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY O'HARA RETIRES</h3>
+
+
+<p>For a long minute silence reigned, all three actors in the little comedy
+listening to the heavy footsteps retreating down the passage, Carstares
+with one arm still around my lady's waist and a rather strained look on
+his face. Molly instinctively felt that something beyond her ken was in
+the air, and glanced fearfully up at the white face above her. The
+expression in the blue eyes fixed on her husband made her turn sharply
+to look at him. She found that he was staring at my lord as though he
+saw a ghost: She wanted to speak, to relieve the tension, but all words
+stuck in her throat, and she could only watch the <i>denouement</i>
+breathlessly. At last O'Hara moved, coming slowly towards them, reading
+John's countenance. Some of the wonder went out of his face, and, as if
+he sensed the other's agony of mind, he smiled suddenly and laid his
+hands once more on the straight, stiff shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack, ye rascal, what do ye mean by hugging and kissing me wife under
+me very eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>Molly all at once remembered the position of her "Cousin Harry's" arm,
+and gave a little gasp, whisking herself away.</p>
+
+<p>My lord put out his hands and strove to thrust his friend off.</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, don't forget&mdash;don't forget&mdash;what I am!"</p>
+
+<p>The words were forced out, but his head was held high.</p>
+
+<p>"Tare an' ouns, man! And is it meself that'll be caring what ye may or
+may not be? Oh, Jack, Jack, I'm so pleased to see ye, that I can scarce
+realise 'tis yourself I am looking at! When did ye come to England, and
+what-a-plague are you doing in that costume?" He jerked his head to
+where John's mask lay, and wrung the hand he held as though he would
+never stop.</p>
+
+<p>"I've been in England a year. As to the mask&mdash;!" He shrugged and
+laughed.</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara pushed in between them.</p>
+
+<p>"But please I do not understand!" she said plaintively.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares bowed over her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"May I be permitted to thank you for your kindly intervention, my lady?
+And to congratulate Miles on his marriage?"</p>
+
+<p>She dimpled charmingly and curtsied. Her husband caught her round the
+waist.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, the saucy minx! Oh, me cousin Harry, forsooth! If it had been
+anyone but Jack I should be angry with ye, asthore, for 'twas a wicked
+thrick to play entirely!"</p>
+
+<p>She patted his hand and smiled across at Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, I would never have done such a forward thing had I not known
+that he was indeed a gentleman&mdash;and had he not saved me from sudden
+death!" she added as an afterthought.</p>
+
+<p>Miles looked sharply round at her and then at Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"What's this?"</p>
+
+<p>"My lady exaggerates," smiled my lord. "'Tis merely that I had the
+honour to catch her as she fell down the steps this morning."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara looked relieved.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are not hurt, alanna?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious, no! But I had to do something to show my gratitude&mdash;and I was
+sure that you would never expose <i>my</i> fraud&mdash;so I&mdash;But," as a sudden
+thought struck her, "you seem to <i>know</i> my highwayman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure an' I do, Molly. 'Tis none other than Jack Carstares of whom ye've
+often heard me speak!"</p>
+
+<p>She turned round eyes of wonderment upon my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be&mdash;is it possible that you are my husband's dearest
+friend&mdash;Lord John?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack flushed and bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"I was once&mdash;madam," he said stiffly.</p>
+
+<p>"Once!" she scoffed. "Oh, if you could but hear him speak of you! But
+I'll let you hear him speak <i>to</i> you, which perhaps you'll enjoy more. I
+know you've a prodigious great deal to say to one another, so I shall
+run away and leave you alone." She smiled graciously upon him, blew an
+airy kiss to her husband and went quickly out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares closed the door behind her and came back to O'Hara, who had
+flung himself back into his chair, trying, manlike, to conceal the
+excitement he was feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, sit ye down, Jack, and let me have the whole story!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord divested himself of his long cloak and shook out his hitherto
+tucked-up ruffles. From the pocket of his elegant scarlet riding coat he
+drew a snuff-box, which he opened languidly. With his eyes resting
+quizzically on O'Hara's face, he took a delicate pinch of snuff and
+minced across the room.</p>
+
+<p>Miles laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"What's this?"</p>
+
+<p>"This, my dear friend, is Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart.!" He bowed with
+great flourish.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye look it. But come over here, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart., and tell
+me everything."</p>
+
+<p>Jack perched on the edge of the desk and swung his leg.</p>
+
+<p>"Well really, I do not think there is much to tell that you do not
+already know, Miles. You know all about Dare's card-party, for instance,
+precisely six years ago?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis just exactly what I do not know!" retorted O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>"You surprise me! I thought the tale was rife."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Jack, will ye have done drawling at me? Don't be forgetting I'm
+your friend&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But are you? If you know the truth about me, do you feel inclined to
+call me friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"There never was a time when I would not have been proud to call ye
+friend, as ye would very well have known, had ye been aught but a damned
+young hothead! I heard that crazy tale about the card-party, but do ye
+think I believed it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was the obvious thing to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe, but I fancy I know ye just a little too well to believe any
+cock-and-bull story I'm told about ye. And even if I had been fool
+enough to have believed it, do ye think I'd be going back on ye? Sure,
+'tis a poor friend I'd be!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack stared down at the toe of his right boot in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"I know something more than we guessed happened at that same party, and
+I have me suspicions, but 'tis your affair, and whatever ye did ye had
+your reasons for. But, Jack, why in the name of wonder must ye fly off
+to the devil alone knows where, without so much as a good-bye to
+anyone?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares never raised his eyes from the contemplation of that boot. He
+spoke with difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"Miles&mdash;in my place&mdash;would you not have done the same?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You know you would. Was it likely that I should inflict myself on you
+at such a time? What would you have thought of me had I done so?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara brought his hand down smartly on the other's knee.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd have thought ye less of a young fool! I would have gone away with
+ye, and nothing would have stopped me!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack looked up and met his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I know," he said. "'Twas the thought of that&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;I could not be
+sure. How should I know whether you would even receive me? Last
+night&mdash;last night&mdash;I was horribly afraid...."</p>
+
+<p>The hand on his knee tightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye foolish boy! Ye foolish boy!"</p>
+
+<p>Bit by bit he drew the story of the past six years out of Carstares, and
+though it was a very modified version, Miles understood his friend well
+enough to read between the lines.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said Jack, when the recital was over, "tell me about
+yourself. When did you marry the attractive lady whom I have just been
+kissing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye rogue! I married Molly three years ago. 'Tis a real darling she is,
+isn't she? And upstairs there's a little chap&mdash;your godson."</p>
+
+<p>"You lucky fellow! My godson, you say? Could you not find anyone more
+worthy for that? I want to see him."</p>
+
+<p>"So ye shall presently. Have ye seen Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"A year ago I held up his coach. 'Twas dark, and I could scarce see him,
+but I thought he seemed aged."</p>
+
+<p>"Aged! Ye wouldn't be afther knowing him! 'Tis an old man he is. Though
+I swear 'tis no wonder with that hussy about the house! Lord, Jack, you
+were well out of that affair with her ladyship!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares nursed his foot reflectively.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia? What ails her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought that I know of, save it be her shrewish temper. 'Tis a dog's
+life she leads poor Dick."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to say she does not love Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say&mdash;sometimes she's as affectionate as you please, but at
+others she treats him to a fine exhibition of rage. And the money she
+spends! Of course, she married him for what she could get. There was
+never anything else to count with her."</p>
+
+<p>Jack sat very still.</p>
+
+<p>"And anyone but a young fool like yourself would have seen that!"</p>
+
+<p>A gleam of amusement shot into the wistful blue eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably. Yourself, for instance?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara chuckled.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ay, I knew! 'Twas the money she was after all along; and now
+there's not so much, it seems, as Dick won't touch a penny that belongs
+to you."</p>
+
+<p>"M'm. Warburton told me. Foolish of him."</p>
+
+<p>A grunt was the sole response.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's eyes narrowed a little as he gazed out of the window. "So Lavinia
+never cared? Lord, what a mix-up! And Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid he still does."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor old Dick! Devil take the woman! Does she bully him? I know what he
+is&mdash;always ready to give in."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not so sure. Yet I'll swear if 'twere not for John his life would
+be a misery. He misses you, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is John?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did not Warburton tell you? John is the hope of the house. He's four
+and a half, and as spoilt a little rascal as you could wish for."</p>
+
+<p>"Dick's child? Good Lord!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, Dick's child and your nephew." He broke off and looked into the
+other's face. "Jack, cannot this mystery be cleared up? Couldn't ye go
+back?" He was clasping Jack's hand, but it was withdrawn, and the eyes
+looking down into his were suddenly bored and a little cold.</p>
+
+<p>"I know of no mystery," said Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"Jack, old man, will ye be afther shutting me out of your confidence?"</p>
+
+<p>A faint, sweet smile curved the fine lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us talk of the weather, Miles, or my mare. Anything rather than
+this painful subject."</p>
+
+<p>With an impatient movement O'Hara flung back his chair and strode over
+to the window with his back to my lord. Jack's eyes followed him
+seriously.</p>
+
+<p>"If ye cannot trust me, sure I've no more to say, thin!" flashed O'Hara.
+"It seems ye do not value your friends too highly!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord said never a word. But the hand that rested on the desk clenched
+suddenly. O'Hara wheeled about and came back to his side.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, Jack, I never meant that! Forgive me bad temper!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares slipped off the table and straightened himself, linking his
+arm in the Irishman's.</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht, Miles, as you'd say yourself," he laughed, "I know that. 'Tis
+not that I don't trust you, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I understand. I'll not ask ye any more about it at all. Instead, answer
+me this: what made ye come out with unloaded pistols?"</p>
+
+<p>The laugh died out of Carstares' face.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, just carelessness!" he answered shortly, and he thought of the
+absent Jim with a tightening of the lips.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas that very same reason with meself thin!" Jack stared at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, don't tell me yours were unloaded, too?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Deed an' they were! Ecod, Jack! 'tis the best joke I've heard for a
+twelvemonth." They both started to laugh. "Sure 'twas bluff on my part,
+Jack, when I told ye yours was unloaded. And me lady was determined to
+set you free from the moment I told her all about it this morning. We
+were sure ye were no ordinary highwayman, though I was a fool not to
+have known ye right away. But now I have found ye out, ye'll stay with
+us&mdash;Cousin Harry?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot thank you enough, Miles, but I will not do that. I must get
+back to Jim."</p>
+
+<p>"And who the devil is Jim?"</p>
+
+<p>"My servant. He'll be worried nigh to death over me. Nay, do not press
+me, I could not stay here, Miles. You must see for yourself 'tis
+impossible&mdash;Jack Carstares does not exist; only Anthony Ferndale is
+left."</p>
+
+<p>"Jack, dear man, can I not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Miles, you can do nothing, though 'tis like you to want to help,
+and I do thank you. But&mdash;oh well! ... What about my mare?"</p>
+
+<p>"Plague take me if I'd not forgotten! Jack, that scoundrel of mine let
+her strain her fetlock. I'm demmed sorry."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Jenny! I'll swear she gave him an exciting ride, though."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be trying to buy her off ye, Jack, if I see much of her. 'Tis a
+little beauty she is."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not selling, though I intended to ask you to keep her, if&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>A quick pressure on his arm arrested him.</p>
+
+<p>"That will do! I'm too heavy for her anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"So was that devil of a groom you put on her."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. I'm a fool."</p>
+
+<p>"I always knew that."</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht now, Jack! Ye'll have to take one of my nags while she heals, if
+ye won't stay with us. Can ye trust her to me for a week, do ye
+suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. It seems as though I must&mdash;oh, I retract, I retract. You
+are altogether too large, the day is too hot, and my cravat too nicely
+tied&mdash;Egad, Miles! I wish&mdash;oh, I <i>wish</i> we were boys again, and&mdash;Yes.
+When may I see your son and heir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, ye may come now and find Molly, who'll be aching for the sight of
+you. Afther you, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD TURNS RESCUER AND COMES NIGH ENDING HIS LIFE</h3>
+
+
+<p>Late that afternoon Carstares left Thurze House on one of his friend's
+horses. He waved a very regretful farewell to O'Hara and his lady,
+promising to let them know his whereabouts and to visit them again soon.
+O'Hara had extracted a solemn promise that if ever he got into
+difficulties he would let him know:</p>
+
+<p>"For I'm not letting ye drift gaily out of me life again, and that's
+flat."</p>
+
+<p>Jack had assented gladly enough&mdash;to have a friend once more was such
+bliss&mdash;and had given Miles the name of the inn and the village where he
+would find him, for O'Hara had insisted on bringing the mare over
+himself. So Carstares rode off to Trencham and to Jim, with the memory
+of a very hearty handshake in his mind. He smiled a little as he thought
+of his friend's words when he had shown himself reluctant to give the
+required promise:</p>
+
+<p>"Ye obstinate young devil, ye'll do as I say, and no nonsense, or ye
+don't leave this house!"</p>
+
+<p>For six years no one had ordered him to obey; it had been he who had
+done all the ordering. Somehow it was very pleasant to be told what to
+do, especially by Miles.</p>
+
+<p>He turned down a lane and wondered what Jim was thinking. That he was
+waiting at the Green Man, he was certain, for those had been his orders.
+He was annoyed with the man over the incident of the pistols, for he had
+inspected them and discovered that they were indeed unloaded. Had his
+captor been other than O'Hara, on whom he could not fire, such
+carelessness might have proved his undoing. Apart from that, culpable
+negligence always roused his wrath. A rather warm twenty minutes was in
+store for Salter.</p>
+
+<p>For quite an hour Carstares proceeded on his way with no mishaps nor
+adventures, and then, suddenly, as he rounded a corner of a deserted
+road&mdash;little more than a cart-track&mdash;an extraordinary sight met his
+eyes. In the middle of the road stood a coach, and by it, covering the
+men on the box with two large pistols, was a seedy-looking ruffian,
+while two others were engaged in what appeared to be a life-and-death
+struggle at the coach-door.</p>
+
+<p>Jacked reined-in his horse and rose in his stirrups to obtain a better
+view. Then his eyes flashed, and he whistled softly to himself. For the
+cause of all the turmoil was a slight, graceful girl of not more than
+nineteen or twenty. She was frenziedly resisting the efforts of her
+captors to drag her to another coach, further up the road. Jack could
+see that she was dark and very lovely.</p>
+
+<p>Another, elderly lady, was most valiantly impeding operations by clawing
+and striking at one of the men's arms, scolding and imploring all in one
+breath. Jack's gaze went from her to a still, silent figure at the side
+of the road in the shadow of the hedge, evidently the stage-manager. "It
+seems I must take a hand in this," he told himself, and laughed joyously
+as he fixed on his mask and dismounted. He tethered his mount to a young
+sapling, took a pistol from its holster, and ran softly and swiftly
+under the lea of the hedge up to the scene of disaster, just as the man
+who covered the unruly and vociferous pair on the box made ready to
+fire.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's bullet took him neatly in the neck, and without a sound he
+crumpled up, one of his pistols exploding harmlessly as it fell to
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>With an oath the silent onlooker wheeled round to face the point of my
+lord's gleaming blade.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares drew in his breath sharply in surprise as he saw the white
+face of his Grace of Andover.</p>
+
+<p>"Damn you!" said Tracy calmly, and sprang back, whipping out his own
+rapier.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," agreed Jack pleasantly. "On guard, M. le Duc!"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy's lips curled back in a snarl. His eyes were almost shut. Over his
+shoulder he ordered curtly:</p>
+
+<p>"Keep watch over the girl. I will attend to this young jackanapes."</p>
+
+<p>On the word the blades clashed.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's eyes danced with the sheer joy of battle, and his point snicked
+in and out wickedly. He knew Tracy of old for an expert swordsman, and
+he began warily.</p>
+
+<p>The girl's persecutors retained a firm hold on either arm, but all their
+thoughts were centred on the duel. The men on the box got out their
+blunderbuss, ready to fire should the need arise, and the girl herself
+watched breathlessly, red lips apart, and eyes aglow with fright,
+indignation, and excitement. As for the old lady, she positively bobbed
+up and down shrieking encouragement to Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>The blades hissed continuously against one another; time after time the
+Duke thrust viciously, and ever his point was skilfully parried. He was
+absolutely calm, and his lips sneered. Who it was that he was fighting,
+he had not the faintest idea; he only knew that his opponent had
+recognised him, and must be speedily silenced. Therefore he fought with
+deadly grimness and purpose. Carstares, on the other hand, had no
+intention of killing his Grace. He had never liked him in the old days,
+but he was far too good-natured to contemplate any serious bloodshed. He
+was so used to Tracy's little affairs that he had not been filled with
+surprise when he discovered who the silent figure was. He did not like
+interfering with Belmanoir, but, on the other hand, he could no more
+stand by and see a woman assaulted than he could fly. So he fought on
+with the idea of disarming his Grace, so as to have him at a
+disadvantage and to be able to command his withdrawal from the scene.
+Once he feinted cleverly, and lunged, and a little blood trickled down
+over the Duke's hand. No sign made Belmanoir, except that his eyelids
+flickered a moment and his play became more careful.</p>
+
+<p>Once the Duke thrust in tierce and Jack's sword arm wavered an instant,
+and a splash of crimson appeared on his sleeve. He, for the most part,
+remained on the defensive, waiting for the Duke to tire. Soon his
+Grace's breath began to come unevenly and fast, and beads of moisture
+started on his forehead. Yet never did the sneer fade nor his temper go;
+he had himself well in hand, and although his face was livid, and his
+brain on fire with fury, no trace of it showed itself in his sword-play.</p>
+
+<p>Then Carstares changed his tactics, and began to put into practice all
+the arts and subtleties of fence that he had learnt abroad. He seemed
+made of steel and set on wires, so agile and untireable was he. Time
+after time he leapt nimbly aside, evading some wicked thrust, and all
+the while he was driving his Grace back and back. He was not panting,
+and now and again he laughed softly and happily. The blood from the
+wound on his arm was dripping steadily on to the ground, yet it seemed
+to Tracy to affect him not at all. But Jack himself knew that he was
+losing strength rapidly, and must make an end.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he feinted, and fell back. Tracy saw his advantage and pressed
+forward within the wavering sword-point.</p>
+
+<p>The next instant his sword was whirled from his grasp, and he lay on the
+ground, unhurt but helpless, gazing up at the masked face and at the
+shortened rapier. How he had been thrown he did not know, but that his
+opponent was a past master in the art of fence he was perfectly sure.</p>
+
+<p>My lord gave a little chuckle and twisted a handkerchief about his
+wounded arm.</p>
+
+<p>"I am aware, m'sieur, that this is most unusual&mdash;and, in
+duels&mdash;forbidden. But I am sure that milor' will agree that the
+circumstances are also&mdash;most unusual&mdash;and the odds&mdash;almost
+overwhelming!" He turned his head to the two men, one of whom released
+his hold on the girl's arm and started forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!" drawled my lord, shaking his head. "Another step and I spit
+your master where he lies."</p>
+
+<p>"Stand," said his Grace calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Bien</i>! Throw your arms down here at my feet, and&mdash;ah&mdash;release
+Mademoiselle!"</p>
+
+<p>They made no move to obey, and my lord shrugged deprecatingly, lowering
+his point to Tracy's throat.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Eh bien!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>They still hesitated, casting anxious glances at their master. "Obey,"
+ordered the Duke.</p>
+
+<p>Each man threw down a pistol, eyeing Jack furtively, while the girl ran
+to her aunt, who began to soothe and fuss over her.</p>
+
+<p>Jack stifled a yawn.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not my intention to remain here all night. Neither am I a
+child&mdash;or a fool. <i>Dépêchez!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Belmanoir saw that the coachman had his blunderbuss ready and was only
+too eager to fire it, and he knew that the game was up. He turned his
+head towards the reluctant bullies who looked to him for orders.</p>
+
+<p>"Throw down everything!" he advised.</p>
+
+<p>Two more pistols and two daggers joined their comrades.</p>
+
+<p>"A thousand thanks!" bowed my lord, running a quick eye over the men.
+"M. le Duc, I pray you be still. Now, you with the large nose&mdash;yes, <i>mon
+ami</i>, you&mdash;go pick up the pistol our defunct friend dropped."</p>
+
+<p>The man indicated slouched over to the dead body and flung another
+pistol on to the heap.</p>
+
+<p>My lord shook his head impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Mais non</i>. Have I not said that I am not entirely a fool? The
+unexploded pistol, please. You will place it here, <i>doucement.</i> Very
+good."</p>
+
+<p>His eye travelled to the men on the box. The coachman touched his hat
+and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm ready, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is very well. Be so good as to keep these gentlemen covered, but do
+not fire until I give the order. And now, M. le Duc, have I your parole
+that you will return swiftly from whence you came, leaving this lady
+unmolested, an I permit you to rise?"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy moved his head impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no choice."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, that is not an answer. Have I your parole?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, curse you!"</p>
+
+<p>"But certainly," said Jack politely. "Pray rise."</p>
+
+<p>He rested his sword-point on the ground, and watched Tracy struggle to
+his feet.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant the Duke stood staring at him, with face slightly
+out-thrust.</p>
+
+<p>"I almost think I know you," he said softly, caressingly.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's French accent became a shade more pronounced.</p>
+
+<p>"It is possible. I at least have the misfortune to know monsieur by
+sight."</p>
+
+<p>Tracy ignored the insult, and continued very, very silkily:</p>
+
+<p>"One thing is certain: I shall know you again&mdash;if I meet you!"</p>
+
+<p>Even as the words left his mouth Jack saw the pistol in his hand and
+sprang quickly to one side, just in time to escape a shot that would
+have gone straight through his head. As it was, it caught him in his
+left shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fire!" he called sharply to the coachman, and bowed to his
+Grace. "As I was saying, m'sieu&mdash;do not let me detain you, I beg."</p>
+
+<p>The Duke's green eyes flashed venom for a minute, and then the heavy
+lids descended over them again, and he returned the bow exaggeratedly.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Au revoir</i>, monsieur," he smiled, and bent to pick up his sword.</p>
+
+<p>"It will&mdash;not be necessary for&mdash;m'sieu to&mdash;take his sword," said Jack.
+"I have a&mdash;desire to keep&mdash;it as a&mdash;souvenir. Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"As you will, monsieur," replied Tracy carelessly, and walked away to
+his coach, his men following close on his heels.</p>
+
+<p>My lord stood leaning heavily on his sword, watching them go, and not
+until the coach had swung out of sight did he give way to the weakness
+that was overwhelming him. Then he reeled and would have fallen, had it
+not been for two cool hands that caught his, steadying him.</p>
+
+<p>A tremulous, husky voice sounded in his ears:</p>
+
+<p>"You are hurt! Ah, sir, you are hurt for my sake!"</p>
+
+<p>With a great effort Jack controlled the inclination to swoon, and lifted
+the girl's hand shakily to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a&mdash;pleasure&mdash;mademoiselle," he managed to gasp. "Now&mdash;you may&mdash;I
+think&mdash;proceed&mdash;in safety."</p>
+
+<p>Diana slipped an arm under his shoulder and cast an anxious glance at
+the footman, hurrying towards them.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick!" she commanded. "Sir, you are faint! You must allow my servant
+to assist you to the coach."</p>
+
+<p>Jack forced a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"It is&mdash;nothing&mdash;I assure you&mdash;pray do not&mdash;I&mdash;" and he fainted
+comfortably away into stout Thomas's arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Carry him into the coach, Thomas!" ordered the girl. "Mind his arm,
+and&mdash;oh! his poor shoulder. Aunt, have you something to bind his wounds
+with?"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty hurried forward.</p>
+
+<p>"My darling child, what an escape! The dear, brave gentleman! Do have a
+care, Thomas! Yes, lay him on the seat."</p>
+
+<p>My lord was lowered gently on to the cushions, and Miss Betty fluttered
+over to him like a distracted hen. Then Diana told Thomas to take charge
+of my lord's horse that they could see, quietly nibbling the grass
+further down the road, stooped and picked up his Grace of Andover's
+sword, with its curiously wrought hilt, and jumped into the coach to
+help Miss Betty to attend to Jack's wounds.</p>
+
+<p>The slash on the arm was not serious, but where the pistol had taken him
+was very ugly-looking. While she saw to that, Miss Betty loosened the
+cravat and removed my lord's mask.</p>
+
+<p>"Di, see what a handsome boy 'tis! The poor, brave gentleman! What a
+lucky thing he came up! If only this bleeding would stop!" So she ran
+on, hunting wildly for her salts.</p>
+
+<p>Diana looked up as her aunt finished, and studied the pale face lying
+against the dark cushions. She noted the firm, beautifully curved mouth,
+the aristocratic nose and delicately pencilled eyebrows, with a little
+thrill. The duel had set her every nerve tingling; she was filled with
+admiration for her preserver, and the sight of his sensitive, handsome
+countenance did nothing to dispel that admiration.</p>
+
+<p>She held the salts to his nostrils and watched eagerly for some sign of
+life. But none was forthcoming, and she had to be content with placing
+cushions beneath his injured shoulder, and guarding him as best she
+might from the jolts caused by the uneven surface of the road.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty bustled about and did all she could to stanch the bleeding,
+and when they had comfortably settled my lord, she sat down upon the
+seat opposite and nodded decisively.</p>
+
+<p>"We can do no more, my dear&mdash;but, yes&mdash;certainly bathe his forehead with
+your lavender water. Dear me, what an escape! I must say I would never
+have thought it of Mr. Everard! One would say we were living in the
+Stone Age! The wretch!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew he was dreadful, but never <i>how</i> dreadful! How can he have found
+out when we were to leave Bath&mdash;and why did he waylay us so near home?
+Oh, I shall never be safe again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, my dear! Fiddlesticks! You saw how easily he was vanquished.
+Depend upon it, he will realise that he has made a bad mistake to try to
+abduct you, and we shall not be worried with him again."</p>
+
+<p>With this comfortable assurance, she nodded again and leant back against
+the cushions, watching her niece's ministrations with a professional and
+slightly amused air.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD DICTATES A LETTER AND RECEIVES A VISITOR</h3>
+
+
+<p>My lord came sighing back to life. He opened his eyes wearily, and
+turned his head. A faint feeling of surprise stole over him. He was in a
+room he had never been in before, and by the window, busy with some
+needlework, sat a little old lady who was somehow vaguely familiar.</p>
+
+<p>"Who&mdash;are&mdash;you?" he asked, and was annoyed to find his voice so weak.</p>
+
+<p>The little lady jumped, and came across to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Praise be to God!" she ejaculated. "Likewise, bless the boy! The fever
+is passed." She laid a thin hand on his brow, and smiled down into his
+wondering eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"As cool as a cucumber, dear boy. What a mercy!"</p>
+
+<p>It was a long time since anyone had called Jack dear, or boy. He
+returned the smile feebly and closed his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;do not&mdash;understand&mdash;anything," he murmured drowsily.</p>
+
+<p>"Never trouble your head then. Just go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>He considered this gravely for a moment. It seemed sensible enough, and
+he was so very, very tired. He shut his eyes with a little sigh.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>When he awoke again it was morning of the next day, and the sun streamed
+in the window, making him blink.</p>
+
+<p>Someone rustled forward, and he saw it was the lady who had called him
+dear and bidden him go to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>He smiled, and a very thin hand came out of the bedclothes.</p>
+
+<p>"But who are you?" he demanded a little querulously.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty patted his hand gently.</p>
+
+<p>"Still worrying your poor head over that? I am Di's Aunt Betty&mdash;though,
+to be sure, you don't know who Di is!"</p>
+
+<p>Remembrance was coming back to my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;why&mdash;you are the lady in the coach!&mdash;Tracy&mdash;I remember!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I know nought of Tracy, but I'm the lady in the coach."</p>
+
+<p>"And the other&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That was Diana Beauleigh, my niece&mdash;the pet. You will see her when you
+are better."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but&mdash;where am I, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now don't get excited, dear boy!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm thirty!" protested Jack with a wicked twinkle.</p>
+
+<p>"I should not have thought it, but thirty's a boy to me, in any case!"
+retorted Miss Betty, making him laugh. "You are in Mr. Beauleigh's
+house&mdash;Di's father, and my brother. And here you will stay until you are
+quite recovered!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack raised himself on his elbow, grimacing at the pain the movement
+caused him.</p>
+
+<p>"Egad, madam! have I been here long?" he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>Very firmly was he pushed back on to his pillows.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be still? A nice thing 'twould be if you were to aggravate
+that wound of yours! You will have been here a week to-morrow. Bless my
+heart, what ails the boy?" For Jack's face took on an expression of
+incredulous horror.</p>
+
+<p>"A <i>week</i>, madam? Never say so!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis as true as I stand here. And a nice fright you have given us, what
+with nearly dying, and raving about your Dicks and your Jims!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord glanced up sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! So I&mdash;talked?"</p>
+
+<p>"Talk? Well, yes, if you can call all that mixture of foreign jargon
+talking. Now you must be still and wait till the doctor comes again."</p>
+
+<p>For a while Carstares lay in silence. He thought of Jim and smiled a
+little. "I could not have thought of a better punishment had I tried,"
+he told himself, and then frowned. "Poor fellow! He'll be off his head
+with fright over me. Miss&mdash;er&mdash;Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and are you not asleep yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Asleep, Madam? Certainly not!" he said with dignity. "I must write a
+letter."</p>
+
+<p>"'Deed, an' you shall not!"</p>
+
+<p>"But I must! 'Tis monstrous important, madam."</p>
+
+<p>She shook her head resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>"Not until Mr. Jameson gives permission," she said firmly.</p>
+
+<p>Jack struggled up, biting his lip.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall get up!" he threatened.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant she was by his side.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Now lie down and be good!"</p>
+
+<p>"I will not lie down and be good!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shan't let you touch a pen for weeks!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack became very masterful and frowned direfully upon her.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I insist on being allowed to write that letter!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I insist on your lying down!"</p>
+
+<p>He controlled a twitching lip.</p>
+
+<p>"Woe betide you unless you bring me pen and paper, Miss Betty!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, dear boy, reflect! You could not use your arm."</p>
+
+<p>"I will use it!" replied Jack indomitably, but he sank back on to the
+pillows with his eyes closed and a tiny furrow of pain between his
+straight brows.</p>
+
+<p>"I told you so!" scolded Miss Betty, not without a note of triumph in
+her voice, and proceeded to rearrange the disorderly coverlet.</p>
+
+<p>The blue eyes opened wide, pleadingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, indeed 'tis very important."</p>
+
+<p>She could not withstand that look.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," she compromised, "I'll not let you write yourself, that's
+certain&mdash;but could you not dictate to me?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack brightened, and caught her hand to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Betty, you are an angel!" he told her.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah now, get along with you!" She hurried away to fetch paper and ink.</p>
+
+<p>When she returned she found him plucking impatiently at the sheet, and
+frowning.</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, madam. 'Tis very kind in you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>He laughed weakly.</p>
+
+<p>"I want you to write to my servant, to bid him bring my baggage to the
+nearest inn&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That will I not! I shall tell him to bring it here."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Miss Betty, I cannot possibly trespass upon&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you have done? Trespass indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive I shall be much put upon," sighed Jack, and watched her
+lightning smile.</p>
+
+<p>"You BOY! Will you dictate?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, ma'am. No, I have changed my mind. I'll have it writ to a
+friend, please: 'Dear Miles.... True to my promise.... I write to
+you.... In case ... you should be worried ... over my disappearance ...
+be it known ... that I am at'&mdash;pray, madam, where am I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Horton Manor, Littledean," she replied, writing it down.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you. 'I had the misfortune to injure my shoulder in a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'And arm,'" put in the scribe, inexorably.</p>
+
+<p>"'And arm, in a fight ... and a certain very ... kind lady&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"I refuse to write that rubbish! 'One of the ladies whom I rescued&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens, madam, you've not put that?" cried Jack horrified.</p>
+
+<p>She smiled reassuringly.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not. I have put: 'My nurse is writing this for me.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, you are of a teasing disposition," reproved my lord.
+"M&mdash;yes&mdash;'When you take Jenny&mdash;over to Trencham ... will you please tell
+Jim to bring my baggage ... here at once?' Have you that, Miss Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Remember me to Lady ... Molly, I beg ... and accept my apologies ...
+and thanks.'" He paused. "Will you sign it J.C., please, and address it
+to Sir Miles O'Hara, Thurze House, Maltby?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Miles O'Hara! Is he your friend, Mr.&mdash;Mr.&mdash;I do not know your
+name."</p>
+
+<p>"Car&mdash;" began Jack, and stopped, biting his lip. "Carr," he continued
+imperturbably, "John Carr. Do you know O'Hara, Miss Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Me? No! Will he come to see you, do you think?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you let him in, madam!"</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious! Well, well! I'll tell Thomas to ride over with this at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Betty, you are marvellously good. I vow I can never thank&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Bless the boy! And what about yourself, pray? I shudder to think of
+what might have happened to Di if you had not come up! 'Tis we can never
+thank you enough."</p>
+
+<p>Jack reddened boyishly and uncomfortably.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, you exaggerate&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, tut! Well, go to sleep, and never worry about anything till I
+return. And you won't try and get up?"</p>
+
+<p>He shook with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"I swear I will not! Even an you never return, I will lie here, wasting
+away&mdash;" But he spoke to space, for with a delighted laugh she had left
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until late that afternoon that O'Hara arrived, and he was
+conducted, after a brief conversation with Diana and her father, to my
+lord's room, where Miss Betty received him with her cheery smile and
+jerky curtsey.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll not excite Mr. Carr?" she said, but was interrupted by my lord's
+voice from within, weak but very gay.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, Miles, and never listen to Miss Betty! She is a tyrant and
+denies me my wig!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara laughed in answer to Miss Betty's quizzical smile, and strode
+over to the bed. He gripped my lord's thin hand and frowned down at him
+with an assumption of anger.</p>
+
+<p>"Young good-for-nought! Could ye find nought better to do than to smash
+yourself up and well-nigh drive your man crazy with fright?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pshaw! Did you find Jim?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara looked round and saw that Miss Betty had discreetly vanished. He
+sat gingerly down on the edge of the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. I took the mare over as soon as I had your letter&mdash;and a fine scare
+you gave me, Jack, I can tell you! She recognised him, and I accosted
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll swear you did not get much satisfaction from Jim!" said my lord.
+"Did he look very foolish?"</p>
+
+<p>"To tell ye the truth, I thought the man was half daft, and wondered
+whether I'd been after making a mistake. But in the end I got him to
+believe what I was trying to tell him, and he has taken the mare, and
+will bring your baggage along this evening. By the way, John, I told him
+of our little meeting, and of your pistols being unloaded. He said 'twas
+his fault, and ye never saw aught to touch his face! Put out was not the
+word for it."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so. Look here, Miles, this is a damned funny affair!"</p>
+
+<p>"What happened to you exactly?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis what I am about to tell you. After I had left you, I rode on quite
+quietly for about an hour, and then came upon Miss Beauleigh's coach
+stopped by three blackguards who were trying to drag her to another
+coach belonging to the gentleman who conducted the affair. So, of
+course, I dismounted, and went to see what was to be done."</p>
+
+<p>"You <i>would</i> be after poking your nose into what didn't concern ye. Four
+men, and ye had the audacity to tackle them all? 'Tis mad ye are
+entirely!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, if you had been in my place you would have ridden off in
+another direction&mdash;or aided the scoundrels?" was the scathing reply.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara chuckled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, go on, Jack. I'm not saying I don't wish I had been with ye."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould have been superb. I suppose Miss Beauleigh has told you most of
+the tale, but there is one thing that she could not have told you, for
+she did not know it: the man I fought with was Belmanoir."</p>
+
+<p>"Thunder and turf! Not the Duke?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"Zounds! Did he know ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot be certain. I was masked, of course, but he said he thought he
+did. 'Twas at that moment he fired his pistol at me."</p>
+
+<p>"The dirty scoundrel!"</p>
+
+<p>"M'm&mdash;yes. 'Tis that which makes me think he did not know me. Damn it
+all, Miles, even Tracy would not do a thing like that!"</p>
+
+<p>"Would he not? If ye ask me, I say that Tracy is game enough for any
+kind of devilry."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear fellow, that is too black! He could not try to kill in
+cold blood a man he had hunted with, and fenced with-and&mdash;and&mdash;no man
+could!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara looked extremely sceptical.</p>
+
+<p>"Because ye could not yourself, is not to say that a miserable spalpeen
+like Belmanoir could not."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe it of him. We were always quite friendly&mdash;if it had
+been Robert now&mdash;But I am not going to believe it. And don't say
+anything to these people, O'Hara, because they do not know Devil. I
+gather from what Miss Betty says, that he calls himself Everard. He met
+the girl&mdash;Diana&mdash;at Bath; you know his way. She'd none of him: hence the
+abduction."</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens, but 'tis a foul mind the man's got!"</p>
+
+<p>"Where women are concerned, yes. Otherwise&mdash;'tis not such a bad fellow,
+Miles."</p>
+
+<p>"I've no use for that kind of dirt myself, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't know. I daresay we are none of us exactly saints." He
+changed the subject abruptly. "How is Jenny?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather off her feed; missing you, I expect. I left her with your man.
+He should be arriving soon, I should think. I don't fancy he'll waste
+much time."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither do I. Poor fellow, he must have worried terribly over his
+worthless master."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, his face was as white as your own when I told him ye were
+wounded!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned his head quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"What's this about my face? Just be so kind as to hand me that mirror,
+Miles."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara laughed and obeyed, watching my lord's close scrutiny of his
+countenance with some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Interesting pallor, my dear friend, interesting pallor. Nevertheless, I
+am glad that Jim is on his way." He met O'Hara's eyes as he looked up,
+and his lips quivered irrepressibly.</p>
+
+<p>"You think me very vain, Miles?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it a pose of yours, John? Is it Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I believe it is myself. You see, when one has but one's self to
+live for and think for&mdash;one makes the most of one's self! Hence my
+vanity. Take the mirror away, please&mdash;the sight of my countenance
+offends me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, ye are free with your orders, me lord!" said O'Hara, putting the
+glass down on the table. "And, while I think of it&mdash;what might your name
+be now?"</p>
+
+<p>"John Carr&mdash;a slip of the tongue on my part, stopped in time. I hear my
+mentor returning&mdash;and&mdash;Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Come again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Come again! My dear boy, ye'll be sick of the sight of me soon! I shall
+be here every day."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks! It will take a good deal to sicken me, I think." He bit his
+lip, turning his head away as Miss Betty came into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid that you ought to leave my patient now, Sir Miles," she
+said. "He has had enough excitement for one day, and should sleep." She
+glanced at the averted head inquiringly. "I doubt he is tired?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack turned and smiled at her.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Miss Betty, I'm not. But I know you will refuse to believe me."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear boy, do you know you have black lines beneath your eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>"More remarks about my face!" he sighed, and glanced at O'Hara, who had
+risen.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right, Miss Beauleigh, I must go. May I come again
+to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely," she beamed. "We shall be delighted to welcome you."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara bent over the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then <i>au revoir</i>, Jack. My lady sent her love to her 'Cousin
+Harry'&mdash;the saucy puss!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did she? How prodigious kind of her, Miles! And you'll give her mine,
+and kiss her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes?" said O'Hara with dangerous calm. "I'll kiss her what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Her hand for me!" ended Carstares, bubbling over. "Good-bye, and thank
+you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That will suffice!" said Miles, cutting him short.</p>
+
+<p>He bowed to Miss Betty and left the room.</p>
+
+<p>The business-like little lady fluttered over to the bedside and
+rearranged the pillows.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and are you satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, most extraordinarily so, I thank you. I shall be getting up
+soon."</p>
+
+<p>"H'm!" was all she vouchsafed, and left him to his meditations.</p>
+
+<p>As she had foreseen, he dozed a little, but his shoulder would not allow
+him to sleep. He lay in a semi-comatose condition, his eyes shut, and a
+deep furrow, telling of pain, between his brows.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of a shutting door made him open his eyes; he turned his head
+slightly and saw that Jim Salter was standing in the middle of the room
+looking at him anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>My lord returned his gaze crossly, and Jim waited for the storm to
+break.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' heart melted, and he managed to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm monstrous glad to see you, Jim," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you can't mean that, sir! 'Twas I left your pistols unloaded."</p>
+
+<p>"I know. Damned careless of you, but it's the sort of thing I should do
+myself, after all."</p>
+
+<p>Jim advanced to the bedside.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean you forgive me, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course! I could not have fired on my best friend in any case."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, but that don't make it any better."</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't, of course, and I was rather annoyed at the time&mdash;Oh, devil
+take you, Jim, don't look at me like that! I'm not dead yet!"</p>
+
+<p>"If&mdash;if you had been killed, sir&mdash;'twould have been my fault."</p>
+
+<p>"Rubbish! I'd a sword, hadn't I? For heaven's sake don't worry about it
+any more! Have you brought all my baggage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. It shan't occur again, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. Jenny is well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Splendid, sir. Will you still trust me with your pistols, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares groaned.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you have done? 'Twas an accident, and I have forgotten it. Here's
+my hand on it!" He grasped Jim's as he spoke, and seemed to brush the
+whole subject aside.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you disposed of that horrible coat you tried to make me wear the
+other day?"</p>
+
+<p>"I gave it to the landlord, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I should have burned it, but perhaps he liked it."</p>
+
+<p>"He did, sir. Will you try to go to sleep now?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you had a shoulder on fire and aching as mine does, you wouldn't ask
+such a ridiculous question," answered Jack snappishly.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sorry, sir. Is there aught I can do?"</p>
+
+<p>"You can change the bandages, if you like. These are prodigious hot and
+uncomfortable."</p>
+
+<p>Without another word Salter set about easing his master, and he was so
+painstaking and so careful not to hurt the ugly wound, and his face
+expressed so much concern, that Carstares controlled a desire to swear
+when he happened to touch a particularly tender spot, and at the end
+rewarded him with a smile and a sigh of content.</p>
+
+<p>"That is much better," he said. "You have such a light touch, Jim."</p>
+
+<p>The man's face reddened with pleasure, but he said nothing, and walked
+away to the window to draw the curtains.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD MAKES HIS BOW</h3>
+
+
+<p>After Jim's arrival my lord recovered quickly, each day making great
+progress, much to the doctor's satisfaction, who never tired of telling
+Mr. Beauleigh and Miss Betty that it was entirely owing to his treatment
+that the patient had recovered at all. As his idea of treatment mainly
+consisted of copiously bleeding John, which process Miss Betty very soon
+put an end to, he and she had many arguments on the subject, in which he
+was completely routed. She held that Mr. Carr was well on the strength
+of her nursing and his own constitution&mdash;and very probably she was
+right. In any case, hardly a fortnight after O'Hara's first visit, my
+lord was standing before his mirror, surveying himself, with his head
+speculatively on one side and a worried look in his eyes. Salter watched
+him anxiously, knowing this to be a critical moment. His master was
+somewhat of an enigma to him; the important things in life never
+appeared to affect him, but over a question of two cravats as opposed to
+each other, or some equally trivial matter, he would become quite
+harassed.</p>
+
+<p>After contemplating his appearance for several moments, Carstares
+frowned and looked over his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"I have changed my mind, Jim. I will wear blue after all." Salter sighed
+despairingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye look very well in what ye have on, sir," he grunted. Jack sat down
+obstinately.</p>
+
+<p>"I have conceived a dislike&mdash;nay, a veritable hatred&mdash;for puce. I will
+wear blue."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, sir, do ha' done changing your clothes! Ye'll be tired out before
+ever ye get downstairs, and ye know what the doctor said."</p>
+
+<p>My lord consigned the doctor and his words of wisdom to a place of great
+heat.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The doctor is a worthy individual, Jim, but he knows even less of the
+art of dressing than you do. He does not understand the soul-agony of a
+man who makes his first appearance in puce."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The blue coat laced with gold."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I order it! I insist; the blue coat or nought!"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir." Resignedly Jim walked to the cupboard.</p>
+
+<p>When at length his lordship was dressed to his entire satisfaction it
+was midway through the hot June afternoon, and Miss Betty was tapping at
+the door, wishing to know whether Mr. Carr was coming down, or whether
+he was not.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares shifted his sling, and taking up his hat, moved just a little
+shakily to the door.</p>
+
+<p>Salter opened it, and cast a triumphant glance at Miss Betty, as though
+he were showing off all my lord's graces. He proffered an arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I help ye, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty curtsied low.</p>
+
+<p>"La, Mr. Carr!"</p>
+
+<p>John bowed profoundly.</p>
+
+<p>"Give ye good den, madam," he said. "I am just about to descend. Thank
+you, Jim." He leaned heavily on the man's arm.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty walked round him admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Lud! 'Tis mighty elegant, I vow! But I protest, I am shy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Egad, Miss Betty! and why?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are not so young as I imagined," she replied candidly.</p>
+
+<p>"Bear in mind, madam, that I never sought to deceive you. I am an aged
+man."</p>
+
+<p>"Thirty!" she scoffed, and went on ahead. "Come, child, and mind the
+first step!"</p>
+
+<p>At the bottom of the staircase stood Mr. Beauleigh, a man of medium
+height, thin-lipped and grey-eyed. He came forward with one hand
+outstretched.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to see you so much better, sir. I trust your shoulder no
+longer pains you?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord pushed Jim gently to one side and placed his hand in Mr.
+Beauleigh's.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, sir, it is almost well. But for Miss Betty, who, I fear,
+has the makings of a true tyrant, I should not wear this obnoxious
+sling."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh smiled a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, she keeps us all in order, does Betty. Pray, will you not walk
+a little in the garden? There are chairs on the lawn&mdash;and here is my
+daughter."</p>
+
+<p>He waved to the door, and Carstares, turning, beheld Diana.</p>
+
+<p>She stood framed by the dark wood, gowned in amber silk, with old lace
+falling from her elbows and over the bosom of her dress. Her hair was
+dark as night, with little tendrils curling over her broad, white brow.
+One rolling curl fell over her shoulder, the rest were gathered up under
+a small lace cap, which was secured by means of a riband passed beneath
+her chin.</p>
+
+<p>Jack gazed, and gazed again, and in her turn Diana studied him with wide
+brown eyes of almost childlike innocence. Then her lids fluttered and
+curling lashes veiled the glorious depths, as a slow blush mounted to
+her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>My lord recovered his manners and made his most approved leg as her
+father presented him.</p>
+
+<p>"My love, this is Mr. Carr&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Diana sank into a curtsey.</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;and, Mr. Carr, this is my daughter, Diana."</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to make Miss Beauleigh's acquaintance," said John, and
+raised her hand to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>The delicate, tapering fingers trembled a little in his hold, and
+tremulous lips parted in the shyest and most adorable smile that he had
+ever seen.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir, we are already acquainted. I am not like to forget my
+rescuer."</p>
+
+<p>"I am happy to think that I was able to be of some service to you,
+mademoiselle. Believe me, it was an honour to fight in your cause." His
+eyes were on the fascinating dimple that played about her mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis very kind of you to say so, sir. I fear we greatly incommoded
+you&mdash;and&mdash;" She made a gesture towards his sling.</p>
+
+<p>"That, mademoiselle, is less than nothing. All the obligation is on my
+side."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty bustled forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Now that will do! I never heard such a foolish set of compliments! You
+are looking tired, Mr. Carr; come into the garden and rest."</p>
+
+<p>Salter stepped forward, but Diana stayed him with uplifted finger.</p>
+
+<p>"If Mr. Carr will accept my arm?" she hazarded.</p>
+
+<p>Jack flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, no, Miss Beauleigh&mdash;I can&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, tut-tut!" cried Miss Betty. "Have done dilly-dallying! Take him
+out, Di!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh had already disappeared. His world lay in his library, and
+he was never far from it for any length of time. Now he had seized the
+moment when his sister was not looking to withdraw quietly, and, when
+she turned round, she was only in time to see the library door close
+softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Your papa has gone again," she remarked to her niece. "What a trying
+man he is, to be sure!"</p>
+
+<p>She followed the pair out on to the lawn, and helped to make Carstares
+seat himself in a long chair under a great elm. A cushion was placed
+under his wounded shoulder and another at his back.</p>
+
+<p>"And are you sure that you are quite comfortable?" inquired Miss Betty,
+anxiously bending over him.</p>
+
+<p>Jack laughed up at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite sure, thank you, madam. But where will you sit?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall sit in this chair, and Di will sit on a cushion"&mdash;throwing one
+down&mdash;"at my feet&mdash;so."</p>
+
+<p>"I see that you are all ruled with a rod of iron, mademoiselle," he
+said, and watched the dimple tremble into being.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, yes, sir. 'Tis very sad."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty chuckled, and unrolled a packet of silks which she threw into
+her niece's lap.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you have the goodness to sort those for me, love?" she asked,
+taking out her embroidery.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray allow me to assist!" pleaded John.</p>
+
+<p>Diana rose and planted her cushion down beside his chair. She then knelt
+down upon it and emptied the multi-coloured strands on to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well! You must be very careful to separate the different pinks,
+though. See, we will have the rose here, the salmon here, the deeper
+rose here, the pale pink over there, and the reds&mdash;there is no more
+room&mdash;we will put the reds in this paper."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," agreed Carstares. "Are we to leave the other colours until
+the pinks are sorted?"</p>
+
+<p>She nodded and bent her head over the silks.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Sir Miles coming this afternoon, Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why yes, Miss Betty&mdash;now you mention it, I remember that he is. Miss
+Beauleigh, I defy you to put that one on the rose pile; 'tis a shade too
+deep."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure 'tis not! Where is one to compare with it?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares produced a long thread and held it next to hers. The two heads
+were bent close over it. Diana sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right; I can just see the difference. But 'tis <i>very</i> slight!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty peeped over their shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious, what an eye you must have! I can detect no difference." Her
+eye ran along the row of silks laid out on my lord's white satin leg.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Carr," said Diana suddenly, "I want to ask you something&mdash;something
+that has been puzzling me."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, what is it, Miss Beauleigh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just this: why did you call Mr. Everard M. le Duc?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a tiny pause. My lord looked down into the gold-flecked eyes
+and frowned a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Did I call him that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I remember it distinctly. Was it just&mdash;a manner of speaking?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just a manner of speaking.... You may call it that, mademoiselle. Do
+you not think that he looks rather ducal?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tried not to think of him at all. I hate him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Almost I begin to pity this Mr. Everard," quoth Jack.</p>
+
+<p>The dimple peeped out.</p>
+
+<p>"Then 'tis most ungallant of you, sir!" she reproved. "Do you know Mr.
+Everard?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have certainly seen him before, madam."</p>
+
+<p>Diana sat back on her heels and eyed him wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you do not wish to answer me," she said slowly. "Tell me, is
+'Everard' that man's real name?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord twisted the ring on his finger uneasily. He did not feel himself
+at liberty to expose Belmanoir, and if he should reveal his true
+identity, it was quite possible that Mr. Beauleigh might seek him out,
+in which case he himself might be recognised. He looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, mademoiselle, but whence this cross-examination?"</p>
+
+<p>Diana nodded placidly.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would refuse, but I have discovered something that will
+confound you, sir!" She rose to her feet. "I will go and get it." She
+walked gracefully away towards the house, and my lord watched her go.</p>
+
+<p>"Now <i>I</i> am going to ask a question," broke in Miss Betty's voice.</p>
+
+<p>He threw out an imploring hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I beg you will consider my feeble condition. Am I fit to bear
+the strain, think you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do!&mdash;Is it usual for gentlemen to ride masked, as you were?"</p>
+
+<p>At that he laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam, but for the gentlemen of the High Toby, it is <i>de régie</i>."</p>
+
+<p>She paused, with her needle held in mid-air:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what mean you by that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just that I am a common highwayman, Miss Betty."</p>
+
+<p>She stared at him for a moment, and then resumed her work.</p>
+
+<p>"You look it."</p>
+
+<p>John cast a startled glance down his slim person.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so, madam? And I rather flattered myself I did not!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was only laughing at you. You do not expect me to believe that
+fabrication&mdash;surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I do," he sighed. "'Tis very true, alack!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, indeed? Also a friend of Sir Miles O'Hara, <i>J.P</i>.&mdash;and of Mr.
+Everard?"</p>
+
+<p>"At least the last-named is not an acquaintance to be proud of," he
+retorted.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not. My Di says he is some great gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive that your Di is by nature suspicious. Why does she think
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will see. Di, love, here is Mr. Carr trying to make me believe that
+he is a highwayman!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana came up to them smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear he teases you, aunt. Do you remember this, sir?" Into Jack's
+hands she put his Grace of Andover's sword.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares took it, surprised, and glanced casually at the hilt. Then he
+started up.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, 'tis his sword. And I thought 'twas left on the roadside. Can it
+be&mdash;did <i>you</i> bring it, mademoiselle?"</p>
+
+<p>She dropped him a curtsey, and laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"You are surprised, sir? You demanded the sword, so I naturally supposed
+that you required it. Therefore I brought it home."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas monstrous thoughtful of you then. I dared not hope that it had not
+been forgotten. I am very grateful&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Then pray show your gratitude by sitting down again!" advised the elder
+Miss Beauleigh. "Remember that this is your first day up, and have a
+care!"</p>
+
+<p>John subsided obediently, turning the sword over in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>Diana pointed to the wrought gold hilt with an accusing finger.</p>
+
+<p>"An I mistake not, sir, that is a coronet."</p>
+
+<p>My lord's eyes followed the pink-tipped finger and rested wrathfully
+upon the arms of Andover. It was like Tracy to flaunt them on his
+sword-hilt, he reflected.</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly has that appearance," he admitted cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Also, those are not paste, but real diamonds, and that is a ruby."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not dispute it, madam," he answered meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"And I believe that that big stone is an emerald."</p>
+
+<p>"I am very much afraid that it is."</p>
+
+<p>"An expensive toy!" she said, and looked sharply at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Ornate, I agree, but as true a piece of steel as ever I saw," replied
+my lord blandly, balancing the rapier on one finger.</p>
+
+<p>"A very expensive toy!" she repeated sternly.</p>
+
+<p>John sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"True, madam&mdash;true." Then with a brightened air: "Perhaps Mr. Everard
+has expensive tastes?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is very possible. And I think that Mr. Everard must have been more
+than a simple country gentleman to indulge those tastes."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares bit his lip to hide a smile at the thought of Tracy in the
+light of a simple country gentleman, and shook his head sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you infer that he came by this sword dishonestly, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>The dimple quivered and was gone.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I believe that you are playing with me," she said with great
+dignity.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I am abashed."</p>
+
+<p>"I am very glad to hear it, then. I infer that Mr. Everard was something
+more than he pretended to be."</p>
+
+<p>"In truth, a sorry rogue to deceive a lady."</p>
+
+<p>"And I want to know if I am right. Is he, perhaps, some grand
+gentleman?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can assure you, madam, that there is very little of the gentleman
+about Mr. Everard."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty began to laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Have done, my dear! 'Tis of no avail, and 'tis impolite to press Mr.
+Carr too hard."</p>
+
+<p>Diana pouted.</p>
+
+<p>"He is monstrous provoking, I think," she said, and eyed him
+reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I am desolated," mourned Jack, but his eyes danced.</p>
+
+<p>"And now you are laughing!"</p>
+
+<p>"But then, mademoiselle, so are you!"</p>
+
+<p>She shook her head, resolutely repressing the dimple.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am inconsolable."</p>
+
+<p>The brown eyes sparkled and her lips parted in spite of her efforts to
+keep them in a stern line.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but you are ridiculous!" she cried, and sprang to her feet. "And
+here is Sir Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara came across the lawn towards them, bowed to the ladies, and
+glanced inquiringly from one to the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it a joke ye have?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Diana answered him.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed no, sir. 'Tis Mr. Carr who is so provoking."</p>
+
+<p>"Provoking, is it? And what has he been doing?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you the whole truth, Miles," interposed the maligned one.
+"'Tis Mistress Diana who is so inquisitive!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" Diana blushed furiously "I protest you are unkind, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, 'tis no gentleman he is, at all!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas on the subject of gentlemen that we&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Quarrelled," supplied her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"Disagreed," amended his lordship.</p>
+
+<p>"Disagreed," nodded Diana. "I asked him whether Mr. Everard was not some
+grand gentleman, and he evaded the point."</p>
+
+<p>"I vow 'tis slander!" cried Jack. "I merely said that Everard was no
+gentleman at all."</p>
+
+<p>"There! And was not that evading the point, Sir Miles?"</p>
+
+<p>"Was it? Sure, I'm inclined to agree with him."</p>
+
+<p>"I declare you are both in league against me!" she cried, with greater
+truth than she knew. "I mean, was he perhaps a <i>titled</i> gentleman?"</p>
+
+<p>"But how should Jack know that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I am sure he knows him&mdash;or, at least, of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Mistress Di," broke in my lord, shooting a warning glance at
+O'Hara. "I will tell you all about Mr. Everard, and I hope you will be
+satisfied with my tale." He paused and seemed to cudgel his brain.
+"First he is, of course, titled&mdash;let me see&mdash;yes, he is a Duke. Oh, he
+is certainly a Duke&mdash;and I am not sure but what he is royal&mdash;he&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Now you are ridiculous!" cried Miss Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very teasing," said Diana, and tried to frown. "First you
+pretend to know nothing about Mr. Everard, and then you tell me foolish
+stories about him. A Duke, indeed! I believe you <i>really</i> do know
+nothing about him!"</p>
+
+<p>As Carstares had hoped, she refused to believe the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"He is playing with ye, child," said O'Hara, who had listened to Jack's
+tale with a face of wonder. "I warrant he knows no Everard&mdash;eh, Jack?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I cannot say that I do," laughed his lordship.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but&mdash;you said&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind what he said, Miss Di. 'Tis a scurvy fellow he is."</p>
+
+<p>She regarded him gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I almost think so."</p>
+
+<p>But the dimple peeped out for all that! The next instant it was gone,
+and Diana turned a face of gloom to her aunt, pouting her red lips
+adorably, so thought my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Bettison," she said in accents of despair.</p>
+
+<p>At these mystic words, Jack saw Miss Betty frown, and heard her
+impatient remark: "Drat the man!"</p>
+
+<p>He looked towards the house, and perceived a short, rather stout, young
+man to be walking with a peculiar strutting gait towards them. The boy
+was good-looking, Carstares acknowledged to himself, but his eyes were
+set too close. And he did not like his style. No, certainly he did not
+like his style, nor the proprietary way in which he kissed Diana's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"How agreeable it is to see you again, Mr. Bettison!" said Miss Betty
+with much affability. "I declare 'tis an age since we set eyes on you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Aunt," contradicted Diana sweetly. "Why, it was only a very
+short while ago that Mr. Bettison was here, <i>surely</i>!" She withdrew the
+hand that the young man seemed inclined to hold fast to, and turned to
+John.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you do not know Mr. Bettison, Mr. Carr?" she said. "Mr.
+Bettison, allow me to present you to Mr. Carr. Sir Miles I think you
+know?"</p>
+
+<p>The squire bowed with a great deal of stiff hostility. Carstares
+returned the bow.</p>
+
+<p>"You will excuse my not rising, I beg," he smiled. "As you perceive&mdash;I
+have had an accident."</p>
+
+<p>Light dawned on Bettison. This was the man who had rescued Diana,
+confound his impudence!</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, sir! Your arm, was it not? My faith, I should be proud of such
+a wound!"</p>
+
+<p>It seemed to Carstares that he smiled at Diana in a damned familiar
+fashion, devil take his impudence!</p>
+
+<p>"It was indeed a great honour, sir. Mistress Di, I have finished sorting
+your green silks."</p>
+
+<p>Diana sank down on the cushion again, and shook some more strands out on
+to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"How quick you have been! Now we will do the blue ones." Bettison
+glared. This fellow seemed prodigious intimate with Diana, devil take
+him! He sat down beside Miss Betty, and addressed my lord patronisingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see&mdash;er&mdash;Mr. Carr. Have I met you in town, I wonder? At Tom's,
+perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>This country bumpkin <i>would</i> belong to Tom's, reflected John savagely,
+for no reason at all. Aloud he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I think it extremely unlikely, sir. I have been abroad some years."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, indeed, sir? The 'grand tour,' I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison's tone was not the tone of one who supposes any such thing.</p>
+
+<p>John smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Not this time," he said, "that was seven years ago."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison had heard rumours of this fellow who, it was murmured, was
+nought but a common highwayman.</p>
+
+<p>"Really? After Cambridge, perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oxford," corrected Carstares gently.</p>
+
+<p>Curse his audacity! thought Mr. Bettison.</p>
+
+<p>"Seven years ago&mdash;let me think. George must have been on the tour
+then&mdash;Selwyn, I mean, Miss Beauleigh."</p>
+
+<p>Jack, who had made the tour with several other young bucks fresh down
+from college, accompanied as far as Paris by the famous wit himself,
+held his peace.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison then launched forth into anecdotes of his own tour, and
+seeing that his friend was entirely engrossed with Miss Diana and her
+silks, O'Hara felt it incumbent on him to draw the enemy's fire, and,
+taking his own departure, to bear the squire off with him. For which he
+received a grateful smile from my lord, and a kiss blown from the tips
+of her fingers from Mistress Di, with whom he was on the best of terms.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h3>
+
+<h3>MISTRESS DIANA IS UNMAIDENLY</h3>
+
+
+<p>The idyllic summer days passed quickly by, and every time that my lord
+spoke of leaving, the outcry was so indignant and so firm that he
+hastily subsided and told himself he would stay just another few days.
+His shoulder, having mended up to a certain point, refused quite to
+heal, and exertion brought the pain back very swiftly. So his time was
+for the most part spent with Mistress Di out of doors, helping her with
+her gardening and her chickens&mdash;for Diana was an enthusiastic poultry
+farmer on a small scale&mdash;and ministering to her various pets. If Fido
+had a splinter in his paw, it was to Mr. Carr that he was taken; if
+Nellie, the spaniel, caught a live rabbit, Mr. Carr would assuredly know
+what to do for it, and the same with all the other animals. The young
+pair grew closer and closer together, while Miss Betty and O'Hara
+watched from afar, the former filled with pride of her darling, and
+satisfaction, and the latter with apprehension. O'Hara knew that his
+friend was falling unconsciously in love, and he feared the time when
+John should realise it. He confided these fears to his wife, who, with
+young David, was staying at her mother's house in Kensington, in a long
+and very Irish letter. She replied that he must try and coax my lord
+into coming to stay with them, when her charms would at once eclipse
+Mistress Diana's, though to be sure, she could not understand why Miles
+should not wish him to fall in love, for as he well knew, 'twas a
+prodigious pleasant sensation. If he did not know it, then he was indeed
+most disagreeable. And had he ever heard of anything so
+wonderful?&mdash;David had drawn a picture of a horse! Yes, really, it was a
+horse! Was he not a clever child? Further, would her dearest Miles
+please come and fetch her home, for although Mamma was prodigious
+amiable, and wanted her to stay several weeks, she positively could not
+live without her husband an instant longer than was necessary!</p>
+
+<p>As soon as O'Hara read the last part of the letter he brushed Carstares
+and his love affairs to one side, and posted straight to London to obey
+the welcome summons.</p>
+
+<p>Bit by bit my lord discovered that he was very much in love with Diana.
+At first his heart gave a great bound, and then seemed to stop with a
+sickening thud. He remembered that he could not ask her to marry him,
+disgraced as he was, and he immediately faced the situation, realising
+that he must go away at once. His first move was to Mr. Beauleigh, to
+tell him of his decision. On being asked why he must so suddenly leave
+Horton House, he explained that he loved Diana and could not in honour
+speak of love to her. At which Mr. Beauleigh gasped and demanded to know
+the reason. Carstares told him that he was by profession a highwayman,
+and watched him bridle angrily. Before so agreeable and so smiling, Mr.
+Beauleigh now became frigidly polite. He quite understood Mr. Carr's
+position, and&mdash;er&mdash;yes, he honoured him for the course on which he had
+decided. But Mr. Beauleigh was very, very cold. Carstares gave Jim
+orders to pack immediately, that he might depart next day, and
+reluctantly informed Miss Betty of his going. She was startled and
+bewildered. She had imagined that he would spend all June with them.
+Circumstances, he regretted, willed otherwise. He should always remember
+her great kindness to him, and hoped that she would forgive the brusque
+nature of his departure.</p>
+
+<p>When he told Diana her eyes opened very wide and she laughed, pointing
+an accusing finger at him.</p>
+
+<p>"You are teasing, Mr. Carr!" she cried, and ran into the house.</p>
+
+<p>That evening Miss Betty confirmed Jack's words, and seeing the hurt look
+in the girl's eyes, wisely held her peace.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning in the pleasaunce Diana came across my lord, and went up to
+him, gravely questioning.</p>
+
+<p>"You are really leaving us to-day, Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I must, Mistress Di."</p>
+
+<p>"So suddenly? Then you were not teasing yesterday?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, mademoiselle&mdash;I was not. I fear I have tarried too long, taking
+advantage of your kindness."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no!" she assured him. "Indeed, you have not! Must you <i>really</i>
+go?"</p>
+
+<p>Looking down into her big eyes, John read the answering love in them,
+and grew pale. It was worse to think that she cared, too. If only he
+thought she was indifferent, parting would not seem so unbearable.</p>
+
+<p>"Mademoiselle&mdash;you overwhelm me&mdash;I must go."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but I am sorry. Your being here has been such a pleasure! I&mdash;" She
+stopped, and looked away across the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"You?" prompted Jack before he could check himself.</p>
+
+<p>With a tiny laugh she brought her gaze back.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry you must leave us, naturally."</p>
+
+<p>She sat down beneath an arbour of roses, and patted the place beside her
+invitingly, with just the same unconscious friendliness that she had
+always shown him. My lord stayed where he was, with one hand on a tree
+trunk and the other fidgeting with his quizzing glass.</p>
+
+<p>"Mistress Di&mdash;I think it only right that I should tell you what I have
+told your father, and what I told your aunt some time ago, when she
+refused to believe me. To some extent I am here under false pretences. I
+am not what you think me."</p>
+
+<p>Diana laced and unlaced her fingers, and thought that she understood.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Mr. Carr!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid yes, mademoiselle. I am&mdash;a common felon ... a highwayman!"
+He bit the words out, not looking at her.</p>
+
+<p>"But I knew that," she said softly.</p>
+
+<p>"You <i>knew</i> it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes! I remember when you told Aunt Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"You believed me?"</p>
+
+<p>"You see," she apologised, "I always wondered why you were masked."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you permitted me to stay&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How silly of you, Mr. Carr! Of course I do not care what you are! I owe
+so much to you!"</p>
+
+<p>He wheeled round at that, and faced her.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I can bear anything rather than gratitude! Is it only that which
+has made you tolerate me all this time?"</p>
+
+<p>Her fingers gripped one another.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir&mdash;why, sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The flame died out of his eyes, and he drew himself up stiffly, speaking
+with a curtness that surprised her.</p>
+
+<p>"I crave your pardon. I should be whipped at the cart-tail for asking
+such an impertinent question. Forget it, I beg."</p>
+
+<p>Diana looked up at the stern face, half amazed, half affronted.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think I quite understand you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"There is nought to understand, mademoiselle," he answered with dry
+lips. "'Twere merely that I was coxcomb enough to hope that you liked me
+a little for mine own sake."</p>
+
+<p>She glanced again at his averted head with a wistful little smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" she murmured. "<i>Oh!</i>"&mdash;and&mdash;"It is very dreadful to be a
+highwayman!" she sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>"But surely you could cease to be one?" coaxingly.</p>
+
+<p>He did not trust himself to answer.</p>
+
+<p>"I know you could. Please do!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is not all," he forced himself to say. "There is worse."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Is</i> there?" she asked wide-eyed. "What else have you done, Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;once&mdash;" heavens, how hard it was to say! "I once ... cheated ... at
+cards." It was out. Now she would turn from him in disgust. He shut his
+eyes in anticipation of her scorn, his head turned away.</p>
+
+<p>"Only <i>once</i>?" came the soft voice, filled with awed admiration.</p>
+
+<p>His eyes flew open.</p>
+
+<p>"Mademoiselle&mdash;!"</p>
+
+<p>She drooped her head mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid I always cheat," she confessed. "I had no idea 'twas so
+wicked, although Auntie gets very cross and vows she will not play with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>He could not help laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not wicked in you, child. You do not play for money."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, did you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, child."</p>
+
+<p>"Then that <i>was</i> horrid of you," she agreed.</p>
+
+<p>He stood silent, fighting the longing to tell her the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but&mdash;do not look so solemn, sir," the pleading voice went on. "I
+am sure you must have had a very strong excuse?"</p>
+
+<p>"None."</p>
+
+<p>"And now you are letting it spoil your life?" she asked reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"It does not wait for my permission," he answered bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but what a pity! Must one moment's indiscretion interfere with all
+else in life? That is ridiculous. You have&mdash;what is the word?&mdash;expiated!
+yes, that is it&mdash;expiated it, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"The past can never be undone, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"That, of course, is true," she nodded, with the air of a sage, "but it
+can be forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>His hand flew out eagerly and dropped back to his side. It was hopeless.
+He could not tell her the truth and ask her to share his disgrace; he
+must bear it alone, and, above all, he must not whine. He had chosen to
+take Richard's blame and he must abide by the consequences. It was not a
+burden to be cast off as soon as it became too heavy for him. It was for
+ever&mdash;for ever. He forced his mind to grasp that fact. All through his
+life he must be alone against the world; his name would never be
+cleared; he could never ask this sweet child who sat before him with
+such a wistful, pleading look on her lovely face, to wed him. He looked
+down at her sombrely, telling himself that she did not really care: that
+it was his own foolish imagination. Now she was speaking: he listened to
+the liquid voice that repeated:</p>
+
+<p>"Could it not be forgotten?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, mademoiselle. It will always be there."</p>
+
+<p>"To all intents and purposes, might it not be forgotten?" she persisted.</p>
+
+<p>"It will always stand in the way, mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>He supposed that mechanical voice was his own. Through his brain
+thrummed the thought: "It is for Dick's sake ... for Dick's sake. For
+Dick's sake you must be silent." Resolutely he pulled himself together.</p>
+
+<p>"It will stand in the way&mdash;of what?" asked Diana.</p>
+
+<p>"I can never ask a woman to be my wife," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>Diana wantonly stripped a rose of its petals, letting each fragrant leaf
+flutter slowly to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not see why you cannot, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"No woman would share my disgrace."</p>
+
+<p>"No?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"You seem very certain, Mr. Carr. Pray have you asked the lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam." Carstares was as white as she was red, but he was holding
+himself well in hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Then&mdash;" the husky voice was very low, "then&mdash;why don't you?"</p>
+
+<p>The slim hand against the tree trunk was clenched tightly, she observed.
+In his pale face the blue eyes burnt dark.</p>
+
+<p>"Because, madam, 'twere the action of a&mdash;of a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Of a what, Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"A cur! A scoundrel! A blackguard!"</p>
+
+<p>Another rose was sharing the fate of the first.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard it said that some women like&mdash;curs, and-and&mdash;and
+scoundrels; even blackguards," remarked that provocative voice. Through
+her lashes its owner watched my lord's knuckles gleam white against the
+tree-bark.</p>
+
+<p>"Not the lady I love, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh? But are you sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure. She must marry a man whose honour is spotless; who is not&mdash;a
+nameless outcast, and who lives&mdash;not&mdash;by dice&mdash;and highway robbery."</p>
+
+<p>He knew that the brown eyes were glowing and sparkling with unshed
+tears, but he kept his own turned inexorably the other way. There was no
+doubting now that she cared, and that she knew that he did also. He
+could not leave her to think that her love had been slighted. She must
+not be hurt, but made to understand that he could not declare his love.
+But how hard it was, with her sorrowful gaze upon him and the pleading
+note in her voice. It was quivering now:</p>
+
+<p>"Must she, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"But supposing&mdash;supposing the lady did not care? Supposing she&mdash;loved
+you&mdash;and was willing to share your disgrace?"</p>
+
+<p>The ground at her feet was strewn with crimson petals, and all around
+and above her roses nodded and swayed. A tiny breeze was stirring her
+curls and the lace of her frock, but John would not allow himself to
+look, lest the temptation to catch her in his arms should prove too
+great for him. She was ready to give herself to him; to face anything,
+only to be with him. In the plainest language she offered herself to
+him, and he had to reject her.</p>
+
+<p>"It is inconceivable that the lady would sacrifice herself in such a
+fashion, madam," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Sacrifice!" She caught her breath. "You call it that!"</p>
+
+<p>"What else?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ... I ... I do not think that you are very wise, Mr. Carr. Nor ...
+that you ... understand women ... very well. She might not call it by
+that name."</p>
+
+<p>"It would make no difference what she called it, madam. She would ruin
+her life, and that must never be."</p>
+
+<p>A white rose joined its fallen brethren, pulled to pieces by fingers
+that trembled pitifully.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Carr, if the lady ... loved you ... is it quite fair to her&mdash;to say
+nothing?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a long silence, and then my lord lied bravely.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope that she will&mdash;in time&mdash;forget me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Diana sat very still. No more roses were destroyed; the breeze wafted
+the fallen petals over her feet, lightly, almost playfully. Somewhere in
+the hedge a bird was singing, a full-throated sobbing plaint, and from
+all around came an incessant chirping and twittering. The sun sent its
+bright rays all over the garden, bathing it in gold and happiness; but
+for the two in the pleasaunce the light had gone out, and the world was
+very black.</p>
+
+<p>"I see," whispered Diana at last. "Poor lady!"</p>
+
+<p>"I think it was a cursed day that saw me come into her life," he
+groaned.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it was," her hurt heart made answer.</p>
+
+<p>He bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I can only hope that she will not think too hardly of me," he said,
+very low. "And that she will find it in her heart to be sorry&mdash;for
+me&mdash;also."</p>
+
+<p>She rose and came up to him, her skirts brushing gently over the grass,
+holding out her hands imploringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Carr...."</p>
+
+<p>He would not allow himself to look into the gold-flecked eyes.... He
+must remember Dick&mdash;his brother Dick!</p>
+
+<p>In his hand he took the tips of her fingers, and bowing, kissed them.
+Then he turned on his heel and strode swiftly away between the hedges
+towards the quiet woods, with a heart aflame with passion, and with
+rebellion and impotent fury. He would go somewhere quite alone and fight
+the devil that was prompting him to cry the truth aloud and to throw
+aside his burden for love, forgetting duty.</p>
+
+<p>But Diana remained standing among the scattered flowers, very still,
+very cold, with a look of hopeless longing in her eyes and a great
+hurt.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h3>
+
+<h3>O'HARA'S MIND IS MADE UP</h3>
+
+
+<p>Jim Salter folded one of my lord's waistcoats, and placed it carefully
+in an open valise; then he picked up a coat, and spread it on the bed
+preparatory to folding it in such wise that no crease should afterwards
+mar its smoothness. All about him my lord's clothing was strewn; Mechlin
+ruffles and cravats adorned one chair, silk hose another; gorgeous coats
+hung on their backs; shoes of every description, red-heeled and white,
+riding boots and slippers, stood in a row awaiting attention; wigs
+perched coquettishly on handy projections, and piles of white cambric
+shirts peeped out from an almost finished bag.</p>
+
+<p>Jim laid the coat tenderly in the valise, coaxing it into decorous
+folds, and wondering at the same time where his master was. He had been
+out all the morning, and on his return had looked so ill that Jim had
+been worried, and wished that they were not leaving Horton House quite
+so soon. A little while ago my lord had been closeted with his host; Jim
+supposed he must still be there. He reached out his hand for another
+waistcoat, but before his fingers had touched it, he stopped, and lifted
+his head, listening. Hasty, impetuous footsteps sounded on the stairs,
+and came furiously along the corridor. The door was twisted open, and my
+lord stood on the threshold. Jim scanned the tired face anxiously, and
+noted with a sinking heart that the blue eyes were blazing and the fine
+lips set in a hard, uncompromising line. The slender hand gripping the
+door-handle twitched in a way that Jim knew full well; evidently my lord
+was in an uncertain mood.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you finished?" rapped out Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to leave this year and not next, if 'tis all the same to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. I didn't know you was in a hurry, sir."</p>
+
+<p>There was no reply to this. My lord advanced into the room and cast one
+glance at his scattered baggage and another all round him.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is my riding dress?"</p>
+
+<p>Jim shivered in his luckless shoes.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;er&mdash;'tis packed, sir. Do ye want it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I want it! Do you suppose that I am going to ride in what I
+have on?"</p>
+
+<p>"I rather thought ye were driving, your honour."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not. The scarlet suit at once, please."</p>
+
+<p>He flung himself down in a chair before his dressing-table and picked up
+a nail-file.</p>
+
+<p>Salter eyed his reflection in the glass dismally, and made no movement
+to obey. After a moment my lord swung round.</p>
+
+<p>"Well! What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir, I did, but&mdash;your pardon, sir&mdash;but do ye think 'tis wise to
+ride to-day for&mdash;for the first time?"</p>
+
+<p>The file slammed down on to the table.</p>
+
+<p>"I am riding to Horley this afternoon!" said his master dangerously.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a matter of fifteen miles or so, your honour. Hadn't ye better&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Damn you, Jim, be quiet!"</p>
+
+<p>Salter gave it up.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir," he said, and unearthed the required dress. "I'll see
+the baggage goes by coach, and saddle the mare and Peter."</p>
+
+<p>"Not Peter. You go in the coach."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>What!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>My lord stared at him. There had been a note of finality in the
+respectful tone. My lord became icy.</p>
+
+<p>"You forget yourself, Salter."</p>
+
+<p>"I ask your pardon, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You will travel in charge of my things, as usual."</p>
+
+<p>Jim compressed his lips, and stowed a shoe away in one corner of the
+bag.</p>
+
+<p>"You understand me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I understand ye well enough, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Then that is settled."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>My lord dropped his eye-glass.</p>
+
+<p>"What the devil do you mean&mdash;'No, sir'?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ask your pardon, sir, an I presume, but I can't and won't let ye ride
+alone with your wound but just healed." There was not a hint of defiance
+or impertinence in the quiet voice, but it held a great determination.</p>
+
+<p>"You won't, eh? Do you imagine I am a child?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Or unable to take care of myself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think ye are weaker than ye know, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you do, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>Jim came up to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye'll let me ride with ye, sir? I won't trouble ye, and I can ride
+behind, but I can't let ye go alone. Ye might faint&mdash;sir&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I can assure you I am not like to be a pleasant companion!" said
+Carstares with a savage little laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir, I understand there's something troubling ye. Will ye let me
+come?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord scowled up at him, then relented suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"As you please."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank ye, sir." Salter returned to his packing, cording one bag and
+placing it near the door, and quickly filling another. The piles of
+linen grew steadily smaller until they disappeared, and he retired into
+a cupboard to reappear with a great armful of coats and small-clothes.</p>
+
+<p>For a long while my lord sat silent staring blankly before him. He
+walked to the window and stood with his back to the room, looking out,
+then he turned and came back to his chair. Jim, watching him covertly,
+noted that the hard glitter had died out of his eyes, and that he looked
+wearier than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares studied his nails for a moment in silence. Presently he spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"Jim."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be&mdash;going abroad again shortly."</p>
+
+<p>If Carstares had remarked that it was a fine day the man could not have
+shown less surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>John looked across at him, smiling faintly.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll come, Jim?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would go anywhere with ye, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And what about that little girl at Fittering?"</p>
+
+<p>Salter blushed and stammered hopelessly.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear fellow, since when have I been blind? Did you think I did not
+know?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir&mdash;well, sir&mdash;er&mdash;yes, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I knew! Can you leave her to come with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't leave ye to stay with her, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure? I do not want you to come against your inclinations."</p>
+
+<p>"Women ain't everything, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they not? I think they are ... a great deal," said my lord
+wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm mighty fond o' Mary, but she knows I must go with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Does she? But is it quite fair to her? And I believe I am not minded to
+drag you 'cross Continent again."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye won't leave me behind, sir? Ye couldn't do that! Sir-ye're never
+thinking of going by yourself? I&mdash;I&mdash;I won't let ye!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I cannot spare you. But if you should change your mind,
+tell me. Is it a promise?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir. If I <i>should</i> change my mind." Salter's smile was grimly
+sarcastic.</p>
+
+<p>"I am selfish enough to hope you'll not change. I think no one else
+would bear with my vile temper as you do. Help me out of this coat, will
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll never change, sir. And as to tempers&mdash;As if I minded!"</p>
+
+<p>"No. You are marvellous. My breeches. Thanks."</p>
+
+<p>He shed his satin small-clothes, and proceeded to enter into white
+buckskins. "Not those boots, Jim, the other pair." He leaned against the
+table as he spoke, drumming his fingers on a chair-back.</p>
+
+<p>A knock fell on the door, at which he frowned and signed to Jim, who
+walked across and opened it, slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"Is your master here?" inquired a well-known voice, and at the sound of
+it my lord's face lighted up, and Salter stood aside.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>The big Irishman complied and cast a swift glance round the disordered
+room. He raised his eyebrows at sight of Jack's riding boots and looked
+inquiringly across at him.</p>
+
+<p>My lord pushed a chair forward with his foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, man! I thought you were in London?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was. I brought Molly home yesterday, the darlint, and I heard that ye
+were leaving here this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah?"</p>
+
+<p>"And as I'm not going to let ye slip through me fingers again, I thought
+I would come and make sure of ye. Ye are a deal too slippery, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet I was coming to see you again whatever happened."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. Ye are coming now&mdash;to stay."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara placed his hat and whip on the table, and stretched his legs with
+a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, 'tis stiff I am! Jim, I've a chaise outside for the baggage, so
+ye may take it down as soon as may be."</p>
+
+<p>"Leave it where it is, Jim. Miles, 'tis monstrous good of you, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Keep your buts to yourself, Jack. Me mind's made up."</p>
+
+<p>"And so is mine! I really cannot&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Me good boy, ye are coming to stay with us until ye are recovered, if I
+have to knock ye senseless and then carry ye!"</p>
+
+<p>The lightning smile flashed into Jack's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"How ferocious! But pray do not be ridiculous over a mere scratch.
+Recovered, indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye still look ill. Nay, Jack, take that frown off your face; 'tis of no
+avail, I am determined."</p>
+
+<p>The door closed softly behind Jim as Carstares shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't, Miles. You must see 'tis impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh! No one who comes to Thurze House knows ye or anything about ye.
+Ye need not see a soul, but come ye must!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, Miles&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Jack, don't be a fool! I want ye, and so does Molly. 'Tis no trap, so
+ye need not look so scared."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not. Indeed, I am very grateful, but&mdash;I cannot. I am going abroad
+almost at once."</p>
+
+<p>"What?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I mean it."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara sat up.</p>
+
+<p>"So it has come! I knew it would!"</p>
+
+<p>"What mean you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye've found out that ye love Mistress Di."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>"And she you."</p>
+
+<p>Jack looked at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ay! I'm a tactless oaf, I know, and me manners are atrocious to be
+for trying to break through the barriers ye've put up round yourself.
+But, I tell ye, Jack, it hurts to be kept at the end of a pole! I don't
+want to force your confidence, but for God's sake don't be treating me
+as if I were a stranger!"</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, Miles. It's confoundedly hard to confide in anyone
+after six years' solitude." He struggled into his coat as he spoke, and
+settled his cravat. "If you want to know the whole truth, 'tis because
+of Diana that I am going."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. Ye are in love with her?"</p>
+
+<p>"It rather points that way, does it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then why the divil don't ye ask her to marry ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't I ask her? Because I will not offer her a smirched name!
+Because I love her so much that&mdash;" He broke off with a shaky, furious
+laugh. "How can you ask me such a question? I am a desirable <i>parti,
+hein? Nom d'un nom</i>! For what do you take me?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara looked up, calmly studying the wrathful countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Chivalrous young fool," he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>Again the short, angry laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so likely that I should ask her to marry me, is it not?
+'Mademoiselle, you see in me an improvident fool: I began life by
+cheating at cards, and since then&mdash;' Oh, I shall believe it myself ere
+long! I seem to have told it to so many people. And I lay myself open to
+the impertinences of&mdash;" he checked himself, thinking of the interview
+downstairs with Mr. Beauleigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Rubbish, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not rubbish. I have one recommendation&mdash;only one."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, have ye as much? What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>My lord laughed bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"I dress rather well."</p>
+
+<p>"And fence better, as far as I remember."</p>
+
+<p>"I have reason to. That is but another point to damn me. What woman
+would marry a fencing-master? Oh, my God! what a mess I have made of my
+life." He tried to laugh and failed miserably.</p>
+
+<p>"I rather fancy Mistress Di would."</p>
+
+<p>"She will not be asked thus to demean herself," was the proud answer.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Jack, ye forget ye are the Earl of Wyncham."</p>
+
+<p>"A pretty earl! No thank you, Miles. Richard's son will be Earl&mdash;no son
+of mine."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara brought his fist down on the table with a crash.</p>
+
+<p>"Damn Richard and his son!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord picked up a jewelled pin and, walking to the glass, proceeded to
+fasten it in his cravat. The other followed him with smouldering eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Retired into your shell again?" he growled.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares, with his head slightly on one side, considered the effect of
+the pin. Then he came back to his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Miles, the long and short of it is that I am an unreasonable
+grumbler. I made my bed, and I suppose I must-on it."</p>
+
+<p>"And will ye be afther telling me who helped ye in the making of it?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares sat down and started to pull on one boot.</p>
+
+<p>"I foresee we shall be at one another's throats ere long," he prophesied
+cheerfully. "Did I tell you that I informed Mr. Beauleigh of
+my&mdash;er&mdash;profession to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>Miles forgot his anger in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye never told him ye were a highwayman?" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I did. Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? Why wot? God help us all! are ye daft, man? Do ye intend to
+tell every other person ye meet what ye are? Bedad, 'tis mad ye are
+entirely!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"I was afraid you would not understand."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould take a wizard to understand ye! Another chivalrous impulse, I
+doubt not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Chiv&mdash;! No. It is just that I could not let him think me an honourable
+gentleman. He took it well, on the whole, and is now frigidly polite."</p>
+
+<p>"Polite! I should hope so! The ould scarecrow, after ye'd saved his
+daughter on him, too! And 'twas he made ye so furious?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"He and myself. You see&mdash;he&mdash;lectured me&mdash;oh! quite kindly&mdash;on the error
+of my ways, and&mdash;it hurt."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis as well ye are coming to me then, the way things are with ye at
+present."</p>
+
+<p>My lord opened his mouth to speak, encountered a fiery glance, and shut
+it again.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything to say?" inquired O'Hara with a threatening gleam in his eye.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," replied Jack meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye will come?"</p>
+
+<p>"Please."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara sprang up joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Good lad! Lud! but I was afraid at one time&mdash;Put on your other boot
+while I go and look for that rascal of yours!" He hurried out of the
+room to find Jim, who, having foreseen the result of the contest, was
+already stowing the luggage away on the chaise.</p>
+
+<p>Half-an-hour later, his <i>adieux</i> made, Jim and the baggage following, my
+lord rode out with O'Hara on his way to Thurze House.</p>
+
+<p>For some time there was silence between the two men, with only a
+perfunctory remark or two on the fineness of the day and the freshness
+of the mare to break it. Carstares' mind was, as his friend well knew,
+dwelling on all that he had left behind him. His parting with Diana had
+been quite ordinary, she at least making no sign that he was anything
+beyond a chance acquaintance; indeed, it had almost seemed to him that
+her attitude was slightly aloof, as if she had drawn a little into
+herself. Her hand when he had kissed it had been lifeless and cold, her
+smile sweetly remote. He knew that he had held the hand a fraction of a
+minute longer than was strictly in accordance with the rules of good
+manners, and he feared that he had clasped it in most unseemly wise,
+pressing it hard against his lips. He wondered whether she had remarked
+it. He little guessed that long after he had ridden out of sight, she
+continued to feel that pressure. If he could have seen her passionately
+kissing each finger separately for fear her lips might pass over the
+exact spot his had touched, his heart might have been lighter.</p>
+
+<p>It was true that she had retired into her shell, a little hurt at what
+she termed his man's blind obstinacy. She had laid her heart bare for
+him to read; she had offered herself to him as plainly as if she had
+spoken in terms less general than in the pleasaunce; she had fought
+desperately for her happiness, thrusting aside all thought of maiden
+modesty, and when she afterwards had realised what she had done, and
+tried to imagine what he must think of her, she had blushed dark, and
+mentally flayed herself for her lack of proper pride and manners.
+Terrified that he might think her immodest, overwhelmed with sudden
+shyness, she had been colder in her attitude towards him, than she had
+intended, even in her anxiety not to appear forward. But in spite of
+her coldness, how intensely had she hoped that he would sense her love
+and all that she wanted him to know! Incomprehensible the ways of women!</p>
+
+<p>Not endowed with feminine perspicacity or intuition, how could John hope
+to understand her dual feelings? He only knew that he had hurt her, and
+that she had drawn back that she might not lay herself open to more. He
+could not hope to understand her when she did not fully understand
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>Reflecting on the swiftness with which love had come to them, he
+believed that with a like swiftness it might fade, at least from Diana's
+memory. He told himself that he hoped for that end, but he was honest
+enough to know that it was the last thing in the world he wanted. The
+mere thought of Diana indifferent to him, or worse, another man's bride,
+made him bite on his underlip and tighten his hold on the rein.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara cast many a surreptitious glance at the stern young profile
+beside him, wondering whether his lordship would last out the tedious
+ride or no. He knew enough of Carstares' indomitable courage to believe
+that he would, but he feared that it would prove too great a strain on
+him in his present weakened condition.</p>
+
+<p>Very wisely he made no attempt to draw Carstares out of his abstraction,
+but continued to push on in silence, past fields knee-deep in grass,
+soon to be hay, with sorrel and poppies growing apace, along lanes with
+hedges high above their heads on either side, over hill and down
+dale&mdash;always in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Presently O'Hara fell a little to the rear that he might study his
+friend without palpably turning to do so. He thought he had never seen
+Jack's face wear such a black look. The fine brows almost met over his
+nose with only two sharp furrows to separate them; the mouth was
+compressed, the chin a little prominent, and the eyes, staring ahead
+between Jenny's nervous ears, seemed to see all without absorbing
+anything. One hand at his hip was clenched on his riding-whip, the other
+mechanically guided the mare.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara found himself admiring the lithe grace of the man, with his
+upright carriage and splendid seat.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, as if aware that he was being studied, my lord half turned his
+head and met O'Hara's eyes. He gave a tiny shrug and with it seemed to
+throw off his oppression. The frown vanished, and he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, Miles. I am a surly fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Mayhap your shoulder troubles you," suggested O'Hara tactfully.</p>
+
+<p>"N-no, I am barely conscious of it. I've no excuse beyond bad manners
+and a worse temper."</p>
+
+<p>From thence onward he set himself to entertain his friend, and if his
+laugh was sometimes rather forced, at least his wit was enough to keep
+O'Hara in a pleasurable state of amusement for some miles.</p>
+
+<p>By the time they arrived at Thurze House, Carstares was suspiciously
+white about the mouth, and there was once more a furrow&mdash;this time of
+pain&mdash;between his brows. But he was able to greet my Lady O'Hara with
+fitting elegance and to pay her at least three neat, laughing
+compliments before O'Hara took him firmly by the arm and marched him to
+his room, there to rest and recover before the dinner hour.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after, Jim arrived, highly contented with his new surroundings,
+and able to give a satisfactory verdict on Jenny's stalling. He had
+quite accepted O'Hara as a friend, after some jealous qualms, and was
+now well pleased that his master should be in his house instead of
+roaming the countryside.</p>
+
+<p>At five o'clock, as the gong rang, my lord descended the stairs
+resplendent in old gold and silver trimmings, determined to be as gay
+and light-hearted as the occasion demanded, as though there had never
+been a Diana to upset the whole course of a man's life.</p>
+
+<p>Not for nothing had he fought against the world for six long years.
+Their teaching had been to hide all feeling beneath a perpetual mask of
+nonchalance and wit; never for an instance to betray a hurt, and never
+to allow it to appear that he was anything but the most care-free of
+men. The training stood him in good stead now, and even O'Hara wondered
+to see him in such spirits after all that had passed. Lady Molly was
+delighted with her guest, admiring his appearance, his fine, courtly
+manners, and falling an easy victim to his charm.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara, watching them, saw with content that his capricious little wife
+was really attracted to my lord. It was a high honour, for she was hard
+to please, and many of O'Hara's acquaintances had been received, if not
+with actual coldness, at least not with any degree of warmth.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the meal she withdrew with the warning that they were not
+to sit too long over their wine, and that Miles was not to fatigue his
+lordship.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara pushed the decanter towards his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"I've a piece of news I daresay will interest ye!" he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares looked at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. 'Tis that his Grace of Andover has withdrawn his precious person to
+Paris."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares raised one eyebrow.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he would naturally wish to remain in the background after our
+little fracas."</p>
+
+<p>"Does he ever wish to be in the background?"</p>
+
+<p>"You probably know him better than I do. Does he?"</p>
+
+<p>"He does not. 'Tis always in front he is, mighty prominent. Damn him!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord was faintly surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Why that? Has he ever interfered with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has interfered with me best friend to some purpose."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear the boot was on the other leg!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I know something of how he interferes with Dick."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares put down his glass, all attention now.</p>
+
+<p>"With Dick? How?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara seemed to regret having spoken</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well&mdash;I've no sympathy with <i>him</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"What has Tracy done to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis nothing of great moment. Merely that he and that worthless brother
+of his seek to squeeze him dry."</p>
+
+<p>"Robert?"</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew. I know very little of Robert."</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew! But he was a child&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he's grown up now, and as rakish a young spendthrift as ye could
+wish for. Dick seems to pay their debts."</p>
+
+<p>"Devil take him! Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven knows! I suppose Lavinia insists. We all knew that 'twas for
+that reason Tracy flung you both in her way."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense! We went of our own accord. She had but returned from school."</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. And whose doing was that but Tracy's?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares opened his eyes rather wide and leant both arms on the table,
+crooking his fingers round the stem of his wine glass.</p>
+
+<p>"Do the debts amount to much?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't tell ye that. 'Twas but by chance I found it out at all. The
+Belmanoirs were never moderate in their manner of living."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor were any of us. Don't be so hard on them, Miles!... I knew, of
+course, that the Belmanoir estate was mortgaged, but I did not guess to
+what extent."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know that either, but Dick's money does not go to pay it off.
+'Tis all frittered away on gambling and pretty women."</p>
+
+<p>My lord's brow darkened ominously.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye-s. I think I shall have a little score to settle with Tracy on that
+subject&mdash;some day."</p>
+
+<p>Miles said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>"But how does Dick manage without touching my money?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know." O'Hara's tone implied that he cared less.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope he is not in debt himself," mused Carstares, "'Tis like enough
+he is in some muddle. I wish I might persuade him to accept the
+revenue." He frowned and drummed his fingers on the table.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara exploded.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, 'twould be like you to be doing the same. Let the man alone for
+the Lord's sake, and don't be after worrying your head over a miserable
+spalpeen that did ye more harm than&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, I cannot allow you to speak so of Dick! You do not understand."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand well enough. 'Tis too Christian ye are entirely. And let
+us have an end of this farce of yours! I know that Dick cheated as well
+as you do, and I say 'tis unnatural for you to be wanting him to take
+your money after he's done you out of honour and all else!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares sipped his wine quietly, waiting for Miles' anger to
+evaporate, as it presently did, leaving him to glower balefully. Then he
+started to laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Miles, let me go my own road! I'm a sore trial to you, I know."
+Then suddenly sobering: "But I want you not to think so hardly of Dick.
+You know enough of him to understand a little how it all came about. You
+know how extravagant he was and how often in debt&mdash;can you not pardon
+the impulse of a mad moment?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I could pardon. What I cannot forgive is his&mdash;unutterable meanness
+in letting you bear the blame."</p>
+
+<p>"O'Hara, he was in love with Lavinia&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"So were you."</p>
+
+<p>"Not so deeply. With me 'twas a boy's passion, but with him 'twas
+serious."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara remained silent, his mouth unusually hard.</p>
+
+<p>"Put yourself in his place," pleaded Jack. "If you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you!" O'Hara laughed unpleasantly. "No, Jack, we shall not agree
+on this subject, and we had best leave it alone. I do not think you need
+worry about him, though. I believe he is not in debt."</p>
+
+<p>"Does he have fair luck with his racing and his&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara smiled grimly.</p>
+
+<p>"Dick is a very changed man, John. He does not keep racehorses, neither
+does he play cards, save for appearance's sake."</p>
+
+<p>"Dick not play! What then does he do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Manages your estates and conducts his wife to routs. When in town,"
+bitterly, "he inhabits your house."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there is none else to use it. But I cannot imagine Dick turned
+sober!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis easy to be righteous after the evil is done, I'm thinking!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord ignored this remark. A curious smile played about his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Egad, Miles, 'tis very entertaining! I, the erstwhile sober
+member&mdash;what is the matter?&mdash;am now the profligate: I dice, I gamble, I
+rob. Dick the ne'er-do-weel is a saint. He&mdash;er&mdash;lives a godly and
+righteous life, and&mdash;er&mdash;is robbed by his wife's relations. After all, I
+do not think I envy him overmuch."</p>
+
+<p>"At least, you enjoy life more than he does," said O'Hara, grinning.
+"For ye have no conscience to reckon with."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' face was inscrutable. He touched his lips with his napkin and
+smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"As you say, I enjoy life the more&mdash;but as to conscience, I do not think
+it is that."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara glanced at him sitting sideways in his chair, one arm flung over
+its back.</p>
+
+<p>"Will ye be offended if I ask ye a question?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not."</p>
+
+<p>"Then&mdash;do ye intend to go back to this highroad robbery?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not."</p>
+
+<p>"What then will you do?"</p>
+
+<p>The shadows vanished, and my lord laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"To tell you the truth, Miles, I've not yet settled that point. Fate
+will decide&mdash;not I."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h3>
+
+<h3>MR. BETTISON PROPOSES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison could make nothing of Diana of late. Her demeanour, at
+first so charming and so cheerful, had become listless, and even
+chilling. She seemed hardly to listen to some of his best tales, and
+twice she actually forgot to laugh at what was surely a most witty
+pleasantry. It struck him that she regarded him with a resentful eye, as
+if she objected to his presence at Horton House, and had no desire to be
+courted. But Mr. Bettison was far too egotistic to believe such a thing,
+and he brushed the incredible suspicion away, deciding that her coldness
+was due to a very proper shyness. He continued his visits until they
+became so frequent that scarce a day passed without his strutting step
+being heard approaching the house and his voice inquiring for the Miss
+Beauleighs. Mr. Beauleigh, who secretly hoped for Mr. Bettison as a
+son-in-law, would not permit the ladies to deny themselves, and he
+further counselled Miss Betty to absent herself after the first few
+moments, leaving the young couple together. Thus it was that it so
+continually fell to Diana's lot to receive the Squire and to listen to
+his never-ending monologues. She persistently snubbed him, hoping to
+ward off the impending proposal, but either her snubs were not severe
+enough, or Mr. Bettison's skin was too thick to feel them; for not a
+fortnight after my lord's departure, he begged her hand in marriage. It
+was refused him with great firmness, but, taking the refusal for
+coquettishness, he pressed his suit still more amorously, and with such
+a self-assured air that Mistress Di became indignant.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," she cried, "it seems you have indeed misread my attitude towards
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison was struck dumb with amazement. It had never entered his
+brain that Diana could seriously refuse him. He could hardly believe his
+ears at this quite unmistakable tone of voice, and sat gaping.</p>
+
+<p>"I must beg," continued Diana, "I must beg that you will discontinue
+your all-too-frequent visits here. Please do not deem me unkind, but
+your persecution of me&mdash;I can call it nothing else&mdash;is
+wearying&mdash;and&mdash;you will forgive the word&mdash;tiresome. I confess I am
+surprised that you had not perceived your attentions to be distasteful
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>"Distasteful!" cried Mr. Bettison, recovering after two or three
+unsuccessful attempts from his speechlessness. "Do you mean what you
+say, Miss Diana? That you will not wed me?"</p>
+
+<p>She nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Mr. Bettison, I do."</p>
+
+<p>"And that my attentions are displeasing to you! Well, Miss Beauleigh!
+Well, indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana softened a little.</p>
+
+<p>"I am indeed sorry that you should have misconstrued&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No misconstruction, madam!" snapped the Squire, who was fast losing
+control over his temper. "Do you dare aver that you did not encourage me
+to visit you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do, most emphatically!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I see what 'tis! You cannot hoodwink me. 'Twas never thus with you
+before that fellow came!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Bettison, I am entirely at a loss, but I desire you to leave this
+room before you say aught you may afterwards regret."</p>
+
+<p>He disregarded her.</p>
+
+<p>"You are infatuated by that over-dressed popinjay&mdash;that insufferable
+Carr, who, from all I hear, is but a shady fellow, and who&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>With a sweeping movement Diana had risen and walked to the bell-rope.
+She now pulled it with such vigour that a great peal sounded throughout
+the house.</p>
+
+<p>She stood perfectly still, a statue of Disdain, tall, beautiful and
+furious, with compressed lips and head held high. Mr. Bettison broke off
+and mopped his brow, glaring at her.</p>
+
+<p>Startled Thomas appeared at the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ring, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"Show Mr. Bettison out," was the proud answer.</p>
+
+<p>The Squire got up awkwardly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I apologise if I said aught that was untrue," he mumbled. "I
+hope you will not take my words amiss&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall try to forget your insults, sir," she replied. "The door,
+Thomas!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bettison went out, and his step had lost some of its self-confident
+swagger.</p>
+
+<p>For a full minute after the great front door had shut behind him, Diana
+stood where she was, and then the colour suddenly flamed in her cheeks,
+and she turned and ran out of the room, up the stairs, to her own
+chamber, where she indulged in a luxurious fit of crying. From this
+enjoyable occupation she was interrupted by a rap on the door, and Miss
+Betty's voice desiring to know if she was within.</p>
+
+<p>She instantly started up and with hasty fingers straightened her tumbled
+curls.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray enter!" she called, trying to sound jaunty. To complete the
+illusion, she started to hum. Her aunt entered.</p>
+
+<p>"I came to see if you had my broidery. I cannot find it, and I am sure
+'twas you brought it in from the garden this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;oh, yes&mdash;I am so sorry! 'Tis in that corner on the chair, I
+think," replied Diana, keeping her face averted.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty cast a shrewd glance at her, and sat down on the sofa with
+the air of one who means to stay.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, my love?" she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>Diana pretended to search for something in a cupboard.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, aunt! What should there be?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know. 'Tis what I want to find out," answered Miss Betty
+placidly.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nought amiss, I assure you!" To prove the truth of this
+statement, Diana essayed a laugh. It was a poor attempt, and wavered
+pitifully into a sob.</p>
+
+<p>"My pet, don't tell me! You are crying!"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I'm n-not!" avowed Diana, hunting wildly for her
+pocket-handkerchief. "'Tis a cold in the head I have had these three
+days."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, my love? Longer than that, I fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;perhaps so&mdash;I&mdash;What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt but what you caught it the day that Mr. Carr left us."</p>
+
+<p>Diana started.</p>
+
+<p>"P-pray, do not be ridiculous, auntie!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear. Come and sit beside me and tell me all about it," coaxed
+Miss Betty.</p>
+
+<p>Diana hesitated, gave a damp sniff, and obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty drew her head down on to her shoulder soothingly.</p>
+
+<p>"There, there! Don't cry, my sweet! What has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis that odious Mr. Bettison!" sobbed Diana "He&mdash;he had the audacity
+to ask me to m-marry him!"</p>
+
+<p>"You don't say so, my love! I thought I heard him arrive. So you sent
+him about his business?"</p>
+
+<p>"N-not before he had time to insult m-me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Insult you? Di!"</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;he dared to insinuate&mdash;oh no! he accused me outright&mdash;of being
+infatuated by Mr. Carr! Infatuated!"</p>
+
+<p>Over her head Miss Betty opened her eyes at her own reflection in the
+glass.</p>
+
+<p>"The brute! But, of course, 'tis true?"</p>
+
+<p>No answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not?"</p>
+
+<p>The sobs came faster.</p>
+
+<p>"Of&mdash;of course 'tis true, but h-how dared he say so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Di, my love, you really are in love with that boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I&mdash;I asked him to marry me&mdash;and he wouldn't!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good gracious heavens!" Miss Betty was genuinely horrified. "My dear
+Diana!"</p>
+
+<p>"N-not outright&mdash;b-but he understood&mdash;and&mdash;he loves me! And I'd do it
+again to-morrow, if I could&mdash;immodest or no! So there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes," soothed Miss Betty hastily. "Tell me all about it." Diana
+lifted her head.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all. And he loves me&mdash;he does&mdash;he does!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say so?"</p>
+
+<p>"N-no&mdash;but I could tell. And I love him"&mdash;sob&mdash;"and I'd sooner die than
+live without him, and he won't ask me b-because he has not got a
+spotless p-past, and he'd be a cur, and horrid things, and my husband
+must not be an&mdash;an&mdash;outcast, and-and&mdash;and I don't care!"</p>
+
+<p>Her bewildered aunt unravelled this with difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"He'd be a cur if he asked you to marry him?" she asked, with knitted
+brows.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Because he's a highwayman."</p>
+
+<p>"A highwayman! Then 'twas true what he said? Well, well! I should never
+have thought it! That nice boy!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana disengaged herself; in her eyes was a threatening gleam.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't dare say a word against him!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no&mdash;of course not! I was only surprised. But I am thankfully glad
+he did not ask you, for all that!"</p>
+
+<p>"Glad? How can you be so cruel?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, you could not possibly marry&mdash;a&mdash;a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Common felon!" sobbed Diana. "I can&mdash;I can!"</p>
+
+<p>"And heaven alone knows what else he may have done! Why, child, he said
+himself that he had a&mdash;a spotty past!"</p>
+
+<p>At this her niece gave a tearful giggle.</p>
+
+<p>"La! What ails you now, Di?"</p>
+
+<p>"H-he never said&mdash;spotty."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty smiled reluctantly.</p>
+
+<p>"A doubtful past, then."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe it!"</p>
+
+<p>Her aunt pursed up her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't believe it. He couldn't be wicked. You forget he saved me!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty relented.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I do not, my love; and, to be sure, I think he is a dear boy, but I
+also think 'twas very right of him to go away."</p>
+
+<p>She was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.</p>
+
+<p>"Auntie, you know you love him almost as much as I do?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, that I do not!" was the grim retort. "<i>I</i> am not like to want to
+marry him!"</p>
+
+<p>There was another watery giggle at this, and Diana went over to the
+dressing-table to tidy her hair.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt I shall never see him again," she said wretchedly. "Oh, auntie,
+if you could but have seen his dear, unhappy eyes!"</p>
+
+<p>"Stuff and nonsense! Not see him again, forsooth! He will call upon us
+in town. 'Tis but common politeness."</p>
+
+<p>"You forget he is a highwayman, and not like to come nigh us again."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dear, if he cares for you as you say he does, he will see to
+it that he takes up some decent occupation. Mayhap, he will go into the
+army, or what not. Then wait and see if he does not come to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think so?" doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do, sweetheart! And if he does not try to mend his ways,
+and you see him no more&mdash;why then, snap your fingers at him, my love,
+for he will not be worth one tear!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana sighed and poured out some water to bathe her face with.</p>
+
+<p>"Is not that sensible?" coaxed her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>She raised her head and looked unutterable scorn.</p>
+
+<p>"I think 'tis remarkable silly," she answered. Then her dignity fell
+from her. "Oh, are all men such big stupids?" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Most of 'em," nodded her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"But can't he tell that I shall be&mdash;oh, so miserable, and that I should
+not ruin my life if I married him?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, once a man gets an idea into his head, 'tis the very devil to
+get it out of him! Not but what I think Master Jack is right, mind you.
+And your dear papa and I had looked higher for you. After all&mdash;what is
+Mr. Carr?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is the only man I will ever marry! So you may cease looking higher
+for me! I suppose you want me to marry that great gaby, Sir Denis
+Fabian, you are for ever inviting to the house? Or, perhaps, this
+gallant Mr. Bettison? Or Mr. Everard? How <i>can</i> you be so unkind?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not. But I could not bear to see you throw yourself away on a
+highwayman, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>Diana ran to her, putting her arms round her neck.</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest auntie, forgive my rudeness! I know you did not mean to be
+unkind! But you do not understand&mdash;I <i>love</i> him."</p>
+
+<p>"I always said you'd take it badly," nodded Miss Betty gloomily.</p>
+
+<p>"Take what badly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Love. And no man is worth one tear-drop, sweet."</p>
+
+<p>The confident, tender little laugh that answered this statement made her
+look at her suddenly changed niece in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know," said Diana. Her eyes were soft and luminous. "You just
+do not know."</p>
+
+<p>Before Miss Betty could think of a suitable retort, a knock fell on the
+door. It was opened, and Thomas was found to be without.</p>
+
+<p>"My Lady O'Hara is below, madam."</p>
+
+<p>For an instant the two ladies stared at one another. Then:</p>
+
+<p>"La and drat!" said Miss Betty. "With the drawing-room in a muddle after
+cleaning!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana nodded to the man.</p>
+
+<p>"We will come, Thomas." Then as soon as he had withdrawn, she stared
+again at her aunt. "Lady O'Hara! But why?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose she felt she must call after Sir Miles had been here so
+often. But why, for goodness' sake, must she choose the one day that the
+drawing-room is all untidy? Drat again, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana was powdering her little nose, and anxiously looking to see if the
+tear-stains had quite vanished.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not untidy, Aunt Betty. Oh, I am quite eager to see her&mdash;I think
+she must be charming, from all Sir Miles said. Do hurry, aunt!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty stuck a pin into her hair and smoothed out her dress.</p>
+
+<p>"And me in this old taffeta!" she grumbled.</p>
+
+<p>Diana swirled round, her own peach-coloured silk rustling fashionably.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, dear&mdash;you look very sweet. But <i>do</i> be quick!" Miss Betty
+suffered herself to be led to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis all very fine for you, my love, with a new gown fresh on to-day!
+Will you just take a look at my petticoat, though?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, you are beautiful! Come!"</p>
+
+<p>Together they descended the stairs, and went into the drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p>A dainty, very diminutive little lady arose from a chair at their entry,
+and came forward with outstretched hands, and such a fascinating smile
+that Miss Betty's ill-humour vanished, and she responded to her
+visitor's deep curtsy with one of her best jerky dips.</p>
+
+<p>"I am vastly delighted to welcome you, madam," she said primly. "'Tis
+good in you to come this long way to see us."</p>
+
+<p>She drew a chair forward for my lady, and presented her niece. Lady
+O'Hara gave the girl a swift, scrutinising glance, and curtsied again.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis a great pleasure to me to meet you at last, Miss Beauleigh," she
+smiled. "My husband has told me so much of you, I declare I was all agog
+to meet you!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana warmed instantly to the little lady's charm.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, madam, we, too, have heard much of you from Sir Miles. <i>We</i>
+have wanted to meet <i>you</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara seated herself and nodded briskly.</p>
+
+<p>"I expect he told you some dreadful tales of me," she said happily. "I
+must ask your pardon for not having visited you before, but, as I
+daresay you know, I have been away, and, gracious me, when I returned
+everything seemed topsy-turvy!" She laughed across at Miss Betty. "I
+promise you I have had my hands full putting things to rights, Miss
+Beauleigh!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Betty drew her chair closer, and in a minute they were deep in
+truly feminine conversation: the prodigious extravagance of the
+servants; the helplessness of men-folk when left to themselves, and then
+London, its shops, its parks, the newest play.</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara was begged to take a dish of Miss Betty's precious Bohea&mdash;a
+very high honour indeed&mdash;and when Mr. Beauleigh came into the room he
+found his sister and daughter seated on either side of a pretty,
+animated little lady whom he had never before seen, talking hard, and
+partaking of tay and angel cakes. Whereupon he retired hastily and shut
+himself up in his library.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY O'HARA WINS HER POINT</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara looked across at her sleeping husband with no little
+severity in her glance. He was stretched in a chair beneath a giant oak,
+and she was busied with some needlework a few paces from him. O'Hara's
+eyes were shut and his mouth open. My lady frowned and coughed. She
+rasped her throat quite considerably, but it was not without effect; her
+spouse shut his mouth and opened one lazy eyelid. Immediately my lady
+assumed an air of gentle mournfulness, and the eye regarding her
+twinkled a little, threatening to close. Molly looked reproachful, and
+began to speak in an aggrieved tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, and I do not think it at all kind in you to go to sleep when I
+want to talk, sir."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara hastily opened the other eye.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my love, I was not asleep! I was&mdash;er&mdash;thinking!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you say so, sir? And do you usually think with your mouth
+open&mdash;<i>snoring</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara started up.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll swear I did not snore!" he cried. "Molly, 'tis a wicked tease ye
+are!"</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, 'tis a big baby you are!" she mimicked. "There is a caterpillar
+on your wig, and 'tis on crooked."</p>
+
+<p>"The caterpillar?" asked O'Hara, bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"No, stupid, the wig. I had best straighten it for you, I suppose." She
+rose and stooped over him, settling the wig and removing the caterpillar
+by means of two leaves, judiciously wielded. Then she dropped a kiss on
+her husband's brow and sat down at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"First, you have never asked me where I was gone to all yesterday
+afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara had been carefully broken in, and he now knew what was expected
+of him, and put on an expression of great interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Where <i>did</i> ye go, my lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"I went to call on Miss Beauleigh and her niece, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>She looked up at him triumphantly and a little challengingly.</p>
+
+<p>"The devil ye did!"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir. I knew that there was something in the air, and I
+remembered your letter to me saying that Jack was in love with Diana. So
+I thought I would go and see her for myself."</p>
+
+<p>Miles looked down at her half indulgently, half vexedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you, puss?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did. And I found that she was in love with him as well as he with
+her&mdash;of course."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who could help falling in love with him? He's so monstrous captivating,
+I would like to marry him myself."</p>
+
+<p>She bent her head to hide the roguish smile that had sprung to her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon?" asked O'Hara, startled.</p>
+
+<p>My lady traced patterns on his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Provided, of course, that I had not already married you, Miles."</p>
+
+<p>But O'Hara had seen the smile. He heaved a great sigh, and said in
+lugubrious tones:</p>
+
+<p>"There is always the river, madam."</p>
+
+<p>My lady's finger wavered and stopped, and her hand tucked itself away
+into his.</p>
+
+<p>"That is not a nice joke, Miles."</p>
+
+<p>He laughed, and tweaked one of her curls.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, and did ye not ask for it, asthore?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I did not. But about Jack, dear&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought it <i>was</i> about Jack?"</p>
+
+<p>"Miles, will you be quiet and attend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, m'dear."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then. As I have told you, I drove over to Littledean
+yesterday afternoon, and made the acquaintance of the Miss Beauleighs."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did ye think of them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought Diana was wonderfully beautiful&mdash;such eyes, Miles!&mdash;and such
+hair! Miss Beauleigh is very amiable, and so droll! I drank a dish of
+tay with them, and I spoke of Jack&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Madcap, never tell me ye called him Carstares?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, you great gaby! Of course I did not. As it chanced, Miss Beauleigh
+mentioned him first, and she called him Mr. Carr. So I did, too. And I
+noticed that Diana said scarce a word about him, and when she did 'twas
+of the coolest. That, of course, made me all the more certain that she
+loved him."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara was plainly puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"But why should you be certain if she did not speak of him, alanna?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis what you'll never understand, my dear, because you are but a man.
+But no matter&mdash;I knew. I quite adored Diana, and determined to talk to
+her alone. So I admired the roses, and she offered to escort me round
+the garden, which was what I wanted. We went out together. I think Diana
+must have liked me, for&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet, Miles!&mdash;for she dropped her ice and became quite friendly.
+And I talked a lot."</p>
+
+<p>She was aware of a convulsive movement above her, and a suppressed
+cough. She raised inquiring eyebrows.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, asthore&mdash;nothing. Go on with the tale&mdash;you were saying&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That I talked a lot." She paused, and her eyes dared him; then she
+dimpled and dropped her lashes over them. "I shan't tell you all I
+said&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>A relieved sigh interrupted her.</p>
+
+<p>"And if you continue to behave in this disagreeable fashion I shall not
+say another word about anything!"</p>
+
+<p>Having satisfied herself that he was not going to venture a retort, she
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>"We had a long chat, and I gathered, from all she said and left unsaid,
+that Jack, for some foolish reason, will not ask her to marry him."</p>
+
+<p>"Foolish reason, asthore?" he interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know you consider it a remarkable fine reason, but I tell you,
+'tis rank cruelty to that poor child. As if she cared about highwaymen!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas not so much that, I take it, as&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but he could tell her he was innocent&mdash;oh, Miles, do not look so
+provoking! Of course he could! I vow if you had treated me so, I would
+never have let you go until you had truly repented! I am of a mind to
+speak to Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould be an entertaining sight, but ye'll kindly have a care how you
+touch him, my lady."</p>
+
+<p>"He does not understand. I <i>know</i> she would be proud to marry him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And ye'd think it a fine thing in Jack to ask her, the way things are
+with him at present?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;oh, I don't know!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, me love. Jack is right: he must first clear his name."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, gracious goodness me, why does he not?" cried Molly, exasperated.</p>
+
+<p>This time it was O'Hara's turn to look superior.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, alanna, that's a question ye cannot hope to understand&mdash;because
+ye are but a woman."</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara ignored the challenge.</p>
+
+<p>"But what is to be done?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought. He will have to work it out himself. He bound me to secrecy
+some time ago, or I would be tempted to speak to Richard."</p>
+
+<p>"I quite <i>hate</i> Richard!" she cried. "He must be a selfish, unkind
+person. And now Jack swears he must go away almost at once&mdash;and, oh! you
+should have seen Diana's face of despair when I mentioned that he was
+going abroad again. Miles, we must keep him here as long as ever we can!
+Oh, dear! 'tis all very worrying."</p>
+
+<p>She broke off as O'Hara pressed her hand warningly. My lord was coming
+across the lawn towards them.</p>
+
+<p>"I am in dire disgrace," he said. "I was left with your ferocious baby,
+Molly, and to quiet him, I gave him a string of beads that you had left
+on the table."</p>
+
+<p>"My precious Indian wooden beads!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;I believe so. Anyway, the paint came off, and when Jane returned,
+David looked as though he had some horrible disease. She was most
+annoyed about it." He sat down in Molly's lately vacated chair, and
+carefully wiped a daub of green from his forefinger.</p>
+
+<p>Molly laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Jane! She will have such a task to clean him. But you've arrived
+most opportunely. We were talking of you."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara groaned inwardly, and tried to frown her down.</p>
+
+<p>"You were? I am flattered! May I ask what you were saying?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that we do not want you to go back to France."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara breathed again.</p>
+
+<p>"That is very kind of you, my lady. I regret the necessity myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure it is necessary? You might just as well live in a nice
+place near here, with a dear old woman to keep house for you&mdash;and&mdash;and
+Jim&mdash;and&mdash;lots of pleasant things."</p>
+
+<p>My lord shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"No, thank you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes! And later on you could choose a wife!" she continued
+audaciously.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. There would be no choice; I should be made to marry the
+dear old woman. You would bully me into it."</p>
+
+<p>She laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Seriously, Jack, could you not settle down near here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not with that old woman, Molly."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind her; won't you consider it? No one need know you&mdash;in fact,
+you need see no one&mdash;and&mdash;oh, Jack! don't look like that. Miles, is he
+not ridiculous?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, alanna, 'tis a dreary life he'd be leading," chuckled O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>"I see what it is, Molly. You have planned to make me a recluse, <i>and</i>
+to marry me to my housekeeper. I protest, 'tis great ill-usage!"</p>
+
+<p>Molly eyed him doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you <i>much</i> object to the life, John?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," he replied solemnly, "you would find my corpse in the garden at
+the end of the first week."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I should not like that," she pondered. "But I do not see what
+else we can do for you. Oh, and that reminds me! I drove over to
+Littledean yesterday&mdash;Miles, my love, will you be so kind as to fetch me
+my hat? I protest, the sun&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"We will move more into the shade," said her disobliging husband.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well! 'tis of no account, though I did hear that Brown was wanting
+to speak to you about the new cob&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis prodigious thoughtful of you, Molly, but I met Brown some time
+ago."</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara gave it up.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as I was saying, Jack, I went to call at Horton House. Dear me,
+what a beautiful girl Diana is, to be sure!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares tried to think of something to say, and failing, made a
+non-committal sound.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. They both sent their kind wishes, and hoped you were better.
+Goodness! 'tis very close here. I wonder if you will give me your arm
+round the garden? And would <i>you</i> fetch me my hat? I left it in the
+hall, I think. Thank you very much!"</p>
+
+<p>She waited until he was out of earshot before she turned to her husband.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Miles, you must please to stay where you are. I am not going to do
+anything indiscreet."</p>
+
+<p>"Molly, I can't have ye worry him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No such thing! I am going to coax him to stay here instead of going
+abroad. I feel sure that if we can but persuade him to stay, something
+will happen."</p>
+
+<p>"What will happen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Something!"</p>
+
+<p>"How do ye know?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know; I only feel it."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, asthore. If you can tease Jack into staying, I'll bless ye."</p>
+
+<p>"That will be most enjoyable, I make no doubt!" she answered, and
+stepped back out of reach.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, thank you, John!" She tied the hat over her curls, and placed her
+hand on my lord's arm. "Lazy Miles is going to sleep again!" she said.
+"And I so dislike to hear him snore, so let's go a long way away&mdash;into
+the rose garden!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go so far as all that!" drawled Miles, closing his eyes. "You
+will tire yourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you allow him to make these ribald remarks?" inquired Jack, waiting
+for her to extricate a stone from her shoe.</p>
+
+<p>"Not usually," she answered. "He takes advantage when you are here." She
+dropped the pebble on top of O'Hara and strolled away with my lord.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they had rounded a corner in the shrubbery, she commenced the
+attack.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to speak to you of Miles," she confided. "He is so worried."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he, Molly? Faith, I hadn't noticed it!"</p>
+
+<p>She reflected that neither had she, but continued, nothing daunted:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but he is!"</p>
+
+<p>"What worries him?"</p>
+
+<p>"You," sighed the lady mournfully. "'Tis the thought of your leaving us.
+I feel it myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"He had hoped you would be with us for a long time&mdash;as I had."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis monstrous good of you both, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I do not know what I shall do with Miles when you are gone.
+He was so looking forward to having you with him."</p>
+
+<p>"Molly&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And, indeed, it has come as a great disappointment to both of us to
+hear you talk of leaving. Won't you think better of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Molly, you overwhelm me.... How can I remain here indefinitely?"</p>
+
+<p>"If only you would! You don't know how happy it would make us. I declare
+Miles will worry himself quite ill if you persist in being so unkind."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Molly, you rogue!"</p>
+
+<p>She could not repress a smile, but checked it almost at once. "I mean
+it, Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"What! That Miles is worrying himself ill over me? Fie!"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not as bad as that," she admitted. "But, indeed, he is much
+perturbed ... and, oh! I wish that you would not make us so unhappy."
+She dabbed at her eyes with a wispy handkerchief, but managed to watch
+his face all the same. "David loves you so, the pet! and Miles is so
+delighted to have found you again&mdash;and <i>I</i> like you&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;and I
+think 'twill be indeed rude and horrid if you do go&mdash;besides being so
+silly!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you, Molly? You make me feel I should be an ungrateful boor to
+refuse&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The handkerchief was whisked away.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, of course you won't try to refuse! You'll stay? Promise!"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot thank you enough&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you nice Jack! Till the autumn? Promise!"</p>
+
+<p>"Molly, I really&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Promise! I shall cry if you do not!"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot! How could I prey upon your hospitality for so&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What rubbish, Jack! As if Miles had not spent months and months at
+Wyncham when you were boys&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That was different&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;when you were boys, and now you are so proud that you refuse to stay
+three miserable little months with us&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Molly; indeed, 'tis not that!"</p>
+
+<p>"Confess, if Miles were a bachelor, you would not hesitate?" He was
+silent, nonplussed.</p>
+
+<p>"You see! And just because he has a wife you are disagreeable and proud.
+You feel you cannot bear to stay with me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I swear I do not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then why do you refuse?" she triumphed.</p>
+
+<p>"Molly&mdash;really, I&mdash;" He broke off, laughing. "You little wretch, you
+leave me nothing to say!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will stay, as I ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite sure&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you very much, I will stay. 'Tis monstrous good of you, I vow.
+When you are tired of me, say so."</p>
+
+<p>"I will," she promised. "Oh, but we shall do famously! How pleased Miles
+will be! By the way," she continued, airily, "I asked the Miss
+Beauleighs to honour us on Wednesday, but, unfortunately, they could
+not. Still, perhaps some other d&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She stopped, a little frightened, for he was standing before her,
+gripping her shoulders in a very elder-brotherly fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen to me, Molly. I know that you have discovered that I love Diana,
+and I know that you think to be very kind and to bring us together. But
+I tell you that 'twill not be kind at all, only very cruel to us both.
+If you worry her to come here, I must go. Do you see?"</p>
+
+<p>Molly looked into the stern eyes, and her lip trembled.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm very&mdash;sorry!" she faltered.</p>
+
+<p>Jack drew her arm through his once more.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis nothing to be sorry about; and, indeed, I am very grateful to you
+for trying to make me happy. But please do not!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I promise I will not. But&mdash;but do you think you are being quite
+fair to&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Molly, tell me this: do you think you are being quite good to disobey
+your husband?"</p>
+
+<p>The blue eyes were dancing. She smiled doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, Jack?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you tell me that Miles did not expressly forbid you to mention this
+subject to me?"</p>
+
+<p>She pulled her hand away, her mouth forming a soundless</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;well&mdash;well, how horrid of you!" she cried, and shook her fist at
+him. "I'm going now!"</p>
+
+<p>Later, she found her husband in the library, and ran into his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mind holding me tightly?" she asked. "I've&mdash;I've been put in the
+corner!"</p>
+
+<p>"What?" O'Hara drew her on to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;figuratively&mdash;by Jack. I think, perhaps, I shouldn't like to marry
+him after all!"</p>
+
+<p>"What has he done?"</p>
+
+<p>"N-nothing. I'm <i>afraid</i>," polishing one of his buttons with an
+assiduous finger, "I'm <i>afraid</i> that it was rather my own fault!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;but I only said <i>very</i> little about the Miss Beauleighs, and he
+suddenly turned into an iceberg and made me feel like a naughty little
+girl. But he is going to stay, all the same; so kiss me, Miles!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h3>
+
+<h3>ENTER CAPTAIN HAROLD LOVELACE</h3>
+
+
+<p>At the end of August, after having spent a moderately quiet summer in
+the country, Lady Lavinia was again seized with a longing for town and
+its attractions. She would not listen to Richard's warnings of the
+atrocious condition of the roads, declaring that she cared not one jot,
+and go to London she must. After that one protest he desisted, and
+promised to take her there the following week, secretly counting himself
+lucky to have kept her so long at Wyncham in comparative cheerfulness of
+spirits. Lavinia was overjoyed, kissed him again and again, scolded
+herself for being such a wicked tease, and set about making her
+preparations for the journey.</p>
+
+<p>The roads proved even worse than Richard had prophesied, and twice the
+coach nearly upset, and times without number stuck fast in the mire,
+causing the inmates much inconvenience. Carstares rode by the side of
+the heavy vehicle, in which were his wife, her maid, her tiny dog, and
+countless bandboxes and small parcels. In spite of the worry the
+constant stoppages entailed, he quite enjoyed the journey, for Lavinia
+was in excellent spirits, and made light of their mishaps, receiving
+each fresh one with roguish laughter and some witty remark. Even when
+the chimney of her bed-chamber, at one of the inns at which they halted,
+smoked most vilely, she did not, as Richard quite expected she would,
+fly into a rage and refuse to spend another moment in the house, but
+after looking extremely doleful, cheered up and told dear Dicky that she
+would have his room while he should have hers. Then in the morning she
+would find him all dried up and <i>smoked</i>! In high good humour she went
+down to dinner with him, voted the partridges excellent, the pasties
+quite French, and the wine marvellously tolerable for such an
+out-of-the-way place, and kept him laughing at her antics until
+bed-time.</p>
+
+<p>The journey was, of necessity, very slow, not only on account of the bad
+roads, but because whenever my lady caught sight of wild roses growing
+on the hedges, she must stop to pluck some. Then she and Richard would
+stroll along for some way, he leading his horse, the coach following at
+a walking pace. All of which was very idyllic, and had the effect of
+sending Richard to the seventh heaven of content.</p>
+
+<p>When at length they arrived at Wyncham House, Mayfair, they found that
+the servants had arrived a week before, and had made good use of their
+time. Never, declared Lavinia, had the house looked so inviting&mdash;so
+spick and span.</p>
+
+<p>One of her black pages proffered a small monkey with much bowing and
+grinning, and the murmur of: "Massa's present."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia flew to embrace her Dicky. How did he guess that she had
+for so long yearned for a monkey? Surely she had but once or twice
+mentioned it? Oh, he was the very best of husbands! She danced off to
+her apartments in a state of ecstasy.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>beau monde</i> was returning to town, and when, a few days later,
+Carstares conducted his wife to Ranelagh, they found the gardens fairly
+crowded and very gay. Lamps hung from tree branches, although it was
+still quite light; the fiddlers scraped away almost without a pause;
+fireworks shot up from one end; the summer-houses had all been freshly
+painted, and the Pavilion was a blaze of light.</p>
+
+<p>Consciousness of her beauty and the smartness of her Georgia silk gown,
+with its petticoat covered in gold net, considerably added to Lavinia's
+enjoyment. Her hair she wore powdered and elaborately curled down on
+both sides with dainty escalloped lace half concealing it, and a grey
+<i>capuchin</i> over all. Her tippet was gold-laced to match her petticoat,
+and to fasten it she wore a brooch composed of clustered rubies. Rubies
+also hung in her earrings, which last were of such length that the other
+ladies turned to stare in envy, and the bracelets that she wore over her
+long gloves flashed also with the great red stones. She was well-pleased
+with Richard's appearance, and reflected that, when he chose, he could
+be very fashionable indeed. The claret-coloured velvet he was wearing
+was most distinguished, and the gold clocks to his hose quite ravishing.</p>
+
+<p>They had not been in the Gardens ten minutes before a little crowd of
+men had gathered around them, professing themselves enraptured to behold
+the fair Lady Lavinia once more. One of them fetched her a chair,
+another a glass of negus, and the rest hovered eagerly about her.</p>
+
+<p>Becomingly flushed with triumph, my lady gave her little hand to Mr.
+Selwyn, who had been once a very ardent admirer, laughed at his neat
+compliment, and declared that he was a dreadful flattering demon, and
+positively she would not listen to him!</p>
+
+<p>Sir Gregory Markham, who brought her the negus, she discovered to have
+just returned from Paris. On hearing this, she broke off in the middle
+of a conversation with an enchanted French Chevalier and turned to him,
+raising her china-blue eyes to his face and clasping tight-gloved
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Sir Gregory! Paris? Then tell me&mdash;please, tell me&mdash;have you seen my
+darling Devil?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes, madam," responded Markham, handing her the glass he held.</p>
+
+<p>She sipped the negus, and gave it to the Chevalier to take care of.</p>
+
+<p>"I declare, I quite love you then!" she exclaimed. "What is he doing,
+and, oh! <i>when</i> will he return to England?"</p>
+
+<p>Sir Gregory smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"How can I say?" he drawled. "I fear <i>monsieur s'amuse</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>She flirted her fan before her face.</p>
+
+<p>"Dreadful creature!" she cried. "How dare you say such things?"</p>
+
+<p>"Belmanoir?" inquired Lord D'Egmont, twirling his cane.</p>
+
+<p>"Enamoured of the Pompadour, is he not&mdash;saving your presence, Lady
+Lavvy!"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia let fall her fan.</p>
+
+<p>"The Pompadour! He had best have a care!"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe there has already been some unpleasantness between his
+Majesty and the fair Jeanne on the subject of Devil. Since then she is
+supposed to have turned on him a cold shoulder."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> heard 'twas he wearied of madame," said Markham.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, whichever it was, I am glad the episode is closed," decided
+Lavinia. "'Tis too dangerous a game to play with Louis' mistresses. Oh,
+mon cher Chevalier! if I had not forgot your presence! But I am sure you
+say dreadful ill-natured things of our George, now don't you? Oh, and
+have you held my negus all this time? How monstrous good of you! There,
+I will drink it, and Julian shall take the glass away.... <i>Voila</i>!" She
+handed it to D'Egmont and rapped Mr. Selwyn's knuckles with her fan,
+looking archly up at him as he stood behind her chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Naughty man! Will you have done whispering in my ear? I vow I will not
+listen to your impudences! No, nor laugh at them neither! Sir Gregory,
+you have given me no answer. When will Tracy return? For the Cavendish
+rout on Wednesday week? Ah, say yes!"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I will say yes, fair tormentor! But, to tell the truth, Tracy
+said no word of coming to London when I saw him."</p>
+
+<p>She pouted.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I hate you, Sir Gregory! And he has been absent since May! Oh,
+Julian, back already? You shall escort me to the fireworks then. Oh, my
+fan! Where is it? I know I dropped it on the ground&mdash;Selwyn, if you have
+taken it&mdash;Oh, Dicky, you have it! Thank you! See, I am going with
+Julian, and you may ogle Mrs. Clive, whom I see walking over there&mdash;yes,
+positively you may, and I shall not be jealous! Very well, Julian, I am
+coming! Chevalier, I shall hope to see you at the rout on Wednesday
+week, but you must wait upon me before then."</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman brightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame is too good. I may then call at Wyncham 'Ouse? <i>Vraiment</i>, I
+shall but exist until then!" In a perfectly audible whisper, he confided
+to Wilding that "<i>miladi etait ravissante! mais ravissante!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia went off on her gratified cavalier's arm, encountering many
+bows and much admiration as she passed down the walk, leaving her
+husband not to ogle the beautiful Kitty, as she had advised, but to
+saunter away in the direction of the Pavilion in company with Tom
+Wilding and Markham.</p>
+
+<p>D'Egmont guided my lady into one of the winding alleys, and they
+presently came out on a large lawn, dotted over with people of all
+conditions. Towards them was coming Lavinia's brother&mdash;Colonel Lord
+Robert Belmanoir&mdash;very richly clad and rakish in appearance. When he saw
+his sister, a look of surprise came into his florid face, and he made
+her a sweeping leg.</p>
+
+<p>"'Pon my honour&mdash;Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>My lady was not fond of her brother, and acknowledged the salutation
+with a brief nod.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to see you, Robert," she said primly.</p>
+
+<p>"The mere word 'delighted' in no way expresses my sensations," replied
+the Colonel in the drawling, rather unpleasant voice peculiar both to
+him and to the Duke. "Your servant, D'Egmont. I imagined, Lavvy, that
+you were in the country?"</p>
+
+<p>"Richard brought me to town last Tuesday," she answered.</p>
+
+<p>"How unwise of him!" taunted the Colonel. "Or had he no choice?"</p>
+
+<p>She tossed her head angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"If you are minded to be disagreeable, Robert, pray do not let me detain
+you!" she flashed.</p>
+
+<p>D'Egmont was quite unembarrassed by this interchange of civilities. He
+knew the Belmanoir family too well to be made uncomfortable by their
+bickerings.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we leave him?" he asked Lavinia, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she pouted. "He is determined to be unpleasant."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sister! On the contrary, I believe I can offer you some
+amusement. Lovelace is in town."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain <i>Harold</i>?" she cried incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>"The same."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Bob!" Impulsively she withdrew her hand from Julian's arm,
+transferring it to the Colonel's. "I must see him at once! To think he
+is returned after all these years! Quick, Julian, dear lad&mdash;go and find
+him&mdash;and tell him 'tis I, Lavinia, who want him! You know him, do you
+not? Yes&mdash;I thought you did. Send him to me at once!&mdash;at once!"</p>
+
+<p>D'Egmont looked very crestfallen at having his walk with the goddess
+thus cut short, but he had perforce to kiss her hand and to obey.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I thought you would be pleased," remarked Lord Robert, and
+chuckled. "Allow me to point out to you that there is a chair&mdash;two
+chairs&mdash;in fact, quite a number of chairs&mdash;immediately behind you."</p>
+
+<p>She sat down, chattering excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, 'tis nigh on five years since I saw Harry! Has he changed? Lud!
+but he will deem me an old woman! Is he like to be in town for long, I
+wonder?&mdash;Dear me, Bob, look at the two ladies over behind that
+seat!&mdash;Gracious! what extraordinary <i>coifs</i>, to be sure! And cherry
+ribbons, too!... Tell me, Bob, where did you meet Harry Lovelace?"</p>
+
+<p>The Colonel, who, far from attending to her monologue, had been sending
+amorous glances across to a palpably embarrassed girl, who hung on her
+papa's arm while that gentleman stopped to speak to a stout dowager,
+brought his gaze reluctantly back to his sister.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that you say, Lavvy?"</p>
+
+<p>"How provoking of you not to listen to me! I asked where you met
+Harold."</p>
+
+<p>"Where I met him? Let me see&mdash;where did I meet him? Oh, I remember! At
+the Cocoa-Tree, a fortnight since."</p>
+
+<p>"And he is altered?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not in any way, dear sister. He is the same mad, reckless rake-hell as
+ever. And unmarried."</p>
+
+<p>"How delightful! Oh, I shall be so glad to see him again!"</p>
+
+<p>"You must present him to Richard," sneered the Colonel, "as an old
+flame."</p>
+
+<p>"I must, indeed," she agreed, his sarcasm passing over her head. "Oh, I
+see him! Look! Coming across the grass!"</p>
+
+<p>She rose to meet the tall, fair young Guardsman who came swiftly towards
+her, curtsying as only Lady Lavinia could curtsy, with such stateliness
+and coquetry.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Lovelace!"&mdash;she put forward both her hands.</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace caught them in his, and bent his head over them so that the
+soft, powdered curls of his loose wig fell all about his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Lady Lavinia!&mdash;Enchantress!&mdash;I can find no words! I am dumb!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I!"</p>
+
+<p>"In that case," drawled the Colonel, "you are not like to be very
+entertaining company. Pray give me leave!" He bowed and sauntered away
+down the path with a peculiarly malicious smile on his lips.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia and Lovelace found two chairs, slightly apart from the rest, and
+sat down, talking eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Lovelace, I believe you had forgot me?" she rallied him.</p>
+
+<p>"Never!" he answered promptly. "Not though you well-nigh broke my
+heart!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! I did not do that. I never meant to hurt you."</p>
+
+<p>He shook his head disbelievingly.</p>
+
+<p>"You rejected me to marry some other man: do you say you did not mean
+to?"</p>
+
+<p>"You naughty Harry!... You never married yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I?" The delicate features expressed a species of hurt horror. "I marry?
+No! I was ever faithful to my first love."</p>
+
+<p>She unfurled her fan, fluttering it delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Oh! <i>Always</i>, Harold? Now speak the truth!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly always," he amended.</p>
+
+<p>"Disagreeable man! You admit you had lapses then?"</p>
+
+<p>"So very trivial, my dear," he excused himself. "And I swear my first
+action on coming to London was to call at Wyncham House. Imagine my
+disappointment&mdash;my incalculable gloom (on the top of having already
+dropped a thousand at faro) when I found the shell void, and Venus&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She stopped him, her fan held ready for chastisement.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir! You said your <i>first</i> action was to call upon me!"</p>
+
+<p>He smiled, shaking back his curls.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have said: my first action of any importance."</p>
+
+<p>"You do not deem losing a thousand guineas important?" she asked
+wistfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;hardly. One must enjoy life, and what's a thousand, after all? I
+had my pleasure out of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes!" she breathed, her eyes sparkling. "That is how I think! What
+pleasure can one get if one neither hazards nor spends one's money? Oh,
+well!" She shrugged one shoulder, dismissing the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen Tracy of late?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was at a court ball I attended at Versailles, but I did not have a
+chance of speaking with him. I heard he was very popular at Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay!" she said proudly. "He has the French air.... I so desire to see
+him again, but I fear he does not think of returning. I know he was
+promised for the Duchess of Devonshire's rout months ago&mdash;before even
+the date was fixed, she so dotes on him&mdash;but I do not expect to see him
+there." She sighed and drummed on the ground with her diamond-buckled
+shoe. "Harry, I am chilled! Take me to the Pavilion! I doubt they are
+dancing&mdash;and Dicky will be there."</p>
+
+<p>"Dicky?" he repeated. "Dicky! Lavinia, do not tell me there is another
+claimant to your heart?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wicked, indelicate creature! 'Tis my husband!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your <i>husband</i>! Enfin&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She cast him a sidelong glance of mingled coquetry and reproof.</p>
+
+<p>"Your mind is at rest again, I trust?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course! A husband? Pooh, a bagatelle, no more!"</p>
+
+<p>"My husband is not a bagatelle!" she laughed. "I am very fond of him."</p>
+
+<p>"This grows serious," he frowned. "'Tis very unfashionable, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>She met his teasing eyes and cast down her lashes.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Lovelace, you may take me to the Pavilion."</p>
+
+<p>"Sweet tormentor, not until you cease so to misname me."</p>
+
+<p>"Harold, I am indeed chilly!" she said plaintively and snatched her hand
+from his lips. "No, no! People will stare&mdash;look, there is my odious
+brother returning! I declare I will not stay to listen to his hateful,
+sneering remarks!... Come!"</p>
+
+<p>They walked across the grass together, keeping up a running fire of
+raillery, punctuated on his side by extravagant compliments filled with
+classical allusions, all more or less erroneous, and on hers by
+delighted little laughs and mock scoldings. So they came to the
+Pavilion, where the musicians fiddled for those who wished to dance, and
+where most of the company had assembled now that it was growing chilly
+without. Down one end of the hall, card-tables were set out, where
+members of both sexes diced and gambled, drinking glasses of burgundy or
+negus, the men toasting the ladies, and very often the ladies returning
+the toasts with much archness and low curtseying.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia cast off her <i>capuchin</i> and plumed her feathers, giving a
+surreptitious shake to her ruched skirts and smoothing her ruffles. She
+rustled forward with great stateliness, fan unfurled, head held high,
+her gloved fingers resting lightly on Lovelace's velvet-clad arm.
+Richard, hearing the little stir caused by her entry, glanced up, and
+perceived her. He did not recognise her companion, but the sparkle in
+her eyes and the happy curve to her full lips were quite enough to tell
+him that it was someone whom she was very contented to have met. He had
+ample opportunity for studying Lovelace as the good-looking pair drew
+near, and he could not but admire the delicate, handsome face with the
+grey eyes that held a laugh in them, the pleasure-loving, well-curved
+mouth, and the chin that spoke of determination. Here was not one of
+Lavinia's lisping, painted puppy-dogs, for in spite of the effeminate
+curls, it was easy to see that this man had character and a will of his
+own, and, above all, a great charm of manner. He saw Lavinia blush and
+rap the Captain's knuckles in answer to some remark, and his heart sank.
+He rose and came to meet them.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia smiled sweetly upon him, and patted his arm with a
+possessive little air.</p>
+
+<p>"Dicky dear, I have found an old friend&mdash;a very old friend! Is it not
+agreeable? Captain Lovelace&mdash;Mr. Carstares."</p>
+
+<p>The two men bowed, Richard with reluctancy, the Captain with easy
+<i>bonhomie</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I claim to be a worshipper at the shrine of which you, I believe,
+are High Priest!" he said impudently, and bowed again, this time to my
+lady.</p>
+
+<p>"You are one of many, sir," smiled Richard.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Devereux came tripping up to them, and kissed Lavinia with a great
+show of affection.</p>
+
+<p>"My dearest life! My sweet Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia presented a powdered cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest Fanny, how charming to see you again!" she cooed. Through her
+lashes she gazed at her friend's enormous headdress, with its rolls of
+powdered curls and the imitation flowers perched upon the top of the
+erection.</p>
+
+<p>"But, my angel!" exclaimed Lady Fanny, stepping back to view her,
+"surely you have been ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"How strange!" smiled Lavinia. "I was about to ask you that same
+question, my dear! 'Tis age, I doubt not. Do we both look such dreadful
+hags?" She turned her bewitching little countenance to the men, and
+smiled appealingly.</p>
+
+<p>Compliments showered upon her, and Lady Devereux, who was conscious that
+her own sallow countenance, in spite of rouge and powder, must appear
+even more sallow beside Lavinia's pink-and-whiteness, flushed in
+annoyance and turned away, begging her dearest Lavvy to come to the faro
+with her. But Lavinia, it appeared, was going to watch the dicing at
+Richard's table: she vowed she should bring him monstrous good luck.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt it, my dear," replied her husband, "but I am not playing
+to-night. Will you not take your luck to Bob?" He nodded to where the
+Colonel was lounging, dice-box in hand.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia pouted.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I want you to play!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis of no avail, Lady Lavinia!" drawled Sir Gregory. "Richard is the
+very devil to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Selwyn, rattling his dice, paused, and looked round at Markham with a
+face of innocent surprise. Then he turned slowly and stared at
+Carstares' grave, almost stern countenance, with even more surprise. He
+started to rattle the dice again, and shifted back to face his opponent,
+with pursed lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he?" he inquired with studied depression.</p>
+
+<p>Even Lavinia joined in the general laugh, not so much at the wit's words
+as at his comic expression, and the extreme deliberation with which he
+had enacted the little scene.</p>
+
+<p>Someone cried a bet to Lovelace, which was promptly accepted, and
+Lavinia's eyes glowed afresh as she followed the Captain to a table.</p>
+
+<p>Richard went to fetch her some refreshment, and on his return, found her
+leaning over Lovelace's chair, her hand on his shoulder, eagerly casting
+the dice on to the table. He was in time to see her clap her hands and
+to hear her cry of: "My luck! Oh, my luck is in! I will throw again!"</p>
+
+<p>Glancing round she caught sight of her husband, and her face fell.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you <i>mind</i>, Dicky?" she pleaded.</p>
+
+<p>He did mind, but he could not appear churlish before all these men; so
+he laughed and shook his head, and went to her elbow to watch her play.</p>
+
+<p>When she at length ceased, her luck had run out, and she had lost her
+much-prized ruby earring to Mr. Selwyn, who placed it carefully in his
+vest pocket, vowing he should wear it next his heart for ever. Then, and
+then only, did she consent to leave the gaming tables for the dancing
+hall, and for another hour Richard had the felicity of watching her
+tread the minuet with various young bloods, but most often with her
+new-found Harry Lovelace.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h3>
+
+<h3>THE REAPPEARANCE OF HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER</h3>
+
+
+<p>It seemed to Richard in the days that followed, that Captain Lovelace
+was never out of his house. If he went to his wife's boudoir, there was
+Lovelace, hanging over her while she played upon the spinet or glanced
+through the pages of the <i>Rambler</i>. If Lavinia went to a ball or
+masquerade, the Captain was always amongst the favoured ones admitted to
+her chamber for the express purpose of watching her don her gown and
+judiciously place her patches. If Carstares begged his wife's company
+one morning, she was full of regrets: Harry was calling to take her to
+Vauxhall or to Spring Gardens. When he entered his door, the first sight
+that met his eyes was the Captain's amber-clouded cane and point-edged
+hat; and when he looked out of the window, it was more often to see a
+chair draw up at the house and Lovelace alight. After patiently enduring
+a week of his continued presence, Carstares remonstrated with his wife:
+she must not encourage her friend to spend all his time at Grosvenor
+Square. At first she had looked reproachful, and then she inquired his
+reason. His reluctant answer was that it was not seemly. At that her
+eyes had opened wide, and she demanded to know what could be more seemly
+than the visits of such an old friend? With a gleam of humour, Richard
+replied that it was not Captain Harold's age that he objected to, but,
+on the contrary, his youth. On which she accused him of being jealous.
+It was true enough, but he indignantly repudiated the suggestion. Very
+well, then, he was merely stupid! He must not be cross; Harry was her
+very good friend, and did not Richard admire the new device for her
+hair? Richard was not to be cajoled: did she clearly understand that
+Lovelace's visits must cease? She only understood one thing, and that
+was that Dicky was marvellous ill-tempered and ridiculous to-day. And he
+must not tease her! Yes, she would be very good, but so must he! And now
+she was going shopping, and she would require at least twenty guineas.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of her promise to "be good," she made no attempt to discourage
+Lovelace's attentions, always smiling charmingly upon him and beckoning
+him to her side.</p>
+
+<p>It was the morning of the Duchess of Devonshire's rout that Carstares
+again broached the subject. My lady was in bed, her fair hair unpowdered
+and streaming all about her shoulders, her chocolate on a small table at
+her side and countless <i>billets doux</i> from admirers scattered on the
+sheet. In her hand she held a bouquet of white roses with a card
+attached bearing, in bold, sprawling characters, the initials "H. L."
+Perhaps it was the sight of those incriminating letters that roused
+Richard's anger. At all events, with a violence quite unlike his usual
+gentle politeness, he snatched the flowers from her hand, and sent them
+whizzing into a corner.</p>
+
+<p>"Let there be an end to all this folly!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia raised herself on one elbow, astonished.</p>
+
+<p>"H-how <i>dare</i> you?" she gasped.</p>
+
+<p>"It has come to that!" he answered. "How dare I, your husband, try to
+control your actions in any way? I tell you, Lavinia, I have had enough
+of your antics, and I will not longer put up with them!"</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you&mdash;What in heaven's name ails you, Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"This! I will not countenance that puppy's invasion of my house!" He
+made a furious gesture towards the wilted bouquet.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither will I permit you to make yourself the talk of London through
+him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I? I? <i>I</i> make myself the talk of London? How dare you? Oh! how dare
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I beg you will cease that foolishness. There is no question of my
+daring. How dare <i>you</i> disobey me, as you have been doing all this past
+week?"</p>
+
+<p>She cowered away from him.</p>
+
+<p>"Dicky!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis very well to cry 'Dicky,' and to smile, but I have experienced
+that before. Sometimes I think you are utterly without heart!&mdash;a
+selfish, vain, extravagant woman!"</p>
+
+<p>The childish lips trembled. Lady Lavinia buried her face in the pillows,
+sobbing.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' face softened.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, my dear. Mayhap that was unjust."</p>
+
+<p>"And cruel! And cruel!"</p>
+
+<p>"And cruel. Forgive me."</p>
+
+<p>She twined white, satiny arms about his neck.</p>
+
+<p>"You did not <i>mean</i> it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I mean that I will not allow Lovelace to dangle after you,
+however."</p>
+
+<p>She flung away from him.</p>
+
+<p>"You have no right to speak like that. I knew Harry long before I ever
+set eyes on <i>you</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>He winced.</p>
+
+<p>"You infer that he is more to you than I am?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! Though you try to make me hate you. No! I love you best. But I will
+not send Harry away!"</p>
+
+<p>"Not if I order it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Order it? Order it? No! No! A thousand times no!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do order it!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I refuse to listen to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"By God, madam, you need a lesson!" he flamed. "I am minded to take you
+back to Wyncham this very day! And I promise you that, an you do not
+obey me in this, to Wyncham you <i>shall</i> go!" He stamped out of the room
+as he spoke, and she sank back amongst her pillows, white and trembling
+with fury.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as she was dressed, she flounced downstairs, bent on finishing
+the quarrel. But Carstares had gone out some time since, and was not
+expected to return until late. For a moment Lavinia was furious, but the
+timely arrival of a box from her mantua-maker's chased away the frowns
+and wreathed her face in smiles.</p>
+
+<p>Richard did not return until it was time to prepare for the rout, and on
+entering the house he went straight to his chamber, putting himself into
+the hands of his valet. He submitted to the delicate tinting of his
+finger-nails, the sprinkling of his linen with rosewater and the
+stencilling of his brows. He was arrayed in puce and gold, rings slipped
+on to his fingers, his legs coaxed into hose with marvellous clocks
+splashed on their sides, and a diamond buckle placed above the large
+black bow of his tie-wig. Then, powdered, painted and patched, he went
+slowly across to his wife's room.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia, who had by now quite forgotten the morning's <i>contretemps</i>,
+greeted him with a smile. She sat before the mirror in her under-gown,
+with a loose <i>déshabillé</i> thrown over her shoulders. The <i>coiffeur</i> had
+departed, and her hair, thickly powdered, was dressed high above her
+head over cushions, twisted into curls over her ears and allowed to fall
+in more curls over her shoulders. On top of the creation were poised
+ostrich feathers, scarlet and white, and round her throat gleamed a
+great necklet of diamonds. The room was redolent of some heavy perfume;
+discarded ribbons, laces, slippers and gloves strewed the floor; over
+the back of a chair hung a brilliant scarlet domino, and tenderly laid
+out on the bed was her gown, a mass of white satin and brocade, with
+full ruffles over the hips and quantities of foaming lace falling from
+the corsage and from the short sleeves. Beside it reposed her fan, her
+soft lace gloves, her mask and her tiny reticule.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares gingerly sat down on the extreme edge of a chair and watched
+the maid tint his wife's already perfect cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall break hearts to-night, shall I not?" she asked gaily, over her
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt it," he answered shortly.</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Dicky?" She turned round to look at him. "Puce... 'tis not the
+colour I should have chosen, but 'tis well enough. A new wig, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay."</p>
+
+<p>Her eyes questioned his coldness, and she suddenly remembered the events
+of the morning. So he was sulky? Very well! Monsieur should see!</p>
+
+<p>Someone knocked at the door; the maid went to open it.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Douglas Faversham, Sir Gregory Markham, Moosso le Chevalier and
+Captain Lovelace are below, m'lady."</p>
+
+<p>A little devil prompted Lavinia.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, la-la! So many? Well, I cannot see all, 'tis certain. Admit Sir
+Gregory and Captain Lovelace."</p>
+
+<p>Louisa communicated this to the lackey and shut the door.</p>
+
+<p>Richard bit his lip angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure I am not <i>de trop</i>?" he asked, savagely sarcastic.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia cast aside her <i>déshabillé</i> and stood up.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, 'tis no matter&mdash;I am ready for my gown, Louisa."</p>
+
+<p>There came more knocking at the door, and this time it was Carstares who
+rose to open it.</p>
+
+<p>There entered Markham, heavily handsome in crimson and gold, and
+Lovelace, his opposite, fair and delicately pretty in palest blue and
+silver. As usual, he wore his loose wig, and in it sparkled three
+sapphire pins.</p>
+
+<p>He made my lady a marvellous leg.</p>
+
+<p>"I am prostrated by your beauty, fairest!"</p>
+
+<p>Sir Gregory was eyeing Lavinia's white slippers through his quizzing
+glass.</p>
+
+<p>"Jewelled heels, 'pon my soul!" he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>She pirouetted gracefully, her feet flashing as they caught the light.</p>
+
+<p>"Was it not well thought on?" she demanded. "But I must not waste
+time&mdash;the dress! Now, Markham&mdash;now Harry&mdash;you will see the creation!"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace sat down on a chair, straddle-wise, his arms over the back, and
+his chin sunk in his hands. Markham leant against the <i>garde-robe</i> and
+watched through his glass.</p>
+
+<p>When the dress was at last arranged, the suggested improvements in the
+matter of lace, ribbons, and the adjustment of a brooch thoroughly
+discussed, bracelets fixed on her arms and the flaming domino draped
+about her, it was full three-quarters of an hour later, and Carstares
+was becoming impatient. It was not in his nature to join with the two
+men in making fulsome compliments, and their presence at the toilette
+filled him with annoyance. He hated that Lavinia should admit them, but
+it was the <i>mode</i>, and he knew he must bow the head under it.</p>
+
+<p>My lady was at last ready to start; her gilded chair awaited her in the
+light of the <i>flambeaux</i> at the door, and with great difficulty she
+managed to enter it, taking absurd pains that her silks should not
+crush, nor the nodding plumes of her huge head-dress become disordered
+by unseemly contact with the roof. Then she found that she had left her
+fan in her room, and Lovelace and Markham must needs vie with one
+another in the fetching of it. While they wrangled wittily for the
+honour, Richard went quietly indoors and presently emerged with the
+painted chicken-skin, just as Lovelace was preparing to ascend the
+steps. At last Lavinia was shut in and the bearers picked up the poles.
+Off went the little cavalcade down the long square, the chair in the
+middle. Lovelace walked close beside it on the right, and Richard and
+Markham on the left. So they proceeded through the uneven streets,
+carefully picking their way through the dirtier parts, passing other
+chairs and pedestrians, all coming from various quarters into South
+Audley Street. They were remarkably silent: Markham from habitual
+laziness, Lovelace because he sensed Richard's antagonism, and Richard
+himself on account of his extremely worried state of mind. In fact,
+until they reached Curzon Street no one spoke, and then it was only
+Markham, who, glancing behind him at the shuttered windows of the great
+corner house, casually remarked that Chesterfield was still at Wells. An
+absent assent came from Carstares, and the conversation came to an end.</p>
+
+<p>In Clarges Street they were joined by Sir John Fortescue, an austere
+patrician, and although some years his senior, a close friend of
+Richard's. They fell behind the chair, and Fortescue took Richard's
+proffered arm.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not see you at White's to-day, John?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I had some business with my lawyer. I suppose you did not stumble
+across my poor brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Frank? I did not&mdash;but why the 'poor'?"</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue shrugged slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"I think the lad is demented," he said. "He was to have made one of
+March's supper-party last night, but at four o'clock received a
+communication from heaven knows whom which threw him into a state of
+unrest. What must he do but hurry off without a word of explanation.
+Since then I have not set eyes on him, but his man tells me he went to
+meet a friend. Damned unusual of him is all I have to say."</p>
+
+<p>"Very strange. Do you expect to see him to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should hope so! My dear Carstares, who is the man walking by your
+lady's chair?"</p>
+
+<p>"Markham?"</p>
+
+<p>"The other."</p>
+
+<p>"Lovelace."</p>
+
+<p>"Lovelace? And who the devil is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot tell you&mdash;beyond a captain in the Guards."</p>
+
+<p>"That even is news to me. I saw him at Goosetree's the other night, and
+wondered. Somewhat of a rake-hell, I surmise."</p>
+
+<p>"I daresay. I do not like him."</p>
+
+<p>They were entering the gates of Devonshire House now, and had to part
+company, for the crush was so great that it was almost impossible to
+keep together. Carstares stayed by Lavinia's chair, and the other men
+melted away into the crowd. Chairs jostled one another in the effort to
+get to the door, town coaches rolled up, and having let down their fair
+burdens, passed out again slowly, pushing through the throng.</p>
+
+<p>When the Carstares' chair at last drew near the house, it was quite a
+quarter of an hour later. The ball-room was already full and a blaze of
+riotous colour. Lavinia was almost immediately borne off by an
+infatuated youth for whom she cherished a motherly affection that would
+have caused the unfortunate to tear his elegant locks, had he known it.</p>
+
+<p>Richard distinguished Lord Andrew Belmanoir, one of a group of bucks
+gathered about the newest beauty, Miss Gunning, who, with her sister
+Elizabeth, had taken fashionable London by storm. Andrew wore a mask,
+but he was quite unmistakable by his length of limb and carelessly
+rakish appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Wilding, across the room, beckoned to Richard, and on his approach,
+dragged him to the card-room to play at lansquenet with March, Selwyn
+and himself.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares found the Earl in great good-humour, due, so Selwyn remarked,
+to the finding of an opera singer even more lovely than the last. From
+lansquenet they very soon passed to dice and betting, with others who
+strolled up to the table. Then Carstares excused himself and went back
+to the ball-room. He presently found himself by the side of one Isabella
+Fanshawe, a sprightly widow, greatly famed for her wittiness and good
+looks. Carstares had met her but once before, and was now rather
+surprised that she motioned him to her side, patting the couch with an
+inviting, much be-ringed hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Come and sit by me, Mr. Carstares. I have wanted to speak with you this
+long time." She lowered her mask as she spoke and closely scrutinised
+his face with her bright, humorous eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, madam, I am flattered," bowed Richard.</p>
+
+<p>She cut him short.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not in the mood for compliments, sir. Nor am I desirous of making
+or hearing clever speeches. You are worrying me."</p>
+
+<p>Richard sat down, intrigued and attracted by this downright little
+woman.</p>
+
+<p>"I, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"You, sir. That is, your face worries me." Seeing his surprise, she
+laughed, fanning herself. "'Tis comely enough, I grant you! I mean there
+is such a strong likeness to&mdash;a friend of mine."</p>
+
+<p>Richard smiled politely and relieved her of the fan.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I knew&mdash;this other gentleman in Vienna, three years ago. I should
+judge him younger than you, I think. His eyes were blue, but very
+similar to yours. His nose was almost identical with yours, but the
+mouth&mdash;n-no. Yet the whole expression&mdash;" She broke off, noticing her
+companion's sudden pallor. "But you are unwell, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam, no! What was your friend's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ferndale," she answered. "Anthony Ferndale."</p>
+
+<p>The fan stopped its swaying for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know him?" she inquired eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Many years ago, madam, I was&mdash;acquainted with him. Can you tell me&mdash;was
+he in good spirits when last you saw him?"</p>
+
+<p>She pursed her lips thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"If you mean was he gay, was he witty&mdash;yes. But sometimes I thought&mdash;Mr.
+Carstares, when he was silent, his eyes were so sad&mdash;! Indeed, I do not
+know why I tell you this."</p>
+
+<p>"You may be sure, madam, your confidence is safe with me. I had&mdash;a great
+regard for this gentleman." He opened and shut her fan as he spoke,
+fidgeting with the slender sticks. "You, too, were interested in him,
+madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think ever anyone knew him and was not, sir. It was something
+in his manner, his personality&mdash;I cannot explain&mdash;that endeared him to
+one. And he once&mdash;aided me&mdash;when I was in difficulties."</p>
+
+<p>Richard, remembering scraps of gossip concerning the widow's past,
+merely bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>She was silent for a time, staring down at her hands, but presently she
+looked up smiling, and took her fan away from him.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot abide a fidget, sir!" she told him. "And I see Lord
+Fotheringham approaching. I am promised to him this dance." She rose,
+but Richard detained her.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Fanshawe, will you permit me to call upon you? I would hear more
+of&mdash;your friend. You, mayhap, think it strange&mdash;but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No," she answered. "I do not. Certainly call upon me, sir. I lodge in
+Mount Street with my sister&mdash;No. 16."</p>
+
+<p>"I protest, madam, you are too good&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Again, no. I have told you, I like a man to talk as a man and not as an
+affected woman. I shall be pleased to welcome you."</p>
+
+<p>She curtsied and went away on the Viscount's arm.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment a voice at Richard's elbow drawled:</p>
+
+<p>"Do I see you at the vivacious widow's feet, my good Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned to face his brother-in-law, Colonel Belmanoir.</p>
+
+<p>"Is not all London?" he smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no! Not since the beautiful Gunnings' arrival. But I admit she is a
+dainty piece. And Lavinia? Will she break her heart, I wonder?" He
+laughed beneath his breath as he saw Richard's eyes flash.</p>
+
+<p>"I trust not," replied Carstares. "Are you all here to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Our illustrious head is absent, I believe. Andrew is flirting with the
+Fletcher girl in the Blue Salon; I am here, and Lavinia is amusing
+herself with Lovelace. Yes, Richard, Lovelace! Be careful!" With another
+sneering laugh he walked on, bowing to Elizabeth Gunning, who passed by
+on the arm of her partner, his Grace of Hamilton, most palpably <i>épris</i>.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment two late-comers entered the room and made their way
+towards their hostess, who appeared delighted to see them, especially
+the taller of the two, whose hand she slapped with good-humoured
+raillery. The shorter gentleman wore no mask, and the Colonel recognised
+Frank Fortescue. His eyes travelled to the other, who, unlike most of
+the men who only held their masks, had fastened his across his eyes, and
+they widened in surprise. The purple domino, worn carelessly open,
+revealed black satin encrusted with silver and diamonds. The natural
+hair was raven-black, the nostrils were pinched and the lips thin.</p>
+
+<p>"The Devil!" ejaculated Robert, and strolled over to him.</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue walked away when he saw who approached, and his Grace of
+Andover turned slowly towards his brother.</p>
+
+<p>"I rather thought you were in Paris," yawned the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"I am always sorry to disillusion you," bowed his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all; I am transported with joy at seeing you. As is Lavinia, it
+appears."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia, on recognising his Grace, had dropped her partner's hand
+and fled incontinent towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"You, Tracy!" She clasped delighted hands on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"This is very touching," sneered Robert. "It only needs Andrew to
+complete the happy reunion. Pray excuse me!"</p>
+
+<p>"With pleasure," replied the Duke gently, and bowed as if to a stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"He grows tedious," he remarked, as soon as the Colonel was out of
+earshot.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Bob! I take no account of <i>him</i>! But, Tracy, how is it you have
+come to-day? I thought&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia, do I wear an air of mystery? I imagined you knew I was
+promised to Dolly Cavendish to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but&mdash;oh, what matters it? I am so charmed to see you again, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"You flatter me, Lavinia."</p>
+
+<p>"And now that you have come, I want to hear why you ever went! Tracy,
+take me into the room behind us. I know 'tis empty."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, child, as you will." He held back the curtain for her and
+followed her into the deserted chamber.</p>
+
+<p>"You want to know why I went?" he began, seating himself at her side. "I
+counsel you, my dear, to cast your mind back to the spring&mdash;at Bath."</p>
+
+<p>"Your <i>affaire</i>! Of course! So the lady proved unkind?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. But I bungled it."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You</i>? Tell me at once!&mdash;at once!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace stretched out his leg and surveyed his shoe-buckle through
+half-closed lids.</p>
+
+<p>"I had arranged everything," he said, "and all would have been well but
+for an interfering young jackanapes who chanced along the track and saw
+fit to espouse Madam Diana's cause." He paused. "He tripped me up by
+some trick, and then&mdash;<i>que veux-tu</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who was it?"</p>
+
+<p>"How should I know? At first he seemed familiar. At all events, he knew
+me. He may be dead by now. I hope he is."</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious! Did you wound him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I managed to fire at him, but he was too quick, and the bullet took him
+in the shoulder. It may, however, have been mortal."</p>
+
+<p>"And so you went to Paris?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay. To forget her."</p>
+
+<p>"And have you forgotten?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not. She is never out of my thoughts. I plan again."</p>
+
+<p>His sister sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"She is then more beautiful than the Pompadour?" she asked meaningly.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy turned his head.</p>
+
+<p>"The Pompadour?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay! We heard you contrived to amuse yourself in a pretty fashion,
+Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Really? I had no idea people were so interested in my affairs. But
+'amuse' is an apt word."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah? You were not then <i>épris</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"I? With that low-born cocotte? My dear Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>She laughed at his haughty tone.</p>
+
+<p>"You've not always been so nice, Tracy! But what of your Diana? An you
+are so infatuated, you had best wed her."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, so I think."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia gasped.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy! You do not mean it? Goodness me, but a marriage!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not, Lavinia?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, a respectable married man, forsooth! And how long will the passion
+last?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot be expected to foretell that, surely? I hope, for ever."</p>
+
+<p>"And you'll tie yourself up for the sake of one chit? Lud!"</p>
+
+<p>"I can conceive a worse fate for a man."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you? Well, tell me more! 'Tis monstrous exciting. Do you intend to
+court her?"</p>
+
+<p>"At this stage of the proceedings? That were somewhat tactless, my dear.
+I must abduct her, but I must be more careful. Once I have her, I can
+propitiate Papa."</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, 'tis the maddest scheme ever I heard! What will the others say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really suppose I care?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I suppose not. Oh, will not Bob be furious, though!"</p>
+
+<p>"It were almost worth while&mdash;just for the sake of foiling him. He would
+so like to succeed me. But I really do not think he must." His elbow was
+on his knee, his chin in his hand, and a peculiar smile on his lips.
+"Can you imagine him stepping into my ducal shoes, Lavinia?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very easily!" she cried. "Oh, yes, yes, Tracy! Marry the girl!"</p>
+
+<p>"If she will."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, 'tis not like you to underrate your persuasive powers!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up in a curious grimace.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe one cannot force a girl to the altar," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Unless she is a fool, she'll have you."</p>
+
+<p>"Her parent would be influenced by my dukedom, but she, no. Not even if
+she knew of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Does she not know?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. I am Mr. Everard."</p>
+
+<p>"How wise of you, Tracy! So you've nought to fear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fear?" He snapped his fingers. "I?"</p>
+
+<p>The heavy curtain swung noiselessly aside. Richard Carstares stood in
+the opening.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy turned his head and scrutinised him languidly. Then he put up his
+hand and removed his mask.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible the husband scented an intrigue? It seems I am doomed to
+disappoint to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia, smarting from her morning's wrongs, laughed savagely.</p>
+
+<p>"More probable he mistook me for someone else!" she snapped.</p>
+
+<p>Richard bowed, his hand on the curtain. He had shown no surprise at
+seeing the Duke.</p>
+
+<p>"Far more probable, my dear. I thought you Lady Charlwood! Pray give me
+leave." He was gone on the word.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy replaced his mask, chuckling.</p>
+
+<p>"Honest Dick grows cold, eh? But what a snub, Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>Her little hand clenched.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how dare he! How dare he insult me so?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sister, in all justice to him, you must admit the boot was
+rather on the other leg."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know&mdash;I know! But he is so provoking!&mdash;so jealous!&mdash;so
+unreasonable!"</p>
+
+<p>"Jealous? And why?"</p>
+
+<p>With an impatient twitch at her petticoat she made answer, not looking
+at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I do not know! Nor he! Take me back to the ball-room."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, my dear." He rose and led her out. "I shall do myself the
+honour of waiting on you&mdash;to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes? How delightful 'twill be! Come to dine, Tracy! Richard is promised
+to the Fortescues."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case, I have much pleasure in accepting your invitation.... In
+heaven's name, who is this?"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace was bearing down upon them.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia! I have been seeking you everywhere!&mdash;ah&mdash;your servant, sir!"
+He bowed to his Grace, and took Lavinia's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;oh, Harold!&mdash;you remember Tracy?" she said nervously.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy! I did not know you masked! I saw you last in Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"Really? I regret I was not aware of your presence. It is a good many
+years since I had the honour of seeing you."</p>
+
+<p>"Five," nodded Lovelace, and sent a smiling, amorous glance at Lavinia.</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly," bowed his Grace. "You have, I perceive, renewed your
+acquaintance with my sister."</p>
+
+<p>When they were gone he caressed his chin, thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Lovelace ... and Richard is so jealous, so unreasonable. Now I do hope
+Lavinia will do nothing indiscreet&mdash;Yes, Frank, I was talking to myself;
+a bad habit."</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue, who had come up behind him, took his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"A sign of lunacy, my dear. Jim Cavendish demands you."</p>
+
+<p>"Does he? May I ask why?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is in the card-room. There is some bet on, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case I shall have to go. You had best accompany me, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. You have seen Lady Lavinia?"</p>
+
+<p>Beneath the mask his Grace's eyes narrowed.</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen Lavinia. Also I have seen an old friend&mdash;Lovelace by name."</p>
+
+<p>"The captain with the full-bottomed wig? Your friend, you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I say so? I should correct myself: a friend of my sister's."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed? Yes, I believe I have seen him in her company."</p>
+
+<p>Tracy smiled enigmatically.</p>
+
+<p>"I daresay."</p>
+
+<p>"And what of you, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well? <i>What</i> of me?"</p>
+
+<p>"You told me this morning that you had at last fallen in love. It is
+true? You are honestly in love?"</p>
+
+<p>"Honestly? How do I know? I only know that I have felt this passion for
+four months, and now it is stronger than ever. It sounds like love."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, an she is a good woman, I hope she will consent to take you, such
+as you are, and make of you such as she can!"</p>
+
+<p>"Now that is very neat, Frank. I congratulate you. Of course she will
+take me; as to the rest&mdash;I think not."</p>
+
+<p>"Tare an' ouns, Tracy! but an that is the tone you take with her, she'll
+have none of you!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have never found it unsuccessful."</p>
+
+<p>"With your common trollops, no! But if your Diana is a lady, she will
+dispatch you about your business! Woo her, man! Forget your own damned
+importance, for I think you will need to humble yourself to the dust if
+all that you tell me has passed between you is true!"</p>
+
+<p>They had paused outside the card-room. A curtain shut it off from the
+ball-room, and with his hand on it, Tracy stared arrogantly down at his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Humble myself? 'Fore Gad, you must be mad!"</p>
+
+<p>"Belike I am; but I tell you, Tracy, that if your passion is love, 'tis
+a strange one that puts yourself first. I would not give the snap of a
+finger for it! You want this girl, not for her happiness, but for your
+own pleasure. That is not the love I once told you would save you from
+yourself. When it comes, you will count yourself as nought; you will
+realise your own insignificance, and above all, be ready to make any
+sacrifice for her sake. Yes, even to the point of losing her!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's lips sneered.</p>
+
+<p>"Your eloquence is marvellous," he remarked. "I have not been so amused
+since I left Paris."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h3>
+
+<h3>HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the Duke of Andover dined next day at Grosvenor Square, he
+contrived, by subtle means, to make his sister feel inexplicably ill at
+ease. He let fall pleasant little remarks concerning her friendship with
+Captain Lovelace, in which she read disapproval and a sinister warning.
+She was afraid of him, as she was not of her husband, and she knew that
+if he ever guessed at the depths of her affection for the old flame, he
+would take very effective measures towards stopping her intercourse with
+him. It was, then, entirely owing to his return that she told Lovelace
+that he must not so palpably adore her. Neither must he visit her so
+frequently. They were both in her boudoir at the time, one morning, and
+no doubt Lavinia looked very lovely and very tempting in her wrapper,
+with her golden curls free from powder and loosely dressed beneath her
+escalloped lace ruffle. At all events, Lovelace abandoned his daintily
+bantering pose and seized her in his arms, nearly smothering her with
+fierce, passionate caresses.</p>
+
+<p>Her ladyship struggled, gave a faint shriek, and started to cry. As his
+kisses seemed to aggravate her tears, he picked her up, and carrying her
+to a chair, lowered her gently into it. Then, having first dusted the
+floor with his handkerchief, he knelt down beside her and possessed
+himself of both her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia! Goddess! I adore you!"</p>
+
+<p>Bethinking herself that tears were ruinous to her complexion, Lady
+Lavinia pulled her hands away and dabbed at her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Harold!" she reproached him.</p>
+
+<p>"I have offended you! Wretch that I am&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no!" Lady Lavinia gave him her hand again. "But 'twas wicked of
+you, Harry! You must never, never do it again!"</p>
+
+<p>His arm crept round her waist.</p>
+
+<p>"But I love you, sweetheart!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Oh! Think of Dicky!"</p>
+
+<p>He released her at that, and sprang to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I think of him? 'Tis of you and myself I think! Only a week
+ago you vowed he was unkind&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You are monstrous wicked to remind me of that! We were both cross&mdash;and
+then we were both sorry. I am very fond of poor Dicky."</p>
+
+<p>"Fond of him! Ay, so you may be, but you do not love him! Not as a woman
+loves a man&mdash;do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Harold!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you do not! You used to love me&mdash;no, do not shake your head,
+'tis true! You would have married me had it not been for Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Harry! How can you say so? What had he to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"What, indeed! Whose fault was it that I was time after time refused
+admittance at Andover? Whose fault was it that you were induced to marry
+Carstares?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not Tracy's. 'Twas my own wish."</p>
+
+<p>"Fostered by his influence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!"</p>
+
+<p>"You never loved Carstares&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I did! I do!"</p>
+
+<p>"You may think so, but I know better. Why, he is not even suited to you!
+You were made for life and pleasure and hazard! With me you would have
+had all that; with him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She had risen to her feet and drawn nearer to him, her eyes sparkling,
+but now she covered her ears with her hands and stamped pettishly.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not listen! I will not, I tell you! Oh, you are unkind to plague
+me so!"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace took her into his arms once more, and drawing down her hands,
+kissed her again and again. She resisted, trying to thrust him off, but
+she was crushed against him, and he would have kissed her again, had not
+there come an interruption.</p>
+
+<p>A knock fell on the door, and the footman announced:</p>
+
+<p>"His Grace of Andover, m'lady!"</p>
+
+<p>The guilty pair sprang apart in the nick of time, she fiery red, he
+pale, but composed.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace stood in the doorway, his quizzing glass raised inquiringly.
+His eyes went swiftly from one to the other and widened. He bowed
+elaborately.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Lavinia! Captain Lovelace, your very obedient!"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace returned the bow with much flourish.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Grace!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, Tracy!" cried Lavinia, advancing. "What an unexpected visit!"</p>
+
+<p>"I trust I have not arrived at an inopportune moment, my dear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!" she assured him. "I am quite charmed to see you! But at such
+an early hour&mdash;! I confess, it quite astonishes me!" She brought him to
+a chair, chattering like a child, and so innocent was his expression, so
+smiling his attitude towards the Captain, that she imagined that he
+suspected nothing, and had not noticed her blushes.</p>
+
+<p>It was only when Lovelace had departed that she was undeceived. Then,
+when his Grace moved to a chair opposite her, she saw that he was
+frowning slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you are put out over something, Tracy?" she asked nervously.</p>
+
+<p>The frown deepened.</p>
+
+<p>"N-no. I am not 'put out.' I merely anticipate the sensation."</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I don't understand. What mean you?"</p>
+
+<p>"At present, nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, please do not be mysterious! Are you like to be put out?"</p>
+
+<p>"I trust not, Lavinia."</p>
+
+<p>"But what annoys you?"</p>
+
+<p>Instead of answering, he put a question:</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you amused yourself well&mdash;last night, my dear sister?"</p>
+
+<p>She flushed. Last night had been Lady Davenant's masquerade, to which
+Lord Robert had conducted her. She had danced almost exclusively with
+Lovelace the whole evening, but as they were both masked, she was rather
+surprised at the question.</p>
+
+<p>"I enjoyed myself quite tolerably, thank you. You were there?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Lavinia, I was not there."</p>
+
+<p>"Then how do you kn&mdash;" She stopped in confusion, biting her lips. For an
+instant she caught a glimpse of his eyes, piercing and cold.</p>
+
+<p>"How do I know?" smoothly finished his Grace "One hears things, Lavinia.
+Also&mdash;" he glanced round the room, "one sees things."</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I don't understand you!" she shot out, twisting the lace of her gown
+with restless, uneasy fingers.</p>
+
+<p>"No? Must I then be more explicit?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes! Yes! I should be glad!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then let me beg of you, my dear Lavinia, that you will commit no
+indiscretion."</p>
+
+<p>Her cheeks flamed.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that you have grown too friendly with Harold Lovelace."</p>
+
+<p>"Well! What of it?"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace put up his eye-glass, faintly astonished.</p>
+
+<p>"What of it? Pray think a moment, Lavinia!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not likely that <i>I</i> shall be the one to disgrace the name, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>"I sincerely hope not. I give you my word I should do all in my power to
+prevent any foolhardy action on your part. Pray do not forget it."</p>
+
+<p>She sat silent, biting her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"It is, my child, unwise to play with fire. Sooner or later one gets
+burnt. And remember that your gallant captain has not one half of
+Richard's wealth."</p>
+
+<p>Up she sprang, kicking her skirts as she always did when angered.</p>
+
+<p>"Money! money!&mdash;always money!" she cried. "I do not care one rap for it!
+And Richard is not wealthy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Richard is heir to wealth," replied his Grace calmly. "And even an you
+are so impervious to its charms, I, my dear, am not. Richard is
+extremely useful to me. I beg you will not leave him for any such mad
+rake as Lovelace, who would be faithful to you for perhaps three months,
+certainly not longer."</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, I will not have you speak to me like this! How dare you insult
+me so? I have given you no cause! I did not say I had any desire to run
+away with him&mdash;and he <i>would</i> be faithful to me! He has been faithful
+all these years!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace smiled provokingly.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear&mdash;!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know there have been episodes&mdash;indiscretions. Do you think I
+count him the worse for that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Evidently not."</p>
+
+<p>"There has never been another serious love with him! I hate you!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are overfree with your emotions, my dear. So you do indeed
+contemplate an elopement?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, no! I do not! I am <i>fond</i> of Dicky!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I shall not leave him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why then, I am satisfied," he answered, and rose to his feet. "I shall
+look to see Captain Lovelace more out of your company." He picked up his
+hat and cane and stood directly in front of her. One dead white hand, on
+which blazed a great ruby seal ring, took her little pointed chin in a
+firm clasp and tilted her head up until she was forced to meet his eyes.
+They held hers inexorably, scorchingly.</p>
+
+<p>"You understand me?" he asked harshly.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia's eyes filled with tears and her soft underlip trembled.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she fluttered, and gave a tiny sob. "Oh, yes, Tracy!"</p>
+
+<p>The eyes lost something of their menacing gleam, and he smiled, for once
+without a sneer, and releasing her chin, patted her cheek indulgently.</p>
+
+<p>"Bear in mind, child, that I am fifteen years your senior, and I have
+more worldly wisdom in my little finger than you have in the whole of
+your composition. I do not wish to witness your ruin."</p>
+
+<p>The tears brimmed over, and she caught his handkerchief from him,
+dabbing at her eyes with one heavily-laced corner.</p>
+
+<p>"You do love me, Tracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the recesses of my mind I believe I cherish some affection for you,"
+he replied coolly, rescuing his handkerchief. "I used to class you with
+your deplorable brothers, but I think perhaps I was wrong."</p>
+
+<p>She gave an hysterical laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy, how can you be so disagreeable? Lud! but I pity Diana an she
+marries you!"</p>
+
+<p>To her surprise he flushed a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Diana, an she marries me, will have all that her heart could desire,"
+he answered stiffly, and took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>Once outside in the square he looked for a sedan, and not seeing one,
+walked away towards Audley Street. He went quickly, but his progress was
+somewhat retarded by two ladies, who, passing in their chairs down the
+street, perceived him and beckoned him to their sides. Escaping
+presently from them, he turned into Curzon Street, and from thence down
+Half Moon Street, where he literally fell into the arms of Tom Wilding,
+who had much to say on the subject of March's last bet with Edgecumbe.
+His Grace affected interest, politely declined Wilding's proffered
+escort, and hurried down into Piccadilly, walking eastwards towards St.
+James's Square, where was the Andover town house. He was fated to be
+again detained, for as he walked along Arlington Street, Mr. Walpole was
+on the point of descending the steps of No. 5. He also had much to say
+to his Grace. He had no idea that Belmanoir had returned from Paris. A
+week ago he had arrived? Well, he, Walpole, had been out of town all the
+week&mdash;at Twickenham. He hoped Bel. would honour him with his company at
+the small card-party he was giving there on Thursday. George was coming,
+and Dick Edgecumbe; he had asked March and Gilly Williams, but the Lord
+knew whether both would be induced to appear! Bel. had heard of Gilly's
+absurd jealousy? Wilding was promised, and Markham; several other
+answers he was awaiting.</p>
+
+<p>Andover accepted gracefully and parted from Mr. Walpole. He made the
+rest of his journey in peace, and on arriving at his house, went
+straight to the library, where sat a sleek, eminently
+respectable-looking individual, dressed like a groom. He stood up as his
+Grace entered, and bowed.</p>
+
+<p>Belmanoir nodded shortly and sat down at his desk.</p>
+
+<p>"I have work for you, Harper."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir&mdash;your Grace, I should say."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know Sussex?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, your Grace, I don't know as how&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Do you know Sussex?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"No, your Grace&mdash;er&mdash;yes, your Grace! I should say, not well, your
+Grace!"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard of a place called Littledean?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, s&mdash;your Grace."</p>
+
+<p>"Midhurst?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, your Grace."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. Littledean is seven miles west of it. You will find that
+out&mdash;also an inn called, I think, 'The Pointing Finger.' There you will
+lodge."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your Grace, certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"At a very little distance from there is a house&mdash;Horton House, where
+lives a certain Mr. Beauleigh, with his sister and daughter. You are to
+watch the comings and goings of these people with the utmost care.
+Eventually you will become groom to Mr. Beauleigh."</p>
+
+<p>"B-but, your Grace!" feebly protested the astonished Harper.</p>
+
+<p>"You will approach their present groom, and you will insinuate that I,
+Andover, am in need of a second groom. You will tell him that I pay
+handsomely&mdash;treble what Mr. Beauleigh gives him. If I know human nature,
+he will apply for the post. You then step in. If Mr. Beauleigh asks for
+some recommendation, you are to refer him to Sir Hugh Grandison, White's
+Chocolate House, St. James's Street. When you are engaged I will send
+further instructions."</p>
+
+<p>The man gaped, shut his mouth, and gaped again.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you fully understand me?" asked Belmanoir calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;er&mdash;yes, your Grace!"</p>
+
+<p>"Repeat what I have said, then."</p>
+
+<p>Harper stumbled through it and mopped his brow unhappily.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. In addition, I pay you twice as much as Mr. Beauleigh gives
+you, and, at the end, if you serve me well&mdash;fifty guineas. Are you
+satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>Harper brightened considerably.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your Grace! Thank you, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy laid twenty guineas before him.</p>
+
+<p>"That is for your expenses. Remember this: the sooner the thing is done,
+the more certain are your fifty guineas. That is all. Have you any
+questions to ask?"</p>
+
+<p>Harper cudgelled his still dazed brain, and finding none, shook his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"No, your Grace."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you may go."</p>
+
+<p>The man bowed himself out, clutching his guineas. He was comparatively a
+newcomer in his Grace's service, and he was by no means accustomed to
+the Duke's lightning method of conducting his affairs. He was not sure
+that he quite appreciated it. But fifty guineas were fifty guineas.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h3>
+
+<h3>MRS. FANSHAWE LIGHTS A FIRE AND O'HARA FANS THE FLAME</h3>
+
+
+<p>Richard Carstares very soon availed himself of Mrs. Fanshawe's
+permission to call upon her, and duly put in an appearance at No. 16,
+Mount Street. He found the house very tastefully appointed, the sister
+elderly and good-natured, and the widow herself an excellent hostess.
+The first time he called he was not the only visitor; two ladies whom he
+did not know and a young cousin were already there, and later, a bowing
+acquaintance, Mr. Standish, also arrived. Seeing that he would have no
+opportunity to talk with the widow on the subject of his brother, he
+very soon took his leave, promising to wait upon her again at no very
+distant date. When, three days later, he again sent in his name and was
+admitted, he found the lady alone, and was gratified to hear her order
+the servant to deny her to all other visitors.</p>
+
+<p>He bowed over her hand and hoped she was well.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Fanshawe drew him down beside her on the settee.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very well, Mr. Carstares. And you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Also," he smiled, but his looks belied his words.</p>
+
+<p>She told him so, laughing, and he pleaded a worried week.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, I presume you did not come to talk to me about your health,
+but about my friend&mdash;eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"I assure&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, no vapid compliments!" she besought.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, madam, yes. I want to hear about&mdash;Ferndale. You see, I&mdash;like
+you&mdash;took a great interest in him."</p>
+
+<p>She sent him a shrewd glance, and nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. I will tell you all I know, Mr. Carstares, but it is not
+very much, and maybe you will be disappointed. But I only knew him the
+short time we were both in Vienna, and&mdash;he was not very communicative."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!&mdash;he did not confide in you, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. If one attempted to draw his confidence, he became a polite
+iceberg."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, madam, please tell me all that you know."</p>
+
+<p>"It will not take long, I fear. I met him in '48 at Vienna, in the
+Prater, where I was walking with my husband, who had come to Vienna for
+his health. I chanced to let fall my reticule when Sir Anthony was
+passing us, and he picked it up, speaking the most execrable German."
+She smiled a little at the remembrance. "Mr. Fanshawe, who had the
+greatest dislike for all foreigners, was overjoyed to hear the English
+accent. He induced Sir Anthony to continue his walk with us, and
+afterwards he called at our lodgings. I think he, too, was glad to meet
+a fellow-countryman, for he came often, and once when I had been talking
+with him for some time he let fall&mdash;what shall I say?&mdash;his reserve&mdash;his
+guard&mdash;and told me that he had scarcely spoken his own language for four
+years. Afterwards he seemed to regret having said even that much, and
+turned the subject." She paused and looked up to see if her auditor was
+interested.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes?" urged Richard. "And then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not remember. He came, as I said, often, mostly to talk to my
+husband, who was a great invalid, but sometimes to see me. He would
+hardly ever speak of England&mdash;I think he did not trust himself. He never
+mentioned any relations or any English friends, and when I spoke of
+home, he would shut his mouth very tightly, and look terribly sad. I
+saw that for some reason the subject pained him, so I never spoke of it
+if I could help it.</p>
+
+<p>"He was a most entertaining companion, Mr. Carstares; he used to tell my
+husband tales that made him laugh as I had not heard him laugh for
+months. He was very lively, very witty, and almost finickingly well
+dressed, but what his occupation was I could not quite ascertain. He
+said he was a gentleman of leisure, but I do not think he was at all
+wealthy. He frequented all the gaming houses, and I heard tales of his
+marvellous luck, so one day I taxed him with it, and he laughed and said
+he lived by Chance&mdash;he meant dice. Yet I know, for I once had
+conversation with his servant, that his purse was at times very, very
+slender."</p>
+
+<p>"The time he aided you, Mrs. Fanshawe, when was that?"</p>
+
+<p>She flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a few months after we first met him. I was&mdash;foolish; my
+married life was not&mdash;very happy, and I was&mdash;or, rather, I fancied
+myself&mdash;in love with an Austrian nobleman, who&mdash;who&mdash;well, sir, suffice
+it that I consented to dine with him one evening. I found then that he
+was not the <i>galant homme</i> I had thought him, but something quite
+different. I do not know what I should have done had not Sir Anthony
+arrived."</p>
+
+<p>"He did arrive then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. You see, he knew that this Austrian had asked me to dine&mdash;I told
+him&mdash;and he counselled me to refuse. But I&mdash;well, sir, I have told you,
+I was young and very foolish&mdash;I would not listen. When he called at our
+house and found that I was out, he at once guessed where I had gone, and
+he followed me to the Count's house, gave an Austrian name, and was
+announced just as the Count tried to&mdash;tried to&mdash;kiss me. I think I shall
+never forget the relief of that moment! He was so safe, and so English!
+The Count was furious, and at first I thought he would have his lackeys
+throw Anthony out. But when he heard all that Anthony had to say, he
+realised that it was useless to try to detain me&mdash;and I was taken home.
+Anthony was very kind&mdash;he did not scold, neither had he told my husband.
+Two days after, he and the Count fought a duel, and the Count was
+wounded in the lung. That was all. But it made me very grateful to him
+and interested in his affairs. Mr. Fanshawe left Vienna a few weeks
+after that, and I have never seen my <i>preux chevalier</i> since." She
+sighed and looked steadily across at Carstares. "And you&mdash;you are so
+like him!"</p>
+
+<p>"You think so, madam?" was all he could find to say.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, sir. And something more, which, perhaps, you will deem an
+impertinence. Is Anthony your brother?"</p>
+
+<p>The suddenness of the attack threw Carstares off his guard. He went
+white.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam!"</p>
+
+<p>"Please be not afraid that mine is the proverbial woman's tongue, sir.
+It does not run away with me, I assure you. When I saw you the other
+night for the first time, I was struck by the resemblance, and I asked
+my partner, Mr. Stapely, who you were. He told me, and much more beside,
+which I was not at the time desirous of hearing."</p>
+
+<p>"Trust Will Stapely!" exclaimed Richard, and mentally cursed the amiable
+gossip-monger.</p>
+
+<p>"Among other things he told me of your elder brother-who&mdash;who&mdash;in fact,
+he told me the whole story. Of course, my mind instantly leapt to my
+poor Sir Anthony, despite that in appearance he is younger than you. Was
+I right?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard rose to his feet and walked away to the window, standing with
+his back to her.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was sure of it," she nodded. "So that was why he would not speak of
+England? Poor boy!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard's soul writhed under the lash of her pity.</p>
+
+<p>"So he will always be outcast," she continued. "Alone, unhappy, without
+friends&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No!" he cried, turning. "'Fore Gad, no, madam!"</p>
+
+<p>"Will society&mdash;cruel, hard society&mdash;receive him, then?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Society will&mdash;one day&mdash;receive him, Mrs. Fanshawe. You will see."</p>
+
+<p>"I long for that day," she sighed. "I wish I had it in my power to help
+him&mdash;to repay in part the debt I owe him."</p>
+
+<p>At that he lifted his head.</p>
+
+<p>"My brother, madam, would count it not a debt, but an honour," he
+answered proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she smiled. "You are like him; when you speak like that you might
+almost be he."</p>
+
+<p>"He is worth a thousand of me, Mrs. Fanshawe!" he replied vehemently,
+and broke off, staring down at the table.</p>
+
+<p>"And his name?" she asked softly.</p>
+
+<p>"John Anthony St. Ervine Delaney Carstares," he said, "Earl of Wyncham."</p>
+
+<p>"So the Anthony was real! I am so glad, for he would always be Anthony
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>There was a long silence, broken at last by the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I have made you sad, Mr. Carstares. You will drink a dish of
+Bohea with me, before you go? And we will not speak of this again."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very good, madam. Believe me, I am grateful to you for telling
+me all that you have. I beg you will allow me to wait on you again ere
+long?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be honoured, sir. I am nearly always at home to my friends."</p>
+
+<p>Her sister entered the room soon after, and private conversation came to
+an end.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares lay awake long that night, hearing the hours toll by and the
+owls screech in the square. The widow's words had sunk deep into his
+ever-uneasy conscience, and he could not sleep for the thought of John,
+"alone, unhappy, without friends." ... Time after time had he argued
+this question with himself: John or Lavinia? ... He fell to wondering
+where his brother now was; whether he was still roaming the South
+Country, a highwayman. No one would ever know how he, Richard, dreaded
+each fresh capture made by the military. Every time he expected John to
+be among the prisoners, and he visited Newgate so often that his friends
+twitted him on it, vowing he had Selwyn's love of horrors.</p>
+
+<p>He would argue that the matter rested in John's own hands: if he were
+minded to come back to society, he would do so; but deep within himself
+he knew that such a decision was unworthy of one even so debased as was
+he. Then his mind went to Lavinia, who alternately enchanted and
+exasperated him. Only a week ago she had defied him openly in the matter
+of her friendship with Lovelace, yet had she not afterwards apologised,
+and thrust the Captain aside for his sake? She was so sweetly naughty,
+so childishly unreasonable. Selfish? Yes, he supposed so, but he loved
+her!&mdash;loved her so greatly that it were a pleasure to him to die for her
+sake. Yet John&mdash;John was his brother&mdash;the adored elder brother, and by
+obeying Lavinia he was wronging him, hurting him. If only Lavinia would
+consent to the truth being told! It always came back to that point: if
+only she would consent. And she never would. She insisted that, having
+married her under false pretences, he had no right to disgrace her now.
+She was right, he knew, but he wished she could be for once unselfish.</p>
+
+<p>So he worried on through the night, tossing to and fro in his great bed,
+a weight on his mind, a ceaseless ache in his heart.</p>
+
+<p>Towards dawn he fell asleep and did not wake again until his chocolate
+was brought to him. Bitterly he reflected that at least John had no
+conscience to prey upon him; he did not fall asleep with his brain
+seething with conflicting arguments, and awake with the decision as far
+off as ever. To-day his head ached unbearably, and he stayed in bed for
+some time contemplating the grey morning. A fog hung over the Square,
+and through it the trees, with their withered autumn leaves, loomed
+dismally before the windows. There was something infinitely depressing
+about the dull outlook, and presently he rose and allowed his valet to
+dress him, not able to stand the inaction any longer. His headache was
+better by the time he had visited his wife in her room, and listened to
+her enthusiastic account of last night's rout, and, going out into the
+square, he called a chair, ordering the men to carry him to White's,
+where he intended to write two letters. Somehow, Wyncham House was too
+poignantly full of memories of John to-day, and he was thankful to be
+out of it.</p>
+
+<p>White's was crowded even at that hour of the morning, and the noise
+seemed to cut through his head. Men hailed him from all sides, offering
+him bets; someone tried to tell him some piece of scandal; they would
+not let him alone, and at last his jagged nerves would no longer support
+it, and he left the house to go further down the street to his other
+club, the Cocoa-Tree, which he hoped to find less rowdy. It was fuller
+than he expected, but many of the men had come as he had, to write
+letters and to be quiet. Very little gaming was as yet in swing.</p>
+
+<p>Richard wrote steadily for perhaps an hour, and sealed his last letter
+preparatory to leaving. As he affixed the wafer, he was conscious of a
+stir behind him, and heard exclamations of:</p>
+
+<p>"Where in thunder did you spring from?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gad, 'tis an age since I've seen you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, 'tis O'Hara!"</p>
+
+<p>Then came the soft Irish voice in answer, and he slewed round in his
+chair to face them all. Miles O'Hara was the centre of a little group of
+interested and welcoming clubmen, explaining his arrival.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, I was in town on a matter of business, and I thought I must come
+to the club to see ye all while I was here, for 'tis not often I get the
+chance&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Richard rose, gathering up his letters and stared across at this man who
+had been Jack's greatest friend. He took a step towards him. As he did
+so, O'Hara turned and caught sight of him. Richard was about to hail
+him, when he suddenly noticed the change in his expression. The good
+humour died out of the Irishman's eyes and left them hard and scornful.
+His pleasant mouth curved into a disdainful line. Carstares stood still,
+one hand on the back of a chair, his eyes rivetted to O'Hara's face,
+reading all the reproach, the red-hot anger that Miles was trying to
+convey to him. O'Hara achieved a sneer and turned his shoulder,
+continuing to address his friends.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's head swam. O'Hara was ignoring him, would not speak to him....
+O'Hara knew the truth! He walked blindly to the door, and groped for the
+handle.... O'Hara knew! He was in the passage, on the front steps, in
+the road, shuddering. O'Hara knew, and he had looked at him as if&mdash;as
+if&mdash;again he shuddered, and seeing an empty chair, hailed it, bidding
+the men carry him to Grosvenor Square.... O'Hara despised
+him!&mdash;reproached him! Then Jack was in trouble? He had seen him and
+learnt the truth? God, but his brain was reeling! ...</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h3>
+
+<h3>DEVELOPMENTS</h3>
+
+
+<p>After the encounter with O'Hara, whatever peace of mind Richard had had,
+left him. He knew not a moment's quiet; all day, and sometimes all
+night, his brain worried round and round the everlasting question: John
+or Lavinia? He had quite decided that it must be either the one or the
+other; the idea that he might conceivably retain his wife <i>and</i> confess
+the truth, never occurred to him. So often had Lavinia assured him that
+he had no right to expect her to share his disgrace, that now he
+believed it. He thought that she would elope with Lovelace, whom, his
+tortured mind decided, she really loved. Any attempt to frustrate such
+an action would, he supposed wretchedly, be the essence of selfishness.
+Of course he was not himself, and his brain was not working normally or
+rationally; had he but known it, he was mentally ill, and if Lavinia had
+thought to examine him closely she could not have failed to observe the
+fever spots on each cheek, the unnaturally bright eyes and the dark
+rings encircling them. Richard wore the look of one goaded beyond
+endurance, and utterly tired and overwrought. As he told Mrs. Fanshawe,
+when she exclaimed at his appearance&mdash;he could not rest; he must always
+be moving, thinking. She saw that he was not entirely himself, and
+counselled him to consult a doctor. His half-angry repudiation of all
+illness did not surprise her, but she was considerably startled when, in
+answer to her pleading that he should have a care for himself, he
+vehemently said: "If I could die, I should be glad!" She wondered what
+his wife was about not to see his condition, and wished that she might
+do something. But she was not acquainted with Lady Lavinia, and she
+felt it would be a piece of gross presumption on her part to speak to
+her of Richard. If she had thought his malady to be physical, she
+reflected, she might venture a word, but as she perceived it to be
+mental, she could only hope that it would pass in time, and that he
+would recover from his run-down condition.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia was pursuing her butterfly existence, heeding nothing but
+her own pleasure, bent on enjoying herself. She succeeded very well, on
+the whole, but she could not help wishing that Dicky were a little more
+cheerful and wishful to join in her gaiety. Of late he was worse than
+ever, and although he supplied her wants uncomplainingly, she would
+almost rather he had refused her and shown a little life, than give way
+to her with this dreadful apathy.</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace was out of town for a week, and Lavinia was surprised to find
+how little she missed him. To be sure, playing with fire was very
+pleasant, but when it was removed out of her reach, it really made no
+odds. She missed Harry's adulation and his passionate love-making, for
+she was one of those women who must always have admiration and
+excitement, but she was not made miserable by his absence. She continued
+to flutter round to all the entertainments of the season with one or
+other of her brothers, and when Lovelace returned he was disturbed by
+her casual welcome. However, she was undoubtedly pleased to see him, and
+soon fell more or less under his spell, allowing him to be by her side
+when Tracy was not near, and to charm her ears with compliments and
+gallantry.</p>
+
+<p>To do him justice, Captain Harold was really in love with her and was
+quite ready to relinquish his commission if only she would run away with
+him. He had private means of his own, and promised her that her every
+whim should be satisfied. But Lavinia scolded him and shook her head.
+Apart from any ulterior consideration, Richard was, after all, her
+husband; he, too, loved her, and she was very, very fond of him,
+although she did plague him dreadfully.</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace assured her that her husband did not love her nearly as much as
+he, and when she smiled her disbelief, lost his temper and cried that
+all the town knew Carstares to be at Mrs. Fanshawe's feet!</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia stiffened.</p>
+
+<p>"Harold!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am only surprised that you have been blind to it," he continued.
+"Where do you think he goes every day for so long? White's? No. To 16,
+Mount Street! Stapely called there and met him; another day Lady
+Davenant saw him with her; Wilding has also met him at her house. He
+spends nearly every afternoon with her!"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia was a Belmanoir, and she had all the Belmanoir pride. Rising to
+her feet she drew her cloak about her with her most queenly air.</p>
+
+<p>"You forget yourself, Harold," she said haughtily. "Never dare to speak
+to me of my husband again in that tone! You may take me at once to my
+brother."</p>
+
+<p>He was very penitent, wording his apology most cleverly, smoothing her
+ruffled plumage, withdrawing his words, but at the same time contriving
+to leave their sting behind. She forgave him, yes, but he must never
+offend her so again.</p>
+
+<p>Although she had indignantly refused to believe the scandal, it
+nevertheless rankled, and she found herself watching her husband with
+jealous eyes, noticing his seeming indifference towards her and his
+many absences from home. Then came a day when she caused her chair to be
+borne down Mount Street at the very moment when Richard was coming out
+of No. 16.</p>
+
+<p>That was enough for Lavinia. So he was indeed tired of her! He loved
+another woman!&mdash;some wretched widow! For the first time a real worry
+plagued her. She stayed at home that evening and exerted all her arts to
+captivate her husband. But Richard, seeing John unhappy, reproachful,
+every way he turned, his head on fire, his brain seething with
+conflicting arguments, hardly noticed her, and as soon as he might
+politely do so, left her, to pace up and down the library floor, trying
+to make up his mind what to do.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia was stricken with horror. She had sickened him by her
+megrims, as Tracy had prophesied she would! He no longer cared for her!
+<i>This</i> was why he continually excused himself from accompanying her when
+she went out! For once in her life she faced facts, and the prospect
+alarmed her. If it was not already too late, she must try to win back
+his love, and to do this she realised she must cease to tease him for
+money, and also cease to snap at him whenever she felt at all out of
+sorts. She must charm him back to her. She had no idea how much she
+cared for him until now that she thought he did not care for her. It was
+dreadful: she had always been so sure of Dicky! Whatever she did,
+however exasperating she might be, he would always adore her.</p>
+
+<p>And all the time, Richard, far from making love to Mrs. Fanshawe, was
+hearing anecdotes of his brother from her, little details of his
+appearance, things he had said. He drank in all the information,
+clutching eagerly at each fresh scrap of gossip, greedy to hear it if it
+in any way concerned John. His brain was absorbed with this one
+subject, and he never saw when Lavinia smiled upon him, nor did he seem
+to hear her coaxing speeches. When she remarked, as she presently did,
+on his pallor, he almost snapped at her, and left the room. Once she put
+her arms about him and kissed him on the lips; he put her gently aside,
+too worried to respond to the caress, but, had she known it&mdash;grateful
+for it.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover meeting his sister at Ranelagh Gardens, thought her
+face looked pinched, and her eyes unhappy. He inquired the reason, but
+Lady Lavinia refused to confide even in him, and pleaded a headache.
+Andover, knowing her, imagined that she had been refused some kickshaw,
+and thought no more about it.</p>
+
+<p>He himself was very busy. Only two days before a groom had presented
+himself at St. James's Square, bearing a missive from Harper, very
+illegible and ill-spelt, but to the point:</p>
+
+<p>"YR. GRACE,</p>
+
+<p>"I have took the liberty of engageing this Man, Douglas, in Yr. Name. I
+hope I shall soon be Able to have carrid out the Rest of yr. Grace's
+Instructions, and trust my Connduct will met with Yr. Grace's Approvall.</p>
+
+<p>Very Obed'tly,</p>
+
+<p>M. HARPER."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Tracy confirmed the engagement and straightway dispatched the man to
+Andover, where the head groom would undoubtedly find work for him to do.
+He was amused at the blind way in which the man had walked into his
+trap, and meditated cynically on the frailty of human nature, which
+will always follow the great god Mammon.</p>
+
+<p>Not three days later came another letter, this time from Mr. Beauleigh,
+addressed to him at White's, under the name of Sir Hugh Grandison. It
+asked for the man Harper's character.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover answered it in the library of his own home, and
+smiled sarcastically as he wrote Harper down "exceeding honest and
+trustworthy, as I have always found."</p>
+
+<p>He was in the middle of the letter when the door was unceremoniously
+pushed open and Andrew lounged into the room.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace looked up frowning. Not a whit dismayed by the coolness of his
+reception, his brother kicked the door to and lowered his long limbs
+into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask to what I owe the honour of this intrusion?" smiled Tracy
+dangerously.</p>
+
+<p>"Richard," was the cheerful reply, "Richard."</p>
+
+<p>"As I am not interested in either him or his affairs&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How truly amiable you are to-day! But I think you'll be interested in
+this, 'tis so vastly mysterious."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed? What is the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just what I want to know!"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy sighed wearily.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray come to the point, Andrew&mdash;if point there be. I have no time to
+waste."</p>
+
+<p>"Lord! Busy? Working? God ha' mercy!" The young rake stretched his legs
+out before him and cast his eyes down their shapeliness. Then he
+stiffened and sat up, staring at one white-stockinged ankle.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, damn and curse it! where did that come from?" he expostulated
+mildly.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did <i>what</i> come from?"</p>
+
+<p>"That great splash of mud on my leg. Brand new on this morning, and I've
+scarce set my nose without doors. Damn it, I say! A brand new&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Leg?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hey? What's that you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought. When you have quite finished your eulogy, perhaps you would
+consent to tell me your errand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ay!&mdash;but twenty shillings the pair! Think of it! ... Well, the
+point&mdash;there is one, you see&mdash;is this: it is Richard's desire that you
+honour him with your presence at Wyncham on Friday week, at three in the
+afternoon exactly. To which effect he sends you this." He tossed a
+letter on to the desk. "You are like to have the felicity of meeting me
+there."</p>
+
+<p>Tracy ripped open the packet and spread the single sheet on the desk
+before him. He read it through very deliberately, turned it over, as if
+in search of more, re-read it, folded it, and dropped it into the
+wastebasket at his side. He then picked up his quill and dipped it in
+the ink again.</p>
+
+<p>"What think you?" demanded Andrew, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace wrote tranquilly on to the end of the line.</p>
+
+<p>"What think I of what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the letter, of course! What ails the man? 'Something of great
+import to impart to us,' forsooth! What means he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I noticed 'twas very badly worded," commented Tracy. "I have not
+the vaguest notion as to his meaning."</p>
+
+<p>"But what do you make of it? Lord, Tracy, don't be such a fish! Dick is
+summoning quite a party!"</p>
+
+<p>"You appear to be in his confidence, my dear Andrew. Allow me to
+congratulate you. No doubt we shall know more&mdash;ah&mdash;on Friday week, at
+three o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you'll go, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite possibly." He went on writing unconcernedly.</p>
+
+<p>"And you've no idea of what 'tis about? Dick is very strange. He hardly
+listens to what one has to say, and fidget&mdash;Lord!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>"I think he looks ill, an' 'pon my soul, so does Lavvy! Do you suppose
+there is aught amiss?"</p>
+
+<p>"I really have no idea. Pray do not let me detain you."</p>
+
+<p>Andrew hoisted himself out of his chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm not staying, never fear! ... I suppose you cannot oblige me
+with&mdash;say&mdash;fifty guineas?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should be loth to upset your suppositions," replied his Grace
+sweetly.</p>
+
+<p>"You will not? Well, I didn't think you would somehow! But I wish you
+might contrive to let me have it, Tracy. I've had prodigious ill-luck of
+late, and the Lord knows 'tis not much I get from you! I don't want to
+ask Dick again."</p>
+
+<p>"I should not let the performance grow monotonous, certainly," agreed
+the other. "Fifty, you said?"</p>
+
+<p>"Forty-five would suffice."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you may have it!" shrugged his Grace. "At once?"</p>
+
+<p>"Blister me, but that's devilish good of you, Tracy! At once would be
+convenient to <i>me</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace produced a key from his vest pocket and unlocked a drawer in
+the desk. From it he took a small box. He counted out fifty guineas, and
+added another to the pile. Andrew stared at it.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that for?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"The stockings," replied Tracy, with a ghost of a smile. Andrew burst
+out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"That's good! Gad! but you're devilish amusing, 'pon rep. you are!" He
+thanked his Grace profusely and gathering up the money, left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Outside he gave vent to a low whistle of astonishment. "Tare an' ouns!
+he must be monstrous well-pleased over something!" he marvelled. "I
+shall awaken soon, I doubt not." He chuckled a little as he descended
+the staircase, but his face was full of wonderment.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Lovelace called nearly every day at Wyncham House, but was always
+refused admittance, as Lady Lavinia deemed it prudent not to see him.
+There came a day, however, when he would not be gainsaid, and was
+ushered into her drawing-room. He kissed her hands lingeringly, holding
+them for a long while in his.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia! Cruel fair one!"</p>
+
+<p>She drew her hands away, not too well pleased at his intrusion.</p>
+
+<p>"How silly, Harold! I cannot have you tease me every day!"</p>
+
+<p>She allowed him to sit by her on the window seat, and he again possessed
+himself of her hands. Did she love him? She hoped he was not going to be
+foolish. Of course not. He did not believe her, and started to plead his
+suit, imploring her to come away with him. In vain Lady Lavinia begged
+him to be quiet; she had stirred up a blaze, and it threatened to
+consume her. He was so insistent that, expecting Richard at any moment,
+and terrified lest there should be a disturbance, she promised to give
+him an answer next evening, at the theatre. She managed to be rid of him
+in this way, and, with a relieved sigh, watched him walk down the
+square. She was very fond of dear Harry, but really, he was dreadfully
+tiresome at times.</p>
+
+<p>She brought her tiny mirror out from her pocket and surveyed her
+reflection critically, giving a tweak to one curl, and smoothing another
+back. She was afraid she was looking rather old this evening, and hoped
+that Richard would not think so. She glanced up at the clock, wondering
+where he was; surely he should be in by now? Then she arranged a chair
+invitingly, pushed a stool up to it and sat down opposite. With a sigh,
+she reflected that it was an entirely new departure for her to strive to
+please and captivate her husband, and she fell a-thinking of how he must
+have waited on her in the old days, waiting as she was waiting
+now&mdash;hoping for her arrival. Lady Lavinia was beginning to realise that
+perhaps Dick's life had not been all roses with her as wife.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened and Richard came into the room. Deep lines were between
+his brows, but his mouth was for once set firmly. He looked sombrely
+down at her, thinking how very beautiful she was.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia smiled and nodded towards the chair she had prepared.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, Dicky! I am so glad you have come! I was monstrous dull and
+lonely, I assure you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Were you?" he said, fidgeting with her scissors. "No, I will not sit
+down. I have something to say to you, Lavinia. Something to tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, <i>have</i> you?" she asked. "Something nice, Dicky?"</p>
+
+<p>"I fear you will hardly think so. I am about to make an end."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;oh, are you? Of <i>what</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of this&mdash;this deceitful life I am leading&mdash;have been leading. I&mdash;I&mdash;I
+am going to confess the whole truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Rich-ard!"</p>
+
+<p>He let fall the scissors and paced restlessly away down the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I tell you, Lavinia, I cannot endure it! I cannot! I cannot! The
+thought of what John may be bearing is driving me crazy! I must speak!"</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you can't!" she gasped. "After seven years! Dicky, for heaven's
+sake&mdash;!" The colour ebbed and flowed in her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot continue any longer this living of a lie&mdash;I have been feeling
+it more and more ever since&mdash;ever since I met&mdash;Jack&mdash;that time on the
+road. And now I can no longer stand it. Everywhere I go I seem to see
+him&mdash;looking at me&mdash;you don't understand&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia cast aside her work.</p>
+
+<p>"No! No! I do not! 'Pon rep., but you should have thought of this
+before, Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it. Nothing can excuse my cowardice&mdash;my weakness. I know all
+that, but it is not too late even now to make amends. In a week they
+will all know the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"What&mdash;what do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have requested all whom it concerns to come to Wyncham the Friday
+after this."</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens! Dick, Dick, <i>think</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought. God! <i>how</i> I have thought!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not fair to me! Oh, think of your honour&mdash;Wyncham!"</p>
+
+<p>"My honour is less than nothing. 'Tis of his that I think."</p>
+
+<p>She sprang up, clutching at his arm, shaking him.</p>
+
+<p>"Richard, you are mad! You must not do this! You must not, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>"I implore you, Lavinia, not to try to make me change my decision. It is
+of no use. Nothing you can say will make any difference."</p>
+
+<p>She flew into a passion, flinging away from him, her good resolutions
+forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>"You have no right to disgrace me! If you do it, I will never forgive
+you! I won't stay with you&mdash;I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He broke in&mdash;this was what he had expected; he must not whine; this was
+retribution.</p>
+
+<p>"I know. I have faced that."</p>
+
+<p>She was breathless for a moment. He knew! He had faced it! He had taken
+her seriously&mdash;he always expected her to leave him! Oh, he must indeed
+be tired of her, and wanted her to go! What was he saying?</p>
+
+<p>"I know that you love Lovelace. I&mdash;I have known it for some time."</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia sank into the nearest chair. To what depths had her folly led
+her?</p>
+
+<p>"I shall put no obstacle in the way of your flight, of course...."</p>
+
+<p>This was dreadful! Lady Lavinia buried her face in her hands and burst
+into tears. It was true then&mdash;he did not love her&mdash;he loved Mrs.
+Fanshawe&mdash;<i>she</i> was to elope. She sobbed pitifully as the full horror of
+the situation struck her.</p>
+
+<p>The temptation to gather her into his arms almost overmastered Richard,
+but he managed to choke it down. If he allowed himself to kiss her, she
+would try to break his resolution&mdash;mayhap, she would succeed. So he
+looked away from her, tortured by the sound of her crying.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia wept on, longing to feel his arms about her, ready to consent to
+anything if only he would show that he loved her. But when he made no
+movement towards her, pride came back, and flicking her handkerchief
+across her eyes, she rose to her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"You are cruel!&mdash;cruel!&mdash;cruel! If you do this thing I <i>shall</i> leave
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Now surely he would say something&mdash;contradict her!</p>
+
+<p>With an immense effort, Richard controlled himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I am&mdash;sorry&mdash;Lavinia," he said in a queer, constrained voice.</p>
+
+<p>It was of no avail. She had killed his love, and he was longing to be
+rid of her. She walked to the door, and turned.</p>
+
+<p>"I see that you do not love me," she said, with deadly calmness. "I
+understand perfectly." Then, as she wrenched the handle round: "I hate
+you!" she cried, and fled, her silken skirts rustling furiously down the
+corridor. A door slammed in the distance, and there was silence.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares stood very still, staring down at her crumpled broidery.
+Presently he stooped to pick it up, and her violet scent was wafted up
+to him. He carried it to his lips, passionately.</p>
+
+<p>If Lavinia had been able to see him, it would have changed the whole
+state of affairs; as it was she locked herself into her room and
+continued her cry in private. When she had no more tears to shed, she
+sat up and tried to think that she wanted to elope. Harold would be very
+good to her, she was sure, and she would doubtless lead a very exciting
+life, but&mdash;somehow the more she thought of it, the less she wanted to
+elope. Then she remembered that Dicky&mdash;why had she never realised how
+much she cared for him?&mdash;was in love with some horrid widow, and did not
+want her to remain with him. The idea was not to be borne, she was not
+going to be the unwanted wife. She would have to go away, though not
+with Lovelace. Dicky should <i>not</i> force her to elope with another man.
+She would go somewhere alone&mdash;she had forgotten&mdash;she had no money. The
+dowry that had been hers was spent years ago. She was utterly dependent
+on her husband. That settled it: she <i>must</i> elope with Harry!</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, was anyone ever so beset!" she sobbed as her misery swept in upon
+her with full force. "Why should I run away if I don't want to?"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY LAVINIA GOES TO THE PLAY</h3>
+
+
+<p>Richard was away from home all next day, and his wife had plenty of time
+in which to meditate upon her situation. She had quite come to the
+conclusion that she must elope with Lovelace, and was only waiting for
+to-night to tell him so. She would never, never ask Richard to let her
+stay with him now that she knew he loved another. Truly a most trying
+predicament. The Carstares were going to-night to Drury Lane to see
+Garrick play one of his most successful comedies: the <i>Beaux'
+Stratagem</i>. The <i>monde</i> that would flock to see the inimitable Archer
+was likely to be a very distinguished one, especially as the cast held
+the added attraction of Mrs. Clive, and ordinarily Lady Lavinia would
+have looked forward with much excitement to seeing the piece. To-day,
+however, she felt that she would far rather go to bed and cry. But
+Lovelace had to be answered, and besides that, she had invited two
+cousins, new come from Scotland, to accompany her, and she could not
+fail them.</p>
+
+<p>So that evening saw her seated in her box, wonderfully gowned as usual,
+scanning the house. Behind her stood her husband&mdash;when she thought that
+this was the last time she would ever go with him to the theatre she had
+much ado to keep from bursting into tears before them all&mdash;and in the
+chair at her side was the cousin, Mrs. Fleming. Mr. Fleming stood with
+his hands behind his back, exclaiming every now and then as his kinsman,
+young Charles Holt, pointed out each newcomer of note. He was a short,
+tubby little man, dressed in sober brown, very neat as regards his
+wrists and neckband, but attired, so thought Lavinia, for the country,
+and not for town. His dark suit contrasted strangely with Mr. Holt's
+rather garish mixture of apple-green and pink, with waistcoat of yellow,
+and Richard's quieter, but far more handsome apricot and silver. His
+wig, too, was not at all modish, being of the scratch type that country
+gentlemen affected. His wife was the reverse of smart, but she was loud
+in her admiration of her more affluent cousin's stiff silks and laces.</p>
+
+<p>She had married beneath her, had Mrs. Fleming, and the Belmanoirs had
+never quite forgiven the shocking <i>mesalliance</i>. William Fleming was
+nought but a simple Scotsman, whose father&mdash;even now the family
+shuddered at the thought&mdash;had been a farmer!</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia was not over-pleased that they should have elected to visit
+London, and still less pleased that they should evince such an affection
+for the Hon. Richard and his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to be sure, Lavvy, 'tis pleasant to sit here and admire all the
+people!" exclaimed Mrs. Fleming, for perhaps the twentieth time. "I
+declare I am grown positively old-fashioned from having lived for so
+long in the country!&mdash;yes, my dear, positively old-fashioned! ... I
+cannot but marvel at the great hoops everyone is wearing! I am sure mine
+is not half the size of yours, and the lady down there in the stage-box
+has one even larger!"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia directed her gaze towards the box in question. At any other time
+she would have been annoyed to see that the occupant was Lady Carlyle,
+her pet rival in all matters of fashion. Now she felt that nothing
+signified, and merely remarked that she considered those absurd garlands
+of roses on the dress quite grotesque.</p>
+
+<p>Behind, Holt was directing Mr. Fleming's attention to a box at the back
+of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"'Pon my soul, William! 'Tis the Duchess of Queensberry and her
+son&mdash;March, you know. I assure you there is no one more amiable in town.
+When I last visited her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Charles knows well-nigh everyone here," remarked Mrs. Fleming
+ingenuously, and wondered why her cousin laughed.</p>
+
+<p>When the curtain rose on the first act, Lovelace was nowhere to be seen,
+and Lavinia tried to interest herself in the play. But it is difficult
+to be interested in anything when one's whole mind is occupied with
+something else far more overwhelming. She was not the only one of the
+party that Garrick failed to amuse. Richard sat wretchedly in the shadow
+of the box, thinking how, in a short while, he would never again conduct
+his wife to the theatre and never again sit at her side watching her
+every change of expression.</p>
+
+<p>In the first interval Lovelace had still not arrived, but many other
+acquaintances had arrived and called to see the Carstares. Markham,
+Wilding, Devereux, Sir John Fortescue&mdash;all came into the box at
+different times, paid homage to Lavinia, were introduced to Mrs.
+Fleming, laughed and cracked jokes with the men, and drifted away again.</p>
+
+<p>How was it she had never before realised how much she enjoyed her life?
+wondered Lavinia. She settled down to listen to the second act, and
+Garrick's skill caught her interest and held it. For a moment she forgot
+her woes and clapped as heartily as anyone, laughing as gaily.</p>
+
+<p>The next instant she remembered again, and sank back into unutterable
+gloom.</p>
+
+<p>But Richard had heard her merry laugh, and his heart was even gloomier
+than hers. There was no help for it: Lavinia was delighted at the
+thought of leaving him.</p>
+
+<p>As the curtain fell, Mrs. Fleming suddenly demanded if it was not Tracy
+seated in the box over on the other side. Lavinia turned to look. In the
+box, alone, sat his Grace, seemingly unaware of her presence.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not Tracy?" persisted Mrs. Fleming. "I remember his face so
+well."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," nodded Lavinia, and waved to him.</p>
+
+<p>Andover rose, bowed, and left his box. In a few moments he was in their
+own, kissing his cousin's hand.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia now caught sight of Lovelace standing on the floor of the
+theatre looking up at her. He, too, disappeared from view, and she
+guessed that he was coming to speak with her. He had evidently failed to
+perceive the Duke, who was just a little behind her in the shadow.</p>
+
+<p>Richard and Mr. Fleming had left the box, and only Charles Holt
+remained, engaging Mrs. Fleming's whole attention. If only Tracy would
+go! How was she ever to give Lovelace her answer with him sitting there
+so provokingly.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Lovelace knocked at the door. Carelessly she bade him enter, and
+affected surprise on seeing him. His Grace looked at her through
+narrowed lids, and shot a swift glance at Lovelace, whose discomfiture
+at finding him there was palpable. Not a trace of emotion was visible on
+that impassive countenance, but Lavinia felt her brother's attitude to
+be sinister, as if he divined her wishes and was determined to frustrate
+them. She watched him smile on Lovelace and beg him to be seated.
+Whether by accident or design, she was not sure which, he had so placed
+the chairs that he himself was between her and the captain. Skilfully
+he drew Mrs. Fleming into the conversation, and rearranged his stage.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia found herself listening to the amiable Mr. Holt, and out of the
+tail of her eye observed that Lovelace had fallen a victim to her
+cousin. She could find no way of speaking to him, and dared not even
+signal, so adroitly was his Grace stage-managing the scene. Lavinia was
+now quite certain that he was managing it. Somehow he had guessed that
+she had arranged to speak to Lovelace to-night, and was determined to
+prevent her. How he had found out, she could not imagine, but she was
+too well acquainted with him to be surprised. He would never let her
+disgrace herself if he could help it&mdash;she knew that. In whatever manner
+he himself might behave, his sister's conduct must be above reproach; he
+would find some means of separating them until he could cause Lovelace
+to be removed. She did not in the least know how he would contrive to do
+this, but she never doubted that he could and would. And then she would
+have to stay with Richard&mdash;Richard, who did not want her. If only Tracy
+would go! Ah! he was rising!</p>
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover begged Captain Lovelace to bear him company in his
+box. He would brook no refusal. He bore his captive off in triumph.</p>
+
+<p>A minute later Mr. Fleming re-entered the box. The third act had just
+begun when Richard re-appeared, and softly took his seat. On went the
+play. Neither Tracy nor Lovelace came to the box during the next
+interval, and from her point of vantage Lavinia could see that Andrew
+had been introduced to the latter. She could guess how cleverly his
+Grace was keeping the Captain by him....</p>
+
+<p>Lord Avon, who had only a week ago returned from Bath, came to pay his
+respects. He had much to tell dear Lady Lavinia. How Cholmondely and
+Falmouth had dared to fight a duel in Crescent Fields, and had been
+arrested. How furious the Beau was, but how his age was beginning to
+tell on him, and how it was whispered that his power was waning. All of
+which at any ordinary time would have interested my lady quite
+prodigiously, but now bored and even annoyed her.</p>
+
+<p>On went the play. Scrub and Boniface kept the house in a roar; all but
+Richard and his wife were enthralled. The incomparable Kitty failed to
+hold Lavinia's attention. Would Lovelace manage to speak to her in the
+last interval? A solicitous enquiry from Mrs. Fleming roused her, and
+she had perforce to smile&mdash;to own to a slight headache, and to evince
+some interest in the play. One more interval: would he come? She became
+aware of a hand laid on her shoulder. Richard's voice, gravely
+courteous, sounded in her ears.</p>
+
+<p>"You are heated, my dear. Will you walk outside a little?"</p>
+
+<p>She felt a mad desire to cling to his hand, and suppressed it forcibly.
+She rose, hesitating. Mrs. Fleming decided the point.</p>
+
+<p>"The very thing. How considerate of you, Mr. Carstares! I shall like to
+walk amongst all the people, to be sure! Here is Charles offering to
+escort us, too! What say you, Lavvy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;oh, I shall be pleased to do what suits you best, cousin," she
+answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us go, my love. Charles has an arm for each, so we may leave
+our husbands to chat."</p>
+
+<p>They went out into the broad passage and walked towards the foyer. There
+Lord March espied Lavinia, who was always a favourite with him, and came
+forward, offering his arm. Lavinia took it, thankful to escape from Mr.
+Holt's vapid conversation. She let March conduct her to where his mother
+was sitting, with Mr. Selwyn at her elbow. Someone fetched her a glass
+of ratafie, and Montagu came to talk to her.</p>
+
+<p>Stepping out of his box, Richard fell into the arms of his Grace of
+Andover.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Dick!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard eyed him coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"You wanted me?"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy saw Mr. Fleming approaching</p>
+
+<p>"Only to ask if I may return with you to Grosvenor Square. I have
+something important to say."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," bowed Richard, and turned aside.</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace, who had succeeded in escaping from the Belmanoir claws,
+hurried in search of Lavinia. Not finding her in her box, he gathered
+she must be in the foyer and made his way towards it. As soon as she saw
+him coming she set down her glass and rose to her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Captain Lovelace! Have you come to fetch me back to my seat? I have
+scarce set eyes on you this evening. No, Markham, you may <i>not</i> come!
+No, nor you, my lord! Madam&mdash;" She curtsied low to the old Duchess and
+walked away on Harold's arm.</p>
+
+<p>When they were once in the deserted passage behind the boxes, he turned
+eagerly towards her.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dearest? Well?"</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia's mouth drooped miserably.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she said, "I shall have to come with you."</p>
+
+<p>The tone was damping, to say the least of it, but he did not seem to
+notice it.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia! You mean it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she assented, still more dejectedly.</p>
+
+<p>"My beautiful love! You will really come? When? At once?"</p>
+
+<p>"At&mdash;Oh, no, no!"</p>
+
+<p>"Darling, the sooner the better. I understand 'tis a great step to
+expect you to take in a hurry, but I assure you 'tis wisest. Can you
+come to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>Her big eyes dilated.</p>
+
+<p>"No! No! I&mdash;oh, I cannot leave Dicky so soon!" She ended with a sob.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Lavinia, my dearest! You surely do not want to <i>stay</i> with him?"
+he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes I do!" she answered. "I&mdash;I don't want ever to leave him!"</p>
+
+<p>This blighting speech left him gasping.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;but&mdash;heavens! what are you saying? You love <i>me</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't!" she contradicted. "I always s-said I d-didn't. I love my
+husband!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are distraught!" he exclaimed. "If you love him, why do you consent
+to elope with me?"</p>
+
+<p>She looked at him reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no one else," she said mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Lord! What&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have to elope with someone&mdash;because&mdash;Dick&mdash;d-doesn't love me any
+more&mdash;you see. I will come with you, and I will try to be good."</p>
+
+<p>He kissed her hand quickly</p>
+
+<p>"Sweetheart! ... I still think you are not yourself. You will think
+differently to-morrow&mdash;you do not really love Carstares."</p>
+
+<p>She shut her mouth obstinately, tilting her regal little head.</p>
+
+<p>He watched her anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"If you really do love him, 'tis ridiculous to elope with me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Her fingers tightened on his wrist.</p>
+
+<p>"But I must! You don't understand, Harry! You <i>must</i> take me! Don't you
+want me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do, but not if you are longing to be somewhere else all the
+time. The whole thing seems preposterous!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis all dreadful!&mdash;dreadful! I have never been so unhappy in my life!
+I&mdash;oh, I wish I had not been so heedless and selfish!"</p>
+
+<p>Lovelace pondered for a moment, as they stood outside her box; then,
+seeing that people were returning to their seats, he opened the door and
+took her in.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, dear! This is the maddest scheme ever I heard; but if you are
+determined, you shall carry it through. Come to my lodgings to-morrow
+evening! Bring as little baggage as possible; I will have all ready, and
+we will post at once to Dover. Then in time I hope you will forget
+Richard and come to care for me a little."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very, very good, Harry! Yes, I will do just as you say and, oh,
+I am sorry to put you out like this! I am nought but a plague to
+everyone, and I wish I were dead! You don't really love me, and I shall
+be a burden!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do indeed love you!" he assured her, but within himself he could not
+help wishing that he had not fallen quite so passionately in love with
+her. "I'll leave you now, sweet, for your husband will be returning at
+any moment." He kissed her hands lightly "<i>A demain</i>, fairest!"</p>
+
+<p>How she sat through the last act Lavinia could never afterwards imagine.
+She was longing to be at home&mdash;so soon to be home no longer&mdash;and quiet.
+Her head ached now as Richard's had ached for weeks. More than anything
+did she want to rest it against her husband's shoulder, so temptingly
+near, and to feel his sheltering arms about her. But Dick was in love
+with Isabella Fanshawe, and she must sit straight and stiff in her chair
+and smile at the proper places.</p>
+
+<p>At last the play was ended! The curtain descended on the bowing Archer,
+and the house stamped and clapped its appreciation. The curtain rose
+again&mdash;what! not finished yet? Ah, no! it was but Garrick leading Mrs.
+Clive forward. Would they never have done?</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Fleming was standing; she supposed they were going, and got up.
+Someone put her cloak about her shoulders; Richard&mdash;for the last time.
+Mr. Holt escorted her to her coach, and put her and her cousin into it.
+He and Mr. Fleming had their chairs; so only Richard and Tracy went with
+the ladies. The Flemings were staying with friends in Brook Street, just
+off Grosvenor Square, so that when they had put Harriet down, only a few
+more yards remained to be covered.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia wondered dully why Tracy had elected to come with them. What did
+he want? Was he going to warn Dick of her intended flight? He little
+knew the true state of affairs!</p>
+
+<p>At the foot of the staircase at Wyncham House she turned to say
+good-night.</p>
+
+<p>She merely nodded to Tracy, but to Dick she extended her hand. He took
+it in his, kissing it, and she noticed how cold were his fingers, how
+burning hot his lips. Then he released her, and she went slowly up the
+stairs to her room.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace watched her through his eyeglass. When she was out of sight he
+turned and surveyed Richard critically.</p>
+
+<p>"If that is the way you kiss a woman, Lavinia has my sympathies," he
+remarked.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's lips tightened. He picked up a stand of lighted candles and
+ushered his Grace into the drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p>"I presume you did not come to tell me that?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Your presumption is correct, Richard. I have come to open your eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"You are too kind."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace laid his hat on the table, and sat down on the arm of a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I think perhaps I am. It may interest you to hear that Lavinia intends
+to elope with our gallant friend the Captain." Richard bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"You knew it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>Andover looked him over.</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask what steps you are taking to prevent her?"</p>
+
+<p>"None."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's expression was quite indescribable. For a moment he was
+speechless, and then he reverted to heavy sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray remember to be at hand&mdash;to conduct her to her chair!" he drawled.
+"Upon my soul, you sicken me!</p>
+
+<p>"I am grieved. There is a remedy," replied Carstares significantly.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy ignored the suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it is nothing to you that you lose her? No; It is nothing to
+you that she disgraces her name? Oh, no!"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>My</i> name, I think."</p>
+
+<p>"Our name! Is it possible for her to disgrace yours?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard went white and his hand flew instinctively to his sword hilt.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy looked at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think I would soil my blade with you?" he asked, very softly.</p>
+
+<p>Richard's hand fell from the hilt: his eyes searched the other's face.</p>
+
+<p>"You know?" he asked at last, quite calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"You fool," answered his Grace gently. "You fool, do you think I have
+not always known?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard leaned against the mantel-shelf.</p>
+
+<p>"You never thought I was innocent? You knew that night? You guessed?"</p>
+
+<p>The Duke sneered.</p>
+
+<p>"Knowing both, could I suspect other than you?" he asked insultingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my God!" cried Carstares suddenly. "Why could you not have said so
+before?"</p>
+
+<p>The Duke's eyes opened wide.</p>
+
+<p>"It has chafed you&mdash;eh? I knew it would. I've watched you." He chuckled
+beneath his breath. "And those fools never looked beneath the surface.
+One and all, they believed that John would cheat. John! They swallowed
+it tamely and never even guessed at the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"You, at least, did not believe?"</p>
+
+<p>"I? Hardly. Knowing you for a weak fool and him for a quixotic fool, I
+rather jumped to conclusions."</p>
+
+<p>"Instead, you tried to throw the blame on him. I would to God you had
+exposed me!"</p>
+
+<p>"So you have remarked. I confess I do not understand this heroic
+attitude. Why should I interfere in what was none of my business? What
+proof had I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you raise no demur? What motive had you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should have thought it fairly obvious."</p>
+
+<p>Richard stared at him, puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"Gad, Richard! but you are singularly obtuse. Have I not pointed out
+that John was a quixotic fool? When did I say he was a weak one?"</p>
+
+<p>"You mean&mdash;you mean you wanted Lavinia to marry me&mdash;because you thought
+to squeeze me as you willed?" asked Carstares slowly.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up.</p>
+
+<p>"You are so crude," he complained.</p>
+
+<p>"It suited you that Jack should be disgraced? You thought I should seize
+his money. You&mdash;you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Rogue? But you will admit that I at least am an honest rogue. You
+are&mdash;er&mdash;a dishonest saint. I would sooner be what I am."</p>
+
+<p>"I know there is nothing on God's earth more vile than I am!" replied
+Carstares, violently.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace sneered openly.</p>
+
+<p>"Very pretty, Richard, but a little tardy, methinks." He paused, and
+something seemed to occur to him. "'Tis why you purpose to let Lavinia
+go, I suppose? You confess the truth on Friday&mdash;eh?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the right to stop her. She&mdash;chooses her own road."</p>
+
+<p>"She knows?" sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"She has always known."</p>
+
+<p>"The jade! And I never guessed it!" He paused. "Yes, I understand your
+heroic attitude. I am sorry I cannot pander to it. In spite of all this,
+I cannot permit my sister to ruin herself."</p>
+
+<p>"She were as effectually ruined an she stayed with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw! After seven years, who is like to care one way or the other
+which of you cheated? Play the man for once and stop her!"</p>
+
+<p>"She <i>loves</i> Lovelace, I tell you!"</p>
+
+<p>"What of it? She will recover from that."</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;I cannot ask her to stay with me&mdash;'twould be damnably selfish."</p>
+
+<p>His Grace appeared exasperated.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fore Gad, you are a fool! Ask her! <i>Ask</i> her! Force her! Kick Lovelace
+from your house and abandon the heroic pose, I beg of you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose I want to lose her?" cried Carstares. "'Tis because I
+love her so much that I will not stand in the way of her happiness!"</p>
+
+<p>The Duke flung round and picked up his hat.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry I cannot join with you in your heroics. I must take the
+matter into my own hands, as usual, it seems. Lord, but you should have
+learnt to make her obey you, my good Dick! She has led you by the nose
+ever since she married you, and she was a woman who wanted mastering!"
+He went over to the door and opened it. "I will call upon you to-morrow,
+when I shall hope to find you more sane. They do not purpose to leave
+until late, I know, for Lovelace is promised to Mallaby at three
+o'clock. There is time in which to act."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not interfere," repeated Richard.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace sneered.</p>
+
+<p>"So you have remarked. It remains for me to do. Good-night."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h3>
+
+<h3>RICHARD PLAYS THE MAN</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia's frame of mind when she awoke next morning was hardly
+befitting one who contemplated an elopement. A weight seemed to rest on
+her chest, hopeless misery was gathered about her head. She could not
+bring herself to drink her chocolate, and, feeling that inaction was the
+worst of all, she very soon crawled out of bed and allowed her maid to
+dress her. Then she went with dragging steps to her boudoir, wondering
+all the time where Richard was and what he was doing. She seated herself
+at her window and looked out on to the square, biting the edge of her
+handkerchief in the effort to keep back her tears.</p>
+
+<p>Richard was in a no more cheerful mood. He, too, left his chocolate
+untouched, and went presently down to the breakfast table and looked at
+the red sirloin with a feeling of acute nausea. He managed to drink a
+cup of coffee, and immediately afterwards left the room and made his way
+to his wife's boudoir. He told himself he was acting weakly, and had far
+better avoid her, but in the end he gave way to his longing to see her,
+and knocked on one white panel.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia's heart leapt. How well she knew that knock!</p>
+
+<p>"Come in!" she called, and tried to compose her features.</p>
+
+<p>Richard entered and shut the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;oh&mdash;good-morning!" she smiled. "You&mdash;wanted to speak with
+me&mdash;Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;yes&mdash;that is&mdash;er&mdash;have you the Carlyles' invitation?"</p>
+
+<p>It was, perhaps, an unlucky excuse. Lavinia turned away and fought
+against her tears.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I believe&mdash;'tis in my&mdash;escritoire," she managed to say. "I&mdash;I will
+look for it."</p>
+
+<p>She rose and unlocked the bureau, standing with her back to him.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis no matter," stammered Carstares. "I&mdash;only&mdash;'twas but that I could
+not find it. Pray do not disturb yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;not&mdash;at all," she answered, scattering a handful of letters before
+her. "Yes&mdash;here 'tis." She came up to him with the note in her hand,
+extending it.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares looked down at the golden head, and at the little face with
+its eyes cast down, and red mouth set so wistfully. Heavens, how could
+he bear to live without her! Mechanically he took the letter.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia turned away, and as she stepped from him something snapped in
+Richard's brain. The luckless invitation was flung down.</p>
+
+<p>"No, by God you shall not!" he cried suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia stopped, trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;oh, what do you mean?" she fluttered.</p>
+
+<p>The mists were gone from his mind now, everything was clear. Lavinia
+should not elope with Lovelace. In two strides he was at her side, had
+caught her by the shoulders and swung her to face him.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not leave me! Do you understand? I cannot live without you!"</p>
+
+<p>Lavinia gave a little cry full of relief, joy and wonderment, and shrank
+against him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, please, please forgive me and keep me with you!" she cried, and
+clung to the lapels of his coat.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares swept her right off the ground in the violence of his embrace,
+but she did not mind, although the crushing was ruinous to her silks.
+Silks were no longer uppermost in her brain. She returned his kisses
+eagerly, sobbing a little.</p>
+
+<p>When Carstares was able to say anything beyond how he loved her, he
+demanded if she did not love him?</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do!" she cooed. "I always, always did, only I was so
+selfish and so careless!"</p>
+
+<p>He carried her to the sofa and sat down with her on his knee, trying to
+look into her face. But she had somehow contrived to hide it on his
+shoulder, and he did not succeed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you never loved that puppy?" he asked, amazed.</p>
+
+<p>One hand crept up to his other shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Dicky, no! And&mdash;and you&mdash;you don't love that horrid Mrs. Fanshawe,
+do you?"</p>
+
+<p>He was still more amazed.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Fanshawe? Great heavens, no! You never thought that, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did&mdash;I did! Since you were always at her house, and so cold to
+me&mdash;how could I help it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cold to <i>you</i>? My dearest, surely not?"</p>
+
+<p>"You were&mdash;you truly were&mdash;and I was so miserable&mdash;I&mdash;I thought I had
+been so unreasonable and so horrid that you had ceased to I-love me&mdash;and
+I did not know what to do. And&mdash;and then you told me that you were going
+to&mdash;to confess&mdash;and I lost my temper and said I would n-not stay with
+you&mdash;But I never, never meant it&mdash;and when you seemed to expect me to
+go&mdash;I&mdash;I did not know what to do again!"</p>
+
+<p>He patted her shoulder comfortingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Sweetheart, don't cry! I had no idea of all this&mdash;why, I was sure that
+you loved Lovelace&mdash;I never doubted it&mdash;why in the world did you not
+tell me the truth?"</p>
+
+<p>She sat up at that, and looked at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how could I?" she demanded. "I was quite certain that you loved
+Isabella Fanshawe. I felt I had to go away, and I could not do it
+alone&mdash;so&mdash;so&mdash;so, of course I had to elope. And I told Harold last
+night that I would go with him&mdash;and I'm afraid he didn't quite want me
+when he heard that I loved you. Oh, Dicky darling, you'll tell him that
+I won't go with him, won't you?"</p>
+
+<p>He could not help laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, I'll tell him. 'Pon rep., sweetheart, I can find it in me to be
+sorry for him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he will not mind for long," she said philosophically. "He loves so
+<i>easily</i>, you see! But you, Dick&mdash;why did you go so often&mdash;so <i>very</i>
+often to see Mrs. Fanshawe?"</p>
+
+<p>His face grew solemn.</p>
+
+<p>"She knew&mdash;Jack&mdash;in Vienna&mdash;I&mdash;I wanted to hear all she could tell me of
+him&mdash;I could think of nothing else."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Dicky! How&mdash;how wickedly foolish I have been! And 'twas that that
+made you so cold&mdash;and I thought&mdash;oh, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>He drew her head down on to his shoulder again.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor love! Why, 'tis the kindest lady imaginable, but as to loving
+her&mdash;!" He kissed her hand lingeringly. "I love&mdash;and have always
+loved&mdash;a far different being: a naughty, wilful, captivating little
+person, who&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lavinia clasped her arms about his neck.</p>
+
+<p>"You make me feel so very, very dreadful! I have indeed been
+naughty&mdash;I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And you'll be so many times again," he told her, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! I&mdash;will&mdash;try to be good!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not want you good!" Richard assured her. "I want you to be your
+own dear self!" ... Lady Lavinia disengaged herself with a contented
+little sigh, and stood up.</p>
+
+<p>"How charming it is to be happy again, to be sure!" she remarked
+naively. "To think that only half an hour ago I was wishing to be dead!"
+She went over to the glass and straightened her hair.</p>
+
+<p>Richard looked at her rather anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Lavinia&mdash;you&mdash;you quite understand, I am going to tell everyone the
+truth&mdash;next Friday?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I do, of course&mdash;'tis dreadfully disagreeable of you, but I
+suppose you will do it. I do <i>hope</i> people will not refuse to recognise
+us, though."</p>
+
+<p>"No one would ever refuse to recognise you, dearest."</p>
+
+<p>She brightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really think so? Well, perhaps after all, 'twill not be so
+<i>very</i> horrid. And&mdash;and you will like to have Jack again, won't you?
+Yes&mdash;I knew you would. Oh, 'twill all be quite comfortable after a
+little while, I make no doubt!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover arose betimes, and early sallied forth into the
+street. He called a chair, and drove to an address in the Strand, where
+lodged a certain Colonel Shepherd. Half-an-hour did he spend with the
+Colonel, and when he at length emerged from the house the curl of his
+lip betokened satisfaction. He did not at once hail a chair, but walked
+along in the direction of St. James's, entering the park in company
+with one Dare, who, seven years before, had given a certain memorable
+card-party.</p>
+
+<p>Dare was pleasantly intrigued over Richard's latest oddity.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you an idea what 'tis about, Belmanoir?" he inquired. "Has he
+written you to come as well?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I did receive some communication from Carstares; yes&mdash;I
+remember, Andrew brought it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what does it mean? Fortescue is bidden, and Davenant. 'Tis very
+curious."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Dare, I am not in Richard's confidence. We shall doubtless hear
+all that there is to hear at the given time. Mysteries do not interest
+me. But 'twill be a pleasant reunion.... Fortescue and Davenant, you
+say? Strange! I have heard that Evans and Milward have also received
+their sum&mdash;invitations. It should be most entertaining."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis prodigious curious," repeated Dare. "No one can imagine what 'tis
+all about!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah?" His Grace's thin lips twitched.</p>
+
+<p>Midway through the afternoon he repaired to Wyncham House and was
+ushered into the library.</p>
+
+<p>Richard sat writing, but rose on seeing him, and came forward.</p>
+
+<p>It struck his Grace that Carstares was looking quite happy.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem cheerful, Richard!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am," smiled his brother-in-law.</p>
+
+<p>"I am much relieved to hear it. I have seen Shepherd."</p>
+
+<p>"Shepherd?" interrogated Carstares.</p>
+
+<p>"Lovelace's colonel, my dear Richard. You may count on Captain Harold's
+departure&mdash;on an important mission&mdash;in, say, forty-eight hours."</p>
+
+<p>"You may count on Captain Harold's departure in very much less, Tracy,"
+said Carstares, a twinkle in his eye.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke started forward.</p>
+
+<p>"She has gone?" he almost hissed.</p>
+
+<p>"Gone? No! She is in the drawing-room with him."</p>
+
+<p>"With Lovelace! And you permit it? You stand by and watch another man&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Say farewell to my wife. But I am not watching it, as you see."</p>
+
+<p>The anger died out of his Grace's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Farewell? Do you tell me you at last came to your senses?"</p>
+
+<p>"We found that we both laboured under a delusion," replied Carstares
+pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to hear you say so. I hope you will for the future keep
+a stricter hold over Lavinia."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do. I think I will not undo what I have done; Lovelace were perhaps
+better out of the way for a time."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I have no objection to that," bowed Richard.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace nodded shortly and picked up his hat.</p>
+
+<p>"Then there remains nothing more to be done in the matter."</p>
+
+<p>He looked piercingly across at Carstares. "She did not love him?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard gave a happy little sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"She loves me."</p>
+
+<p>The heavy lids drooped again.</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot conceive my delight. If she indeed loves you, she is safe. I
+thought she had not got it in her. Pray bear my respects to her." His
+hand was on the door-knob, when something seemed to occur to him.</p>
+
+<p>"I take it my presence at Wyncham on Friday will not be necessary?" he
+said cynically.</p>
+
+<p>Richard flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"It will not be necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am sure you will excuse me an I do not appear. I have other,
+more important affairs on hand.....But I shall be loth to miss the
+heroics," he added pensively, and chuckled. "<i>Au revoir,</i> my good
+Richard!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard bowed him out thankfully.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the front door opened and shut again, and looking out of the
+window he saw that Captain Harold Lovelace had taken his departure.</p>
+
+<p>He was now awaiting Mr. Warburton, whom he had sent in search of John
+some days ago. He should have been here by now, he thought, but perhaps
+he had been detained. Richard was aching to hear news of his brother,
+longing to see him once more. But at the same time he was dreading the
+meeting; he shrank from the thought of looking into Jack's eyes,
+cold&mdash;even scornful. It was not possible, so he reasoned, that Jack
+should feel no resentment....</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Warburton, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned and came eagerly forward to greet the newcomer.</p>
+
+<p>"Well? Well?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Warburton spread out deprecating hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! Mr. Carstares."</p>
+
+<p>Richard caught his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"What mean you? He is not&mdash;dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You could not find him? Quick! Tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! no, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Chequers&mdash;he said&mdash;Surely they knew something?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought, Mr. Carstares." Out came Mr. Warburton's snuff-box. Very
+deliberately he took a pinch, shaking the remains from his finger-tips.
+"The host, Chadber&mdash;an honest man, though lacking in humour&mdash;has not set
+eyes on my lord for well-nigh six months. Not since I went to advise my
+lord of the Earl's death."</p>
+
+<p>"But Warburton, he cannot be far? He is not dead! Oh, surely not that?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Master Dick," soothed the lawyer. "We should have heard of it
+had he been killed. I fear he has gone abroad once more. It seems he
+often spoke of travelling again."</p>
+
+<p>"Abroad? God! don't let me lose him again!" He sank into a chair, his
+head in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Tut! I implore you, Mr. Carstares! Do not despair yet. We have no proof
+that he has left the country. I daresay we shall find him almost at
+once. Chadber thinks it likely he will visit the inn again ere long.
+Calm yourself, Master Dick!" He walked up to the man and laid a hand on
+one heaving shoulder. "We shall find him, never fear! But do not&mdash;I know
+'twould grieve him to see you so upset, Master Dick&mdash;pray, do not&mdash;!"</p>
+
+<p>"If I could only make amends!" groaned Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, are you not about to? He would not wish you to distress
+yourself like this! He was so fond of you! Pray, pray do not!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares rose unsteadily and walked to the window. "I crave your
+pardon, Mr. Warburton&mdash;you must excuse me&mdash;I have been&mdash;living in
+hell&mdash;this last week."</p>
+
+<p>Warburton came over to his side.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Dick&mdash;I&mdash;you know I have never cared for you-as&mdash;well&mdash;as&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You cared for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;yes, sir, exactly!&mdash;and of late years I may, perhaps, have been
+hard. I would desire to&mdash;er&mdash;apologise for any unjust&mdash;er&mdash;thoughts I
+may have harboured against you. I&mdash;I&mdash;possibly, I never quite
+understood. That is all, sir."</p>
+
+<p>He blew his nose rather violently, and then his hand found Richard's.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Richard Carstares had plenty to occupy him for the rest of the week.
+Arrangements had to be made, a house acquired for Lavinia, Wyncham House
+to be thoroughly cleaned and put in order, awaiting its rightful owner.
+Once she had made up her mind to face the inevitable, Lavinia quite
+enjoyed all the preparations. The new house in Great Jermyn Street she
+voted charming, and she straightway set to work to buy very expensive
+furniture for it, and to superintend all the alterations. In her present
+penitent mood she would even have accompanied her husband to Wyncham on
+Monday, to stand by him on the fateful Friday; but this he would not
+allow, insisting that she remain in town until his return. So she
+fluttered contentedly from Grosvenor Square to Jermyn Street, very busy
+and quite happy.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares was to travel to Wyncham on Monday, arriving there the
+following evening in company with Andrew, whom he was taking as far as
+Andover. His lordship had lately embroiled himself in a quarrel over a
+lady when deep in his cups, and owing to the subsequent duel at Barn
+Elms and the almost overpowering nature of his debts, he deemed it
+prudent to go into seclusion for a spell. Tracy disappeared from town in
+the middle of the week, whither no one knew, but it was universally
+believed that he had gone to Scotland on a visit.</p>
+
+<p>Monday at length dawned fair and promising. After bidding his wife a
+very tender farewell, and gently drying her wet eyelashes with his own
+handkerchief, Richard set out with his brother-in-law in the big
+travelling chaise soon after noon. Andrew had quite recovered his
+hitherto rather dampened spirits, and produced a dice-box from one
+pocket and a pack of cards from the other wherewith to beguile the
+tedium of the journey.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h3>
+
+<h3>HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER CAPTURES THE QUEEN</h3>
+
+
+<p>Diana stood in the old oak porch, riding-whip in hand, and the folds of
+her voluminous gown over her arm. Miss Betty stood beside her, surveying
+her with secret pride.</p>
+
+<p>Diana's eyes seemed darker than ever, she thought, and the mouth more
+tragic. She knew that the girl was, to use her own expression, "moping
+quite prodigiously for that Mr. Carr." Not all that she could do to
+entertain Diana entirely chased away the haunting sadness in her face;
+for a time she would be gay, but afterwards the laughter died away and
+she was silent. Many times had Miss Betty shaken her fist at the absent
+John.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Diana gave a tiny sigh, and looked down at her aunt, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"You would be surprised how excellently well Harper manages the horses,"
+she said. "He is quite a godsend. So much nicer than that stupid
+William."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, yes," agreed Miss Betty. "Only think, my dear, he was groom to
+Sir Hugh Grandison&mdash;I saw the letter Sir Hugh writ your Papa&mdash;a
+remarkable elegant epistle, I assure you, my love."</p>
+
+<p>Diana nodded and watched the new groom ride up, leading her mount. He
+jumped down, and, touching his hat, stood awaiting his mistress's
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>Diana went up to the cob, patting his glossy neck.</p>
+
+<p>"We are going towards Ashley to-day, aunt," she said. "I am so anxious
+to find some berries, and Harper tells me they grow in profusion not far
+from here."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my dear, pray do not tire yourself by going too far&mdash;I doubt it
+will rain before long and you will catch your death of cold!"</p>
+
+<p>Diana laughed at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, aunt! Why, the sky is almost cloudless! But we shall not be
+long, I promise you. Only as far as Crossdown Woods and back again."</p>
+
+<p>She gave her foot to the groom just as Mr. Beauleigh came out to watch
+her start.</p>
+
+<p>"Really, my dear, I must ride with you to-morrow," he told her. "'Tis an
+age since we have been out together."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Papa, will you not accompany me this afternoon?" cried Diana
+eagerly. "I should so like it!"</p>
+
+<p>It struck her aunt that Harper awaited the answer to this question
+rather anxiously. She watched him, puzzled. However, when Mr. Beauleigh
+had refused she could not see any change in his expression, and
+concluded that she must have been mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>So with a wave of her hand, Diana rode away, the groom following at a
+respectful distance. Yet somehow Miss Betty was uneasy. A presentiment
+of evil seemed to touch her, and when the riders had disappeared round a
+bend in the road she felt an insane desire to run after them and call
+her niece back. She gave herself a little shake, saying that she was a
+fond old woman, over-anxious about Diana. Nevertheless, she laid a
+detaining hand on her brother's arm as he was about to go indoors.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, Horace! You&mdash;you <i>will</i> ride with Di more frequently, will you
+not?"</p>
+
+<p>He looked surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"You are uneasy, Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh&mdash;uneasy&mdash;! Well, yes&mdash;a little. I do not like her to go alone with a
+groom, and we do not know this man."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear! I had the very highest references from Sir Hugh Grandison,
+who, I am sure, would never recommend anyone untrustworthy. Why, you saw
+the letter yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes. Doubtless I am very stupid. But you <i>will</i> ride with her
+after to-day, will you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I will accompany my daughter when I can spare the time," he
+replied with dignity, and with that she had to be content.</p>
+
+<p>Diana rode leisurely along the lane, beside great trees and hedges that
+were a blaze of riotous colour. Autumn had turned the leaves dull gold
+and flame, mellow brown and deepest red, with flaming orange
+intermingled, and touches of copper here and there where some beech tree
+stood. The lane was like a fairy picture, too gorgeous to be real; the
+trees, meeting overhead, but let the sunlight through in patches, so
+that the dusty road beneath was mottled with gold.</p>
+
+<p>The hedges retained their greenness, and where there was a gap a vista
+of fields presented itself. And then they came upon a clump of berries,
+black and red, growing the other side of the little stream that
+meandered along the lane in a ditch. Diana drew up and addressed her
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"See, Harper&mdash;there are berries! We need go no further." She changed the
+reins to her right hand and made as if to spring down.</p>
+
+<p>"The place I spoke of is but a short way on, miss," ventured the man,
+keeping his seat.</p>
+
+<p>She paused.</p>
+
+<p>"But why will these not suffice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, miss, if you like. But those others were a deal finer. It seems a
+pity not to get some."</p>
+
+<p>Diana looked doubtfully along the road.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis not far?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, miss; but another quarter of a mile, and then down the track by the
+wood."</p>
+
+<p>Still she hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not want to be late," she demurred.</p>
+
+<p>"No, miss, of course not. I only thought as how we might come back by
+way of Chorly Fields."</p>
+
+<p>"Round by the mill? H'm...."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, miss. Then as soon as we get past it there is a clear stretch of
+turf almost up to the house."</p>
+
+<p>Her eye brightened.</p>
+
+<p>"A gallop? Very well! But let us hurry on."</p>
+
+<p>She touched the cob with her heel, and they trotted on briskly out of
+the leafy canopy along the road with blue sky above and pasture land
+around. After a little while the wood came in sight, and in a minute
+they were riding down the track at right angles to the road. Harper was
+at Diana's heels, drawing nearer. Half unconsciously she quickened her
+pace. There was not a soul in sight.</p>
+
+<p>They were coming to a bend in the road, and now Harper was alongside.</p>
+
+<p>Choking a ridiculous feeling of frightened apprehension, Diana drew
+rein.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not perceive those berries!" she said lightly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, miss," was the immediate response. "They are just a step into the
+wood. If you care to dismount here I can show you."</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more respectful than the man's tone. Diana shook off
+her nervous qualms and slipped down. Harper, already on the ground, took
+the cob's rein and tied both horses to a tree.</p>
+
+<p>Diana gathered her skirts over her arm and picked her way through the
+brambles to where he had pointed.</p>
+
+<p>The blackberry hedges he held back for her entrance swung back after
+they had passed, completely shutting out all view of the road. There
+were no berries.</p>
+
+<p>Diana's heart was beating very fast, all her suspicions springing to
+life again, but she showed no sign of fear as she desired him to hold
+the brambles back again for her to pass out.</p>
+
+<p>"For there are no berries here, as you can see for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>She swept round and walked calmly towards the bushes.</p>
+
+<p>Then, how she could never quite remember, she was seized from behind,
+and before she had time to move, a long piece of silk was flung over her
+head and drawn tight across her mouth, while an arm, as of steel, held
+and controlled her.</p>
+
+<p>Fighting madly, she managed to get one arm free, and struck out
+furiously with her slender crop. There was a brief struggle, and it was
+twisted from her grasp, and her hands tied behind her, despite all her
+efforts to be free.</p>
+
+<p>Then her captor swung her writhing into his arms, and strode away
+through the wood without a word.</p>
+
+<p>Diana was passive now, reserving her strength for when it might avail
+her something, but above the gag her eyes blazed with mingled fright and
+fury. She noticed that she was being carried not into the wood, but
+along it, and was not surprised when they emerged on to the road where
+it had rounded the bend.</p>
+
+<p>With a sick feeling of terror, she saw a coach standing in the road, and
+guessed, even before she knew, what was her fate. Through a haze she saw
+a man standing at the door, and then she was thrust into the coach and
+made to sit down on the softly-cushioned seat. All her energies were
+concentrated in fighting against the faintness that threatened to
+overcome her. She won gradually, and strained her ears to catch what was
+being said outside.</p>
+
+<p>She caught one sentence in a familiar, purring voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Set them loose and tie this to the pummel." Then there was silence.</p>
+
+<p>Presently she heard footsteps returning. An indistinguishable murmur
+from Harper, and the door opened to allow his Grace of Andover to enter
+the coach. It gave a lurch and rumbled on.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy looked down with a slight smile into the gold-flecked eyes that
+blazed so indignantly into his.</p>
+
+<p>"A thousand apologies, Miss Beauleigh! Allow me to remove this scarf."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he untied the knot, and the silk fell away from her face.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment she was silent, struggling for words wherewith to give vent
+to her fury; then the red lips parted and the small, white teeth showed,
+clenched tightly together.</p>
+
+<p>"You cur!" she flung at him in a panting undertone. "Oh, you cur!&mdash;you
+coward! Undo my hands!"</p>
+
+<p>"With pleasure." He bowed and busied himself with this tighter knot.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies for incommoding you so grievously.
+I am sure that you will admit the necessity."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that there were a <i>man</i> here to avenge me!" she raged.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace tugged at the stubborn knot.</p>
+
+<p>"There are three outside," he answered blandly. "But I do not think they
+are like to oblige you."</p>
+
+<p>He removed her bonds and sat back in the corner, enjoying her. His eyes
+fell on her bruised wrists, and at once his expression changed, and he
+frowned, leaning forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Believe me, I did not mean that," he said, and touched her hands.</p>
+
+<p>She flung him off.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not touch me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, my dear." He leaned back again nonchalantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you taking me?" she demanded, trying to conceal the fear in
+her voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Home," replied his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>"Home!" Incredulously she turned to look at him, hope in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Home," he reiterated. "<i>Our</i> home."</p>
+
+<p>The hope died out.</p>
+
+<p>"You are ridiculous, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis an art, my dear, most difficult to acquire."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;Mr. Everard&mdash;whoever you are&mdash;if you have any spark of manliness
+in you, of chivalry, if you care for me at all, you will this instant
+set me down!"</p>
+
+<p>Never had she seemed more beautiful, more desirable. Her eyes shone with
+unshed tears, soft and luminous, and the tragic mouth pleaded, even
+trying to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"It would appear that none of these attributes belongs to me," murmured
+his Grace, and wondered if she would weep. He had never a taste for a
+weeping woman.</p>
+
+<p>But Diana was proud. She realised that tears, prayers and all would
+avail her nothing, and she was determined not to break down, at least in
+his presence. Tracy was surprised to see her arrange her skirts and
+settle back against the cushions in the most unconcerned manner
+possible.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, since you are so ungallant, sir, pray tell me what you purpose
+doing with me?" The tone was light, even bantering, but with his
+marvellous, almost uncanny perspicacity, he sensed the breathless terror
+behind it.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my dear, I had planned to marry you," he answered, bowing.</p>
+
+<p>The knuckles gleamed white on her clenched hand. "And if I refuse?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not <i>think</i> you will refuse, my dear." She could not repress a
+shiver.</p>
+
+<p>"I do refuse!" she cried sharply.</p>
+
+<p>The smile with which he received this statement drove the blood cold in
+her veins.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait. I think you will be glad to marry me&mdash;in the end," he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>Her great eyes were hunted, desperate, and her face was very white. The
+dry lips parted.</p>
+
+<p>"I think&mdash;you will be&mdash;very sorry&mdash;when my father&mdash;comes."</p>
+
+<p>The indulgent sneer brought the blood racing back to her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"And he will come!"</p>
+
+<p>His Grace was politely interested.</p>
+
+<p>"Really? But I do not doubt it, Diana, an he knows where to come."</p>
+
+<p>"He will find a way, never fear!"</p>
+
+<p>She laughed with a confidence she was far from feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not fear&mdash;not in the least&mdash;I shall be delighted to welcome him,"
+promised his Grace. "I do not anticipate a refusal of your hand from
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"No?" Diana, too, could sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear. Not after a little&mdash;persuasion."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" she shot at him.</p>
+
+<p>His shoulders shook in the soundless laugh peculiar to him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am several people, child."</p>
+
+<p>"So I apprehend," she retorted smoothly. "Sir Hugh Grandison amongst
+them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you have guessed that?"</p>
+
+<p>"It rather leaps to the eye, sir." She spoke in what was almost an exact
+imitation of his sarcastic tone.</p>
+
+<p>"True. It was neatly done, I flatter myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite marvellous, indeed."</p>
+
+<p>He was enjoying her as he had rarely enjoyed a woman before. Others had
+sobbed and implored, railed and raved; he had never till now met one who
+returned him word for word, using his own weapons against him.</p>
+
+<p>"Who else have you the honour to be?" she asked, stifling a yawn.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Mr. Everard, child, and Duke of Andover."</p>
+
+<p>Then she turned her head and looked at him with glittering eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard of you, sir," she said, evenly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are like to hear more, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"That is as may be, your Grace."</p>
+
+<p>Now she understood the elaborate hilt of the mysterious sword with the
+coronet on it, wrought in jewels. She wondered whether Jack had it
+still, wherever he was. If only some wonderful providence would bring
+him to her now in her dire need! There was no one to strike a blow for
+her; she was entirely at the mercy of a ruthless libertine, whose
+reputation she knew well, and whose presence filled her with dread and a
+speechless loathing. She felt very doubtful that her father would
+succeed in finding her. If only Jack were in England! He would come to
+her, she knew.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace leaned towards her, laying a thin, white hand on her knee.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, be reasonable. I am not such a bad bargain after all."</p>
+
+<p>The tenderness in his voice filled her with horror. He felt her shrink
+away.</p>
+
+<p>"Take your hand away!" she commanded throbbingly. "Do not touch me!" He
+laughed softly and at the sound of it she controlled her terrors and
+dropped again to the mocking tone she had adopted. "What? Ungallant
+still, your Grace? Pray keep your distance!"</p>
+
+<p>The pistol holster on the wall at her side caught her attention.
+Instantly she looked away, hoping he had not observed her. Very little
+escaped his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>"I am desolated to have to disappoint you, my dear. It is empty."</p>
+
+<p>She laid a careless hand on the holster, verifying his statement.</p>
+
+<p>"This? Oh, I guessed it, your Grace!"</p>
+
+<p>He admired her spirit more and more. Was there ever such a girl?</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Tracy," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>She considered it with her head tilted to one side.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not like your name, sir," she answered.</p>
+
+<p>"'There was no thought of pleasing you when I was christened,'" he quoted
+lazily.</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly, sir," she said. "You might be my father."</p>
+
+<p>It was a master stroke, and for an instant his brows drew together. Then
+he laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Merci du compliment, mademoiselle</i>! I admire your wit."</p>
+
+<p>"I protest I am overwhelmed. May I ask when we are like to arrive at our
+destination?"</p>
+
+<p>"We should reach Andover soon after eight, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>So it was some distance he was taking her?</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you had the wit to provide food for the journey?" she yawned.
+"You will not wish to exhibit me at an inn, I take it?"</p>
+
+<p>He marvelled at her indomitable courage</p>
+
+<p>"We shall halt at an inn certainly, and my servant will bring you
+refreshment. That will be in about an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"So long?" she frowned. "Then, pray excuse me an I compose myself to
+sleep a little. I am like to find the journey somewhat tedious, I fear."</p>
+
+<p>She shifted farther into the corner, leaned her head back against the
+cushions and closed her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Thus outwitting his Grace. For it is impossible to be passionate with a
+girl who feigns sleep when she should be struggling to escape from you.
+So Tracy, who, whatever else he might lack, possessed a keen sense of
+humour, settled himself in his corner and followed her example. So they
+jogged on....</p>
+
+<p>Arrived at length at the inn, the coach pulled up slowly. Diana opened
+her eyes with a great assumption of sleepiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Already?" she marvelled.</p>
+
+<p>"I trust you have slept well," said his Grace suavely.</p>
+
+<p>"Excellently well, I thank you, sir," was the unblushing reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I am relieved to hear you say so, my dear. I had thought you unable
+to&mdash;your mouth kept shut so admirably. Doubtless you have schooled your
+jaw not to drop when you sleep sitting up? I wish I might do the same."</p>
+
+<p>The triumph in his voice was thinly veiled. She found nothing to say.</p>
+
+<p>He rose.</p>
+
+<p>"With your leave, I will go to procure you some refreshment, child. Do
+not think me uncivil if I remind you that a servant stands without
+either door."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you for the kind thought," she smiled, but her heart was sick
+within her.</p>
+
+<p>He disappeared, returning a few moments later with a glass of wine and
+some little cakes.</p>
+
+<p>"I deplore the scanty nature of your repast," he said. "But I do not
+wish to waste time. You shall be more fittingly entertained when we
+reach Andover."</p>
+
+<p>Diana drank the wine gratefully, and it seemed to put new life into her.
+The food almost choked her, but rather than let him see it, she broke a
+cake in half and started to eat it, playing to gain time: time in which
+to allow her father a chance of overtaking them before it was too late.
+She affected to dislike the cake, and rather petulantly demanded a 'maid
+of honour.'</p>
+
+<p>Tracy's eyes gleamed.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I cannot oblige you, my dear. When we are married you can go to
+Richmond, and you shall have maids of honour in plenty."</p>
+
+<p>He relieved her of her glass, taking it from hands that trembled
+pitifully.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the journey was as some terrible nightmare. She felt that
+she dared no longer feign sleep. She was terrified at what his Grace
+might do, and kept him at arm's length by means of her tongue and all
+her woman's wit. As a matter of fact, Andover had himself well in hand,
+and had no intention of letting his passion run away with him. But as
+the time went on and the light went, some of Diana's control seemed to
+slip from her, and she became a little less the self-possessed woman,
+and a little more the trapped and frightened child. When they at last
+reached Andover Court, and his Grace assisted her to alight her legs
+would barely carry her up the steps to the great iron-clamped door. She
+trembled anew as he took her hand.</p>
+
+<p>On the threshold he paused and bowed very low. "Welcome to your future
+home, my queen," he murmured, and led her in, past wooden-faced footmen
+who stared over her head, to his private room, where a table was set for
+two. He would have taken her in his arms then, but she evaded him and
+slipped wearily into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I protest," she managed to say, "I protest, I am faint through want of
+food."</p>
+
+<p>Andover, looking at her white lips, believed her. He took a seat
+opposite.</p>
+
+<p>Two footmen came to wait on them, and although her very soul was shamed
+that they should see her there, she was thankful for their restraining
+presence.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD RIDES TO FRUSTRATE HIS GRACE</h3>
+
+
+<p>My lord yawned most prodigiously and let fall the <i>Spectator.</i> His eyes
+roved towards the clock, and noted with disgust that the hands pointed
+to half after five. He sighed and picked up the <i>Rambler</i>.</p>
+
+<p>His host and hostess were visiting some miles distant, and were not
+likely to be back until late, so my lord had a long dull evening in
+front of him, which he relished not at all. Lady O'Hara had tried to
+induce him to accompany them, promising that he would meet no one he
+knew, but he had for once been prudent and refused steadfastly. So my
+lady, after pouting crossly at him and assuring him that he was by far
+the most obstinate and disagreeable man that she had ever come across,
+not excepting her husband, who, to be sure, had been quite prodigiously
+annoying all day, relented, told him she understood perfectly, and even
+offered to kiss him to make up for her monstrous ill-humour. Jack
+accepted the offer promptly, waved farewell to her from the porch, and
+returned to the empty drawing-room to while away the time with two
+numbers of the <i>Spectator</i> and his own thoughts till dinner, which was
+to be later than usual to-day, on account of an attack of vapours which
+had seized the cook.</p>
+
+<p>His thoughts were too unpleasant to be dwelt on; everything in his world
+seemed to have gone awry. So he occupied himself with what seemed to him
+a particularly uninteresting number of the <i>Spectator</i>. The sun had
+almost disappeared, and very soon it became too dark to read; no candles
+having been brought as yet, my lord, very unromantically, went to sleep
+in his chair. Whether he would have eventually snored is not known, for
+not more than a quarter of an hour afterwards the butler roused him with
+the magic words:</p>
+
+<p>"Dinner is served, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned his head lazily.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that you say, James?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dinner is served, sir," repeated the man, and held the door wide for
+him to pass out.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith! I'm glad to hear it!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord rose leisurely and pulled his cravat more precisely into
+position. Although he was to be alone, he gave his costume a touch here
+and there, and flicked a speck of dust from one great cuff with his
+elegant lace handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p>He strolled across the old panelled hall to the dining-room, and sat
+down at the table.</p>
+
+<p>The curtains were drawn across the windows, and clusters of candles in
+graceful silver holders were arranged on the table, shedding a warm
+light on to the white damask and the shining covers. The footmen
+presented a fish, and my lord permitted a little to be put on his plate.
+The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink claret or burgundy,
+or ale? Mr. Carr would drink claret. A sirloin of beef next made its
+appearance, and went away considerably smaller. Then before my lord was
+spread an array of dishes. Partridges flanked one end, a pasty stood
+next, a cream, two chickens, a duck, and a ham of noble proportions.</p>
+
+<p>My lord went gently through.</p>
+
+<p>The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink a glass of burgundy?
+He exhibited a dusty bottle. My lord considered it through his eyeglass
+and decided in favour. He sipped reflectively and waved the ham away.</p>
+
+<p>Sweetmeats appeared before him and a soup, while plump pigeons were
+uncovered at his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>One was whipped deftly on to his plate, and as he took up his knife and
+fork to carve it, a great scuffling sounded without, angry voices being
+raised in expostulation, and, above all, a breathless, insistent appeal
+for Mr. Carr or Sir Miles. My lord laid down the knife and fork and came
+to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears I am demanded," he said, and went to the door. It was opened
+for him at once, and he stepped out into the hall to find Mr. Beauleigh
+trying to dodge the younger footman, who was refusing to let him pass.
+At the sight of Carstares he stepped back respectfully. Mr. Beauleigh,
+hot, distraught, breathless, fell upon my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God you are here, sir!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares observed him with some surprise. Mr. Beauleigh had been so
+very frigid when last they had met.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to be at your service, sir," he bowed. "You have commands for
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are in terrible trouble," almost moaned the other. "Betty bade me
+come to find you, or failing you, Sir Miles, for none other can help
+us!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' glance grew sharper.</p>
+
+<p>"Trouble? Not&mdash;But I forget my manners&mdash;we shall talk more at ease in
+here." He led Mr. Beauleigh into the morning-room. Beauleigh thrust a
+paper into his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Diana went riding this afternoon, and only her horse returned&mdash;with
+this attached to the pommel! Read it, sir! Read it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Diana!" Carstares strode over to the light, and devoured the contents
+of the single sheet, with eager eyes.</p>
+
+<p>They were not long, and they were very much to the point:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Beauleigh may haply recall to mind a certain 'Mr. Everard,' of
+Bath, whose Addresses to Miss Beauleigh were cruelly repulsed. He
+regrets having now to take the Matter into his Own Hands, and trusts to
+further his Acquaintance with Mr. Beauleigh at some Future Date, when
+Miss Beauleigh shall, He trusts, have become 'Mrs. Everard.'"</p>
+
+<p>Jack crumpled the paper furiously in his hand, grinding out a startling
+oath.</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;insolent cur!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, sir! But what will that avail my daughter? I have come
+straight to you, for my sister is convinced you know this Everard, and
+can tell me where to seek them!"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares clapped a hand on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Never fear, Mr. Beauleigh! I pledge you my word she shall be found this
+very night!"</p>
+
+<p>"You know where he has taken her? You do? You are sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Back to his earth, I'll lay my life; 'tis ever his custom." He strode
+to the door, flung it wide and shot clear, crisp directions at the
+footman. "See to it that my mare is saddled in ten minutes and Blue
+Devil harnessed to your master's curricle! Don't stand staring&mdash;go! And
+send Salter to me!"</p>
+
+<p>The footman scuttled away, pausing only to inform my lord that Salter
+was not in.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares remembered that he had given Jim leave to visit his Mary at
+Fittering, and crushed out another oath. He sprang up the stairs, Mr.
+Beauleigh following breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>In his room, struggling with his boots, he put a few questions.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh related the whole tale, dwelling mournfully on the
+excellent references for Harper he had received from Sir Hugh Grandison.</p>
+
+<p>Jack hauled at his second boot.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy himself, of course!" he fumed, adjusting his spurs.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, Mr. Carr, who is this scoundrel? Is it true that you know him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Andover," answered Jack from the depths of the garde-robe. "Damn the
+fellow, where has he put my cloak?" This to the absent Jim, and not the
+Duke.</p>
+
+<p>"Andover! Not&mdash;surely not the Duke?" cried Mr. Beauleigh.</p>
+
+<p>"I know of none other. At last!"</p>
+
+<p>He emerged and tossed a heavy, many-caped coat on to the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, sir, your attention for one moment."</p>
+
+<p>He was buckling on his sword as he spoke, and not looking at the other
+man.</p>
+
+<p>"Tracy will have borne Di&mdash;Miss Beauleigh off to Andover Court, seven
+miles beyond Wyncham, to the south-west. Your horse, I take it, is not
+fresh," (he knew Mr. Beauleigh's horse). "I have ordered the curricle
+for you. I will ride on at once by short cuts, for there is not a moment
+to be lost&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The Duke of Andover!" interrupted Mr. Beauleigh. "The Duke of Andover!
+Why, do you think he purposes to marry my daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack gave a short, furious laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay! As he married all the others!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh winced.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir! Pray why should you say so?"</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive you do not know his Grace. Perchance you have heard of Devil
+Belmanoir?"</p>
+
+<p>Then the little man paled.</p>
+
+<p>"Good God, Mr. Carr, 'tis not he?"</p>
+
+<p>Carstares caught up his hat and whip.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, Mr. Beauleigh, 'tis indeed he. Now perhaps you appreciate the
+necessity for haste?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Beauleigh's eyes were open at last.</p>
+
+<p>"For God's sake, Mr. Carr, after them!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis what I intend, sir. You will follow as swiftly as possible?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, but do not wait for anything! Can you reach Andover&mdash;in
+time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I reach Andover to-night," was the grim answer. "And you, sir? You know
+the road?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will find out. Only go, Mr. Carr! Do not waste time, I implore you!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack struggled into his riding coat, clapped his hat on to his head, and
+with his Grace of Andover's sword tucked beneath his arm, went down the
+stairs three and four at a time, and hurried out on to the drive, where
+the groom stood waiting with Jenny's bridle over his arm. Carstares cast
+a hasty glance at the girths and sprang up. The mare sidled and
+fidgeted, fretting to be gone, but was held in with a hand of iron while
+her master spoke to the groom.</p>
+
+<p>"You must drive Mr. Beauleigh to Andover Court as fast as you can. It is
+a matter of life and death. You know the way?"</p>
+
+<p>The amazed groom collected his wits with difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"Roughly, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That will do&mdash;Mr. Beauleigh will know. Drive your damnedest, man&mdash;Sir
+Miles won't mind. You understand?"</p>
+
+<p>Jack's word was law in the O'Hara household.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," answered the man, and touched his hat.</p>
+
+<p>On the word, he saw the beautiful straining mare leap forward, and the
+next moment both horse and rider were swallowed in the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>"Well I'm&mdash;darned," exploded the groom, and turned to fetch the
+curricle.</p>
+
+<p>Across the stretch of moorland went Jack at a gallop, Jenny speeding
+under him like the wind, and seeming to catch something of her master's
+excitement. Low over her neck he bent, holding the Duke's sword across
+his saddle-bows with one hand and with the other guiding her. So he
+covered some three miles. He reined in then, and forced her to a canter,
+saving her strength for the long distance ahead of them. She was in
+splendid condition, glorying in the unrestrained gallop across the turf,
+and although she was too well-mannered to pull on the rein, Carstares
+could see by the eager twitching of her ears how she longed to be gone
+over the ground. He spoke soothingly to her and guided her on to the
+very lane where Diana had ridden that afternoon. She fell into a long,
+easy stride that seemed to eat up the ground. Now they were off the
+lane, riding over a field to join another road, leading west. A hedge
+cut them off, but the mare gathered her legs beneath her and soared
+over, alighting as gracefully as a bird, and skimming on again up the
+road.</p>
+
+<p>Her responsive ears flickered as he praised her, and pulled her up.</p>
+
+<p>"Easy now, Jenny, easy!"</p>
+
+<p>She was trembling with excitement, but she yielded to his will and
+trotted quietly for perhaps another half-hour.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares rose and fell rhythmically in the saddle, taking care to keep
+his spurred heels from her glossy sides. He guessed the time to be about
+seven o'clock, and his brows drew together worriedly. Jenny was made of
+steel and lightning, but would she manage it? He had never tested her
+powers as he was about to now, and he dared not allow her much breathing
+space. Every minute was precious if he were to reach Andover before it
+was too late.</p>
+
+<p>Assuming that Tracy had captured Diana at four, or thereabouts, he
+reckoned that it should take a heavy coach four hours or more to reach
+Andover. Jenny might manage it in two and a half hours, allowing for
+short cuts, in which case he ought to arrive not long after the others.</p>
+
+<p>He was tortured by the thought of Diana at the mercy of a man of Tracy's
+calibre; Diana in terror; Diana despairing. Unconsciously he pressed his
+knees against the smooth flank and once more Jenny fell into that long,
+swift stride. She seemed to glide over the ground with never a jar nor a
+stumble. Carstares was careful not to irk her in any way, only keeping a
+guiding, restraining hand on the rein, and for the rest letting her go
+as she willed. On and on they sped, as the time lagged by, sometimes
+through leafy lanes, at others over fields and rough tracks. Not for
+nothing had Carstares roamed this country for two years; almost every
+path was familiar to him; he never took a wrong turn, never swerved,
+never hesitated. On and on, past sleeping villages and lonely
+homesteads, skirting woods, riding up hill and down dale, never
+slackening his hold on the rein, never taking his eyes off the road
+before him, except now and then to throw a glance to the side on the
+look-out for some hidden by-path. After the first hour a dull pain in
+his shoulder reminded him of his wound, still troublesome. He set his
+teeth and pressed on still faster.</p>
+
+<p>The mare caught her foot on a loose stone and stumbled. His hand held
+her together, the muscles standing out like ribbed steel, his voice
+encouraged her, and he made her walk again. This time she did not fret
+against the restraint. He shifted the sword under his bridle hand, and
+passed the right down her steaming neck, crooning to her softly beneath
+his breath.</p>
+
+<p>She answered with a low, throbbing whinny. She could not understand why
+he desired her to gallop on, braving unknown terrors in the dark; all
+she could know was that it was his wish. It seemed also that he was
+pleased with her. She would have cantered on again, but he made her walk
+for, perhaps, another five minutes, until they were come to a stretch of
+common he knew well. It was getting late, and he pressed her with his
+knee, adjuring her to do her best, and urging her to a gallop, leaning
+right forward, the better to pierce the darkness ahead. A gorse bush
+loomed before them, and Jenny shied at it, redoubling her pace.</p>
+
+<p>With hand and voice he soothed her, and on they sped. He judged the time
+to be now about half-past eight, and knew that they must make the
+remaining miles in an hour. Even now the coach might have arrived, and
+beyond that he dared not think.</p>
+
+<p>Another half-hour crept by, and he could feel the mare's breath coming
+short and fast, and reined in again, this time to a canter. He was off
+the moor now, on a road he remembered well, and knew himself to be not
+ten miles from Wyncham. Five more miles as the crow flies.... He knew
+he must give Jenny another rest, and pulled up, dismounting and going to
+her head.</p>
+
+<p>Her legs were trembling, and the sweat rolled off her satin skin. She
+dropped her nose into his hand, sobbingly. He rubbed her ears and patted
+her, and she lipped his cheek lovingly, breathing more easily.</p>
+
+<p>Up again then, and forward once more, skimming over the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving Wyncham on his right, Carstares cut west and then north-west, on
+the highroad now, leading to Andover. Only two more miles to go....</p>
+
+<p>Jenny stumbled again and broke into a walk. Her master tapped her
+shoulder, and she picked up her stride again.</p>
+
+<p>She was almost winded, and he knew it, but he had to force her onwards.
+She responded gallantly to his hand, although her breath came sobbingly
+and her great, soft eyes were blurred.</p>
+
+<p>At last the great iron gates were in view; he could see them through the
+dusk, firmly shut. He pulled up and walked on, looking for a place in
+the hedge where Jenny might push through.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII</h3>
+
+<h3>MY LORD ENTERS BY THE WINDOW</h3>
+
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover made a sign to the footmen, and with a sinking
+heart Diana watched them leave the room, discreetly closing the door
+behind them. She affected to eat a peach, skinning it with fingers that
+were stiff and wooden. Tracy leaned back in his chair, surveying her
+through half-shut eyelids. He watched her eat her peach and rise to her
+feet standing with her hand on the back of the high, carved chair. She
+addressed him nervously and with would-be lightness.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, I have eaten, and I protest I am fatigued. Pray have the
+goodness to conduct me to your housekeeper."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear," he drawled, "nothing would give me greater pleasure&mdash;always
+supposing that I possessed one."</p>
+
+<p>She raised her eyebrows haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>"I presume you have at least a maidservant," she inquired. "If I am to
+remain here, I would retire."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall, child, all in good time. But do not be in a hurry to deprive
+me of your fair company." He rose as he spoke, and taking her hand, led
+her dumbly to a low-backed settee at the other end of the great room.</p>
+
+<p>"If you have aught to say to me, your Grace, I beg that you will reserve
+it until to-morrow. I am not in the humour to-night."</p>
+
+<p>He laughed at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Still so cold, child?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not like to be different, sir."</p>
+
+<p>His eyes glinted.</p>
+
+<p>"You think so? I shall show you that you are wrong, my dear. You may
+loathe me, you may love me, but I think you will lose something of that
+icy indifference. Allow me to point out to you that there is a couch
+behind you."</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive it, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Then be seated."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not worth the while, sir. I am not staying." He advanced one step
+towards her with that in his face that made her sink hurriedly on to the
+couch.</p>
+
+<p>He nodded smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"You are wise, Diana."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so free with my name, sir?" This with icy sweetness.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy flung himself down beside her, his arm over the back of the settee
+and the fingers of his drooping hand just touching her shoulder. It was
+all the girl could do to keep from screaming. She felt trapped and
+helpless, and her nerve was in pieces.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, sweet! An end to this quibbling. Bethink you, is it worth your
+while to anger me?"</p>
+
+<p>She sat rigid and silent.</p>
+
+<p>"I love you&mdash;ay, you shudder. One day you will not do that."</p>
+
+<p>"You call this love, your Grace?" she cried out, between scorn and
+misery.</p>
+
+<p>"Something near it," he answered imperturbably.</p>
+
+<p>"God help you then!" she shivered, thinking of one other who had loved
+her so differently.</p>
+
+<p>"Belike He will," was the pleasant rejoinder. "But we wander from the
+point. It is this: you shall retire to your chamber at once&mdash;er&mdash;armed
+with the key&mdash;an you will swear to marry me to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Very white, she made as if to rise. The thin fingers closed over her
+shoulders, forcing her to remain.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear. Sit still."</p>
+
+<p>Her self-control was slipping away from her; she struggled to be free of
+that hateful hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you brute, you brute! Let me go!"</p>
+
+<p>"When you have given me your answer, sweetheart."</p>
+
+<p>"It is no!" she cried. "A thousand times no!"</p>
+
+<p>"Think...."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought! I would rather die than wed you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Very possibly. But death will not be your lot, my pretty one," purred
+the sinister voice in her ear. "Think carefully before you answer; were
+it not better to marry me with all honour than to&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You devil!" she panted, and looked wildly round for some means of
+escape. The long window was open, she knew, for the curtain blew out
+into the room. But his Grace was between it and her.</p>
+
+<p>"You begin to think better of it, child? Remember, to-morrow will be too
+late. This is your chance, now. In truth," he took a pinch of snuff, "in
+truth, it matters not to me whether you will be a bride or no."</p>
+
+<p>With a sudden movement she wrenched herself free and darted to the
+window. In a flash he was up and had caught her as she reached it,
+swinging her round to face him.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so fast, my dear. You do not escape me so."</p>
+
+<p>His arm was about her waist, drawing her irresistibly towards him. Sick
+with fear, she struck madly at the face bent close to hers.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me go! How dare you insult me so? Oh, for God's sake let me go!"</p>
+
+<p>He was pressing her against him, one hand holding her wrists behind her
+in a grip of iron, his other arm about her shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"For my own sake I will keep you," he smiled, and looked gloatingly down
+at her beautiful, agonised countenance, with its wonderful eyes gazing
+imploringly at him, and the sensitive mouth a-quiver. For one instant he
+held her so, and then swiftly bent his head and pressed his lips to
+hers.</p>
+
+<p>She could neither struggle nor cry out. A deadly faintness assailed her,
+and she could scarcely breathe.</p>
+
+<p>"By God, it is too late!" he swore. "You had best give in, madam&mdash;nought
+can avail you now."</p>
+
+<p>And then the unexpected happened. Even as in her last desperate effort
+to free herself she moaned the name of him whom she deemed hundreds of
+miles away across the sea, a crisp voice, vibrating with a species of
+cold fury, sounded directly behind them.</p>
+
+<p>"You delude yourself, Belmanoir," it said with deadly quiet.</p>
+
+<p>With an oath Tracy released the girl and wheeled to face the intruder.</p>
+
+<p>Framed by the dark curtains, drawn sword in hand, murder in his blue
+eyes, stood my lord.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy's snarl died slowly away as he stared, and a look of blank
+amazement took its place.</p>
+
+<p>Diana, almost unable to believe her eyes, dizzy with the suddenness of
+it all, stumbled blindly towards him, crying:</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God! Thank God! Oh, Jack!"</p>
+
+<p>He caught her in his arms, drawing her gently to the couch.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear heart, you never doubted I should come?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you in France!" she sobbed, and sank down amongst the
+cushions.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares turned to meet his Grace.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy had recovered from the first shock of surprise and was eyeing him
+though his quizzing glass.</p>
+
+<p>"This is an unexpected pleasure, my lord," he drawled with easy
+insolence.</p>
+
+<p>Diana started at the mode of address and looked up at Carstares,
+bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"I perceive your sword in the corner behind you, your Grace!" snapped
+Jack, and flung over to the door, twisting the key round in the lock and
+slipping it into his breeches pocket.</p>
+
+<p>To Diana he was as a stranger, with no laugh in the glittering blue
+eyes, and none of the almost finicking politeness that usually
+characterised his bearing. He was very white, with lips set in a hard
+straight line, and his nostrils slightly expanded.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace shrugged a careless refusal.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Carstares, why should I fight you?" he inquired, seemingly not
+in the least annoyed by the other's intrusion.</p>
+
+<p>"I had anticipated that answer, your Grace. So I brought <i>this</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke Jack drove the sword he held into the wood floor, where it
+stayed, quivering.</p>
+
+<p>Nonchalantly Tracy took it in his hand and glanced at the hilt.</p>
+
+<p>His fingers tightened on it convulsively, and he shot a piercing glance
+at Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"I am entirely at your service," he said very smoothly, and laid the
+sword on the table.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the glare died out of my lord's eyes, and a little triumphant
+smile curved the corners of his mouth. Quickly he divested himself of
+his fine velvet coat, his waistcoat and his scabbard, and pulled off
+the heavy riding boots, caked with mud. He proceeded to tuck up his
+ruffles, awaiting his Grace's convenience.</p>
+
+<p>As one in a dream, Diana saw the table pushed back, the paces measured,
+and heard the ring of steel against steel.</p>
+
+<p>My lord opened the attack after a few moments' cautious circling,
+lunging swiftly and recovering, even as the Duke countered and delivered
+a lightning <i>riposte en quinte</i>. My lord parried gracefully in tierce,
+and chuckled softly to himself.</p>
+
+<p>With parted lips and wide eyes, the girl on the couch watched each fresh
+lunge. A dozen times it seemed as though Carstares must be run through,
+but each time, by some miraculous means, he regained his opposition, and
+the Duke's blade met steel.</p>
+
+<p>Once, indeed, thrusting in <i>quarte</i>, Tracy's point, aimed too high,
+flashed above the other's guard and ripped the cambric shirt at the
+sleeve. My lord retired his foot nimbly, parried, and <i>riposted</i> with a
+straight thrust, wrist held high, before Tracy could recover his
+opposition. The blades clashed as forte met foible, and my lord lunged
+straight at his opponent's breast.</p>
+
+<p>Diana shut her eyes, expecting every moment to hear the dull thud of
+Tracy's body as it should fall to the ground. It did not come, but
+instead there sounded a confused stamping, and scraping of blades, and
+she looked again to find the Duke disengaging over my lord's supple
+wrist and being parried with the utmost ease and dexterity.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares knew that he would not be able to last long, however. His
+shoulder, fretted by the long ride, was aching intolerably, and his
+wrist seemed to have lost some of its cunning. He was conscious of a
+singing in his head which he tried, in vain, to ignore. But his eyes
+glowed and sparkled with the light of battle and the primitive lust to
+kill.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke was fencing with almost superhuman skill, moving heavily and
+deliberately, seemingly tireless.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares, on the other hand, was as swift and light as a panther, grace
+in every turn of his slim body.</p>
+
+<p>He feinted suddenly inside the arm, deceiving the parade of tierce. His
+Grace fell back a pace, parrying in <i>quarte</i>, and as John with a quick
+twist changed to <i>quarte</i> also and the blades crossed, Tracy lunged
+forward the length of his arm, and a deep red splash stained the
+whiteness of my lord's sleeve at the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Diana gave a choked cry, knowing it to be the old wound, and the Duke's
+blade came to rest upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"You are&mdash;satisfied?" he asked coolly, but panting a little.</p>
+
+<p>My lord reeled slightly, controlled himself and brushed his left hand
+across his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"On guard!" was all he replied, ignoring a pleading murmur from the
+girl.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy shrugged, meeting Carstares' blade with his, and the fight went
+on.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy's eyes were almost shut, it appeared to Diana, his chin thrust
+forward, his teeth gripping the thin lower lip.</p>
+
+<p>To her horror she saw that Carstares was breathing in gasps, and that
+his face was ashen in hue. It was torture to her to sit impotent, but
+she held herself in readiness to fly to his rescue should the need
+arise. Suddenly my lord feinted on both sides of the arm and ripped open
+the Duke's sleeve, causing a steady trickle of blood to drip down on to
+the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy took no notice, but countered so deftly that John's blade wavered,
+and he staggered back. For an instant it seemed as though the end had
+come, but somehow he steadied himself, recovering his guard.</p>
+
+<p>Diana was on her feet now, nearly as white as her lover, her hands
+pressed to her breast. She saw that John's point was no longer so
+purposeful, and the smile had gone from his lips. They were parted now,
+the upper one rigid, and a deep furrow cut into his brow.</p>
+
+<p>Then, startling in the stillness of the great house, came the clanging
+of a bell, pulled with some violence.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares' white lips moved soundlessly, and Diana, guessing it to be
+her father, moved, clinging to the wall, towards the door.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later along the passage came the sound of steps; a gay,
+boisterous voice was raised, followed by a deeper, graver one.</p>
+
+<p>His Grace's face became devilish in its expression, but Carstares took
+no notice, seeming not to hear. Only he thrust with such skill that his
+Grace was forced to fall back a pace. The loud voices demanded to know
+what was toward in the locked room, and Diana, knowing that my lord was
+nearly spent, beat upon the panels.</p>
+
+<p>"Quickly, quickly!" she cried. "Break through, for heaven's sake,
+whoever you are! 'Tis locked!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good Gad! 'tis a woman!" exclaimed the voice. "Listen,
+Dick!&mdash;why&mdash;why&mdash;'tis a fight!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, be <i>quick</i>!" implored poor Diana.</p>
+
+<p>And then came the deeper voice: "Stand away, madam, we will burst the
+lock."</p>
+
+<p>She moved quickly aside, turning her attention once more to the duel by
+the window, as Andrew flung his shoulder against the stout wood. At the
+third blow the lock gave, the door flew wide, and Lord Andrew was
+precipitated into the room.</p>
+
+<p>And the two by the window fought on unheeding, faster and faster.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm damned!" said Andrew, surveying them. He walked forward
+interestedly, and at the same moment caught sight of Jack's face. He
+stared in amazement, and called to Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Lord! Here! Dick! Come here! Surely it's&mdash;<i>who</i> is that man?"</p>
+
+<p>Diana saw the tall gentleman, so like her lover in appearance, step
+forward to the young rake's side. The next events happened in a flash.
+She heard a great cry, and before she had time to know what he was
+doing, Richard had whipped his sword from its scabbard and had struck up
+the two blades. In that moment the years rolled back, and, recognising
+his brother, Jack gasped furiously:</p>
+
+<p>"Damn&mdash;you&mdash;Dick! Out&mdash;of&mdash;the way!"</p>
+
+<p>Tracy stood leaning on his sword, watching, his breath coming in gasps,
+but still with that cynical smile on his lips.</p>
+
+<p>Richard, seeing that his brother would fly at the Duke again, closed
+with him, struggling to wrest the rapier from his weakened grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"You fool, John, leave go! Leave go, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>With a twist he had the sword in his hand and sent it spinning across
+the room as without a sound my lord crumpled up and fell with a thud to
+the floor.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII</h3>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH WHAT THREATENED TO BE TRAGEDY TURNS TO COMEDY</h3>
+
+
+<p>With a smothered cry Diana flew across the room to where my lord lay in
+a pitiful little heap, but before her was Richard. He fell on his knees
+beside the still figure, feeling for the wound.</p>
+
+<p>Diana, on the other side, looked across at him.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis his shoulder, sir&mdash;an old wound. Oh, he is not&mdash;he cannot
+be&mdash;<i>dead</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard shook his head dumbly and gently laid bare the white shoulder.
+The wound was bleeding very slightly, and they bound it deftly betwixt
+them, with their united handkerchiefs and a napkin seized from the
+table.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis exhaustion, I take it," frowned Richard, his hand before the pale
+lips. "He is breathing still."</p>
+
+<p>Over her shoulder Diana shot an order:</p>
+
+<p>"One of you men, please fetch water and cognac!"</p>
+
+<p>"At once, madam!" responded Andrew promptly, and hurried out.</p>
+
+<p>She bent once more over my lord, gazing anxiously into his face.</p>
+
+<p>"He will live? You&mdash;are sure? He&mdash;he must have rid all the way from
+Maltby&mdash;for me!" She caught her breath on a sob, pressing one lifeless
+hand to her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"For you, madam?" Richard looked an inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>She blushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;he&mdash;we&mdash;I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I see," said Richard gravely.</p>
+
+<p>She nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and&mdash;and the Duke&mdash;caught me, and&mdash;brought me here&mdash;and&mdash;and then
+<i>he</i> came&mdash;and saved me!"</p>
+
+<p>The air blowing in from the window stirred the ruffles of my lord's
+shirt, and blew a strand of her dark hair across Diana's face. She
+caught it back and stared at Richard with a puzzled air.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, sir&mdash;but you are so like him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am his brother," answered Richard shortly.</p>
+
+<p>Her eyes grew round with surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"His <i>brother</i>, sir? I never knew Mr. Carr had a brother!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr.&mdash;who?" asked Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Carr. It is not his name, is it? I heard the Duke call him
+Carstares&mdash;and&mdash;my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"He is the Earl of Wyncham," answered Richard, stretching out a hand to
+relieve Andrew of the jug of water he was proffering.</p>
+
+<p>"Good&mdash;gracious!" gasped Diana. "B-but he said he was a highwayman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"True? But how&mdash;how ridiculous&mdash;and how like him!"</p>
+
+<p>She soaked a handkerchief in the water, and bathed my lord's forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"He is not coming to in the least," she said nervously. "You are sure
+'tis not&mdash;not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite. He'll come round presently. You said he had ridden far?"</p>
+
+<p>"He must have, sir&mdash;I wish he were not so pale&mdash;he was staying with the
+O'Haras at Maltby."</p>
+
+<p>"What? The O'Haras?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;and he must have ridden from there&mdash;and his wound still so
+tender!" Again she kissed the limp hand.</p>
+
+<p>Over by the window his Grace, his breath recovered, was eyeing Andrew
+through his quizzing-glass.</p>
+
+<p>"May I inquire what brings you here?" he asked sweetly. "And why you saw
+fit to bring the saintly Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"I came because it suited me to do so. I never dreamed you were
+here&mdash;'Pon my soul, I did not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Where then did you think I was?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never thought about you at all, my dear fellow. I'm not your squire."</p>
+
+<p>"Why is Richard here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, what a catechism! He is here because he brought me with him on
+his way to Wyncham. Have you any objection?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would be useless," shrugged Tracy. "Have I killed that young fool?"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew looked him over in disgust.</p>
+
+<p>"No, you have not. You have barely touched him, thanks be."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! Why this sudden affection for Carstares?"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew swung round on his heel, remarking over his shoulder:</p>
+
+<p>"He may be a cheat, but he's a damned fine fellow. By Gad! he nearly
+pinked you as I entered!" He chuckled at the memory of that glorious
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>"He nearly pinked me a dozen times," replied Tracy, binding his arm
+round more tightly. "He fights like ten devils. But he was fatigued."</p>
+
+<p>He followed Andrew across the room and stood looking down at his
+unconscious foe.</p>
+
+<p>Diana's eyes challenged him.</p>
+
+<p>"Stand back, your Grace! You have no more to do here!"</p>
+
+<p>He drew out his snuff-box and took a pinch.</p>
+
+<p>"So that is how the matter lies, my dear. I did not know that."</p>
+
+<p>"You pretend that it would have made a difference in your treatment of
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not the slightest, child," he replied, shutting the box with a snap.
+"It has merely come as a slight surprise to me. It seems he has the luck
+this round." He walked away again as another great bell-peal sounded
+through the house.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew, pouring cognac into a glass, paused with bottle held in mid-air.</p>
+
+<p>"Thunder and turf! We are like to be a party! Who now?" He set the glass
+down and lounged out of the room, bottle in hand. They heard him give an
+astonished cry and a loud laugh, and the next moment O'Hara strode into
+the room, booted and spurred and enveloped in a heavy surcoat. He came
+swiftly upon the little group about my lord and went down on one knee
+beside him. His eyes seemed to take in everyone at a glance. Then he
+looked across at Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he alive?"</p>
+
+<p>Richard nodded, not meeting the hard, anxious gaze.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara bent over his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"He has been wounded?"</p>
+
+<p>Diana answered this.</p>
+
+<p>"Only slightly, Sir Miles, but 'twas his shoulder again. He was tired
+after the ride&mdash;Mr. Carstares thinks he has fainted from exhaustion."</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara very gently slipped one arm beneath my lord's shoulders and the
+other under his knees, rising with him as easily as if he were carrying
+a baby. He walked over to the couch, lowering his burden on to the
+cushions that Diana placed to receive him.</p>
+
+<p>"He will be easier there," he said, and looked across at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are quite safe, child?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite&mdash;quite&mdash;He came just in time&mdash;and fought for me." She dabbed
+openly at her eyes. "I&mdash;I love him so, Sir Miles&mdash;and now I hear that he
+is an Earl!" she sighed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, child, 'twill make no difference, I take it. I hope he'll make ye
+happy."</p>
+
+<p>She smiled through her tears very confidently.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara turned and faced Richard, who was standing a little in the rear,
+watching his brother's face. He met O'Hara's scathing look squarely.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nought," answered the Irishman cuttingly, and walked over to where Lord
+Andrew was arguing hotly with his brother.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares returned to my lord's side and stood looking silently down at
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Diana suddenly gave a little joyful cry.</p>
+
+<p>"He is coming round! He moved his head! Oh, Jack, my dear one, look at
+me!" She bent over him with eyes alight with love.</p>
+
+<p>My lord's eyelids flickered and opened. For a moment he stared at her.</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;Diana!" She took his head between her hands and kissed him full on
+the mouth. Then she raised his head to look into the blue eyes.</p>
+
+<p>My lord's arm crept round her and held her tight against him. After a
+moment she disengaged herself and stood aside. Jack's eyes, still a
+little bewildered, fell upon his brother. He struggled up on his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I dreaming? <i>Dick</i>!" His voice was full of a great joy. Richard went
+quickly to him, trying to put him back on the cushions.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Jack&mdash;no, no&mdash;lie still!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lie still?" cried my lord, swinging his feet to the ground. "Not a bit
+of it! I am well enough, but a trifle dizzy. How in thunder did you come
+here? Surely 'twas you knocked up my sword? Yes? Interfering young cub!
+Give me your arm a minute!"</p>
+
+<p>"But why do you want to get up?" pleaded a soft voice in his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"So that I can take you in my arms, sweetheart," he answered, and
+proceeded to do so.</p>
+
+<p>Then his glance, wandering round the room, alighted on the heated group
+by the table; Andrew vociferously indignant, Tracy coolly sarcastic, and
+O'Hara furious.</p>
+
+<p>"Tare an' ouns!" ejaculated my lord. "Where <i>did</i> they all spring from?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't quite know!" laughed Diana. "Sir Miles came a few minutes
+ago&mdash;the other gentleman came with Mr. Carstares."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, I remember him&mdash;'tis Andrew, eh, Dick? Zounds! how he has grown!
+But what in the world are they all fighting over? Miles! Miles, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara wheeled round, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Oho! Ye are up, are ye." He crossed to his side. "Then sit down!"</p>
+
+<p>"Since you are all so insistent, I will. How did you come here?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara went round to the back of the couch to arrange a cushion beneath
+the hurt shoulder, and leaned his arms upon the back, looking down with
+a laugh in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, I rode!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how did you know? Where&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas all on account of that young rascal David," he said. "Molly
+fretted and fumed all the way to the Frasers, vowing the child would be
+neglected, and what not, and we'd not been in the house above an hour or
+so, when up she jumps and says she knows that <i>something</i> has happened
+at home, and nothing will suffice but that I must drive her back. We
+arrived just as Beauleigh was setting out. He told us the whole tale,
+and of course I had Blue Peter saddled in the twinkling of an eye and
+was off after ye. But, what with taking wrong turns and me horse not
+happening to be made of lightning, I couldn't arrive until now."</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot have been so long after me," said Jack. "For I wasted full
+half-an-hour outside here, trying to find an opening in the hedge for
+Jenny to get through. She is now stalled in a shed at the bottom of the
+lawn with my cloak over her. I'll swear she's thirsty, too."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll see to that," promised O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew came across the room and bowed awkwardly to my lord, stammering a
+little. Carstares held out his hand. "Lord, Andy! I scarce knew you!"</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's hesitation, Andrew took the outstretched hand and
+answered, laughingly. But my lord had not failed to notice the
+hesitation, short though it had been.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;beg your pardon. I had forgot," he said stiffly.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew sat down beside him, rather red about the ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, stuff, Jack! I'm a clumsy fool, but I did not mean that!" Richard
+stepped forward into the full light of the candles.</p>
+
+<p>"If you will all listen to me one moment, I shall be greatly obliged,"
+he said steadily.</p>
+
+<p>Lord John started forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Dick!" he cried, warningly, and would have gone to him, but for
+O'Hara's hand on his shoulder, dragging him back.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, now, be aisy," growled Miles. "Let the man say it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold your tongue, O'Hara! Dick, wait one moment! I want to speak to
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard never glanced at him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am about to tell you something that should have been told&mdash;seven
+years ago&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Once and for all, I forbid it!" snapped my lord, trying to disengage
+himself from O'Hara's grip.</p>
+
+<p>Miles leant over him.</p>
+
+<p>"See here, me boy, if ye don't keep a still tongue in your head, it's
+meself that'll be gagging you, and that's that!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord swore at him.</p>
+
+<p>Diana laid a gentle hand on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Please, John! Please be still! Why should not Mr. Carstares speak?"</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know what he would do!" fumed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"In fact, Miss Beauleigh, Sir Miles and Andrew are completely in the
+dark," drawled the Duke. "Shall I tell the tale, Richard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, I shall not require your assistance," was the cold
+rejoinder. "But I must ask you to be quiet, John."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not! You must n&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That will do," decided O'Hara, and placed a relentless hand over his
+mouth. "Go on, Carstares!"</p>
+
+<p>"For the sake of Miss Beauleigh, I will tell you that seven years ago my
+brother and I went to a card-party. I cheated. He took the blame. He has
+borne it ever since because I was too much a coward to confess. That is
+all I have to say."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas for that ye wanted to see me on Friday?" shot out O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>Richard nodded, dully.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I was going to tell you then."</p>
+
+<p>"H'm! I'm glad ye had decided to play the man's part for once!"</p>
+
+<p>With a furious oath Jack wrenched himself free and rounded on his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>"You take too much upon yourself, O'Hara!"</p>
+
+<p>He rose unsteadily and walked to Richard's side.</p>
+
+<p>"Dick has told you much, but not all. You none of you know the reasons
+we had for acting as we did. But you know him well enough to believe
+that it needed very strong reasons to induce him to allow me take the
+blame. If anyone has aught to say in the matter, I shall be glad if he
+will say it to me&mdash;now!" His eyes flashed menacingly as they swept the
+company, and rested for an instant on O'Hara's unyielding countenance.
+Then he turned and held out his hand to his brother with his own
+peculiarly wistful smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you bear to speak to me?" muttered Richard, with face averted.</p>
+
+<p>"Gad, Dick, don't be ridiculous!" He grasped the unwilling hand. "You
+would have done the same for me!"</p>
+
+<p>Andrew pressed forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I can see no use in raking up old scores! After all, what does it
+matter? It's buried and finished. Here's my hand on it, Dick! Lord! I
+couldn't turn my back on the man I've lived on for years!" He laughed
+irrepressibly, and wrung Richard's hand.</p>
+
+<p>My lord's eyes were on O'Hara, pleading. Reluctantly the Irishman came
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis only fair to tell you, Richard, that I can't see eye to eye with
+Andrew, here. However, I'm not denying that I think a good deal better
+of ye now than I did&mdash;seven years ago."</p>
+
+<p>Richard looked up eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"You never believed him guilty?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly!"</p>
+
+<p>"You knew 'twas I?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had me suspicions, of course."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish&mdash;oh, how I wish you had voiced them!"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara raised his eyebrows, and there fell a little silence. His Grace
+of Andover broke it, coming forward in his inimitable way. He looked
+round the room at each member of the company.</p>
+
+<p>"One, two, three&mdash;four, five&mdash;" he counted. "Andrew, tell them to lay
+covers for five in the dining-room."</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't you staying?" asked his brother, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"I have supped," replied Tracy coolly.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment O'Hara's mouth twitched, and then he burst out laughing.
+Everyone looked at him inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ecod!" he gasped. "Oh, sink me an I ever came across a more amusing
+villain! 'Lay covers for five!' Oh, damme!"</p>
+
+<p>"Or should I have said six?" continued his Grace imperturbably. "Am I
+not to have the honour of Mr. Beauleigh's company?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara checked his mirth.</p>
+
+<p>"No, ye are not! He was content to let me manage the business, and went
+back to Littledean."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry," bowed his Grace, and turned to my lord, who, with his arm
+about Diana's waist, was watching him arrogantly.</p>
+
+<p>"I see how the land lies," he remarked. "I congratulate you, John. I
+cannot help wishing that I had finished you that day in the road. Permit
+me to say that you fence rather creditably."</p>
+
+<p>My lord bowed stiffly.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," continued his Grace smoothly, "you also wish you had
+disposed of me. I sympathise. But, however much you may inwardly despise
+and loathe me, you cannot show it&mdash;unless you choose to make yourself
+and me the talk of town&mdash;not forgetting Mistress Diana. Also I abhor bad
+tragedy. So I trust you will remain here to-night as my guest&mdash;er,
+Andrew, pray do not omit to order bed-chambers to be
+prepared&mdash;Afterwards you need never come near me again&mdash;in fact, I hope
+that you will not."</p>
+
+<p>My lord could not entirely repress a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank your Grace for your hospitality, which I fear," he glanced down
+at Diana's tired face, "I shall be compelled to accept. As to the
+rest&mdash;I agree. Like you, I dislike bad tragedy."</p>
+
+<p>Diana gave a tiny laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"You are all so stiff!" she said <i>I</i> shall go to bed!"</p>
+
+<p>"I will take you to the stairs then," said Jack promptly, and led her
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>She stopped as they were about to pass his Grace, and faced him.</p>
+
+<p>Tracy bowed very low.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night, madam. Carstares will know which room I had assigned to
+you. You will find a servant there."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," she said steadily. "I shall try to forget the happenings of
+this day, your Grace. I see the truth in what you say&mdash;we cannot afford
+to let the world see that we are at enmity, lest it should talk. And, I
+confess it freely, I find it less hard to forgive you the insults of&mdash;of
+to-day, since they brought&mdash;Jack&mdash;to me. An I had not been in such dire
+straits, I might never have seen him again."</p>
+
+<p>"In fact," bowed his Grace, "everything has been for the best!"</p>
+
+<p>"I would not say that, sir," she replied, and went out.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment there was silence in the room. No one quite knew what to
+say. As usual, it was Tracy who came to the rescue, breaking an
+uncomfortable pause.</p>
+
+<p>"I suggest that we adjourn to the dining-room," he said. "I gather we
+may have to wait some time before his lordship reappears. O'Hara, after
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," replied Miles. "Jack's mare is in a shed somewhere. I said
+I would see to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Andrew!" called his Grace. "When you have finished superintending the
+laying of the supper, give orders concerning Carstares' mare!"</p>
+
+<p>A casual assent came from outside, and immediately afterwards Lord
+Andrew's voice was heard shouting instructions to someone, evidently
+some way off.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, the supper-party passed off quite smoothly. His Grace was
+smilingly urbane, Andrew boisterous and amusing, and O'Hara bent on
+keeping the conversation up. Richard sat rather silent, but my lord,
+already deliriously happy, soon let fall his armour and joined in the
+talk, anxious to hear all the news of town for the last six years.</p>
+
+<p>O'Hara was several times hard put to it to keep from laughing out loud
+at his thoughts. The humour of the situation struck him forcibly. After
+fighting as grimly as these men fought, and after all that had
+transpired, that they should both sit down to supper as they were doing,
+appealed to him strongly. He had quite thought that my lord would
+incline to tragedy and refuse to stay an instant longer in the Duke's
+house.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until midnight, when everyone else had gone to bed, that the
+brothers came face to face, alone. The dining-room was very quiet now,
+and the table bore a dissipated look with the remains of supper left on
+it. My lord stood absently playing with the long-handled punch spoon,
+idly stirring the golden dregs at the bottom of the bowl. The candles
+shed their light full on his face, and Richard, standing opposite in the
+shadow, had ample opportunity of studying it.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed to him that he could not look long enough. Unconsciously his
+eyes devoured every detail of the loved countenance and watched each
+movement of the slender hand. He found John subtly changed, but quite
+how he could not define. He had not aged much, and he was still the same
+laughter-loving Jack of the old days, with just that intangible
+difference. O'Hara had felt it, too: a slight impenetrability, a
+reserve.</p>
+
+<p>It was my lord who broke the uncomfortable silence. As if he felt the
+other's eyes upon him, he looked up with his appealing, whimsical smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Devil take it, Dick, we're as shy as two schoolboys!"</p>
+
+<p>Richard did not smile, and his brother came round the table to his side.</p>
+
+<p>"There's nought to be said betwixt us two, Dick. 'Twould be so damned
+unnecessary. After all&mdash;we always shared in one another's scrapes!"</p>
+
+<p>He stood a moment with his hand on Richard's shoulder; then Richard
+turned to him "What you must <i>think</i> of me!" he burst out. "My God, when
+I realise&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know. Believe me, Dick, I know just what you must have felt. But pray
+forget it! It's over now, and buried."</p>
+
+<p>There was another long silence. Lord John withdrew his hand at last, and
+perched on the edge of the table, smiling across at Richard.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd well-nigh forgot that you were a middle-aged papa! A son?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay&mdash;John&mdash;after you."</p>
+
+<p>"I protest I am flattered. Lord, to think of you with a boy of your
+own!" He laughed, twirling his eyeglass.</p>
+
+<p>At last Richard smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"To think of you an uncle!" he retorted, and suddenly all vestige of
+stiffness had fled.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Next morning Richard went on to Wyncham, and Diana, Jack and O'Hara
+travelled back to Sussex. Jack would not go home yet. He protested that
+he was going to be married first, and would then bring home his
+Countess. But he had several instructions to give his brother concerning
+the preparation of his house. The last thing he requested Richard to do
+was to seek out a certain city merchant, Fudby by name, and to rescue a
+clerk, Chilter, from him, bearing him off to Wyncham. All this he called
+from the coach window, just before they set off.</p>
+
+<p>Richard led Jenny, whom he was to ride home, up to the door of the
+vehicle, and expostulated.</p>
+
+<p>"But what in thunder am I to do with the man?"</p>
+
+<p>"Give him to Warburton," advised Jack flippantly. "I know he needs a
+clerk&mdash;he always did!"</p>
+
+<p>"But perhaps he will not desire to come&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You do as I tell you!" laughed his brother. "I shall expect to find him
+at Wyncham when I arrive! <i>Au revoir</i>!" He drew his head in, and the
+coach rumbled off.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX</h3>
+
+<h3>LADY O'HARA IS TRIUMPHANT</h3>
+
+
+<p>After spending a restless night, starting at every sound, and hearing
+the hours strike slowly away, Lady O'Hara arose not a whit refreshed and
+considerably more ill at ease than she had been before.</p>
+
+<p>During the night she had imagined all sorts of impossible horrors to
+have befallen her husband, and if, when the reassuring daylight had
+come, the horrors had somewhat dispersed, enough remained to cause her
+an anxious morning as she alternated between the hall window and the
+gate.</p>
+
+<p>No less worried was Jim Salter. He had returned from Fittering last
+night to find his master and Sir Miles gone, Lady O'Hara in a state of
+frightened bewilderment, and the house in a whirl. No one, least of all
+poor Molly, seemed to know exactly where the two men had gone. All she
+knew was that they had come back upon a scene of turmoil, with Mr.
+Beauleigh in the midst of a small crowd of excited servants. Her husband
+had elbowed his way through, and into his ears had Mr. Beauleigh poured
+his story. Then O'Hara seemed to catch the excitement, and she had been
+hurried into the house with the hasty explanation that Jack was off
+after Devil, who had caught Diana, and he must to the rescue. Ten
+minutes after, she had an alarming vision of him galloping off down the
+drive, his sword at his side and pistols in the saddle-holsters. The
+poor little lady had sent an imploring cry after him, checked almost
+before it had left her lips. Afterwards she wished it had never been
+uttered, and rather hoped that it had escaped O'Hara's ears.</p>
+
+<p>Salter arrived not half-an-hour later, and his feelings when told that
+his beloved master had ridden off in search of a fight, may be more
+easily imagined than described. He was all for setting out in his wake,
+but her ladyship strongly vetoed the plan, declaring that Sir Miles
+would be rescue enough, and she was not going to be left entirely
+without protectors. Jim was far too respectful to point out that there
+were five able-bodied men, not counting himself, in the house, but as
+his master had left no instructions for him, he capitulated.</p>
+
+<p>He proved nought but a Job's comforter next day, for when my lady
+pessimistically premised that both Carstares <i>and</i> her husband were
+undoubtedly hurt, he did not, as she expected he would, strive to
+reassure her, but gave a gloomy assent. Whereupon she cast an indignant
+glance in his direction, and turned her back.</p>
+
+<p>At four in the afternoon they were both in the hall, anxiously watching
+the drive.</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure, 'tis monstrous late!" remarked Molly, with wide,
+apprehensive eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my lady."</p>
+
+<p>"If&mdash;if nought were amiss, they should have been back by now, surely?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes indeed, my lady."</p>
+
+<p>Lady O'Hara stamped her foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't say jes!" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>Jim was startled.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg pardon, m'lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are not to say yes! After all, they may have gone a long
+way&mdash;they&mdash;er&mdash;they may be tired! Jenny may have gone
+lame&mdash;anything&mdash;anything may have happened!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, m'&mdash;I mean certainly, your ladyship!" hastily amended Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"In fact, I should not be surprised an they were not at all hurt!"</p>
+
+<p>He shook his head despondently, but luckily for him the lady failed to
+notice it, and continued with airy cheerfulness:</p>
+
+<p>"For my husband has <i>often</i> told me what an excellent swordsman Mr.
+Carstares is, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Your ladyship forgets his wound."</p>
+
+<p>What she might have been constrained to reply to this is not known, for
+at that moment came the sound of coach-wheels on the gravel. With one
+accord she and Salter flew to the door, and between them, wrenched it
+open, just as a gentleman's travelling coach, postillioned by men in
+gold and black, and emblazoned with the Wyncham arms, drew up at the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>My lady was down the steps in the twinkling of an eye, almost before one
+of the grooms had opened the door to offer an arm to my lord. Carstares
+sprang lightly out, followed by O'Hara, seemingly none the worse for
+wear.</p>
+
+<p>Molly ran straight into her husband's arms, regardless of the servants,
+hugging him.</p>
+
+<p>Jim Salter hurried up to my lord.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are not hurt, sir?" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Carstares handed him his hat and cloak.</p>
+
+<p>"Nought to speak of, Jim. But 'Everard' well-nigh finished me for all
+that!" He laughed at Jim's face of horror, and turned to Molly, who,
+having satisfied herself that her husband was quite uninjured and had
+never once been in danger of his life, had come towards him, full of
+solicitude for his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my dear Jack! Miles tells me you have hurt your poor shoulder
+again! And pray what has been done for it? I dare swear not one of you
+great men had the wit to summon a doctor, as indeed you should have,
+for&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Whist now, asthore!" adjured her husband. "'Tis but a clean scratch
+after all. Take him into the house and give him something to drink! I'll
+swear 'tis what he needs most!"</p>
+
+<p>Molly pouted, laughed and complied.</p>
+
+<p>Over the ale Jack related the whole escapade up to the moment when he
+had parted from Diana at Littledean. Then O'Hara took up the tale with a
+delightful chuckle.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, Molly, ye never saw anything to equal poor old Beauleigh when his
+daughter had told him Jack's name! Faith, he didn't know what to do at
+all, he was so excited! And Miss Betty I thought would have the vapours
+from the way she flew from Di to Jack and back again, in such a state of
+mind as ye can't imagine!"</p>
+
+<p>Molly, who had listened with round eyes, drew a deep ecstatic breath.
+Then she bounced up, clapping her hands, and proclaimed that she was
+right after all!</p>
+
+<p>"What will ye be meaning, alanna?" inquired O'Hara.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, sir, did I not say <i>over</i> and <i>over</i> again that if I could only
+induce Jack to stay with us everything would come right? Now, Miles, you
+know I did!"</p>
+
+<p>"I remember ye said something like it once," admitted her spouse.</p>
+
+<p>"Once, indeed! I was always sure of it. And I did coax you to stay, did
+I not, Jack?" she appealed.</p>
+
+<p>"You did," he agreed. "You assured me that if I was churlish enough to
+leave, Miles would slowly sicken and pine away!"</p>
+
+<p>She ignored her husband's ribald appreciation of this.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you see that 'tis all owing to me that&mdash;" She broke off to shake
+O'Hara, and the meeting ended in riotous hilarity.</p>
+
+<p>When he went to change his clothes, Carstares found Jim already in his
+room awaiting him. He hailed him gaily, and sat down before his
+dressing-table.</p>
+
+<p>"I require a very festive costume to-night, Jim. Rose velvet and cream
+brocade, I think."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, your lordship," was the prim reply.</p>
+
+<p>Jack slewed round.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I understand your lordship is an Earl," said poor Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"Now who was the tactless idiot who told you that? I had intended to
+break the news myself. I suppose now, you know my&mdash;story?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, si&mdash;my lord. I&mdash;I suppose ye won't be requiring my services any
+longer?"</p>
+
+<p>"In heaven's name, why not? Do you wish to leave me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wish to&mdash;! No, sir&mdash;my lord&mdash;I&mdash;I thought ye'd maybe want a smarter
+valet&mdash;and&mdash;not me."</p>
+
+<p>My lord turned back to the mirror and withdrew the pin from his cravat.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be a fool."</p>
+
+<p>This cryptic remark seemed greatly to reassure Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye mean it, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I do. I should be lost without you after all this time. Marry
+that nice girl at Fittering, and she shall maid my lady. For I'm to be
+married as soon as may be!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, s&mdash;my lord! I'm sure I'm very glad, s&mdash;your lordship. Rose, sir?
+With the silver lacing?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think so, Jim. And a cream&mdash;very pale cream waistcoat, broidered in
+with rose. There is one, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir&mdash;your lordship."</p>
+
+<p>My lord eyed him despondently.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;Jim!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;your lordship?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sorry, but I cannot endure it."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg pardon, my lord?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't have you call me 'your lordship,' after every second word&mdash;I
+really cannot."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir&mdash;may I still call you 'sir'?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would much rather you did."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, sir&mdash;thank you...."</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of tying the bow to his master's wig Jim paused, and in
+the mirror Jack saw his face fall.</p>
+
+<p>"What's amiss now? And what have you done with my patches?"</p>
+
+<p>"In that little box, sir&mdash;yes&mdash;that one. I was just thinking&mdash;here's the
+haresfoot, sir&mdash;that I shall never be able to see ye hold up a coach
+now!"</p>
+
+<p>My lord, striving to affix the patch in just the right spot at the
+corner of his mouth, tried to control his features, failed, and went off
+into a peal of laughter that reached O'Hara in the room across the
+landing, and caused him to grin delightedly. He had not heard that laugh
+for many a long day.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3><a name="EPILOGUE" id="EPILOGUE"></a>EPILOGUE</h3>
+
+
+<p>His Grace of Andover sat at the window of his lodgings at Venice,
+looking down at a letter in his hand. The writing was his sister's.
+After a moment he drew a deep breath and broke the seal, spreading the
+sheets out upon the broad sill.</p>
+
+<p>"My very dear Tracy,</p>
+
+<p>"So you have gone again with no Farewell to yr. poor Sister, sir! I am
+indeed very offended, but I understand yr. Reason. As soon as I sett
+mine eyes on Diana I knew the Truth and recognised yr. dark Beauty. I am
+monstrous grieved for you, dear. I quite love her myself, altho' she is
+very tiresomely lovely, but perhaps as she is dark and I am fair, we
+shall not clash.</p>
+
+<p>"The Home-coming was prodigious exciting. Andrew was present, Dicky, of
+course, and me. Mrs. Fanshawe, too, was there, for she knew Jack Abroad,
+and a monstrous queer Old Man, who was vastly fidgetty and overcome to
+see Jack. Then Sir Miles and his wife came, who I thought quite
+agreeable nice People, and Diana's Father and Aunt, rather Bourgeois,
+but, on the whole, presentable.</p>
+
+<p>"Everyone knows the Truth now, but most People have been prodigious kind
+and I scarce notice a difference in our Reception. Dearest Dicky is
+gayer than he was wont to be and more darling, and I almost enjoy being
+a Social Outcast.</p>
+
+<p>"When Diana is properly gowned, as should suit her position (but I
+grieve to say that she prefers to dress plainly), she will make a
+prodigious Elegantt Countess. I have promised to connduct her to my own
+Mantua Maker, which is very sacrificing, as I am sure You will agree. I
+know London will go Crazy about her, and, indeed, those who have
+allready seen her, which is Avon and Falmouth, are positively Foolish. I
+make no doubtt 'twill be very mortifying, but I suppose it must be
+borne.</p>
+
+<p>"She and Jack are prodigious happy together; it is most Unfashionable,
+but so am I happy with Dick, so there are a Pair of us, and we had best
+<i>sett</i> Fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, return soon, my dear Tracy, you cannot conceive how I miss you. I
+was surprised you went away with Mr. Fortescue, I had no Notion you were
+so friendly.</p>
+
+<p>"With dearest Love,</p>
+
+<p>"Yr. Sister</p>
+
+<p>"LAVINIA.</p>
+
+<p>"P.S.&mdash;'Twill interest you to hear that Miss Gunning is to marry
+Coventry. 'Tis all over Town this last Week."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Slowly his Grace put the sheets together and handed them to Fortescue,
+who had just come into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"These, from my sister, may possibly interest you, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>Fortescue read the letter through, and at the end folded it and handed
+it back in silence. Tracy laid it down on the table at his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>"I began&mdash;wrongly," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," assented his friend. "She was not&mdash;that kind of girl."</p>
+
+<p>"But having begun wrongly&mdash;I could not undo the wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"So you made it worse," said Fortescue gently.</p>
+
+<p>"I would have married her in all honour&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In your own arrogant fashion, Tracy."</p>
+
+<p>"As you say&mdash;in my own arrogant fashion, Frank. If I could go back a
+year&mdash;but where's the use? I am not whining. Presently I shall return
+to England and make my bow to&mdash;the Countess of Wyncham. Possibly, I
+shall not feel one jealous qualm. One never knows. At all events&mdash;I'll
+make that bow."</p>
+
+<p>"You will?" Frank looked sharply down at him. "Nothing more, Tracy! You
+do not purpose&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing more. You see, Frank&mdash;I love her."</p>
+
+<p>"I crave your pardon. Yes&mdash;she would not take you, but she has, I think,
+made you. As I once told you, when love came you would count yourself as
+nought, and her happiness as everything."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment his Grace was silent, and then back came the old smile,
+still cynical, yet with less of the sneer in it.</p>
+
+<p>"How very pleasant it must be, Frank, to have one's prophecies so
+happily verified!" he purred. "Allow me to felicitate you!"</p>
+
+
+<p>THE END</p>
+<hr style="width: 95%;" />
+<h3><a name="Contents" id="Contents"></a>Contents</h3>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#PROLOGUE">PROLOGUE</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a></td><td align="left"><a href="#EPILOGUE">EPILOGUE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Black Moth
+       A Romance of the XVIIIth Century
+
+Author: Georgette Heyer
+
+Release Date: January 29, 2012 [EBook #38703]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLACK MOTH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Clare Graham & Laura McDonald
+(http://www.girlebooks.com), Marc D'Hooghe
+(http://www.freeliterature.org)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BLACK MOTH
+
+A ROMANCE OF THE XVIII CENTURY
+
+BY
+
+GEORGETTE HEYER
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+  PROLOGUE         CHAPTER XVI
+  CHAPTER I        CHAPTER XVII
+  CHAPTER II       CHAPTER XVIII
+  CHAPTER III      CHAPTER XIX
+  CHAPTER IV       CHAPTER XX
+  CHAPTER V        CHAPTER XXI
+  CHAPTER VI       CHAPTER XXII
+  CHAPTER VII      CHAPTER XXIII
+  CHAPTER VIII     CHAPTER XXIV
+  CHAPTER IX       CHAPTER XXV
+  CHAPTER X        CHAPTER XXVI
+  CHAPTER XI       CHAPTER XXVII
+  CHAPTER XII      CHAPTER XXVIII
+  CHAPTER XIII     CHAPTER XXIX
+  CHAPTER XIV      EPILOGUE
+  CHAPTER XV
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+
+Clad in his customary black and silver, with raven hair unpowdered and
+elaborately dressed, diamonds on his fingers and in his cravat, Hugh
+Tracy Clare Belmanoir, Duke of Andover, sat at the escritoire in the
+library of his town house, writing.
+
+He wore no rouge on his face, the almost unnatural pallor of which
+seemed designedly enhanced by a patch set beneath his right eye. Brows
+and lashes were black, the former slanting slightly up at the corners,
+but his narrow, heavy-lidded eyes were green and strangely piercing. The
+thin lips curled a little, sneering, as one dead-white hand travelled to
+and fro across the paper.
+
+... but it seems that the Fair Lady has a Brother, who, finding Me
+Enamoured, threw down the Gauntlet. I soundly whipt the presumptuous
+Child, and so the Affair ends. Now, as you, My dear Frank, also took
+some Interest in the Lady, I write for the Express Purpose of informing
+You that at my Hands she has received no Hurt, nor is not like to. This
+I in part tell You that You shall not imagine Yr self in Honor bound
+again to call Me out, which Purpose, an I mistake not, I yesterday read
+in Yr Eyes. I should be Exceeding loth to meet You in a Second Time,
+when I should consider it my Duty to teach You an even severer Lesson
+than Before. This I am not Wishful of doing for the Liking I bear You.
+
+"So in all Friendship believe me, Frank,
+
+"Your most Obedient, Humble
+
+"DEVIL."
+
+His Grace of Andover paused, pen held in mid-air. A mocking smile dawned
+in his eyes, and he wrote again.
+
+"In the event of any Desire on Yr Part to hazard Yr Luck with my late
+Paramour, Permit Me to warn You 'gainst the Bantam Brother, who is in
+Very Truth a Fire-Eater, and would wish to make of You, as of Me, one
+Mouthfull. I shall hope to see You at the Queensberry Rout on Thursday,
+when You may Once More strive to direct mine Erring Footsteps on to the
+Thorny Path of Virtue."
+
+His Grace read the postscript through with another satisfied, sardonic
+smile. Then he folded the letter, and affixing a wafer, peremptorily
+struck the hand-bell at his side.
+
+And the Honourable Frank Fortescue, reading the postscript half-an-hour
+later, smiled too, but differently. Also he sighed and put the letter
+into the fire.
+
+"And so ends another _affaire_. ... I wonder if you'll go insolently to
+the very end?" he said softly, watching the paper shrivel and flare up.
+"I would to God you might fall honestly in love--and that the lady might
+save you from yourself--my poor Devil!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+AT THE CHEQUERS INN, FALLOWFIELD
+
+
+Chadber was the name of the host, florid of countenance, portly of
+person, and of manner pompous and urbane. Solely within the walls of the
+Chequers lay his world, that inn having been acquired by his
+great-grandfather as far back as the year 1667, when the jovial Stuart
+King sat on the English throne, and the Hanoverian Electors were not yet
+dreamed of.
+
+A Tory was Mr. Chadber to the backbone. None so bitter 'gainst the
+little German as he, and surely none had looked forward more eagerly to
+the advent of the gallant Charles Edward. If he confined his patriotism
+to drinking success to Prince Charlie's campaign, who shall blame him?
+And if, when sundry Whig gentlemen halted at the Chequers on their way
+to the coast, and, calling for a bottle of Rhenish, bade him toss down a
+glass himself with a health to his Majesty, again who shall blame Mr.
+Chadber for obeying? What was a health one way or another when you had
+rendered active service to two of his Stuart Highness's adherents?
+
+It was Mr. Chadber's boast, uttered only to his admiring Tory
+neighbours, that he had, at the risk of his own life, given shelter to
+two fugitives of the disastrous 'Forty-five, who had come so far out of
+their way as quiet Fallowfield. That no one had set eyes on either of
+the men was no reason for doubting an honest landlord's word. But no one
+would have thought of doubting any statement that Mr. Chadber might
+make. Mine host of the Chequers was a great personage in the town, being
+able both to read and to write, and having once, when young, travelled
+as far north as London town, staying there for ten days and setting
+eyes on no less a person than the great Duke of Marlborough himself when
+that gentleman was riding along the Strand on his way to St. James's.
+
+Also, it was a not-to-be-ignored fact that Mr. Chadber's home-brewed ale
+was far superior to that sold by the landlord of the rival inn at the
+other end of the village.
+
+Altogether he was a most important character, and no one was more aware
+of his importance than his worthy self.
+
+To "gentlemen born," whom, he protested, he could distinguish at a
+glance, he was almost obsequiously polite, but on clerks and underlings,
+and men who bore no signs of affluence about their persons, he wasted
+none of his deference.
+
+Thus it was that, when a little green-clad lawyer alighted one day from
+the mail coach and entered the coffee-room at the Chequers, he was
+received with pomposity and scarce-veiled condescension.
+
+He was nervous, it seemed, and more than a little worried. He offended
+Mr. Chadber at the outset, when he insinuated that he was come to meet a
+gentleman who might perhaps be rather shabbily clothed, rather short of
+purse, and even of rather unsavoury repute. Very severely did Mr.
+Chadber give him to understand that guests of that description were
+entirely unknown at the Chequers.
+
+There was an air of mystery about the lawyer, and it appeared almost as
+though he were striving to probe mine host. Mr. Chadber bridled, a
+little, and became aloof and haughty.
+
+When the lawyer dared openly to ask if he had had any dealings with
+highwaymen of late, he was properly and thoroughly affronted.
+
+The lawyer became suddenly more at ease. He eyed Mr. Chadber
+speculatively, holding a pinch of snuff to one thin nostril.
+
+"Perhaps you have staying here a certain--ah--Sir--Anthony--Ferndale?"
+he hazarded.
+
+The gentle air of injury fell from Mr. Chadber. Certainly he had, and
+come only yesterday a-purpose to meet his solicitor.
+
+The lawyer nodded.
+
+"I am he. Be so good as to apprise Sir Anthony of my arrival."
+
+Mr. Chadber bowed exceeding low, and implored the lawyer not to remain
+in the draughty coffee-room. Sir Anthony would never forgive him an he
+allowed his solicitor to await him there. Would he not come to Sir
+Anthony's private parlour?
+
+The very faintest of smiles creased the lawyer's thin face as he walked
+along the passage in Mr. Chadber's wake.
+
+He was ushered into a low-ceilinged, pleasant chamber looking out on to
+the quiet street, and left alone what time Mr. Chadber went in search of
+Sir Anthony.
+
+The room was panelled and ceilinged in oak, with blue curtains to the
+windows and blue cushions on the high-backed settle by the fire. A table
+stood in the centre of the floor, with a white table-cloth thereon and
+places laid for two. Another smaller table stood by the fireplace,
+together with a chair and a stool.
+
+The lawyer took silent stock of his surroundings, and reflected grimly
+on the landlord's sudden change of front. It would appear that Sir
+Anthony was a gentleman of some standing at the Chequers.
+
+Yet the little man was plainly unhappy, and fell to pacing to and fro,
+his chin sunk low on his breast, and his hands clasped behind his back.
+He was come to seek the disgraced son of an Earl, and he was afraid of
+what he might find.
+
+Six years ago Lord John Carstares, eldest son of the Earl of Wyncham,
+had gone with his brother, the Hon. Richard, to a card party, and had
+returned a dishonoured man.
+
+That Jack Carstares should cheat was incredible, ridiculous, and at
+first no one had believed the tale that so quickly spread. But he had
+confirmed that tale himself, defiantly and without shame, before riding
+off, bound, men said, for France and the foreign parts. Brother Richard
+was left, so said the countryside, to marry the lady they were both in
+love with. Nothing further had been heard of Lord John, and the outraged
+Earl forbade his name to be mentioned at Wyncham, swearing to disinherit
+the prodigal. Richard espoused the fair Lady Lavinia and brought her to
+live at the great house, strangely forlorn now without Lord John's
+magnetic presence; but, far from being an elated bridegroom, he seemed
+to have brought gloom with him from the honeymoon, so silent and so
+unhappy was he.
+
+Six years drifted slowly by without bringing any news of Lord John, and
+then, two months ago, journeying from London to Wyncham, Richard's coach
+had been waylaid, and by a highwayman who proved to be none other than
+the scapegrace peer.
+
+Richard's feelings may be imagined. Lord John had been singularly
+unimpressed by anything beyond the humour of the situation. That,
+however, had struck him most forcibly, and he had burst out into a fit
+of laughter that had brought a lump into Richard's throat, and a fresh
+ache into his heart.
+
+Upon pressure John had given his brother the address of the inn, "in
+case of accidents," and told him to ask for "Sir Anthony Ferndale" if
+ever he should need him. Then with one hearty handshake, he had galloped
+off into the darkness....
+
+The lawyer stopped his restless pacing to listen. Down the passage was
+coming the tap-tap of high heels on the wooden floor, accompanied by a
+slight rustle as of stiff silks.
+
+The little man tugged suddenly at his cravat. Supposing--supposing
+debonair Lord John was no longer debonair? Supposing--he dared not
+suppose anything. Nervously he drew a roll of parchment from his pocket
+and stood fingering it.
+
+A firm hand was laid on the door-handle, turning it cleanly round. The
+door opened to admit a veritable apparition, and was closed again with a
+snap.
+
+The lawyer found himself gazing at a slight, rather tall gentleman who
+swept him a profound bow, gracefully flourishing his smart
+three-cornered hat with one hand and delicately clasping cane and
+perfumed handkerchief with the other. He was dressed in the height of
+the Versailles fashion, with full-skirted coat of palest lilac laced
+with silver, small-clothes and stockings of white, and waistcoat of
+flowered satin. On his feet he wore shoes with high red heels and silver
+buckles, while a wig of the latest mode, marvellously powdered and
+curled and smacking greatly of Paris, adorned his shapely head. In the
+foaming lace of his cravat reposed a diamond pin, and on the slim hand,
+half covered by drooping laces, glowed and flashed a huge emerald.
+
+The lawyer stared and stared again, and it was not until a pair of deep
+blue, rather wistful eyes met his in a quizzical glance, that he found
+his tongue. Then a look of astonishment came into his face, and he took
+a half step forward.
+
+"Master Jack!" he gasped. "Master--_Jack_!"
+
+The elegant gentleman came forward and held up a reproving hand. The
+patch at the corner of his mouth quivered, and the blue eyes danced.
+
+"I perceive that you are not acquainted with me, Mr. Warburton," he
+said, amusement in his pleasant, slightly drawling voice. "Allow me to
+present myself: Sir Anthony Ferndale, _a vous servir_!"
+
+A gleam of humour appeared in the lawyer's own eyes as he clasped the
+outstretched hand.
+
+"I think you are perhaps not acquainted with yourself, my lord," he
+remarked drily.
+
+Lord John laid his hat and cane on the small table, and looked faintly
+intrigued.
+
+"What's your meaning, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"I am come, my lord, to inform you that the Earl, your father, died a
+month since."
+
+The blue eyes widened, grew of a sudden hard, and narrowed again.
+
+"Is that really so? Well, well! Apoplexy, I make no doubt?"
+
+The lawyer's lips twitched uncontrollably.
+
+"No, Master Jack; my lord died of heart failure."
+
+"Say you so? Dear me! But will you not be seated, sir? In a moment my
+servant will have induced the _chef_ to serve dinner. You will honour
+me, I trust?"
+
+The lawyer murmured his thanks and sat down on the settle, watching the
+other with puzzled eyes.
+
+The Earl drew up a chair for himself and stretched his foot to the fire.
+
+"Six years, eh? I protest 'tis prodigious good to see your face again,
+Mr. Warburton.... And I'm the Earl? Earl and High Toby, by Gad!" He
+laughed softly.
+
+"I have here the documents, my lord...."
+
+Carstares eyed the roll through his quizzing glass.
+
+"I perceive them. Pray return them to your pocket, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"But there are certain legal formalities, my lord--"
+
+"Exactly. Pray do not let us mention them!"
+
+"But, sir!"
+
+Then the Earl smiled, and his smile was singularly sweet and winning.
+
+"At least, not until after dinner, Warburton! Instead, you shall tell me
+how you found me?"
+
+"Mr. Richard directed me where to come, sir."
+
+"Ah, of course! I had forgot that I told him my--_pied-a-terre_ when I
+waylaid him."
+
+The lawyer nearly shuddered at this cheerful, barefaced mention of his
+lordship's disreputable profession.
+
+"Er--indeed, sir. Mr. Richard is eager for you to return."
+
+The handsome young face clouded over. My lord shook his head.
+
+"Impossible, my dear Warburton. I am convinced Dick never voiced so
+foolish a suggestion. Come now, confess! 'tis your own fabrication?"
+
+Warburton ignored the bantering tone and spoke very deliberately.
+
+"At all events, my lord, I believe him anxious to make--amends."
+
+Carstares shot an alert, suspicious glance at him.
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"Yes, sir. Amends."
+
+My lord studied his emerald with half-closed eyelids.
+
+"But why--amends, Warburton?" he asked.
+
+"Is not that the word, sir?"
+
+"I confess it strikes me as inapt. Doubtless I am dull of
+comprehension."
+
+"You were not wont to be, my lord."
+
+"No? But six years changes a man, Warburton. Pray, is Mr. Carstares
+well?"
+
+"I believe so, sir," replied the lawyer, frowning at the deft change of
+subject.
+
+"And Lady Lavinia?"
+
+"Ay." Mr. Warburton looked searchingly across at him, seeing which, my
+lord's eyes danced afresh, brim full with mischief.
+
+"I am delighted to hear it. Pray present my compliments to Mr. Carstares
+and beg him to use Wyncham as he wills."
+
+"Sir! Master Jack! I implore you!" burst from the lawyer, and he sprang
+up, moving excitedly away, his hands twitching, his face haggard.
+
+My lord stiffened in his chair. He watched the other's jerky movements
+anxiously, but his voice when he spoke was even and cold.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+Mr. Warburton wheeled and came back to the fireplace, looking hungrily
+down at my lord's impassive countenance. With an effort he seemed to
+control himself.
+
+"Master Jack, I had better tell you what you have already guessed. I
+know."
+
+Up went one haughty eyebrow.
+
+"You know what, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"That you are innocent!"
+
+"Of what, Mr. Warburton?"
+
+"Of cheating at cards, sir!"
+
+My lord relaxed, and flicked a speck of dust from his great cuff.
+
+"I regret the necessity of having to disillusion you, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"My lord, do not fence with me, I beg! You can trust me, surely?"
+
+"Certainly, sir."
+
+"Then do not keep up this pretence with me; no, nor look so hard
+neither! I've watched you grow up right from the cradle, and Master Dick
+too, and I know you both through and through. I _know_ you never cheated
+at Colonel Dare's nor anywhere else! I could have sworn it at the
+time--ay, when I saw Master Dick's face, I knew at once that he it was
+who had played foul, and you had but taken the blame!"
+
+"No!"
+
+"I know better! Can you, Master Jack, look me in the face and truthfully
+deny what I have said? Can you? Can you?" My lord sat silent.
+
+With a sigh, Warburton sank on to the settle once more. He was flushed,
+and his eyes shone, but he spoke calmly again.
+
+"Of course you cannot. I have never known you lie. You need not fear I
+shall betray you. I kept silence all these years for my lord's sake, and
+I will not speak now until you give me leave."
+
+"Which I never shall."
+
+"Master Jack, think better of it, I beg of you! Now that my lord is
+dead--"
+
+"It makes no difference."
+
+"No difference? 'Twas not for his sake? 'Twas not because you knew how
+he loved Master Dick?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then 'tis Lady Lavinia--"
+
+"No."
+
+"But--"
+
+My lord smiled sadly.
+
+"Ah, Warburton! And you averred you knew us through and through! For
+whose sake should it be but his own?"
+
+"I feared it!" The lawyer made a hopeless gesture with his hands. "You
+will not come back?"
+
+"No, Warburton, I will not; Dick may manage my estates. I remain on the
+road."
+
+Warburton made one last effort.
+
+"My lord!" he cried despairingly, "Will you not at least think of the
+disgrace to the name an you be caught?"
+
+The shadows vanished from my lord's eyes.
+
+"Mr. Warburton, I protest you are of a morbid turn of mind! Do you know,
+I had not thought of so unpleasant a contingency? I swear I was not born
+to be hanged!"
+
+The lawyer would have said more, had not the entrance of a servant,
+carrying a loaded tray, put an end to all private conversation. The man
+placed dishes upon the table, lighted candles, and arranged two chairs.
+
+"Dinner is served, sir," he said.
+
+My lord nodded, and made a slight gesture toward the windows. Instantly
+the man went over to them and drew the heavy curtains across.
+
+My lord turned to Mr. Warburton.
+
+"What say you, sir? Shall it be burgundy or claret, or do you prefer
+sack?"
+
+Warburton decided in favour of claret.
+
+"Claret, Jim," ordered Carstares, and rose to his feet.
+
+"I trust the drive has whetted your appetite, Warburton, for honest
+Chadber will be monstrous hurt an you do not justice to his capons."
+
+"I shall endeavour to spare his feelings," replied the lawyer with a
+twinkle, and seated himself at the table.
+
+Whatever might be Mr. Chadber's failings, he possessed an excellent
+cook. Mr. Warburton dined very well, beginning on a fat duck, and
+continuing through the many courses that constituted the meal.
+
+When the table was cleared, the servant gone, and the port before them,
+he endeavoured to guide the conversation back into the previous
+channels. But he reckoned without my lord, and presently found himself
+discussing the Pretender's late rebellion. He sat up suddenly.
+
+"There were rumours that you were with the Prince, sir."
+
+Carstares set down his glass in genuine amazement.
+
+"I?"
+
+"Indeed, yes. I do not know whence the rumour came, but it reached
+Wyncham. My lord said nought, but I think Mr. Richard hardly credited
+it."
+
+"I should hope not! Why should they think me turned rebel, pray?"
+
+Mr. Warburton frowned.
+
+"Rebel, sir?"
+
+"Rebel, Mr. Warburton. I have served under his Majesty."
+
+"The Carstares were ever Tories, Master Jack, true to their rightful
+king."
+
+"My dear Warburton, I owe nought to the Stuart princes. I was born in
+King George the First's reign, and I protest I am a good Whig."
+
+Warburton shook his head disapprovingly.
+
+"There has never been a Whig in the Wyncham family, sir."
+
+"And you hope there never will be again, eh? What of Dick? Is he
+faithful to the Pretender?"
+
+"I think Mr. Richard does not interest himself in politics, sir."
+
+Carstares raised his eyebrows, and there fell a silence.
+
+After a minute or two Mr. Warburton cleared his throat.
+
+"I--I suppose, sir--you have no idea of--er--discontinuing
+your--er--profession?"
+
+My lord gave an irrepressible little laugh.
+
+"Faith, Mr. Warburton, I've only just begun!"
+
+"Only--But a year ago, Mr. Richard--"
+
+"I held him up? Ay, but to tell the truth, sir, I've not done much since
+then!"
+
+"Then, sir, you are not--er--notorious?"
+
+"Good gad, no! Notorious, forsooth! Confess, Warburton, you thought me
+some heroic figure? 'Gentleman Harry', perhaps?"
+
+Warburton blushed.
+
+"Well, sir--I--er--wondered."
+
+"I shall have to disappoint you, I perceive. I doubt Bow Street has
+never heard of me--and--to tell the truth--'tis not an occupation which
+appeals vastly to my senses."
+
+"Then why, my lord, do you continue?"
+
+"I must have some excuse for roaming the country," pleaded Jack. "I
+could not be idle."
+
+"You are not--compelled to--er--rob, my lord?"
+
+Carstares wrinkled his brow inquiringly.
+
+"Compelled? Ah--I take your meaning. No, Warburton, I have enough for my
+wants--now; time was--but that is past. I rob for amusement's sake."
+
+Warburton looked steadily across at him.
+
+"I am surprised, my lord, that you, a Carstares, should find
+it--amusing."
+
+John was silent for a moment, and when he at length spoke it was
+defiantly and with a bitterness most unusual in him.
+
+"The world, Mr. Warburton, has not treated me so kindly that I should
+feel any qualms of conscience. But, an it gives you any satisfaction to
+know it, I will tell you that my robberies are few and far between. You
+spoke a little while ago of my probable--ah--fate--on Tyburn Tree. I
+think you need not fear to hear of that."
+
+"I--It gives me great satisfaction, my lord, I confess," stammered the
+lawyer, and found nothing more to say. After a long pause he again
+produced the bulky roll of parchment and laid it down before the Earl
+with the apologetic murmur of:
+
+"Business, my lord!"
+
+Carstares descended from the clouds and eyed the packet with evident
+distaste. He proceeded to fill his and his companion's glass very
+leisurely. That done, he heaved a lugubrious sigh, caught Mr.
+Warburton's eye, laughed in answer to its quizzical gleam, and broke the
+seal.
+
+"Since you _will_ have it, sir--business!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Warburton stayed the night at the Chequers and travelled back to
+Wyncham next day by the two o'clock coach. He played piquet and ecarte
+with my lord all the evening, and then retired to bed, not having found
+an opportunity to argue his mission as he had hoped to do. Whenever he
+had tried to turn the conversation that way he had been gently but
+firmly led into safer channels, and somehow had found it impossible to
+get back. My lord was the gayest and most charming of companions, but
+talk "business" he would not. He regaled the lawyer with spicy anecdotes
+and tales of abroad, but never once allowed Mr. Warburton to speak of
+his home or of his brother.
+
+The lawyer retired to rest in a measure reassured by the other's good
+spirits, but at the same time dispirited by his failure to induce
+Carstares to return to Wyncham.
+
+Next morning, although he was not up until twelve, he was before my
+lord, who only appeared in time for lunch, which was served as before in
+the oak parlour.
+
+He entered the room in his usual leisurely yet decided fashion and made
+Mr. Warburton a marvellous leg. Then he bore him off to inspect his
+mare, Jenny, of whom he was inordinately proud. By the time they
+returned to the parlour luncheon was served, and Mr. Warburton realised
+that he had scarcely any time left in which to plead his cause.
+
+My lord's servant hovered continually about the room, waiting on them,
+until his master bade him go to attend to the lawyer's valise. When the
+door had closed on his retreating form, Carstares leaned back in his
+chair, and, with a rather dreary little smile, turned to his companion.
+
+"You want to reason with me, I know, Mr. Warburton, and, indeed, I will
+listen an I must. But I would so much rather that you left the subject
+alone, believe me."
+
+Warburton sensed the finality in his voice, and wisely threw away his
+last chance.
+
+"I understand 'tis painful, my lord, and I will say no more. Only
+remember--and think on it, I beg!"
+
+The concern in his face touched my lord.
+
+"You are too good to me, Mr. Warburton, I vow. I can only say that I
+appreciate your kindness--and your forbearance. And I trust that you
+will forgive my seeming churlishness and believe that I am indeed
+grateful to you."
+
+"I wish I might do more for you, Master Jack!" stammered Warburton, made
+miserable by the wistful note in his favourite's voice. There was no
+time for more; the coach already awaited him, and his valise had been
+hoisted up. As they stood together in the porch, he could only grip my
+lord's hand tightly and say good-bye. Then he got hurriedly into the
+coach, and the door was slammed behind him.
+
+My lord made his leg, and watched the heavy vehicle move forward and
+roll away down the street. Then with a stifled sigh he turned and walked
+towards the stables. His servant saw him coming and went at once to meet
+him.
+
+"The mare, sir?"
+
+"As you say, Jim--the mare. In an hour."
+
+He turned and would have strolled back.
+
+"Sir--your honour!"
+
+He paused, looking over his shoulder.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"They're on the look-out, sir. Best be careful."
+
+"They always are, Jim. But thanks."
+
+"Ye--ye wouldn't take me with ye, sir?" pleadingly.
+
+"Take you? Faith, no! I've no mind to lead you into danger. And you
+serve me best by remaining to carry out my orders."
+
+The man fell back.
+
+"Ay, sir; but--but--"
+
+"There are none, Jim."
+
+"No, sir--but ye _will_ have a care?"
+
+"I will be the most cautious of men." He walked away on the word, and
+passed into the house.
+
+In an hour he was a very different being. Gone was the emerald ring, the
+foppish cane; the languid air, too, had disappeared, leaving him brisk
+and businesslike. He was dressed for riding, with buff coat and buckskin
+breeches, and shining top boots. A sober brown wig replaced the powdered
+creation, and a black tricorne was set rakishly atop.
+
+He stood in the deserted porch, watching Jim strap his baggage to the
+saddle, occasionally giving a curt direction. Presently Mr. Chadber
+appeared with the stirrup-cup, which he drained and handed back with a
+word of thanks and a guinea at the bottom.
+
+Someone called lustily from within, and the landlord, bowing very low,
+murmured apologies and vanished.
+
+Jim cast a last glance at the saddle-girths, and, leaving the mare
+quietly standing in the road, came up to his master with gloves and
+whip.
+
+Carstares took them silently and fell to tapping his boot, his eyes
+thoughtfully on the man's face.
+
+"You will hire a coach, as usual," he said at length, "and take my
+baggage to--" (He paused, frowning)--"Lewes. You will engage a room at
+the White Hart and order dinner. I shall wear--apricot and--h'm!"
+
+"Blue, sir?" ventured Jim, with an idea of being helpful.
+
+His master's eyes crinkled at the corners.
+
+"You are a humorist, Salter. Apricot and cream. Cream? Yes, 'tis a
+pleasing thought--cream. That is all--Jenny!"
+
+The mare turned her head, whinnying as he came towards her.
+
+"Good lass!" He mounted lightly and patted her glossy neck. Then he
+leaned sideways in the saddle to speak again to Salter, who stood beside
+him, one hand on the bridle.
+
+"The cloak?"
+
+"Behind you, sir."
+
+"My wig?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Pistols?"
+
+"Ready primed, sir."
+
+"Good. I shall be in Lewes in time for dinner--with luck."
+
+"Yes, sir. Ye--ye will have a care?" anxiously.
+
+"Have I not told you?" He straightened in the saddle, touched the mare
+with his heel, and bestowing a quick smile and a nod on his man, trotted
+easily away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+MY LORD AT THE WHITE HART
+
+
+"Sir Anthony Ferndale" sat before the dressing-table in his room at the
+White Hart, idly polishing his nails. A gorgeous silk dressing gown lay
+over the back of his chair, and, behind him, Jim was attending to his
+wig, at the same time hovering anxiously over the coat and waistcoat
+that were waiting to be donned.
+
+Carstares left off polishing his nails, yawned, and leaned back in his
+chair, a slim, graceful figure in cambric shirt and apricot satin
+breeches. He studied his cravat for some moments in the mirror, and
+lifted a hand to it. Salter held his breath. With extreme deliberation
+the hand moved a diamond and emerald pin the fraction of an inch to one
+side, and fell to his side again. Salter drew a relieved breath, which
+brought his master's eyes round to himself.
+
+"No trouble, Jim?"
+
+"None at all, sir."
+
+"Neither had I. 'Twas most surprisingly easy. The birds had no more
+fight in them than sparrows. Two men in a coach--one a bullying rascal
+of a merchant, the other his clerk. Gad! but I was sorry for that little
+man!" He paused, his hand on the rouge pot.
+
+Salter looked an inquiry.
+
+"Yes," nodded Carstares. "Very sorry. The fat man would appear to bully
+and browbeat him after the manner of his kind; he even blamed him for my
+advent, the greasy coward! Yes, Jim, you are right--he did not appeal to
+me, _ce M. Fudby_. So--" ingenuously, "I relieved him of his cash-box
+and two hundred guineas. A present for the poor of Lewes."
+
+Jim jerked his shoulder, frowning.
+
+"If ye give away all ye get, sir, why do ye rob at all?" he asked
+bluntly.
+
+His whimsical little smile played about my lord's mouth.
+
+"'Tis an object for my life, Jim: a noble object. And I believe it
+amuses me to play Robin Hood--take from the rich to give to the poor,"
+he added, for Salter's benefit. "But to return to my victims--you would
+have laughed had you but seen my little man come tumbling out of the
+coach when I opened the door!"
+
+"Tumble, sir? Why should he do that?"
+
+"He was at pains to explain the reason. It seems he had been commanded
+to hold the door to prevent my entering--so when I jerked it open,
+sooner than loose his hold, he fell out on to the road. Of course, I
+apologised most abjectly--and we had some conversation. Quite a nice
+little man.... It made me laugh to see him sprawling on the road,
+though!"
+
+"Wish I could have seen it, your honour. I would ha' liked fine to ha'
+been beside ye." He looked down at the lithe form with some pride. "I'd
+give something to see ye hold up a coach, sir!"
+
+Haresfoot in hand, Jack met his admiring eyes in the glass, and laughed.
+
+"I make no doubt you would.... I have cultivated a superb voice, a
+trifle thick and beery, a little loud, perhaps--ah, something to dream
+of o' nights! I doubt they do, too," he added reflectively, and affixed
+the patch at the corner of his mouth.
+
+"So? A little low, you think? But 'twill suffice--What's toward?"
+
+Down below in the street there was a great stirring and bustling:
+horses' hoofs, shouts from the ostlers, and the sound of wheels on the
+cobble-stones. Jim went to the window and looked down, craning his neck
+to see over the balcony.
+
+"'Tis a coach arrived, sir."
+
+"That much had I gathered," replied my lord, busy with the powder.
+
+"Yes, sir. O lord, sir!" He was shaken with laughter.
+
+"What now?"
+
+"'Tis the curiousest sight, sir! Two gentlemen, one fat and t'other
+small! One's all shrivelled-looking, like a spider, while t'other--"
+
+"Resembles a hippopotamus--particularly in the face?"
+
+"Well yes, sir. He do rather. And he be wearing purple."
+
+"Heavens, yes! Purple, and an orange waistcoat!"
+
+Jim peered afresh.
+
+"So it is, sir! But how did you know?" Even as he put the question,
+understanding flashed into Jim's eyes.
+
+"I rather think that I have had the honour of meeting these gentlemen,"
+replied my lord placidly. "My buckle, Jim.... Is't a prodigious great
+coach with wheels picked out in yellow?"
+
+"Ay, your honour. The gentlemen seem a bit put out, too."
+
+"That is quite probable. Does the smaller gentleman wear
+somewhat--ah--muddied garments?"
+
+"I can't see, sir; he stands behind the fat gentleman."
+
+"Mr. Bumble Bee.... Jim!"
+
+"Sir!" Jim turned quickly at the sound of the sharp voice.
+
+He found that my lord had risen, and was holding up a waistcoat of
+pea-green pattern on a bilious yellow ground, between a disgusted finger
+and thumb. Before his severe frown Jim dropped his eyes and stood
+looking for all the world like a schoolboy detected in some crime.
+
+"You put this--this monstrosity--out for _me_ to wear?" in awful tones.
+
+Jim eyed the waistcoat gloomily and nodded.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Did I not specify cream ground?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I thought--I thought that 'twas cream!"
+
+"My good friend, it is--it is--I cannot say what it is. And pea-green!"
+he shuddered. "Remove it."
+
+Jim hurried forward and disposed of the offending garment.
+
+"And bring me the broidered satin. Yes, that is it. It is particularly
+pleasing to the eye."
+
+"Yes, sir," agreed the abashed Jim.
+
+"You are excused this time," added my lord, with a twinkle in his eye.
+"What are our two friends doing?"
+
+Salter went back to the window
+
+"They've gone into the house, sir. No, here's the spider gentleman! He
+do seem in a hurry, your honour!"
+
+"Ah!" murmured his lordship. "You may assist me into this coat. Thanks."
+
+With no little difficulty, my lord managed to enter into the fine satin
+garment, which, when on, seemed moulded to his back, so excellently did
+it fit. He shook out his ruffles and slipped the emerald ring on to his
+finger with a slight frown.
+
+"I believe I shall remain here some few days," he remarked presently.
+"To--ah--allay suspicion." He looked across at his man as he spoke,
+through his lashes.
+
+It was not in Jim's nature to inquire into his master's affairs, much
+less to be surprised at anything he might do or say. He was content to
+receive and promptly execute his orders, and to worship Carstares with a
+dog-like devotion, following blindly in his wake, happy as long as he
+might serve him.
+
+Carstares had found him in France, very down upon his luck, having been
+discharged from the service of his late master owing to the penniless
+condition of that gentleman's pocket. He had engaged him as his own
+personal servant, and the man had remained with him ever since, proving
+an invaluable acquisition to my Lord John. Despite a singularly wooden
+countenance, he was by no means a fool, and he had helped Carstares out
+of more than one tight corner during his inglorious and foolhardy career
+as highwayman. He probably understood his somewhat erratic master better
+than anyone else, and he now divined what was in his mind. He returned
+that glance with a significant wink.
+
+"'Twas them gentlemen ye held up to-day, sir?" he asked, jerking an
+expressive thumb towards the window.
+
+"M'm. Mr. Bumble Bee and friend. It would almost appear so. I think I do
+not fully appreciate Mr. Bumble Bee. I find his conduct rather tiresome.
+But it is just possible that he thinks the same of me. I will further my
+acquaintance with him."
+
+Jim grunted scornfully, and an inquiring eye was cocked at him.
+
+"You do not admire our friend? Pray, do not judge him by his exterior.
+He may possess a beautiful mind. But I do not think so. N-no, I really
+do not think so." He chuckled a little. "Do you know, Jim, I believe I
+am going to enjoy myself to-night!"
+
+"I don't doubt it, your honour. 'Twere child's play to trick the fat
+gentleman."
+
+"Probably. But it is not with the fat gentleman that I shall have to
+deal. 'Tis with all the officials of this charming town, an I mistake
+not. Do I hear the small spider returning?"
+
+Salter stepped back to the window.
+
+"Ay, sir--with three others."
+
+"Pre-cisely. Be so good as to hand me my snuff-box. And my cane. Thank
+you. I feel the time has now come for me to put in an appearance. Pray,
+bear in mind that I am new come from France and journey by easy stages
+to London. And cultivate a stupid expression. Yes, that will do
+excellently."
+
+Jim grinned delightedly; he had assumed no expression of stupidity, and
+was consequently much pleased with this pleasantry. He swung open the
+door with an air, and watched "Sir Anthony" mince along the passage to
+the stairs.
+
+In the coffee-room the city merchant, Mr. Fudby by name, was relating
+the story of his wrongs, with many an impressive pause, and much
+emphasis, to the mayor, town-clerk, and beadle of Lewes. All three had
+been fetched by Mr. Chilter, his clerk, in obedience to his orders, for
+the bigger the audience the better pleased was Mr. Fudby. He was now
+enjoying himself quite considerably, despite the loss of his precious
+cash-box.
+
+So was not Mr. Hedges, the mayor. He was a fussy little man who suffered
+from dyspepsia; he was not interested in the affair, and he did not see
+what was to be done for Mr. Fudby. Further, he had been haled from his
+dinner, and he was hungry; and, above all, he found Mr. Fudby very
+unattractive. Still, a highroad robbery was serious matter enough, and
+some course of action must be thought out; so he listened to the story
+with an assumption of interest, looking exceedingly wise, and, at the
+proper moments, uttering sounds betokening concern.
+
+The more he saw and heard of Mr. Fudby, the less he liked him. Neither
+did the town-clerk care for him. There was that about Mr. Fudby that did
+not endear him to his fellow-men, especially when they chanced to be his
+inferiors in the social scale. The beadle did not think much about
+anything. Having decided (and rightly) that the affair had nothing
+whatever to do with him, he leaned back in his chair and stared stolidly
+up at the ceiling.
+
+The tale Mr. Fudby was telling bore surprisingly little resemblance to
+the truth. It was a much embellished version, in which he himself had
+behaved with quite remarkable gallantry. It had been gradually concocted
+during the journey to Lewes.
+
+He was still holding forth when my lord entered the room. Carstares
+raised his glass languidly to survey the assembled company, bowed
+slightly, and walked over to the fire. He seated himself in an armchair
+and took no further notice of anybody.
+
+Mr. Hedges had recognised at a glance that here was some _grand
+seigneur_ and wished that Mr. Fudby would not speak in so loud a voice.
+But that individual, delighted at having a new auditor, continued his
+tale with much relish and in a still louder tone.
+
+My lord yawned delicately and took a pinch of snuff.
+
+"Yes, yes," fussed Mr. Hedges. "But, short of sending to London for the
+Runners, I do not see what I can do. If I send to London, it must, of
+course, be at your expense, sir."
+
+Mr. Fudby bristled.
+
+"At _my_ expense, sir? Do ye say at _my_ expense? I am surprised! I
+repeat--I am surprised!"
+
+"Indeed, sir? I can order the town-crier out, describing the horse,
+and--er--offering a reward for the capture of any man on such an
+animal. But--" he shrugged and looked across at the town-clerk--"I do
+not imagine that 'twould be of much use--eh, Mr. Brand?"
+
+The clerk pursed his lips and spread out his hands.
+
+"I fear not; I very much fear not. I would advise Mr. Fudby to have a
+proclamation posted up round the country." He sat back with the air of
+one who has contributed his share to the work, and does not intend to
+offer any more help.
+
+"Ho!" growled Mr. Fudby. He blew out his cheeks. "'Twill be a grievous
+expense, though I suppose it must be done, and I cannot but feel that if
+it had not been for your deplorably cowardly conduct, Chilter--yes,
+cowardly conduct, I say--I might never have been robbed of my two
+hundred!" He snuffled a little, and eyed the flushed but silent Chilter
+with mingled reproach and scorn. "However, my coachman assures me he
+could swear to the horse again, although he cannot remember much about
+the man himself. Chilter! How did he describe the horse?"
+
+"Oh--er--chestnut, Mr. Fudby--chestnut, with a half-moon of white on its
+forehead, and one white foreleg."
+
+Jack perceived that it was time he took a hand in the game. He half
+turned in his chair and levelled his quizzing-glass at Mr. Chilter.
+
+"I beg your pardon?" he drawled.
+
+Mr. Fudby's eye brightened. The fine gentleman was roused to an
+expression of interest at last. He launched forth into his story once
+more for my lord's benefit. Carstares eyed him coldly, seeing which, Mr.
+Hedges came hurriedly to the rescue.
+
+"Er--yes, Mr. Fudby--quite so! Your pardon, sir, I have not the honour
+of knowing your name?"
+
+"Ferndale," supplied Jack, "Sir Anthony Ferndale."
+
+"Er--yes--" Mr. Hedges bowed. "Pray pardon my importuning you with
+our--"
+
+"Not at all," said my lord.
+
+"No--quite so--The fact is, these--er--gentlemen have had
+the--er--misfortune to be waylaid on their journey here."
+
+Sir Anthony's glass was again levelled at the group. His expression
+betokened mild surprise.
+
+"_All_ these gentlemen?" he inquired blandly. "Dear, dear!"
+
+"Oh, no, no, no, sir! Not all--Only Mr.--er--"
+
+"Fudby," said that worthy, and discovered that Sir Anthony was bowing
+frigidly. At once he rose, and resting his knuckles on the table before
+him, bent his body slowly and painfully. Sir Anthony inclined his head.
+Whereupon, to the delight of all the rest, Mr. Fudby bowed again with
+even greater stateliness than before. Mr. Hedges observed Sir Anthony's
+lips to twitch convulsively. He waited for Mr. Fudby to subside, and
+then continued:
+
+"Yes--Mr. Fudby and Mr.--"
+
+"My clerk!" snapped Fudby.
+
+Sir Anthony favoured Mr. Chilter with his peculiarly sweet smile, and
+turned again to Mr. Hedges.
+
+"I see. A _daylight_ robbery, you say?"
+
+"Broad daylight!" boomed Mr. Fudby.
+
+"Er--yes, yes," interposed the mayor, fearing a fresh outbreak from that
+quarter. "I wonder if you have seen anything of such an animal as
+Mr.--er--Chilter--described?"
+
+"'Tis a most extraordinary thing," said Carstares slowly, "but I have
+just bought such an one." He glanced round with an inquiring smile and
+one eyebrow lifted.
+
+"Well!" ejaculated Mr. Fudby. "Well!"
+
+"Dear me, sir, what a strange coincidence! May I ask where you bought
+it, and from whom?"
+
+"She has not been in my possession over two hours. I bought her from an
+out-at-elbows ruffian, on my way hither. I thought at one time that
+'twas strange that the man should possess such a mare--pure bred, I
+vow--and wondered why he was so eager to be rid of her."
+
+"He was eager because he knew he would be recognised by her," explained
+Mr. Fudby kindly.
+
+"Without doubt. Perhaps you would like to see her? I will send my man--"
+
+"Oh no, no!" cried the mayor. "We would not dream of so inconveniencing
+you--"
+
+"'Twere a pleasure," bowed Jack, devoutly hoping that Mr. Fudby would
+not require to see Jenny, who, he felt sure, would betray him by her
+very evident affection.
+
+"No, no, Sir Anthony, 'tis quite unnecessary, I assure you, but I thank
+you for all that. Mr. Fudby, if you would describe the man himself, I
+will see to the proclamation."
+
+"Describe him, Chilter!" ordered Mr. Fudby, who was becoming rather
+grumpy.
+
+Mr. Chilter smiled suddenly.
+
+"Certainly, sir!" he said with alacrity. "'Twas a great ruffianly
+fellow, monstrous tall--"
+
+"How tall?" interrupted the town-clerk. "Six feet?"
+
+"Oh, quite!" lied Mr. Chilter. "And fat."
+
+Jack's shoulders shook.
+
+"Fat, you say?" he asked gently.
+
+"Very fat," affirmed Mr. Chilter. "And prodigious rough, swearing
+dreadfully in his speech."
+
+"You could not see his face, I suppose?"
+
+Mr. Chilter hesitated.
+
+"I could see his mouth and chin," he said, "and I remarked a long scar
+running from his under-lip to the--er--bottom of his face."
+
+Involuntarily Carstares' hand caressed his perfectly smooth chin. Either
+the little clerk was a born romancer, or for some reason or other he did
+not want the highwayman to be taken.
+
+"Well, Sir Anthony?" the mayor was saying. "Does that description fit
+your man?"
+
+My lord frowned thoughtfully.
+
+"Tall," he said slowly, "and fat--you said fat, I think, Mr. Chilter?"
+
+Rather anxiously Mr. Chilter reiterated this statement.
+
+"Ah! And with a long scar--yes, that is undoubtedly he. Furthermore," he
+added audaciously, "he has a squint in his left eye. 'Tis a most
+ill-favoured rogue in all."
+
+"It would appear so, Sir Anthony," remarked the mayor drily. He did not
+in the least believe the story of the squint, and imagined that the fine
+court gentleman was amusing himself at their expense. Nevertheless, he
+had no intention of remonstrating; the sooner he could withdraw from
+this very tiresome affair the better. So he gravely took down all the
+absurd particulars, remarked that the man should be easy to find, and
+made ready to depart.
+
+The town-clerk rose, and tapped the beadle on the shoulder, whereupon
+that worthy, with a grunt, abandoned his pose of masterly inactivity and
+followed the mayor out of the room.
+
+Mr. Fudby rose.
+
+"I doubt I shall never see my money again," he said pettishly. "If you,
+Chilter had not been so--"
+
+"Allow me to offer you some snuff, Mr. Chilter," interposed my lord
+gently, extending his jewelled box. "Doubtless, sir, you would wish to
+see my mare?"
+
+"I know nought of horses," snorted Mr. Fudby. "'Tis my clerk who appears
+to have remarked all the details." He sneered terrifically.
+
+"Then pray, do me the honour of walking as far as the stables, Mr.
+Chilter. 'Twere as well to be certain about the mare. Mr.-ah--Fudby,
+your servant."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"And now, Mr. Chilter, I have a grudge against you," said Carstares, as
+they walked across the little garden.
+
+"Me, sir? Oh--er--have you, Sir Anthony?"
+
+He looked up and perceived that the gentleman was laughing.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Chilter, a very serious grudge: you have described me as fat!"
+
+Chilter nearly fainted.
+
+"_You_, sir," he gasped, and stared in amazement.
+
+"Also that I swear dreadfully in my speech, and that I have a scar
+running from my mouth to my chin."
+
+Mr. Chilter stood stock-still in the middle of the path.
+
+"It was you, sir, all the time? _You_ held us up? Were _you_ the man who
+wrenched open the door?"
+
+"I was that infamous scoundrel. I beg leave once more to apologise for
+my carelessness in opening that same door. Now tell me, why did you
+take such pains to throw dust in their sleepy eyes?"
+
+They resumed their walk slowly. The little clerk flushed.
+
+"I scarce know, sir, save that I--that I liked you, and--and--"
+
+"I see. 'Twas prodigious good of you, Mr. Chilter. I wonder if there is
+anything that I can do to show my gratitude?"
+
+Again the clerk flushed and lifted his head proudly.
+
+"I thank you, sir, but there is nought."
+
+By now they had reached the stable. Carstares opened the door and they
+entered.
+
+"Then will you accept this in token of my regard, sir?"
+
+Mr. Chilter gazed at the emerald ring that glowed and winked at him from
+the palm of my lord's hand. He looked up into the blue eyes and
+stammered a little.
+
+"Indeed, sir--I--I--"
+
+"'Tis honestly come by!" pleadingly. "Come, Mr. Chilter, you'll not hurt
+my feelings by refusing? You will keep it in remembrance of a man--a fat
+man, Mr. Chilter--who rudely jerked you on to the road?"
+
+The clerk took it with unsteady fingers.
+
+"I thank you most--"
+
+"Nay, I beg of you. 'Tis I thank you for aiding me so kindly.... Come
+and see my Jenny! Well, lass?" For the mare at the first sound of his
+voice had turned in her loose-box, and was whinnying and pawing the
+ground eagerly.
+
+"I do not understand, sir, anything: how it is that you are a
+highwayman, or why you have honoured me with your confidence--why you
+should trust me. But--thank you."
+
+As he spoke, Mr. Chilter placed his hand in my lord's, and for the
+second time in his life, felt the pressure of those firm, kindly
+fingers.
+
+"Why, your honour! Ye've lost your emerald!"
+
+"No, Jim. I gave it away."
+
+"Ye--ye _gave_ it away, sir?"
+
+"M'm. To the small spider."
+
+"B-but--"
+
+"And he called me fat, too."
+
+"Called ye fat, sir?" asked the man, bewildered.
+
+"Yes. Very fat. By the way, let me tell you that I bought Jenny at
+Fittering to-day from the naughty ruffian who waylaid Mr. Bumble Bee."
+He proceeded to give Jim a sketch of what had transpired below. When he
+had finished the man shook his head severely.
+
+"I doubt ye'll never learn wisdom, sir," he scolded.
+
+"I? What have I done?"
+
+"What did ye want to tell it all to the spider man for, sir? 'Twas most
+incautious of ye. Like as not, he'll split to the fat gentleman, and
+we'll have the whole town at our heels."
+
+"Which just shows all you know of the small spider," replied his master
+calmly. "Hand me the powder."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+INTRODUCING THE HON. RICHARD CARSTARES
+
+
+Wyncham! A stately old house with mullioned windows, standing high on
+its stone terraces, half-covered by creepers; a house surrounded by
+lawns, rolling down on the one side to a river that rippled and murmured
+its way along beneath overhanging trees and a blue sky, over boulders
+and rocks, so clear and sparkling that the myriad pebbles could be seen
+deep down on its bed.
+
+In the other direction, the velvet lawns stretched away till they met
+the orchards and the quiet meadowland.
+
+On two sides the house had its terraces, very white in the sunshine,
+with stone steps leading down to a miniature lake where water-lilies
+grew, and where the tiny fish darted to and fro unconcernedly.
+
+Flagged walks there were, running between flower beds a riot of colour,
+and solemn old trees that had stood there through all the years. Cool
+woodland lay beyond the little river, carpeted with dark moss, where in
+spring the primroses grew. So thick was the foliage of the trees that
+the sun but penetrated in uneven patches.
+
+Up the terrace walls crept roses, yellow and red, pink and white, and
+tossed their trailing sprays across the parapet. Over the walls of the
+house they climbed, mingling with purple clematis, jasmine, and sickly
+honeysuckle. The air was heavy with their united perfumes, while, wafted
+from a bed below, came the smoky scent of lavender.
+
+The old house seemed half asleep, basking in the sunlight. Save for a
+peacock preening its feathers on the terrace steps, there was no sign of
+life....
+
+The old place had harboured generations of Carstares. Earl had succeeded
+Earl and reigned supreme, and it was only now that there was no Earl
+living there. No one knew where he was. Scarce a month ago one died, but
+the eldest son was not there to take his place. For six years he had
+been absent, and none dared breathe his name, for he disgraced that
+name, and the old Earl cast him off and forbade all mention of him. But
+the poor folk of the countryside remembered him. They would tell one
+another tales of his reckless courage; his sweet smile and his winning
+ways; his light-heartedness and his never-failing kindness and
+good-humour. What a rider he was! To see him sit his horse! What a
+swordsman! Do ye mind the time he fought young Mr. Welsh over yonder in
+the spinney with half the countryside watching? Ah, he was a one, was
+Master Jack! Do ye mind how he knocked the sword clean out o' Mr.
+Welsh's hand, and then stood waiting for him to pick it up? And do ye
+mind the way his eyes sparkled, and how he laughed, just for the sheer
+joy o' living?
+
+Endless anecdotes would they tell, and the old gaffers would shake their
+heads and sigh, and long for the sight of him again. And they would jerk
+their thumbs towards the Manor and shrug their old shoulders
+significantly. Who wanted Mr. Richard for squire? Not they, at least.
+They knew he was a good squire and a kindly man, but give them Master
+John, who would laugh and crack a joke and never wear the glum looks
+that Mr. Richard affected.
+
+In the house, Richard Carstares paced to and fro in his library, every
+now and again pausing to glance wretchedly up at the portrait of his
+brother hanging over his desk. The artist had managed to catch the
+expression of those blue eyes, and they smiled down at Richard in just
+the way that John was always wont to smile--so gaily, and withal so
+wistfully.
+
+Richard was twenty-nine, but already he looked twice his age. He was
+very thin, and there were deep lines on his good-looking countenance.
+His grey eyes bore a haunted, care-worn look, and his mouth, though
+well-shaped, was curiously lacking in determination. He was dressed
+soberly, and without that touch of smartness that had characterised him
+six years ago. He wore black in memory of his father, and it may have
+been that severity, only relieved by the lace at his throat, that made
+his face appear so prematurely aged. There was none of his brother's
+boyishness about him; even his smile seemed forced and tired, and his
+laughter rarely held merriment.
+
+He pulled out his chronometer, comparing it with the clock on the
+mantelpiece. His pacing took him to the door, and almost nervously he
+pulled it open, listening.
+
+No sound came to his ears. Back again, to and fro across the room,
+eagerly awaiting the clanging of a bell. It did not come, but presently
+a footfall sounded on the passage without, and someone knocked at the
+door.
+
+In two strides Richard was by it, and had flung it wide. Warburton stood
+there.
+
+Richard caught his hand.
+
+"Warburton! At last! I have been waiting this hour and more!"
+
+Mr. Warburton disengaged himself, bowing.
+
+"I regret I was not able to come before, sir," he said primly.
+
+"I make no doubt you travelled back as quickly as possible--come in,
+sir."
+
+He led the lawyer into the room and shut the door.
+
+"Sit down, Warburton--sit down. You--you found my brother?"
+
+Again Warburton bowed.
+
+"I had the felicity of seeing his lordship, sir."
+
+"He was well? In good spirits? You thought him changed--yes? Aged
+perhaps, or--"
+
+"His lordship was not greatly changed, sir."
+
+Richard almost stamped in his impatience.
+
+"Come, Warburton, come! Tell me everything. What did he say? Will he
+take the revenues? Will he--"
+
+"His lordship, sir, was reluctant to take anything, but upon maturer
+consideration, he--ah--consented to accept his elder son's portion. The
+revenues of the estate he begs you will make use of."
+
+"Ah! But you told him that I would touch nought belonging to him?"
+
+"I tried to persuade his lordship, sir. To no avail. He desires you to
+use Wyncham as you will."
+
+"I'll not touch his money!"
+
+Warburton gave the faintest of shrugs.
+
+"That is as you please, sir."
+
+Something in the suave voice made Richard, from his stand by the desk,
+glance sharply down at the lawyer. Suspicion flashed into his eyes. He
+seemed about to speak, when Warburton continued:
+
+"I believe I may set your mind at rest on one score, Mr. Carstares: his
+lordship's situation is tolerably comfortable. He has ample means."
+
+"But--but he lives by--robbery!"
+
+Warburton's thin lips curled a little.
+
+"Does he not?" persisted Carstares.
+
+"So he would have us believe, sir."
+
+"'Tis true! He--waylaid me!"
+
+"And robbed you, sir?"
+
+"Rob me? He could not rob his own brother, Warburton!"
+
+"Your pardon, Mr. Carstares--you are right: his lordship could not rob a
+brother. Yet have I known a man do such a thing."
+
+For a long minute there was no word spoken. The suspicion that had dwelt
+latent in Carstares' eyes sprang up again. Some of the colour drained
+from his cheeks, and twice he passed his tongue between his lips. The
+fingers of his hand, gripping a chair-back, opened and shut
+spasmodically. Rather feverishly his eyes searched the lawyer's face,
+questioning.
+
+"John told you--told you--" he started, and floundered hopelessly.
+
+"His lordship told me nothing, sir. He was singularly reticent. But
+there was nothing he could tell me that I did not already know."
+
+"What do you mean, Warburton? Why do you look at me like that? Why do
+you fence with me? In plain words, what do you mean?"
+
+Warburton rose, clenching his hands.
+
+"I know you, Master Richard, for what you are!"
+
+"Ah!" Carstares flung out his hand as if to ward off a blow.
+
+Another tense silence. With a great effort Warburton controlled himself,
+and once more the mask of impassivity seemed to descend upon him. After
+that one tortured cry Richard became calm again. He sat down; on his
+face a look almost of relief, coming after a great strain.
+
+"You learnt the truth ... from John. He ... will expose me?"
+
+"No, sir. I have not learnt it from him. And he will never expose you."
+
+Richard turned his head. His eyes, filled now with a species of dull
+pain, looked full into Warburton's.
+
+"Oh?" he said. "Then you...?"
+
+"Nor I, sir. I have pledged my word to his lordship. I would not speak
+all these years for your father's sake--now it is for his." He choked.
+
+"You ... are fond of John?" Still the apathetic, weary voice.
+
+"Fond of him--? Good God, Master Dick, I love him!"
+
+"And I," said Richard, very low.
+
+He received no reply, and looked up.
+
+"You don't believe me?"
+
+"Once, sir, I was certain of it. Now--!" he shrugged.
+
+"Yet 'tis true, Warburton. I would give all in my power to undo that
+night's work."
+
+"You cannot expect me to believe that, sir. It rests with you alone
+whether his name be cleared or not. And you remain silent."
+
+"Warburton, I--Oh, do you think it means nothing to me that John is
+outcast?"
+
+Before the misery in those grey eyes some of Warburton's severity fell
+away from him.
+
+"Master Richard, I want to think the best I can of you. Master Jack
+would tell me nothing. Will you not--can you not explain how it came
+that you allowed him to bear the blame of your cheat?"
+
+Richard shuddered.
+
+"There's no explanation--no excuse. I forced it on him! On Jack, my
+brother! Because I was mad for love of Lavinia--Oh, my God, the thought
+of it is driving me crazed! I thought I could forget; and then--and
+then--I met him! The sight of him brought it all back to me. Ever since
+that day I have not known how to live and not shriek the truth to
+everyone! And I never shall! I never shall!"
+
+"Tell me, sir," pleaded Warburton, touched in spite of himself.
+
+Richard's head sunk into his hands.
+
+"The whole scene is a nightmare.... I think I must have been mad.... I
+scarce knew what I was about. I--"
+
+"Gently, sir. Remember I know hardly anything. What induced you to mark
+the cards?"
+
+"That debt to Gundry. My father would not meet it; I had to find the
+money. I could not face the scandal--I tell you I was mad for Lavinia! I
+could think of nought else. I ceased to care for John because I thought
+him in love with her. I could not bear to think of the disgrace which
+would take her from me.... Then that night at Dare's. I was losing; I
+knew I could not pay. Gad! but I can see my notes of hand under
+Milward's elbow, growing... growing.
+
+"Jack had played Milward before me, and he had won. I remember they
+laughed at him, saying his luck had turned at last--for he always lost
+at cards. Milward and I played with the same pack that they had
+used.... There was another table, I think. Dare was dicing with
+Fitzgerald; someone was playing faro with Jack behind me. I heard Jack
+say his luck was out again--I heard them laugh.... And all the time I
+was losing ... losing.
+
+"The pin of my cravat fell out on to my knee. I think no one saw it. As
+I picked it up the thought that I should mark the cards seemed to flash
+into my mind--oh, it was despicable, I know! I held the ace of clubs in
+my hand: I scratched it with that pin--in one corner. It was easily
+done. By degrees I marked all four, and three of the kings.
+
+"No one noticed, but I was nervous--I dared do no more. I replaced that
+pin. Soon I began to win--not very much. Then Tracy Belmanoir came
+across the room to watch our play. From that moment everything seemed to
+go awry. It was the beginning of the trouble.
+
+"Tracy stood behind me watching.... I could feel him there, like some
+black moth, hovering.... I don't know how long he stayed like that--it
+seemed hours. I could feel his eyes.... I could have shrieked--I'll
+swear my hands were trembling.
+
+"Suddenly he moved. I had played the ace of hearts. He said: 'One
+moment!' in that soft, sinister voice of his.
+
+"Milward was surprised. I tried to tell myself that Devil had noticed
+nothing.... The mark on that card was so faint that I could scarce see
+it myself. I thought it impossible that he, a mere onlooker, should
+discover it. He stepped forward. I remember he brushed my shoulder. I
+remember how the light caught the diamonds he was wearing. I think my
+brain was numbed. I could only repeat to myself: 'Extravagant Devil!
+Extravagant Devil!' and stare at those winking jewels. Then I thought:
+'He is Lavinia's brother, but I do not like him; I do not like him...'
+--little foolish things like that--and my throat was dry--parched.
+
+"He bent over the table ... stretched out his white, white hand ...
+turned over the ace ... lifted his quizzing glass ... and stared down at
+the card. Then he dropped the glass and drew out his snuff-box.... It
+had Aphrodite enamelled on the lid. I remember it so distinctly.... I
+heard Tracy ask Milward to examine the ace. I wanted to spring up and
+strangle him.... I could scarce keep my hands still." Richard paused. He
+drew his hand across his eyes, shuddering.
+
+"Milward saw the scratch. He cried out that the cards were marked!
+Suddenly everyone seemed to be gathered about our table--all talking!
+Jack had his hand on my shoulder; he and Dare were running through the
+pack. But all the while I could look at no one but Tracy--Andover. He
+seemed so sinister, so threatening, in those black clothes of his. His
+eyes were almost shut--his face so white. And he was looking at me! He
+seemed to be reading my very soul.... For an instant I thought he knew!
+I wanted to shout out that he was wrong! I wanted to shriek to him to
+take his eyes away! Heaven knows what I should have done!... but he
+looked away--at Jack, with that sneering smile on his damned mask of a
+face! I could have killed him for that smile! I think Jack understood
+it--he dropped the cards, staring at Tracy.
+
+"Everyone was watching them ... no one looked at me. If they had they
+must surely have learnt the truth; but they were hanging on Andover's
+lips, looking from him to Jack and back again.... I remember Fitzgerald
+dropped his handkerchief--I was absurdly interested in that. I was
+wondering why he did not pick it up, when Andover spoke again.... 'And
+Carstares' luck turned...?' Like that, Warburton! With just that faint,
+questioning in his voice.
+
+"Before Jack could speak there was an outcry. Dare cried 'Shame!' to
+Andover. They laughed at him, as well they might. But I saw them
+exchange glances--they were wondering.... It was suspicious that Jack
+should have had that run of luck--and that he should lose as soon as he
+left that table.
+
+"Milward--poor, silly Milward--gaped at Tracy and stuttered that surely
+'twas another pack we had used. I could hardly breathe! Then Andover
+corrected him--How did he _know_? No one else remembered, or thought of
+noticing--only he!
+
+"I can see Jack now, standing there so stiffly, with his head thrown up,
+and those blue eyes of his flashing.
+
+"'Do I understand you to accuse me, Belmanoir?' he said. Oh, but he was
+furious!
+
+"Tracy never said a word. Only his eyes just flickered to my face and
+away again.
+
+"Jack's hand was gripping my shoulder hard. I could feel his anger....
+Dare called out that the suggestion was preposterous. That John should
+cheat!
+
+"Tracy asked him if the cards were his. Gad! I can hear his soft,
+mocking voice now!
+
+"Dare went purple--you know his way, Warburton.
+
+"'Opened in your presence on this table!' he cried.
+
+"'By Carstares!' smiled Tracy.
+
+"It was true. But why should Tracy remember it, and none other? They
+stared at him, amazed. Dare turned to Jack for corroboration. He nodded.
+I think he never looked haughtier....
+
+"You know how fond of Jack Dare was? He tried to bluster it off--tried
+to get control over the affair. It was to no avail. We were puppets,
+worked by that devil, Belmanoir! One man managing that ghastly scene....
+He pointed out that only three of us had used that pack: Jack, Milward
+and I.
+
+"Jack laughed.
+
+"'Next you will accuse Dick!' he snapped scornfully.
+
+"'One of you, certainly,' smiled Andover. 'Or Milward.'
+
+"Then everyone realised that one of us three must have marked the cards.
+Milward was upset, but no one suspected him. It was Jack--or me.
+
+"As long as I live I shall never forget the horror of those moments. If
+I were exposed it meant the end of everything between Lavinia and me. I
+tell you, Warburton, I would have committed any sin at that moment!
+Nothing would have been too black--I could not bear to lose her. You
+don't know what she meant to me!"
+
+"I can guess, sir," said the lawyer, gravely.
+
+"No, no! No one could imagine the depths of my love for her! I think not
+even Jack.... I felt his hand leave my shoulder.... The truth had dawned
+on him. I heard the way the breath hissed between his teeth as he
+realised.... Somehow I got to my feet, clutching at the table, facing
+him. I don't excuse myself--I know my conduct was beyond words
+dastardly. I looked across at him--just said his name, as though I could
+scarce believe my ears. So all those watching thought. But Jack knew
+better. He knew I was imploring him to save me. He understood all that I
+was trying to convey to him. For an instant he stared at me. I
+thought--I thought--God forgive me, I prayed that he might take the
+blame on himself. Then he smiled. Coward though I was, when I saw that
+hurt, wistful little smile on his lips, I nearly blurted out the whole
+truth. Not quite.... I suppose I was too mean-spirited for that.
+
+"Jack bowed to the room and again to Dare. He said: 'I owe you an
+apology, sir.'
+
+"Dare sprang forward, catching him by the shoulder--crying out that it
+could not be true! When Jack laughed--he fell away from him as from the
+plague. And all of them! My God, to see them drawing away--not looking
+at Jack! And Jack's face--growing paler and harder ... every moment....
+All his friends... turning their backs to him. Davenant--even Jim
+Davenant walked away to the fireplace with Evans.
+
+"I could not look at Jack. I dared not. I could not go to him--stand by
+him! I had not the right. I had to leave him there--in the middle of the
+room--alone. The awful hurt in his eyes made me writhe. The room was
+whirling round--I felt sick--I know I fell back into my chair, hiding my
+face. I hardly cared whether they suspected me or not. But they did not.
+They knew how great was the love between us, and they were not surprised
+that I broke down.
+
+"I heard Andover's soft voice ... he was telling some tale to Dare. Oh,
+they were well-bred those men! They skimmed over the unpleasant little
+episode--ignored Jack!
+
+"Jack spoke again. I could guess how bravely he was keeping a proud
+front. I know word for word what he said: 'Mr. Dare, your Grace,
+Gentlemen--my apologies for being the cause of so unpleasant an
+incident. Pray give me leave.'
+
+"They paid no heed. I heard him walk to the door--heard him open it. I
+could not look at him. He--he paused ... and said just one word: 'Dick!'
+quite softly. Heaven knows how I got to him! I know I overturned my
+chair. That drew Dare's attention. He said: 'You are not going, Dick?' I
+shouted 'Yes,' at him, and then Jack took my arm, leading me out.
+
+"And--and all he said was: 'Poor old Dick!'... He--he had no word of
+blame for me. He would not allow me to go back and tell the truth--as I
+would have done. Ay, Warburton, when Jack called me to him, I could have
+cried it aloud--but--he would not have it.... He said: 'For Lavinia's
+sake.'..."
+
+Warburton blew his nose violently. His fingers were trembling.
+
+"You know what happened afterwards. You know how my father turned Jack
+out penniless--you know how his friends shunned him--you know my poor
+mother's grief. And you know that he went away--that we could not find
+him when--my mother died.... His last words to me--were: 'Make
+Lavinia-happy--and try to forget--all this.' Forget it! Heavens! Try as
+I might, I could hear nothing further of him until two months ago, when
+he--waylaid me. Then I was half-dazed at the suddenness of it. He--he
+grasped my hand--and--laughed! It was so dark, I could scarce see him. I
+only had time to demand his address, and then--he was off--galloping
+away over the heath. I think--even then--he bore no malice."
+
+"He does not now!" said Warburton sharply. "But, Master Dick, if all
+this is true, why do you not even now clear him? Surely--"
+
+Richard turned his head slowly.
+
+"Now I may not drag my wife's name through the mud. By clearing him--I
+ruin her."
+
+Warburton could find nothing to say. Only after some time did he clear
+his throat and say that he was honoured by Carstares' confidence.
+
+"You--ah--you dwell on the part played by his Grace on that evening.
+Surely your--shall we say--overwrought imagination magnified that?"
+
+Richard was disinterested.
+
+"I suppose so. Mayhap 'twas his extraordinary personality dominating me.
+He cannot have pulled the wires as I thought he did. Not even Belmanoir
+could make me act as I did. But--but at the time I felt that he was
+pushing--pushing--compelling me to accuse Jack. Oh, doubtless I was
+mad!"
+
+Warburton eyed the dejected figure compassionately. Then he seemed to
+harden himself and to regain some of his lost primness of manner.
+
+"You--ah--you are determined not to accept the revenues, sir?"
+
+"I have not yet sunk so low, Mr. Warburton."
+
+"His lordship leaves Wyncham and all appertaining to it at your
+disposal. He would be grieved at your refusal."
+
+"I will not touch it."
+
+The lawyer nodded.
+
+"I confess, Mr. Carstares, I am relieved to hear you say that. It will
+not be necessary again to communicate with his lordship. I think he does
+not desire any intercourse with--his family. He finds it too painful.
+But he wished to be remembered to you, sir. Also to her ladyship."
+
+"Thank you.... You could--ascertain nothing of his situation? He did not
+confide in you?"
+
+"He was very reticent, sir. I think he is not unhappy."
+
+"And not--embittered?"
+
+"Certainly not that, sir."
+
+Mr. Warburton rose, plainly anxious to be gone.
+
+Reluctantly Richard followed his example.
+
+"You--have nothing further to tell me of him?"
+
+"I regret, sir--nothing."
+
+Richard went slowly to the door, and opened it.
+
+"You must allow me to thank you, sir, for your goodness in undertaking
+what I know must have been a painful task. I am very grateful."
+
+Mr. Warburton bowed low.
+
+"I beg you will not mention it, sir. Nothing I might do for the
+Carstares could be aught but a pleasure."
+
+Again he bowed, and the next instant was gone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+INTRODUCING THE LADY LAVINIA CARSTARES
+
+
+Richard went slowly back to his chair. After a moment he sat down,
+staring blankly out of the window, his hands loosely clasped on the desk
+before him. So he remained for a long while, immobile. At last, with the
+faintest of sighs, he moved and picked up a quill. He dipped it in the
+ink, and, with his other hand, drew towards him a sheaf of papers.
+Presently he was writing steadily.
+
+For perhaps twenty minutes the quill travelled to and fro across the
+pages; then it paused, and Richard looked up towards the door.
+
+It opened to admit Lady Lavinia. She came rustling into the room with
+her embroidery in her hand. She dropped her husband a mock curtsey and
+went over to a high-backed armchair, stretching out a dimpled hand to
+draw it forward. But even as her fingers touched it she had changed her
+mind, and fluttered over to the couch, there to seat herself with much
+swirling of brocades and arrangement of skirts. She then proceeded to
+occupy herself with her work, plying her needle hurriedly and jerkily.
+
+Richard watched her in silence, following each turn of the pretty hand
+and each movement of her fair head.
+
+The silence was evidently not to my lady's taste, for she presently
+began to beat an impatient tattoo on the floor with one slender foot.
+Still he said nothing, and she raised her pure china-blue eyes to his
+face.
+
+"Why so glum, Dick? Why do you not talk to me?" Her voice was rather
+high-pitched and childish, and she had a curious way of ending each
+sentence with an upward lilt and a long drawn-out accent, very
+fascinating to listen to.
+
+Richard smiled with an obvious effort.
+
+"Am I, my dear? I crave your pardon. Warburton has just been."
+
+Her face clouded over instantly, and the full-lipped mouth drooped
+petulantly.
+
+"He has seen him."
+
+"Oh?" She made the word twice its length, and filled it with
+disinterest.
+
+"Yes. Jack will have none of it. He asks me to be his steward and to use
+Wyncham as I will. He is very generous."
+
+"Yes, oh yes. And you will, Richard?"
+
+He ignored the question.
+
+"He--Warburton--says he is not much changed."
+
+"Oh?" Again the long-drawn monosyllable, accompanied by a tiny yawn.
+
+"He says he does not think--Jack--bears me ill-will--" He paused, as if
+expecting her to speak, but she was absorbed in arranging two
+flowers--culled from a bowl at her side--at her breast, and took no
+notice. Carstares turned his head away wearily.
+
+"If it were not for you, my dear, I would tell the truth. I believe I
+shall go crazed an I do not."
+
+"Dick!" ... She dropped the flowers on the floor and thought no more
+about them. "Dick!"
+
+"Oh, you need have no fear! I do not suppose," bitterly, "that I have
+the courage to face them all now--after six years."
+
+Lavinia moved restlessly, brushing her hand along the couch.
+
+"You will not do it, Richard? Promise! You _will_ not? I could not bear
+the disgrace of it; promise me you will never do it?"
+
+"No," he said slowly, not looking at her. "No, I cannot promise that."
+
+She sprang to her feet, flinging her broidery from her carelessly, and
+waved fierce, agitated little hands.
+
+"That means you will do it. You _want_ to disgrace me! You do not _care_
+how you hurt me by holding this threat over my head so cruelly! You--"
+
+"Lavinia, for heaven's sake!" he implored, pushing back his chair. "Calm
+yourself!" He knew she was about to fly into one of her sudden passions,
+and frowned with acute vexation.
+
+"I will not! Oh yes, yes! You think me a shrew! I know! I know! But you
+need not frown on me, sir, for you are worse! No, I will not hush. I am
+a horrid woman, yes, but you are a cheat--a cheat--a cheat!"
+
+Carstares strode over to her.
+
+"Lavinia!"
+
+"No--no! Leave me alone! You make me miserable! You refuse me everything
+that I want most, and then you threaten to disgrace me--"
+
+"That is untrue!" cried Richard, goaded into replying. "I will not
+promise, that is all. What have I refused you that was within my means
+to give you? God knows you try your best to ruin me--"
+
+"There! There! 'Tis _I_ who am to blame! Pray, did you not induce my
+lord to leave his money to John when you knew he would have willed it
+all to you an you had kept silence? You took no thought to me--"
+
+"For heaven's sake, Lavinia, be still! You do not know what you are
+saying!"
+
+She pressed her hands to her hot cheeks.
+
+"No--I am unreasonable! I know it, but don't _tell_ me so, for I cannot
+bear it! And don't look reproach at me, Richard! You drive me mad, I
+tell you!" She was sweeping up and down the room like some caged animal,
+lashing herself to a worse fury.
+
+"Say something, Richard! _Do_ something! Don't stand there so quietly!
+Oh, you should never have married me! I displease you, and you make me
+worse; and you do not see how 'tis that I cannot live without pleasure,
+and money! I am despicable? Yes, yes, but what are you? Oh, why did you
+tell me you cheated _after_ you had wedded me?" Angry sobs escaped her;
+her handkerchief was in shreds upon the floor.
+
+Carstares turned his back to her, that she might not see how she had
+contrived to hurt him, and the movement drove her to fresh fury.
+
+"Don't do that! Don't! Don't! You make me worse by your dreadful
+silence! Oh, if you really loved me!"
+
+"You cannot doubt that!" he cried out, wheeling suddenly round. "You
+know how I love you! Don't you?" He gripped her by the shoulders and
+swung her to face him.
+
+She trembled and gave a sobbing little laugh. As suddenly as it had
+come, her anger left her.
+
+"Oh, yes, yes! You do love me, Dicky?" She twined her arms about his
+neck and shrank closer.
+
+"God help me, yes!" he groaned, thrusting her away. "And you--you care
+for no one save yourself!"
+
+"No! No!" she cried, pressing up to him again. "Do not say that, Dick.
+Indeed, I love you, but I cannot live without gaiety--you know I
+cannot. Oh, I do not doubt but what I am very selfish, but 'tis the way
+I am fashioned, and I cannot change my nature. And now I have hurt you,
+and I did not mean to! I did not mean to!"
+
+"My dear, I know you did not; but try to be less a child, I beg of you!
+You are so uncontrolled, so--"
+
+"I knew you would say that," she answered in a dead voice. "You do not
+understand me. You expect me to be good, and patient, and forbearing,
+and I tell you 'tis not in my nature."
+
+"But, Lavinia, you can control your passions," he said gently.
+
+"No! I cannot! We Belmanoirs--as God made us, so we are--and He made us
+spendthrift, and pleasure-loving, and mad!" She walked slowly to the
+door. "But you do not understand, and you try to make me staid, and
+thoughtful, and a good mother, when I am dying for _life_, and
+excitement, and care not that for housewifery!" She opened the door
+slowly. "And now my head aches, and you look grave and say 'tis my
+wicked temper, when I want you to be sorry, and to be ready to do
+anything to comfort me. Why can you not take me to London, when you know
+how I long to be there, instead of in this gloomy house with nought to
+do, save mind my child and my needle? I am so tired of it all! So very
+tired of it all!"
+
+She would have left the room then, but he detained her.
+
+"Wait, Lavinia! You say you are unhappy?"
+
+She released the door handle and fluttered her hands expressively.
+
+"Unhappy? No, I am dull. I am ill-tempered. I am discontented. I am
+aught you please, so do not be sad, Richard. I cannot bear you to be
+solemn. Oh, why do we quarrel?" With one of her impulsive movements she
+was again at his side, with her beautiful face upturned. "Love me,
+Richard! Take me to London and never mind an I _do_ squander your money.
+Say you do not care! Say that nothing matters so long as I am happy! Why
+do you not say it? Does anything matter? Don't be prudent, Dicky! Be
+wild! Be reckless! Be anything rather than grave and old!" Her arms
+crept up to his coaxingly. "Take me to London!"
+
+Carstares smoothed the soft hair back from her forehead, very tenderly,
+but his eyes were worried.
+
+"My dear, I will take you, but not just yet. There is so much to be done
+here. If you will wait a little longer--"
+
+"Ah, if I will wait! If I will be patient and good! But I cannot! Oh,
+you don't understand, Dicky--you don't understand!"
+
+"I am sorry, dear. I promise I will take you as soon as possible, and we
+will stay as long as you please."
+
+Her arms fell away.
+
+"I want to go now!"
+
+"Dear--"
+
+"Very well--very well. We will go presently. Only don't reason with me."
+
+He looked at her concernedly.
+
+"You are overwrought, my love--and tired."
+
+"Yes," she agreed listlessly. "Oh yes; I will go now and rest. Forgive
+me, Dick!" She kissed her finger-tips and extended them to him. "I will
+be good one day." She turned and hurried out of the room and up the
+stairs, leaving the door open behind her.
+
+Richard stayed for a moment looking round at the signs of her late
+presence. Mechanically he stooped to pick up her embroidery and the
+pieces of her handkerchief. The two flowers were broken off short, and
+he threw them away. Then he left the room and went out on to the sunny
+terrace, gazing across the beautiful gardens into the blue distance.
+
+Across the lawn came a child of four or five, waving a grimy hand.
+
+"Father!"
+
+Richard looked down at him and smiled.
+
+"Well, John?"
+
+The boy climbed up the terrace steps, calling his news all the way.
+
+"'Tis Uncle Andrew, sir. He has rid over to see you, and is coming
+through the garden to find you."
+
+"Is he? Has he left his horse at the stables?"
+
+"Ay, sir. So I came to tell you."
+
+"Quite right. Will you come with me to meet him?"
+
+The little rosy face lighted up with pleasure.
+
+"Oh, may I?" he cried and slipped his hand in Richard's.
+
+Together they descended the steps and made their way across the lawn.
+
+"I have run away from Betty," announced John with some pride. "There's
+Uncle Andrew, sir!" He bounded away towards the approaching figure.
+
+Lord Andrew Belmanoir was Richard's brother-in-law, brother to the
+present Duke. He came up with John in his arms and tumbled him to the
+ground.
+
+"Good day, Dick! 'Tis a spoilt child you have here!"
+
+"Ay. He is but now escaped from his nurse."
+
+"Splendid! Come, John, you shall walk with us, and we'll confound fat
+Betty!" He slipped his arm through Richard's as he spoke. "Come, Dick!
+There's a deal I have to say to you." He grimaced ruefully.
+
+The child ran on ahead towards the woods, a great bull-mastiff at his
+heels.
+
+"What's to do now?" asked Richard, looking round into the mobile,
+dissipated countenance.
+
+"The devil's in it this time, and no mistake," answered his lordship
+with a rueful shake of his head.
+
+"Debts?"
+
+"Lord, yes! I was at Delaby's last night, and the stakes were high.
+Altogether I've lost about three thousand--counting what I owe Carew.
+And devil take me an I know where 'tis to come from! Here's Tracy turned
+saint and swears he'll see me damned before he hands me another penny. I
+doubt he means it, too."
+
+Tracy was the Duke. Richard smiled a little cynically; he had already
+had to lend his Grace a thousand guineas to pay off some "trifling
+debt."
+
+"He means it right enough. I believe it would puzzle him to find it."
+
+"Do you say so? Why, 'tis impossible man! Tracy was in town scarce a
+fortnight since, and he had a run of the devil's own luck. I tell you
+Dick, I saw him walk off with a cool five thousand one night! And then
+he denies me a paltry three! Lord, what a brother! And all with the air
+of an angel, as if _he_ had never lost at dice. And a homily thrown in!
+Anyone would think I had cheated, instead of--ahem!... Dick, I'm
+confoundedly sorry! Damned thoughtless of me--never thought about
+Jo--about what I was saying--I'm a fool!" For Richard had winced.
+
+"You cannot help that," he said, forcing a laugh. "Have done with your
+apologies, and continue."
+
+They had come to the stream by now, and crossed the little bridge into
+the wood.
+
+"Oh, there's not much more. 'Tis only that something must be done, for
+Carew won't wait, and stap me if I'd ask him, the lean-faced
+scarecrow!--so I came to you, Dick."
+
+He let go Richard's arm and flung himself down on a fallen tree-trunk,
+regardless of velvet and laces.
+
+"You're a good fellow, and you don't lecture a man as Tracy does, devil
+take him! And you play high yourself, or you did, though 'tis an age
+since I saw you win or lose enough to wink at. And, after all, you're
+Lavvy's husband, and--oh, damn it all, Dick, 'tis monstrous hard to ask
+you!"
+
+Carstares, leaning against a tree, surveyed the youthful rake amusedly.
+
+"'Tush, Andrew!" he reassured him. "You're welcome to ask, but the Lord
+knows where I'm to find it! Gad, what a life! Here's Lavinia keeps
+buying silks, and I don't know what all, and--"
+
+"She was ever a spendthrift jade," said Andrew with a mighty frown.
+
+Richard laughed at him.
+
+"You're a thrifty fellow yourself, of course!"
+
+Andrew looked round for something to throw at him, and finding nothing,
+relapsed once more into deepest despondency.
+
+"You're in the right of't. We're a worthless lot. 'Tis the old man's
+blood in us, I doubt not, with a smattering of her Grace. You never knew
+my mother, Richard. She was French--Lavvy's the spit of her. There's
+Tracy--stap me, but Tracy's the very devil! Have you ever seen a face
+like his? No, I'll swear you've not! What with his sneering mouth and
+his green eyes--oh, 'tis enough to make a fellow go to the dogs to have
+a brother like it, 'pon my soul it is! Ay, you laugh, but I tell you
+'tis serious!"
+
+"Ay, go on!"
+
+"Well next there's Bob--damn it all, but I'm sorry for Bob! 'Tis a
+beggarly pittance they give one in the army, and he was never one to
+pinch and scrape. Well, as I say, there's Bob, and I never see him, but
+what it's: 'Lend me a hundred, Andy!' or the like. And all to buy his
+mistress some gewgaw. That's what sickens me! Why, Bob's for ever in
+some scrape with a petticoat, and as for Tracy! Gad, how they can! Then
+there's Lavinia, but I should think you know her by now, and lastly,
+there's your humble servant. And I tell you, Dick, what with the racing,
+and the cards, and the bottle, I shall be a ruined man before you can
+turn round! And the pother is I'll never be any different. 'Tis in the
+blood, so where's the use in trying?" He made a rueful grimace, and
+rose. "Come on, young rip! We're going back."
+
+John, engaged in the task of hunting for tadpoles in the water some
+yards distant, nodded and ran on.
+
+"I fear my lady is indisposed," said Richard hesitatingly. "You wished
+to see her?"
+
+Andrew winked knowingly.
+
+"Tantrums, eh? Oh, I know her. No, I do not care an I do not see her;
+'tis little enough she cares for me, though she's as thick as thieves
+with Tracy--oh, ay, I'll be dumb."
+
+They walked slowly back to the house, Andrew, silent for once, twirling
+his gold-mounted cane.
+
+"You shall have the money, of course. When do you want it?" said Richard
+presently.
+
+"'Pon honour, you're a devilish good fellow, Dick! But if 'tis like to
+put you to any--"
+
+"Nonsense. When do you need it?"
+
+"I should pay Carew as soon as may be. Markham can wait over if--"
+
+"No, no! Wednesday?"
+
+"'Twill do excellently well. Dick, you're a--"
+
+"Oh, pshaw! 'Tis nought. I want your opinion on the bay mare I bought
+last week. You'll maybe think her a trifle long in the leg, but she's a
+fine animal."
+
+John had run indoors, and the two men proceeded to the stables alone,
+Andrew discoursing all the way, recounting for his brother-in-law's
+benefit the choicest morsels of scandal that were circulating town at
+the moment. That his auditor but attended with half an ear affected him
+not at all; he never paused for an answer, and, in any case, was far too
+good-natured to care if he received none.
+
+By the time they had duly inspected the mare and walked back to the
+house, it was nearly four o'clock, and, not altogether to Carstares'
+surprise, Lavinia was awaiting them on the terrace, clad in a totally
+different gown, and with her hair freshly arranged and curled.
+
+"'Twould appear that Lavinia has recovered," remarked Andrew as they
+mounted the steps. "She was ever thus--not two minutes the same. Well,
+Lavvy?"
+
+"Well, Andrew?" She gave him a careless hand to kiss, but smiled sweetly
+up at her husband. "My headache is so much better," she told him, "and
+they said that Andrew was come to see you. So I came downstairs." She
+turned eagerly to her brother. "Tell me, Andrew, is Tracy at home?"
+
+"Lord, yes! He arrived yesterday, devil take him! Do you want him?"
+
+"Oh, yes," she nodded. "I want to see him again. I've not set eyes on
+him for an age. I want you to take me back with you."
+
+"Surely, my dear, 'tis a trifle late in the day for such a drive?"
+demurred Richard, trying to conceal his annoyance. "Can you not wait
+until to-morrow?"
+
+"Faith, you'll have to, Lavvy, for I'll not take you to-day, that's
+certain. I'm riding to Fletcher's when I leave here. Tracy can visit you
+to-morrow an he chooses."
+
+"Will he?" she asked doubtfully.
+
+Andrew clapped his hand to his vest pocket. "If I had not forgot!" he
+exclaimed. "I've a letter from him for you. He intends waiting on you
+to-morrow, in any case. Lord, what it is to have a scatter brain like
+mine!" He pulled a handful of papers from his pocket and selected one,
+sealed, and addressed in a sloping Italian handwriting.
+
+Lavinia pounced upon it joyfully, and tore it open. Andrew restored the
+rest of the documents to his pocket with yet another rueful laugh.
+
+"Duns, Richard! Duns!"
+
+"Give them to me," answered the other, holding out his hand.
+
+"Oh, no! But many thanks, Dick. These are quite unimportant."
+
+"Why not pay them all, and start afresh?" urged Carstares.
+
+"Lord, no! Why, I should be so damned elated that before the day was out
+there'd be a score of fresh debts staring me in the face!"
+
+"Let me lend you a thousand to begin on? Could you not keep out of
+debt?"
+
+"I keep out of debt? Impossible! Don't look so solemn, Dick; I told you
+'twas in the blood. We never have a penny to bless ourselves with, but
+what's the odds? I shall have a run of luck soon--a man can't always
+lose. Then I shall be able to repay you, but, of course, I shan't.
+It'll all go at the next table. _I_ know!" He spoke so ingenuously that
+Richard could not be angry with him. There was a certain frankness about
+him that pleased, and though he might be spendthrift and heedless, and
+colossally selfish, Richard felt a genuine affection for him. He would
+have liked to argue the point further, but Lavinia came forward,
+refolding her letter.
+
+"Tracy is coming to-morrow afternoon," she told her husband. "'Twill be
+prodigiously agreeable, will it not?"
+
+He assented, but with a lack of warmth that did not fail to strike her
+ears.
+
+"And he will stay to dine with us!" she cried challengingly.
+
+"Certainly, my love."
+
+"Look pleased, Dicky, look pleased! Why don't you like Tracy? He is my
+own brother; you _must_ like him!"
+
+"Of course I like him, Lavinia. Pray, do not be foolish."
+
+"Oh, I am not! Don't be cross, Dicky dear!"
+
+"Well, if you like him, I'm surprised," broke in Andrew. "I can't bear
+him! Ay, flash your eyes at me, Lavvy; I don't mind."
+
+Lavinia opened her mouth to retaliate, but Richard hastily interposed.
+Their bickering was more than he could bear, and he never understood how
+Lavinia could stoop to quarrel with the boisterous youth, who tried so
+palpably to rouse her.
+
+He bore them both off to the house, feeling much like a nursemaid with
+two recalcitrant children.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER
+
+
+Lady Lavinia dressed herself with even more than her usual care next
+afternoon, and well-nigh drove her maid distracted by her flashes of
+temper and impatient, contradictory orders. So lengthy was the toilet
+that she was only just in her boudoir when his Grace of Andover was
+announced. She had no time to tell the footman that she would receive
+his Grace, for almost before the words were out of James' mouth, he
+stood bowing in the doorway, sure of his welcome.
+
+He was curiously like his sister, this man, and at the same time
+curiously unlike. Hers were the high cheek-bones and pinched,
+aristocratic nostrils, but the mouth with its thin lips, and the
+heavy-lidded green eyes, were totally different. His Grace's brows
+slanted up at the corners, and his eyes, though piercing and bright,
+were constantly veiled by the black-lashed lids. He wore his own black
+hair, unpowdered, and that, together with the black and silver garments
+that he always affected, greatly enhanced the natural pallor of his
+countenance. Altogether it was a very striking figure that stood just
+before the closed white door and bowed to my lady.
+
+Lavinia took an eager step towards him, swinging her pearl-grey
+brocades.
+
+"Oh, Tracy!" she cooed, holding out both hands.
+
+His Grace advanced into the room and bent low over them.
+
+"I rejoice to find you within, Lavinia," he said, a faint tinge of
+sarcasm running through his smooth tones. "As you perceive, I rode
+over." He made a gesture towards his high boots with their
+wicked-looking spurs. "No doubt Andrew forgot to give you my letter?"
+
+"No," she said, slipping her hand in his arm. "He remembered in time,
+and--oh, Tracy, I was so vastly delighted to have it!"
+
+"I am indeed honoured," he replied. "I am come on a sufficiently
+important matter."
+
+"Oh!" She pulled her hand away disappointedly. "Money!"
+
+"You are really wonderful, my dear. As you so crudely remark--money!
+Will you not be seated?"
+
+She sank down on the couch dejectedly and watched him take a chair
+opposite her.
+
+"Your most noble lord and master lent me a trifling sum the other day,
+but very trifling. I am, as usual, hard-pressed. And that young fool
+Andrew must needs fall into debt."
+
+My lady opened wide her eyes in surprise.
+
+"Do you tell me you need money from Richard to pay Andrew's debts?" she
+asked, frankly incredulous.
+
+"I do not. Is it likely? The remark was purely by the way."
+
+"Well, in any case, Andrew borrowed three thousand from poor Dick only
+yesterday. I know, because I heard him speak of it."
+
+His Grace raised his black brows in patient exasperation.
+
+"How unnecessary of Andrew! And how typical! So 'poor Dick' has been
+squeezed already?"
+
+"Don't speak like that, Tracy!" she cried. "Dicky is good to me!" She
+met his piercing look unflinchingly.
+
+"Now this becomes interesting," drawled the Duke. "Since when have you
+come to that conclusion? And why this sudden loyalty?"
+
+"I have _always_ been loyal to him, Tracy! You know I have! I worry
+him--and indeed he is very forbearing."
+
+"But how charming of him!"
+
+"No, do not sneer, Tracy! He has promised to take me to London for the
+whole winter--"
+
+His Grace leant back in his chair again.
+
+"Now I understand," he said placidly. "I was at a loss before."
+
+"'Tis not that, Tracy! Indeed I realise how kind he is to me. And we
+have quarrelled again. We are always quarrelling, and I know 'tis all my
+fault."
+
+"What a comfortable conviction, my dear!"
+
+"No, no! 'Tis not comfortable, Tracy! For somehow I cannot change my
+disposition, though I _mean_ to be patient and sweet. Tracy, I hate
+Wyncham!"
+
+"You hate Wyncham? There was a time--"
+
+"I know, I know! But I never meant to live here always like this! I want
+to go to London!"
+
+"I thought you said you were going?"
+
+"Yes, I am! But I want to go with someone who is gay-not--not--"
+
+"In fact, you want distraction, and not with the amiable Richard? Well,
+I can conceive that life with him might prove uninspiring. Safe, my
+dear, but not exciting."
+
+"I knew you would understand! You see, he does not like me to play at
+cards, because I cannot stop! And he cannot see how 'tis that I care
+nought for what he calls 'home-life' when there are routs, and the play,
+and _real_ life. He--he is so--so--so _staid,_ Tracy, and careful!"
+
+"A good trait in a husband, Lavinia," replied his Grace cynically. "'Tis
+because I do not possess it that I am single now."
+
+Her lips curled scornfully at this, for well she knew her brother.
+
+"No, Tracy, that is not so! It is because you are a devil! No woman
+would marry you!"
+
+"That is most interesting, my dear," purred his Grace. "But pray strive
+to be a little more original. Continue your analysis of Richard's
+sterling character."
+
+"'Tis only that we are so different," she sighed. "I always desire to do
+things quickly--if I think of something, I want it at once--at once! You
+know, Tracy! And he likes to wait and think on it, and--oh, 'tis so
+tiresome, and it puts me in a bad humour, and I behave like a hysterical
+bourgeoise!" She got up swiftly, clasping her nervous little hands.
+"When he speaks to me in that gentle, reasoning way, I could scream,
+Tracy! Do you think I am mad?" She laughed unmusically.
+
+"No," he replied, "but the next thing to it: a Belmanoir. Perhaps it was
+a pity you ever married Richard. But there is always the money."
+
+"There is not," she cried out sharply.
+
+"Not? What mean you?"
+
+"Tracy, 'tis of this that I wanted to speak! You think my lord left his
+money to Dick?"
+
+"Certainly. He should be stupendously wealthy."
+
+"He is not!"
+
+"But, my good girl, the revenue must be enormous. He has the land,
+surely?"
+
+"No! No! He has not the land! Oh, but I am angry whenever I think on it!
+He induced my lord to leave it to John. _He_ has but his younger son's
+portion!"
+
+"I still fail to understand. You informed me that the Earl left all to
+Richard?"
+
+"He changed his will, Tracy!"
+
+"He--changed--his--will! Then, my dear, must you have played your cards
+very badly!"
+
+"'Twas not my fault, Tracy--indeed 'twas not! I knew nought until the
+will was read. Richard never spoke a word to me about it! And now we are
+comparatively poor!" Her voice trembled with indignation, but his Grace
+only whistled beneath his breath.
+
+"I always knew, of course, that Dick was a fool, but I never guessed how
+much so till now!"
+
+At that she flared up.
+
+"He is not a fool! He is an honest man, and 'tis we_--we_, I tell
+you--who are mean and despicable and mercenary!"
+
+"Undoubtedly, Lavinia, but pray do not excite yourself over it. I
+suppose he is still devoted to that young hothead?"
+
+"Yes, yes--'tis all Jack, Jack, Jack, until I am sick to death of the
+sound of his name--and--" She broke off, biting her lip.
+
+"And what?"
+
+"Oh, nought! But 'tis all so disagreeable, Tracy!"
+
+"It certainly is slightly disturbing. You had better have chosen John,
+in spite of all, it seems."
+
+She stamped angrily.
+
+"Oh, where's the good in being flippant?"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, where's the good in being anything else? The situation
+strikes me as rather amusing. To think of the worthy Richard so neatly
+overturning all my plans!"
+
+"If it had not been for you, I might never have married him. Why did you
+throw them both in my way? Why did I ever set eyes on either?"
+
+"It should have been a good match, my dear, and, if I remember rightly,
+no one was more alive to that fact than yourself."
+
+She pouted angrily and turned her shoulder to him.
+
+"Still," he continued reflectively, "I admit that for the smart lot we
+are, we do seem rather to have bungled the affair."
+
+Lavinia swept round upon him.
+
+"Oh, do you care no more than that? How can you be so casual! Does it
+affect you not at all?"
+
+He wrinkled his thin nose expressively.
+
+"I shall not weep over it, Lavinia, but 'tis a plaguey nuisance. But we
+must see what can be done. And that brings me back to the original
+subject. Despite these upsetting revelations, I still require that
+money."
+
+"Oh, dear! How much must you have, Tracy?"
+
+"Five hundred might suffice."
+
+"Tracy, do not the estates bring in anything?" she asked petulantly.
+"And Andrew told us you had a run of marvellous luck not a fortnight
+since?"
+
+"Since then, my dear, I have had three runs of marvellous ill-luck. As
+to the estates, they are mortgaged up to the hilt, as you very well
+know. What little there is is between three. And Robert is extravagant."
+
+"I hate Robert!"
+
+"I am not partial to him myself, but it makes no odds."
+
+"I wish he might die!--oh no, no! Now I am become ill-natured again--I
+don't wish it--only I am so tired of everything. You shall have that
+money as soon as possible; but be careful, Tracy--please be careful!
+'Tis not easy to get money from Dick!"
+
+"No, I should imagine not. However, we have managed rather well up to
+the present, take it all in all."
+
+"Up to the present he has had all the money he wanted. My lord denied
+him nought!"
+
+"Well, 'tis unfortunate, as I said before, but it must be endured. Where
+is Dick?"
+
+"I know not. You will stay to dinner, Tracy?"
+
+"Thank you. I shall be charmed."
+
+"Yes, yes--oh, how prodigiously pleasant it is to see you again! Soon I
+shall come to Andover. Will you let me stay a few days?"
+
+"The question is, will Richard allow you to stay so long in my
+contaminating presence?"
+
+"Richard would never keep me away, Tracy!" she replied proudly. "He
+_could_ not. Oh, why is it that I don't love him more? Why do I not care
+for him as much as I care for you even?"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, like all Belmanoirs, you care first for yourself and
+secondly for the man who masters you. That, alas! Richard has not yet
+succeeded in doing."
+
+"But I _do_ love Richard. I do, I do, yet--"
+
+"Exactly. 'Yet!' The 'grand passion' has not yet touched you, my dear,
+and you are quite self-absorbed."
+
+"Self-absorbed! Those are hard words."
+
+"But not too hard for the case. You think solely of yourself, your own
+pleasure, your own character, your own feelings. If you could cast
+yourself into the background a little, you would be less excitable and
+considerably less discontented."
+
+"How dare you, Tracy! Pray, what of you? Are you so selfless?"
+
+"Not at all. I am precisely the same. I was merely suggesting that you
+might be happier an you could depose 'self.'"
+
+"You had best do the same yourself!"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, when I feel the need of greater happiness, I most
+undoubtedly shall. At present I am quite content."
+
+"You are unkind!" she protested. "And you sneer at me."
+
+"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies! You shall come to Andover if the
+worthy Richard permits."
+
+Her face cleared as by magic.
+
+"Oh, Tracy! Oh, I am so desirous to be gay once more! I cannot even
+receive now, on account of this mourning! But when I am at Andover--oh,
+we will not worry over anything, and I can be bad-tempered without
+feeling that someone is being hurt by me! Oh, come to Dicky at once--at
+once!"
+
+He rose leisurely.
+
+"I can imagine that you try Richard's patience somewhat," he remarked.
+"Happily, your impetuosity in no way disturbs me. We will go in search
+of Richard."
+
+Half-way down the great staircase she perceived her husband, and flew to
+meet him.
+
+"Richard, I was coming in search of you! Tracy has invited me to Andover
+for a week--he purposes to ask several people to stay, and there will be
+parties--and entertainment! You will let me go? Say yes, Dicky--say yes,
+quickly!"
+
+Carstares bowed to his Grace, who stood watching them from the stairs.
+The bow was returned with exaggerated flourish. Carstares looked down at
+his wife.
+
+"So soon, Lavinia?" he remonstrated, and indicated her mourning. She
+shook his hand off impatiently.
+
+"Oh, Dicky, does it matter? What can it signify? I do not ask you to
+come--"
+
+"No," he said half-sadly, half-amusedly. "I notice that, my dear."
+
+"No, no! I did not mean to be unkind--you must not think that! You
+_don't_ think it, do you, Dick?"
+
+"Oh, no," he sighed.
+
+"Good Dicky!" She patted his cheek coaxingly. "Then you will allow me to
+go--ah, but yes, yes, you must listen! You know how dull I am, and how
+silly--'tis because I need a change, and I _want_ to go to Andover. I
+_want_ to go!"
+
+"Yes, dear, I know. But my father is not yet dead six weeks, and I
+cannot think it seemly--"
+
+"Please, Dick, please! Please do not say no! 'Twill make me so unhappy!
+Oh, you will not be so unkind? You will not forbid me to go?"
+
+"I ask you not to, Lavinia. If you need a change, I will take you
+quietly to Bath, or where you will. Do not pain me by going to Andover
+just now."
+
+"Bath! Bath! What do I want with Bath at this time of the year? Oh, 'tis
+kind in you to offer, but I want to go to Andover! I want to see all the
+old friends again. And I want to get away from everything here--'tis all
+so gloomy--after--after my lord's death!"
+
+"Dearest, of course you shall go away--but if only you would remember
+that you are in mourning--"
+
+"But 'tis what I wish to forget! Oh, Dicky, don't, don't, don't be
+unkind."
+
+"Very well, dear. If you must go--go."
+
+She clapped her hands joyfully.
+
+"Oh thank you, Dicky! And you are not angry with me?"
+
+"No, dear, of course not."
+
+"Ah! Now I am happy! 'Tis sweet of you, Dicky, but confess you are
+secretly thankful to be rid of me for a week! Now are you not?" She
+spread out her fan in the highest good-humour and coquetted behind it.
+Richard was induced to smile.
+
+"I fear I shall miss you too sadly, dear."
+
+"Oh!" She dropped the fan. "But think how you will look forward to
+seeing me again, and I you. Why, I shall be so thankful to be back after
+a week away, that I shall be good for months!"
+
+His face lightened, and he caught her hands in his.
+
+"Darling, if I thought you would miss me--"
+
+"But of course I shall miss you, Dick--oh, _pray_, mind my frock! Shall
+I not miss him, Tracy?"
+
+Richard suddenly remembered his brother-in-law's presence. He turned and
+went to the foot of the stairs.
+
+"So you are determined to wrest my wife from me?" he smiled.
+
+Tracy descended leisurely, opening his snuff-box.
+
+"Yes, I require a hostess," he said. "And I have"--he paused--"induced
+her to honour Andover with her presence. Shall we have the felicity of
+seeing you at any time?"
+
+"I thank you, no. I am not, you will understand, in the mood for the
+gaiety for which my poor Lavinia craves."
+
+The Duke bowed slightly, and they all three went out on to the terrace,
+Lavinia laughing and talking as Richard had not heard her laugh or talk
+for days. She was the life and soul of the little dinner-party, flirting
+prettily with her husband and exerting herself to please him in every
+way. She had won her point; therefore she was in excellent spirits with
+all the world, and not even the spilling of some wine on her new silk
+served to discompose her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BATH: 29 QUEEN SQUARE
+
+
+The autumn and the winter passed smoothly, and April found the Carstares
+installed at Bath, whither Lady Lavinia had teased her husband into
+going, despite his desire to return to Wyncham and John. She herself did
+not care to be with the child, and was perfectly content that Richard
+should journey occasionally to Wyncham to see that all was well with
+him.
+
+On the whole, she had enjoyed the winter, for she had induced Richard to
+open Wyncham House, Mayfair, the Earl's town residence, where she had
+been able to hold several entirely successful routs, and many select
+little card-parties. Admirers she had a-many, and nothing so pleased her
+vain little heart as masculine adulation. Carstares never entered his
+home without stumbling against some fresh flame of hers, but as they
+mostly consisted of what he rudely termed the lap-dog type, he was
+conscious of no jealous qualms, and patiently submitted to their
+inundation of his house. He was satisfied that Lavinia was happy, and,
+as he assured himself at times when he was most tried, nothing else
+signified.
+
+The only flaw to Lavinia's content was the need of money. Not that she
+was stinted, or ever refused anything that he could in reason give her;
+but her wants were never reasonable. She would demand a new town
+chariot, upholstered in pale blue, not because her own was worn or
+shabby, but because she was tired of its crimson cushions. Or she would
+suddenly take a fancy to some new, and usually fabulously expensive toy,
+and having acquired it, weary of it in a week.
+
+Without a murmur, Richard gave her lap-dogs (of the real kind), black
+pages, jewels, and innumerable kickshaws, for which she rewarded him
+with her brightest smiles and tenderest caresses. But when she required
+him to refurnish Wyncham House in the style of the French Court,
+throwing away all the present Queen Anne furniture, the tapestries, and
+the countless old trappings that were one and all so beautiful and so
+valuable, he put his foot down with a firmness that surprised her. Not
+for any whim of hers was Jack's house to be spoiled. Neither her coaxing
+nor her tears had any effect upon Richard, and when she reverted to
+sulks, he scolded her so harshly that she was frightened, and in
+consequence silenced.
+
+For a week she thought and dreamt of nothing but gilded French chairs,
+and then abruptly, as all else, the fancy left her, and she forgot all
+about it. Her mantua-maker's bills were enormous, and caused Richard
+many a sleepless night, but she was always so charmingly penitent that
+he could not find it in his heart to be angry; and, after all, he
+reflected, he would rather have his money squandered on her adornment
+than on that of her brothers. She was by turns passionate and cold to
+him: one day enrapturing him by some pretty blandishment, the next
+snapping peevishly when he spoke to her.
+
+At the beginning of the season he dutifully conducted her to routs and
+_bals masques_, but soon she began to go always with either Andrew or
+Robert, both of whom were in town, and whose casual chaperonage she much
+preferred to Richard's solicitous care. Tracy was rarely in London for
+more than a few days at a time, and the Carstares, greatly to Richard's
+relief, saw but little of him. Carstares disliked Colonel Lord Robert
+Belmanoir, but the Duke he detested, not only for his habitual sneer
+towards him, but for the influence that he undoubtedly held over
+Lavinia. Richard was intensely jealous of this, and could sometimes
+hardly bring himself to be civil when his Grace visited my lady. Whether
+justly or not, he inwardly blamed Tracy for all Lavinia's crazy whims
+and periodical fits of ill-temper. It did not take his astute Grace long
+to discover this, and with amused devilry he played upon it, encouraging
+Lavinia in her extravagance, and making a point of calling on her
+whenever he was in town.
+
+Carstares never knew when not to expect to find him there; he came and
+went to and from London with no warning whatsoever. No one ever knew
+where he was for more than a day at a time, and no one was in the least
+surprised if he happened to be seen in London when he should, according
+to all accounts, have been in Paris. They merely shrugged their
+shoulders, and exchanged glances, murmuring: "Devil Belmanoir!" and
+wondering what fresh intrigue he was in.
+
+So altogether Richard was not sorry when my lady grew suddenly sick of
+town and was seized with a longing for Bath. He had secretly hoped that
+she might return to Wyncham, but when she expressed no such wish, he
+stifled his own longing for home, shut up the London house, and took her
+and all her baggage to Bath, installing her in Queen Square in one of
+the most elegantly furnished houses in the place.
+
+Lady Lavinia was at first charmed to be there again; delighted with the
+house, and transported over the excellencies of the new French milliner
+she had discovered.
+
+But the milliner's bills proved monstrous, and the drawing-room of her
+house not large enough for the routs she contemplated giving. The air
+was too relaxing for her, and she was subject to constant attacks of the
+vapours that were as distressing to her household as they were to
+herself. The late hours made her head ache as it never ached in London,
+and the damp gave her a cold. Furthermore, the advent of an attractive
+and exceedingly wealthy little widow caused her many a bitter hour, to
+the considerable detriment of her good-temper.
+
+She was lying on a couch in her white and gilt drawing room one
+afternoon--alas! the craze for French furniture was o'er-smelling-bottle
+in hand and a _bona fide_ ache in her head, when the door opened and
+Tracy walked into the room.
+
+"Good heavens!" she said faintly, and uncorked her salts.
+
+It was his Grace's first appearance since she had come to Bath, and the
+fact that he had politely declined an invitation that she had sent to
+him still rankled in her mind. He bowed over the limp hand that she
+extended, and looked her up and down.
+
+"I regret to find you thus indisposed, my dear sister," he said
+smoothly.
+
+"'Tis nought. Only one of my stupid headaches. I am never well here, and
+this house is stuffy," she answered fretfully.
+
+"You should take the waters," he said, scrutinising, through his
+eyeglass, the chair to which she had waved him. "It has an unstable
+appearance, my dear; I believe I prefer the couch." He moved to a
+smaller sofa and sat down.
+
+"Pray, how long have you been in Bath?" she demanded.
+
+"I arrived last Tuesday week."
+
+Lady Lavinia started up.
+
+"Last Tuesday week? Then you have been here ten days and not visited me
+until now!"
+
+He appeared to be examining the whiteness of his hands through the folds
+of black lace that drooped over them.
+
+"I believe I had other things to do," he said coolly.
+
+A book of sermons that she had been trying to peruse slid to the ground
+as Lavinia jerked a cushion into place.
+
+"And you come to me when it suits you? How could you be so unkind as to
+refuse my invitation?"
+
+There was a rising, querulous note in her voice which gave warning of
+anger.
+
+"My dear Lavinia, if you exhibit your deplorable temper to me, I shall
+leave you, so have a care. I thought you would understand that your good
+husband's society, improving though it may be, would be altogether too
+oppressive for my taste. In fact, I was surprised at your letter."
+
+"You might have come for my sake," she answered peevishly, sinking back
+again. "I suppose you have been dancing attendance on the Molesly woman?
+Lud! but I think you men have gone crazed."
+
+Understanding came to his Grace, and he smiled provokingly.
+
+"Is that what upsets you? I wondered."
+
+"No, 'tis not!" she flashed. "And I do not see why you should think so!
+For my part, I cannot see that she is even tolerable, and the way the
+men rave about her is disgusting! Disgusting! But 'tis always the same
+when a woman is unattached and wealthy. Well! Well! Why do you not say
+something? Do you find her so lovely?"
+
+"To tell the truth, my dear, I have barely set eyes on the lady. I have
+been otherwise engaged, and I have done with all women, for the time,
+save one."
+
+"So I have heard you say before. Do you contemplate marriage? Lud! but I
+pity the girl." She gave a jeering little laugh, but it was evident that
+she was interested.
+
+His Grace was not in the least degree ruffled.
+
+"I do not contemplate marriage, Lavinia, so your sympathies are wasted.
+I have met a girl--a mere child, for sure--and I will not rest until I
+have her."
+
+"Lord! Another farmer's chit?"
+
+"No, my dear sister, not another farmer's chit. A lady."
+
+"God help her! Who is she? Where does she live?"
+
+"She lives in Sussex. Her name I shall not tell you."
+
+Her ladyship kicked an offending cushion on to the floor, and snapped at
+him.
+
+"Oh, as you please! I shall not die of curiosity!"
+
+"Ah!" The cynical lips curled annoyingly, and Lady Lavinia was seized
+with a mad desire to hurl her smelling-bottle at him. But she knew that
+it was worse than useless to be angry with Tracy, so she yawned
+ostentatiously, and hoped that she irritated him. If she did, she got no
+satisfaction from it, for he continued, quite imperturbably:
+
+"She is the daintiest piece ever a man saw, and I'll swear there's blood
+and fire beneath the ice!"
+
+"Is it possible the girl will have none of your Grace?" wondered Lavinia
+in mock amazement, and had the pleasure of seeing him frown.
+
+The thin brows met over his arched nose, and the eyes glinted a little,
+while she caught a glimpse of cruel white teeth closing on a sensual
+under-lip. She watched his hand clench on his snuff-box, and exulted
+silently at having roused him. It was a very brief joy, however, for the
+next moment the frown had disappeared, the hand unclenched, and he was
+smiling again.
+
+"At present she is cold," he admitted, "but I hope that in time she will
+become more plastic. I think, Lavinia, I have some experience with your
+charming, if capricious sex."
+
+"I don't doubt you have. Where did you meet this perverse beauty?"
+
+"In the Pump Room."
+
+"Lud! Pray, describe her."
+
+"I shall be delighted. She is taller than yourself, and dark. Her hair
+is like a dusky cloud of black, and it ripples off her brow and over her
+little ears in a most damnably alluring fashion. Her eyes are brown, but
+there are lights in them that are purest amber, and yet they are dark
+and velvety--"
+
+My lady had recourse to the smelling-bottle.
+
+"But I perceive I weary you. A man in love, my dear Lavinia--"
+
+She was up again at that.
+
+"In love? You? Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! You do not know what the
+word means. You are like a--like a fish, with no more of love in you
+than a fish, and no more heart than a fish, and--"
+
+"Spare me the rest, I beg. I am very clammy, I make no doubt, but you
+will at least accord me more brain than a fish?"
+
+"Oh, you have brain enough!" she raged. "Brain for evil! I grant you
+that!"
+
+"It is really very kind of you--"
+
+"The passion you feel now is not _love_. It is--it is--"
+
+"Your pardon, my dear, but at the present moment I am singularly devoid
+of all strenuous emotions, so your remark is--"
+
+"Oh, Tracy, Tracy, I am even quarrelling with you!" she cried
+wretchedly. "Oh, why?--why?"
+
+"You are entirely mistaken, my dear. This is but the interchange of
+compliments. Pray, do not let me hinder you in the contribution of your
+share!"
+
+Her lip trembled.
+
+"Go on, Tracy, go on."
+
+"Very well. I had described her eyes, I think?"
+
+"Very tediously."
+
+"I will strive to be brief. Her lips are the most kissable that I have
+ever seen--"
+
+"And, as you remarked, you have experience," she murmured. He bowed
+ironically.
+
+"Altogether she's as spirited a filly as you could wish for. All she
+needs is bringing to heel."
+
+"Does one bring a filly to heel? I rather thought--"
+
+"As usual, my dear Lavinia, you are right: one does not. One breaks in a
+filly. I beg leave to thank you for correcting my mixed metaphor."
+
+"Oh, pray do not mention it."
+
+"I will cease to do so. She needs breaking in. It should be amusing to
+tame her."
+
+"Should it?" She looked curiously at him.
+
+"Vastly. And I am persuaded it can be done. I will have her."
+
+"But what if she'll none of you?"
+
+Suddenly the heavy lids were raised.
+
+"She will have no choice."
+
+Lady Lavinia shivered and sat up.
+
+"La, Tracy! Will you have no sense of decency?" she cried. "I suppose,"
+she sneered, "you think to kidnap the girl?"
+
+"Exactly," he nodded.
+
+She gasped at the effrontery of it.
+
+"Heavens, are you mad? Kidnap a lady! This is no peasant girl, remember.
+Tracy, Tracy, pray do not be foolish! How _can_ you kidnap her?"
+
+"That, my dear, is a point which I have not yet decided. But I do not
+anticipate much trouble."
+
+"But goodness gracious me! has the child no protectors? No brothers? No
+father?"
+
+"There is a father," said Tracy slowly. "He was here at the beginning of
+their stay. He does not signify, and, which is important, he is of those
+that truckle. Were _I_ to make myself known to him, I believe I might
+marry the girl within an hour. But I do not want that. At least--not
+yet."
+
+"Good God, Tracy! do you think you are living in the Dark Ages? One
+cannot do these things now, I tell you! Will you not at least remember
+that you represent our house? 'Twill be a pretty thing an there is a
+scandal!" She broke off hopelessly and watched him flick a remnant of
+snuff from his cravat.
+
+"Oh, Tracy! 'Tis indeed a dangerous game you play. Pray consider!"
+
+"Really, Lavinia, you are most entertaining. I trust I am capable of
+caring for myself and mine own honour."
+
+"Oh, don't sneer--don't sneer!" she cried. "Sometimes I think I quite
+hate you!"
+
+"You would be the more amusing, my dear."
+
+She swept the back of her hand across her eyes in a characteristic
+movement.
+
+"How cross I am!" she said, and laughed waveringly. "You must bear with
+me, Tracy. Indeed, I am not well."
+
+"You should take the waters," he repeated.
+
+"Oh, I do!--I do! And that reminds me that I must look for your beauty."
+
+"She is not like to be there," he answered. "'Tis only very seldom that
+she appears."
+
+"What! Is she then _religieuse_?"
+
+"_Religieuse_! Why, in heaven's name?"
+
+"But not to walk in the Rooms--!"
+
+"She is staying here with her aunt, who has been ill. They do not mix
+much in society."
+
+"How very dreadful! Yet she used to walk in the Rooms, for you met her
+there?"
+
+"Yes," he admitted coolly. "'Tis for that reason that she now avoids
+them."
+
+"Oh, Tracy, the poor child!" exclaimed his sister in a sudden fit of
+pity. "How can you persecute her, if she dislikes you?"
+
+"She does not."
+
+"Not! Then--"
+
+"Rather, she fears me. But she is intrigued, for all that. I persecute
+her, as you call it, for her own (and my) ultimate good. But they quit
+Bath in a few days, and then, _nous verrons_!" He rose. "What of Honest
+Dick?"
+
+"Don't call him by that odious name! I will not have it!"
+
+"Odious, my dear? Odious? You would have reason an I called him
+_Dis_honest Dick."
+
+"Don't! Don't!" she cried, covering her ears. His Grace laughed softly.
+
+"Oh, Lavinia, you must get the better of these megrims of yours, for
+there is nought that sickens a man sooner, believe me."
+
+"Oh, go away!--go away!" she implored. "You tease me and tease me until
+I cannot bear it, and indeed I do not _mean_ to be shrewish! Please go!"
+
+"I am on the point of doing so, my dear. I trust you will have in a
+measure recovered when next I see you. Pray bear my respects to Hon--to
+the Honourable Richard."
+
+She stretched out her hand.
+
+"Come again soon!" she begged. "I shall be better to-morrow! 'Tis only
+to-day that my head aches till I could shriek with the worry and the
+pain of it! Come again!"
+
+"Unfortunately I anticipate leaving Bath within a day or two. But
+nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to comply with your
+wishes." He kissed her hand punctiliously, and took his leave. At the
+door he paused, and looked back mockingly. "By the way--her name
+is--Diana." He bowed again and swept out, as Lavinia buried her face in
+the cushions and burst into tears.
+
+It was thus that Richard found her, twenty minutes later, and his
+concern was so great that it in part restored her spirits, and she spent
+a quiet and, for him, blissful evening, playing at piquet.
+
+In the middle of a game she suddenly flung down her hand and caught at
+his wrist.
+
+"Dicky, Dicky--I will go home!"
+
+"Go home? What do you mean? Not--"
+
+"Yes, yes--Wyncham! Why not?"
+
+"My dear, do you mean it?" His voice quivered with joyful surprise, and
+the cards slipped from his hands.
+
+"Yes, I mean it! But take me quickly before I change my mind! I can
+sleep at Wyncham, and here I lie awake all night, and my head aches.
+Take me home and I will try to be a better wife! Oh, Dicky, have I been
+tiresome and exacting? I did not mean to be! Why do you let me?" She
+came quickly round the table and knelt at his side, giving no heed to
+the crumpling of her billowing silks. "I have been a wicked, selfish
+woman!" she said vehemently. "But indeed I will be better. You must not
+_let_ me be bad--you _must_ not, I tell you!"
+
+He flung his arm about her plump shoulders and drew her tightly to him.
+
+"When I get you home at Wyncham, I promise you I will finely hector you,
+sweetheart," he said, laughing to conceal his deeper feelings. "I shall
+make you into a capital housewife!"
+
+"And I will learn to make butter," she nodded. "Then I must wear a
+dimity gown with a muslin apron and cap. Oh, yes, yes-a dimity gown!"
+She sprang up and danced to the middle of the room. "Shall I not be
+charming, Richard?"
+
+"Very charming, Lavinia!"
+
+"Of course! Oh, we will go home at once--at once! But first I must
+procure some new gowns from Marguerite!"
+
+"To make butter in, dear?" he protested.
+
+She was not attending.
+
+"A dimity gown--or shall it be of tiffany with a quilted petticoat? Or
+both?" she chanted. "Dicky, I shall set a fashion in country toilettes!"
+
+Dicky sighed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+INTRODUCING SUNDRY NEW CHARACTERS
+
+
+Not twenty minutes' walk from Lady Lavinia's house in Queen Square
+resided a certain Madam Thompson--a widow--who had lived in Bath for
+nearly fifteen years. With her was staying Miss Elizabeth Beauleigh and
+her niece, Diana. Madam Thompson had been at a seminary with Miss
+Elizabeth when both were girls, and they had ever afterwards kept up
+their friendship, occasionally visiting one another, but more often
+contenting themselves with the writing of lengthy epistles, full of
+unimportant scraps of news and much gossip, amusing only on Miss
+Elizabeth's side, and on the widow's uninteresting and rambling.
+
+It was a great joy to Madam Thompson when she received a letter from
+Miss Beauleigh begging that she and her niece might be allowed to pay a
+visit to her house in Bath, and to stay at least three weeks. The good
+lady was delighted at having her standing invitation at last accepted,
+and straightway wrote back a glad assent. She prepared her very best
+bedchamber for Miss Beauleigh, who, she understood, was coming to Bath
+principally for a change of air and scene after a long and rather trying
+illness.
+
+In due course the two ladies arrived, the elder very small and thin, and
+birdlike in her movements; the younger moderately tall, and graceful as
+a willow tree, with great candid brown eyes that looked fearlessly out
+on to the world, and a tragic mouth that belied a usually cheerful
+disposition, and hinted at a tendency to look on the gloomy side of
+life.
+
+Madam Thompson, whose first meeting with Diana this was, remarked on the
+sad mouth to Miss Elizabeth, or Betty as she was more often called, as
+they sat over the fire on the first night, Diana herself having retired
+to her room.
+
+Miss Betty shook her head darkly and prophesied that her precious Di
+would one day love some man as no man in _her_ opinion deserved to be
+loved!
+
+"And she'll have love badly," she said, clicking her knitting-needles
+energetically. "_I_ know these temperamental children!"
+
+"She looks so melancholy," ventured the widow.
+
+"Well there you are wrong!" replied Miss Betty. "'Tis the
+sunniest-tempered child, and the sweetest-natured in the whole wide
+world, bless her! But I don't deny that she can be miserable. Far from
+it. Why, I've known her weep her pretty eyes out over a dead puppy even!
+But usually she is gay enough."
+
+"I fear this house will be dull and stupid for her," said Madam Thompson
+regretfully. "If only my dear son George were at home to entertain
+her--"
+
+"My love, pray do not put yourself out! I assure you Diana will not at
+all object to a little quiet after the life she has been leading in town
+this winter with her friend's family."
+
+Whatever Diana thought of the quiet, she at least made no complaint, and
+adapted herself to her surroundings quite contentedly.
+
+In the morning they would all walk as far as the Assembly Rooms, and
+Miss Betty would drink the waters in the old Pump Room, pacing sedately
+up and down with her friend on one side and her niece on the other.
+Madam Thompson had very few acquaintances in Bath, and the people she
+did know were all of her own age and habits, rarely venturing as far as
+the crowded fashionable quarter; so Diana had to be content with the
+society of the two old ladies, who gossiped happily enough together, but
+whose conversation she could not but find singularly uninteresting.
+
+She watched the _monde_ with concealed wistfulness, seeing Beau Nash
+strut about among the ladies, bowing with his extreme gallantry, always
+impeccably garbed, and in spite of his rapidly increasing age and bulk
+still absolute monarch of Bath. She saw fine painted madams in enormous
+hoops, and with their hair so extravagantly curled and powdered that it
+appeared quite grotesque, mincing along with their various cavaliers;
+elderly beaux with coats padded to hid their shrunken shoulders, and
+paint to fill the wrinkles on their faces; young rakes; stout dowagers
+with their demure daughters; old ladies who had come to Bath for their
+health's sake; titled folk of fashion, and plain gentry from the
+country--all parading before her eyes.
+
+One or two young bucks tried to ogle her, and received such indignant
+glances from those clear eyes, that they never dared annoy her again,
+but for the most part no one paid any heed to the unknown and plainly
+clad girl.
+
+Then came his Grace of Andover upon the stage.
+
+He drew Diana's attention from the first moment that he entered the Pump
+Room--a black moth amongst the gaily-hued butterflies. He had swept a
+comprehensive glance round the scene and at once perceived Diana.
+Somehow, exactly how she could never afterwards remember, he had
+introduced himself to her aunt and won that lady's good will by his
+smoothness of manner and polished air. Madam Thompson, who, left to
+herself, never visited the Assembly Rooms, could not be expected to
+recognise Devil Belmanoir in the simple Mr. Everard who presented
+himself.
+
+As he had told his sister, Diana was cold. There was something about his
+Grace that repelled her, even while his mesmeric personality fascinated.
+He was right when he said that she feared him; she was nervous, and the
+element of fear gave birth to curiosity. She was intrigued, and began to
+look forward to his daily appearance in the Pump Room with mingled
+excitement and apprehension. She liked his flattering attention, and his
+grand air. Often she would watch him stroll across the floor, bowing to
+right and left with that touch of insolence that characterised him, and
+rejoiced in the knowledge that he was coming straight to her, and that
+the painted beauties who so palpably ogled and invited him to their
+sides could not alter his course. She felt her power with a thrill of
+delight, and smiled upon Mr. Everard, giving him her hand to kiss, and
+graciously permitting him to sit with her beside her aunt. He would
+point out all the celebrities of town and Bath for her edification,
+recalling carefully chosen and still more carefully censured anecdotes
+of each one. She discovered that Mr. Everard was an entertaining and
+harmless enough companion, and even expanded a little, allowing him a
+glimpse of her whimsical nature with its laughter and its hint of tears.
+
+His Grace of Andover saw enough to guess at the unsounded depths in her
+soul, and he became lover-like. Diana recoiled instinctively, throwing
+up a barrier of reserve between them. It was not what he said that
+alarmed her, but it was the way in which he said it, and the vague
+something in the purring, faintly sinister voice that she could not
+quite define, that made her heart beat unpleasantly fast, and the blood
+rush to her temples. She began first to dread the morning promenade,
+and then to avoid it. One day she had a headache; the next her foot was
+sore; another time she wanted to work at her fancy stitchery, until her
+aunt, who knew how she disliked her needle, and how singularly free from
+headaches and all petty ailments she was wont to be, openly taxed her
+with no longer wishing to walk abroad.
+
+They were in the girl's bedroom at the time, Diana seated before her
+dressing-table, brushing out her hair for the night. When her aunt put
+the abrupt question she hesitated, caught a long strand in her comb, and
+pretended to be absorbed in its disentanglement. The clouds of rippling
+hair half hid her face, but Miss Betty observed how her fingers
+trembled, and repeated her question. Then came the confession. Mr.
+Everard was unbearable; his attentions were odious; his continued
+presence revolting to Mistress Di. She was afraid of him, afraid of his
+dreadful green eyes and of his soft voice. She wished they had never
+come to Bath, and still more that they had not met him. He looked at her
+as if--as if--oh, in short, he was hateful!
+
+Miss Betty was horrified.
+
+"You cannot mean it! Dear, dear, dear! Here was I thinking what a
+pleasant gentleman he was, and all the time he was persecuting my poor
+Di, the wretch! _I_ know the type, my love, and I feel inclined to give
+him a good piece of my mind!"
+
+"Oh, no--no!" implored Diana. "Indeed, you must do no such thing,
+Auntie! He has said nought that I could possibly be offended at--'tis
+but his _manner_, and the--and the way he looked at me. Indeed, indeed,
+you must not!"
+
+"Tut, child! Of course I shall say nought. But it makes me so monstrous
+angry to think of my poor lamb being tormented by such as he that I
+declare I could tear his eyes out! Yes, my dear, I could! Thank goodness
+we are leaving Bath next week!"
+
+"Yes," sighed Diana. "I cannot help being glad, though Madam Thompson is
+very amiable! 'Tis so very different when there is no man with one!"
+
+"You are quite right, my love. We should have insisted on your father's
+staying with us instead of allowing him to fly back to his fusty, musty
+old volumes. I shall not be so foolish another time, I can assure you.
+But we need not go to the Assembly Rooms again."
+
+"I need not go," corrected Diana gently. "Of course you and Madam
+Thompson will continue to."
+
+"To tell the truth, my love," confessed Miss Betty, "I shall not be
+sorry for an excuse to stay away. 'Tis doubtless most ill-natured of me,
+but I cannot but think that Hester has altered sadly since last I saw
+her. She is always talking of sermons and good works!"
+
+Diana twisted her luxuriant hair into a long plait, and gave a gurgling
+little laugh.
+
+"Oh, Auntie, is it not depressing? I wondered how you could tolerate it!
+She is so vastly solemn, poor dear thing!"
+
+"Well," said Miss Betty charitably, "she has seen trouble, has Hester
+Thompson, and I have my doubts about this George of hers. A worthless
+young man, I fear, from all accounts. But, unkind though it may be, I
+shall be glad to find myself at home again, and that's the truth!" She
+rose and picked up her candle. "In fact, I find Bath not half so amusing
+as I was told 'twould be."
+
+Diana walked with her to the door.
+
+"'Tis not amusing at all when one has no friends; but last year, when my
+cousins were with us and papa took a house for the season on the North
+Parade, 'twas most enjoyable. I wish you had been there, instead of with
+that disagreeable Aunt Jennifer!"
+
+She kissed her relative most affectionately and lighted her across the
+landing to her room. Then she returned to her room and shut the door,
+giving a tired little yawn.
+
+It was at about that moment that his Grace of Andover was ushered into
+the already crowded card-room of my Lord Avon's house in Catharine
+Place, and was greeted with ribald cries of "Oho, Belmanoir!", and
+"Where's the lady, Devil?"
+
+He walked coolly forward into the full light of a great pendant
+chandelier, standing directly beneath it, the diamond order on his
+breast burning and winking like a living thing. The diamonds in his
+cravat and on his fingers glittered every time he moved, until he seemed
+to be carelessly powdered with iridescent gems. As usual, he was clad in
+black, but it would have been difficult to find any other dress in the
+room more sumptuous or more magnificent than his sable satin with its
+heavy silver lacing, and shimmering waistcoat. Silver lace adorned his
+throat and fell in deep ruffles over his hands, and in defiance of
+Fashion, which decreed that black alone should be worn to tie the hair,
+he displayed long silver ribands, very striking against his unpowdered
+head.
+
+He raised his quizzing glass and looked round the room with an air of
+surprised hauteur. Lord Avon, leaning back in his chair at one of the
+tables, shook a reproving finger at him.
+
+"Belmanoir, Belmanoir, we have seen her and we protest she is too
+charming for you!"
+
+"In truth, we think we should be allowed a share in the lady'th
+thmileth," lisped one from behind him, and his Grace turned to face
+dainty, effeminate little Viscount Fotheringham, who stood at his elbow,
+resplendent in salmon-pink satin and primrose velvet, with skirts so
+full and stiffly whaleboned that they stood out from his person, and
+heels so high that instead of walking he could only mince.
+
+Tracy made a low leg.
+
+"Surely shall you have a share in her smiles an she wills it so," he
+purred, and a general laugh went up which caused the fop to flush to the
+ears, as he speedily effaced himself.
+
+He had been one of those who had tried to accost Diana, and
+gossip-loving Will Stapely, with him at the time, had related the story
+of his discomfiture to at least half-a-dozen men, who immediately told
+it to others, vastly amused at the pertinacious Viscount's rebuff.
+
+"What was it Selwyn said?" drawled Sir Gregory Markham, shuffling cards
+at Lord Avon's table.
+
+Davenant looked across at him inquiringly.
+
+"George? Of Belmanoir? When?"
+
+"Oh, at White's one night--I forget--Jack Cholmondely was there--he
+would know; and Horry Walpole. 'Twas of Devil and his light o'
+loves--quite apt, on the whole."
+
+Cholmondely looked up.
+
+"Did I hear my name?"
+
+"Ay. What was it George said of Belmanoir at White's the night Gilly
+made that absurd bet with Ffolliott?"
+
+"When Gilly--oh, yes, I remember. 'Twas but an old hexameter tag,
+playing on his name: '_Est bellum bellis bellum bellare puellis_.' He
+seemed to think it a fitting motto for a ducal house."
+
+There was another general laugh at this. Markham broke in on it:
+
+"Who is she, Tracy?"
+
+His Grace turned.
+
+"Who is who?" he asked languidly.
+
+Lord Avon burst out laughing.
+
+"Oh, come now, Belmanoir, that won't do! It really will not! Who is she,
+indeed!"
+
+"Ay, Belmanoir, who is the black-haired beauty, and where did you find
+her?" cried Tom Wilding, pressing forward with a glass in one hand and a
+bottle of port in the other. "I thought you were captivated by Cynthia
+Evans?"
+
+Tracy looked bewildered for the moment, and then a light dawned on him.
+
+"Evans! Ah, yes! The saucy widow who lived in Kensington, was it not? I
+remember."
+
+"He had forgotten!" cried Avon, and went off into another of the noisy
+laughs that had more than once caused Mr. Nash to shudder and to close
+his august eyes. "You'll be the death of me, Devil! Gad! but you will!"
+
+"Oh, I trust not. Thank you, Wilding." He accepted the glass that Tom
+offered, and sipped delicately.
+
+"But you've not answered!" reminded Fortescue from another table. He
+dealt the cards round expertly. "Is it hands off, perhaps?"
+
+"Certainly," replied his Grace. "It generally is, Frank, as you know."
+
+"To my cost!" was the laughing rejoinder, and Fortescue rubbed his sword
+arm as if in memory of some hurt. "You pinked me finely, Tracy!"
+
+"Clumsily, Frank, clumsily. It might have been quicker done."
+
+The Viscount, who had been a second at the meeting, tittered amiably.
+
+"Neatetht thing I ever thaw, 'pon my honour. All over in leth than a
+minute, Avon! Give you my word!"
+
+"Never knew you had fought Devil, Frank? What possessed you?"
+
+"I was more mad than usual, I suppose," replied Fortescue in his low,
+rather dreamy voice, "and I interfered between Tracy and his French
+singer. He objected most politely, and we fought it out in Hyde Park."
+
+"Gad, yes!" exclaimed his partner, Lord Falmouth. "Why, I was Devil's
+second! But it was ages ago!"
+
+"Two years," nodded Fortescue, "but I have not forgotten, you see!"
+
+"Lord, I had! And 'twas the funniest fight I ever saw, with you as
+furious as could be and Devil cool as a cucumber. You were never much of
+a swordsman, Frank, but that morning you thrust so wildly that stap me
+if I didn't think Devil would run you through. 'Stead of that he pinks
+you neatly through the sword-arm, and damme if you didn't burst out
+laughing fit to split! And then we all walked off to breakfast with you,
+Frank, as jolly as sandboys. Heavens, yes. That was a fight!"
+
+"It was amusing," admitted Tracy at Fortescue's elbow. "Don't play,
+Frank."
+
+Fortescue flung his cards face downwards on the table. "Curse you,
+Tracy, you've brought bad luck!" he said entirely without rancour. "I
+had quite tolerable hands before you came."
+
+"Belmanoir, I will thtake my chestnut mare 'gaintht your new grey,"
+lisped the Viscount, coming up to the table, dice-box in hand.
+
+"Stap me, but that is too bad!" cried Wilding. "Don't take him, Devil!
+Have you seen the brute?"
+
+The four players had finished their card-playing and were quite ready
+for the dice.
+
+"Trust in your luck, Belmanoir, and take him!" advised Pritchard, who
+loved hazarding other men's possessions, but kept a tight hold on his
+own.
+
+"Ay, take him!" echoed Falmouth.
+
+"Don't," said Fortescue.
+
+"Of course I shall take him," answered his Grace tranquilly. "My grey
+against your chestnut and the best of three. Will you throw?"
+
+The Viscount rattled his box with a flourish. Two threes and a one
+turned up.
+
+With a hand on Fortescue's shoulder, and one foot on the rung of his
+chair, Tracy leaned forward and cast his own dice on to the table. He
+had beaten the Viscount's throw by five. The next toss Fotheringham won,
+but the last fell to his Grace.
+
+"Damnathion!" said the Viscount cheerfully. "Will you thtake your grey
+againtht my Terror?"
+
+"Thunder and turf, Fotheringham! You'll lose him!" cried Nettlefold
+warningly. "Don't stake the Terror!"
+
+"Nonthenth! Do you take me, Belmanoir?"
+
+"Certainly," said the Duke, and threw.
+
+"Oh, an you are in a gaming mood, I will play you for the right to try
+my hand with the dark beauty!" called Markham across the room.
+
+"Against what?" asked Fortescue.
+
+"Oh, what he wills!"
+
+The Viscount had cast and lost, and his Grace won the second throw.
+
+"It appears my luck is in," he remarked. "I will stake my beauty against
+your estates, Markham."
+
+Sir Gregory shook his head, laughing.
+
+"No, no! Keep the lady!"
+
+"I intend to, my dear fellow. She is not your style. I begin to wonder
+whether she altogether suits my palate." He drew out his snuff-box and
+offered it to his host, and the other men finding that he was proof
+against their railing, allowed the subject to drop.
+
+In the course of the evening his Grace won three thousand guineas--two
+at ombre and one at dice--lost his coveted grey hunter and won him back
+again from Wilding, to whom he had fallen. He came away at three o'clock
+in company with Fortescue, both perfectly cool-headed, although his
+Grace, for his part, had imbibed a considerable quantity of burgundy,
+and more punch than any ordinary man could take without afterwards
+feeling very much the worse for wear.
+
+As my Lord Avon's door closed behind them, Tracy turned to his friend:
+
+"Shall we walk, Frank?"
+
+"Since our ways lie together, yes," replied Fortescue, linking his arm
+in the Duke's. "Down Brock Street and across the Circus is our quickest
+way."
+
+They strolled down the road for a few moments in silence, passing a
+linkman on the way. Fortescue bade him a cheery good-night, which was
+answered in a very beery voice, but the Duke said nothing. Frank looked
+into his dark-browed face thoughtfully.
+
+"You've had the luck, to-night, Tracy."
+
+"Moderately. I hoped entirely to repair last week's losses."
+
+"You are in debt, I suppose?"
+
+"I believe so."
+
+"To what extent, Tracy?"
+
+"My dear fellow, I neither have, nor wish to have, the vaguest notion.
+Pray do not treat me to a sermon!"
+
+"I shall not. I've said all I have to say on the subject."
+
+"Many times."
+
+"Yes--many times. And it has had no more effect upon you than if I had
+not spoken."
+
+"Less."
+
+"I daresay. I wish it were not so, for there's good in you somewhere,
+Tracy."
+
+"By what strange process of reasoning do you arrive at that?"
+
+"Well," said Fortescue laughing, "there's nearly always some good in the
+very worst of men. I count on that--and your kindness to me."
+
+"I should be interested to know when I have been kind to you--beyond the
+time when I was compelled to teach you to leave me and my affairs
+alone."
+
+"I was not referring to that occasion," was the dry answer. "I had not
+seen your act in that light. I meant well over the episode."
+
+"You could not damn yourself more effectually than by saying that," said
+his Grace calmly. "But we wander from the point. When have I done you an
+act of kindness?"
+
+"You know very well. When you extricated me from that cursed
+sponging-house."
+
+"I remember now. Yes, that _was_ good of me. I wonder why I did it?"
+
+"'Tis what I want to know."
+
+"I suppose I must have had some sort of an affection for you. I would
+certainly never have done such a thing for anyone else."
+
+"Not even for your own brother!" said Frank sharply.
+
+They had crossed the Circus and were walking down Gay Street now.
+
+"Least of all for them," came the placid response. "You are thinking of
+Andrew's tragic act? Most entertaining, was it not?"
+
+"You evidently found it so."
+
+"I did. I wanted to prolong the sensation, but my esteemed
+brother-in-law came to the young fool's rescue."
+
+"Would you have assisted him?"
+
+"In the end I fear I should have had to."
+
+"I believe there must be a kink in your brain!" cried Fortescue. "I
+cannot else account for your extraordinary conduct!"
+
+"We Belmanoirs are all half-mad," replied Tracy sweetly, "but I think
+that in my case it is merely concentrated evil."
+
+"I will not believe it! You have shown that you can behave differently!
+You do not try to strip me of all I possess--why all those unfortunate
+youths you play with?"
+
+"You see, you possess so little," the Duke excused himself.
+
+"Neither do you sneer at me in your loathsome fashion. Why?"
+
+"Because I have hardly ever any desire to. I like you."
+
+"Tare an' ouns! you must like someone else in the world besides me?"
+
+"I can think of no one. And I do not exactly worship the ground _you_
+tread on. The contemplation of my brothers appals me. I have loved
+various women, and shall no doubt love many more--"
+
+"No, Tracy," interposed Fortescue, "you have never loved a woman in your
+life. 'Tis that that might save you. I do not allude to the lustful
+passion you indulge in, but real love. For God's sake Belmanoir, live
+clean!"
+
+"Pray do not distress yourself, Frank. I am not worth it."
+
+"I choose to think that you are. I cannot but feel that if you had been
+loved as a boy--Your mother--"
+
+"Did you ever see my mother?" inquired his Grace lazily.
+
+"No--but--"
+
+"Have you ever seen my sister?"
+
+"Er--yes--"
+
+"In a rage?"
+
+"Really, I--"
+
+"Because, if you have, you have seen my mother. Only she was ten times
+more violent. In fact, we were a pleasant party when we were all at
+home."
+
+"I understand."
+
+"Good Gad! I believe you are sorry for me?" cried Tracy scornfully.
+
+"I am. Is it a presumption on my part?"
+
+"My dear Frank, when I am sorry for myself you may be sorry too. Until
+then--"
+
+"When that day comes I shall no longer pity you."
+
+"Very deep, Frank! You think I shall be on the road to recovery? A
+pretty conceit. Luckily, the happy moment has not yet come--and I do not
+think it is like to. We appear to have arrived."
+
+They were standing outside one of the tall houses where Fortescue
+lodged. He turned and grasped his friend's shoulders.
+
+"Tracy, give up this mad life you lead! Give up the women and the drink,
+and the excessive gaming; for one day, believe me, you will overstep
+yourself and be ruined!"
+
+The Duke disengaged himself.
+
+"I very much object to being man-handled in the street," he complained.
+"I suppose you still _mean_ well. You should strive to conquer the
+tendency."
+
+"I wonder if you know how insolent is your tone, Belmanoir?" asked
+Fortescue steadily.
+
+"Naturally. I should not have attained such perfection in the art else.
+But pray accept my thanks for your good advice. You will forgive me an I
+do not avail myself of it, I am sure. I prefer the crooked path."
+
+"Evidently," sighed the other. "If you will not try the straight and
+narrow way, I can only hope that you will fall very deeply and very
+honestly in love; and that the lady will save you from yourself."
+
+"I will inform you of it when it comes to pass," promised his Grace.
+"And now: good-night!"
+
+"Good-night!" Frank returned the low bow with a curt nod. "I shall see
+you to-morrow--that is, this morning--at the Baths?"
+
+"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," was the smiling
+rejoinder. "Sleep soundly, Frank!" He waved an ironic farewell and
+crossed the road to his own lodgings, which stood almost directly
+opposite.
+
+"And I suppose _you_ will sleep as soundly as if you had not a stain on
+your conscience--and had not tried your uttermost to alienate the regard
+of the only friend you possess," remarked Frank bitterly to the
+darkness. "Damn you, Tracy, for the villain you are!" He walked up the
+steps to his own front door and turned the key in the lock. He looked
+over his shoulder as a door slammed across the street. "Poor Devil!" he
+said. "Oh, you poor Devil!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE BITER BIT
+
+
+With John Carstares the winter had passed quite uneventfully. He
+continued his highway robbery, but he made two bad blunders--not from
+the point of view of a thief, but from that of the gentleman in him. The
+first was when he stopped an opulent-looking chariot, which he found to
+contain two ladies, their maid and their jewels, and the second when the
+occupant of a large travelling coach chanced to be an old gentleman who
+possessed far greater courage than physical strength. On the first
+occasion my lord's dismay had been ludicrous, and he had hastily retired
+after tendering a naive apology. The old gentleman in the second episode
+had defied him so gallantly that he had impulsively offered him the butt
+end of one of his pistols. The old man was so surprised that he allowed
+the weapon to fall to the ground, where it exploded quite harmlessly,
+sending up a cloud of dust and smoke. Carstares then begged his pardon
+most humbly, assisted him back into his coach, and rode off before the
+astonished Mr. Dunbar had time to collect his wits.
+
+The robbing was not carried out in a very scientific manner, for, as has
+been seen, Carstares could not bring himself to terrorise women or old
+men, and there only remained the young and the middle-aged gentlemen,
+one of whom Jack offered to fight for the possession of his jewels. His
+challenge was promptly accepted by the man, who happened to possess a
+strong sense of humour, and probably saw a chance of saving his
+belongings in the offer. He had been speedily worsted, but Carstares was
+so pleased with a particularly neat thrust which he had executed, that
+he forwent half the booty, and the pair of them divided the contents of
+the jewel-box by the roadside, the sporting gentleman keeping his most
+valued belongings and giving Jack the surplus. They parted on the very
+best of terms, and all Carstares got out of the episode was a little
+sword practice and a few trinkets.
+
+When day came he was patrolling the west side of Sussex, beyond
+Midhurst, not because he thought it a profitable part, but because he
+knew and loved the country. One late afternoon towards the end of the
+month he rode gaily into one of the small villages that nestle amongst
+the Downs, and made his way down the quaint main street to the George
+Inn, where he drew rein and dismounted. At his call an aged ostler
+hobbled out of a side door, chewing an inevitable straw, and after
+eyeing the newcomer and his steed for an appreciable length of time,
+evidently decided that they were worthy of his attention, for he came
+forward, remarking that it had been a pleasant day.
+
+Carstares agreed with him, and volunteered the information that it would
+be another fine day to-morrow, if the sunset were to be trusted. To this
+the ostler replied that he, for one, never trusted to no red sunsets,
+and added darkly that there warn't nothing so deceitful to his manner o'
+thinking. He'd known it be such a red sunset as never was, and yet be
+a-pouring with rain all next day.... Should he take the mare?
+
+Carstares shook his head.
+
+"No, I thank you. I remain here but a few moments. I doubt she's thirsty
+though--eh, Jenny?"
+
+"Water, sir?"
+
+"For her, yes. For myself I fancy a tankard of your home-brewed ale.
+Stand, Jenny!" He turned away and walked up the steps to the inn door.
+
+"Be you a-going to leave her there, sir--a-standing all by herself?"
+inquired the man, surprised.
+
+"Why, yes! She's docile enough."
+
+"Well! Seems to me a risky thing to leave a hoss--and a skittish hoss at
+that--a-standing loose in the road. Ye won't be tying her to a post,
+master?"
+
+Carstares leaned his arms on the balustrade and looked down at them.
+
+"I will not. She'd be very hurt at such treatment, wouldn't you, lass?"
+
+Jenny tossed her head playfully, as if in agreement, and the ostler
+scratched his head, looking from her to my lord:
+
+"A'most seems as if she understands what you be a-saying to her, sir!"
+
+"Of course she understands! Don't I tell you 'tis a clever little lady?
+If I call her now she'll come up these steps to me, and not all the
+ostlers in Christendom could stop her."
+
+"Don't'ee go for to do it, sir!" urged the old man, backing. "She must
+be uncommon fond o' ye?"
+
+"She'd be a deal fonder of you if you'd fetch her a drink," hinted Jack
+broadly.
+
+"Ay, sir! I be a-going this werry instant!" And with many an anxious
+glance over his shoulder at the perfectly quiet mare, he disappeared
+through an open doorway into the yard.
+
+When Carstares, tankard of ale in hand, emerged from the inn and sat
+himself down on one of the benches that stood against the wall, the
+mare was drinking thirstily from a bucket which the ancient one held for
+her.
+
+"'Tis a wunnerful fine mare, sir," he remarked at length, after a
+careful inspection of her points.
+
+Carstares nodded pleasantly, and surveyed Jenny through half-shut eyes.
+
+"I think so every time I look at her," he said.
+
+"I should think she could get a bit of a pace on her, sir? Mebbe ye've
+tried her racing?"
+
+"No, she wasn't brought up to that. But she's fast enough."
+
+"Ay, sir. No vices?"
+
+"Lord, no!"
+
+"Don't kick neither?"
+
+"Not with me."
+
+"Ah! they allus knows who'll stand it and who won't."
+
+Jack drained his tankard, and setting it down on the bench beside him,
+rose to his feet.
+
+"She'd not dream of kicking a friend. Jenny!"
+
+The ostler watched her pick her way towards her master, coquetting with
+her head, and sidling round him in the most playful manner possible. A
+slow smile dawned on the man's face.
+
+"Ah, it be a purty sight to watch her--so it be!" he said, and received
+a guinea from Jack, who never tired of listening to praise of his
+beloved Jenny.
+
+Carstares remounted, nodded farewell to the ostler and rode leisurely on
+down the street, soon branching off to the right into a typical Sussex
+lane, where he trotted between uneven hedges, sweet with blossom and
+with May, and placid fields rolling away on either side, upwards until
+they merged into the undulating hills, barely discernible in the gloom,
+that are the downs. It was a wonderfully calm evening, with only a
+gentle west wind blowing, and the moon already shining faintly in the
+dark sky. There was nothing beyond the sound of the mare's hoofs to
+break the beautiful stillness of it all.
+
+He rode for some way without meeting a soul, and when at the end of an
+hour someone did chance along the road it was only a labourer returning
+home to his supper after a long day in the fields. John bade him a
+cheery good evening and watched him pass on down the road humming.
+
+After that he met no one. He rode easily along for miles, into the
+fast-gathering darkness. He was frowning as he rode, thinking.
+
+Curiously enough, it was on his penniless days in France that his mind
+dwelt this evening. He had resolutely thrust that dark time behind him,
+determined to forget it, but there were still days when, try as he
+might, he could not prevent his thoughts flying back to it.
+
+With clenched teeth he recalled the days when he, the son of an Earl,
+had taught fencing in Paris for a living.... Suddenly he laughed
+harshly, and at the unusual sound the mare pricked up her ears and
+sidled uneasily across the road. For once no notice was taken of her,
+and she quickened her pace with a flighty toss of her head....
+
+He thought how he, the extravagant John, had pinched and scraped and
+saved rather than go under; how he had lived in one of the poorer
+_quartiers_ of the city, alone, without friends--nameless.
+
+Then, cynically now, he reviewed the time when he had taken to drinking,
+heavily and systematically, and had succeeded in pulling himself up at
+the very brink of the pit he saw yawning before him.
+
+Next the news of his mother's death.... John passed over that quickly.
+Even now the thought of it had the power of rousing in him all the old
+misery and impotent resentment.
+
+His mind sped on to his Italian days. On his savings he had travelled to
+Florence, and from there he went gradually south, picking up all the
+latest arts and subtleties of fence on the way.
+
+The change of scene and of people did much to restore his spirits. His
+devil-may-care ways peeped out again; he started to gamble on the little
+money he had left. For once Fortune proved kind; he doubled and trebled
+and quadrupled the contents of his purse. Then it was that he met Jim
+Salter, whom he engaged as his servant. This was the first friend since
+he had left England. Together they travelled about Europe, John gambling
+his way, Jim keeping a relentless hand on the exchequer. It was entirely
+owing to his watchfulness and care that John was not ruined, for his
+luck did not always hold good, and there were days when he lost with
+distressing steadiness. But Jim guarded the winnings jealously, and
+there was always something to fall back on.
+
+At last the longing for England and English people grew so acute that
+John made up his mind to return. But he found that things in England
+were very different from what they had been abroad. Here he was made to
+feel acutely that he was outcast. It was impossible to live in town
+under an assumed name, as he would like to have done, for too many
+people knew Jack Carstares, and would remember him. He saw that he must
+either live secluded, or--and the idea of becoming a highwayman occurred
+to him. A hermit's existence he knew to be totally unsuited to a man of
+his temperament, but the free, adventurous spirit of the road appealed
+to him. The finding of his mare--J. the Third, as he laughingly dubbed
+her--decided the point; he forthwith took on himself the role of
+quixotic highwayman, roaming his beloved South Country, happier than he
+had been since he first left England; bit by bit regaining his youth and
+spirits, which last, not all the trouble he had been through had
+succeeded in extinguishing....
+
+Clip-clap, clip-clop.... With a jerk he came back to earth and reined-in
+his mare, the better to listen.
+
+Along the road came the unmistakable sound of horses' hoofs, and the
+scrunch-scrunch of swiftly-revolving wheels on the sandy surface.
+
+By now the moon was right out, but owing to the fact that she was
+playing at hide-and-seek in and out of the clouds, it was fairly dark.
+Nevertheless, Jack fastened his mask over his face with quick, deft
+fingers, and pulled his hat well over his eyes. His ears told him that
+the vehicle, whatever it was, was coming towards him, so he drew into
+the side of the road, and taking a pistol from its holster, sat waiting,
+his eyes on the bend in the road.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the horses, until the leader swung round the
+corner. Carstares saw that it was an ordinary travelling chariot, and
+levelled his pistol.
+
+"Halt, or I fire!" He had to repeat the command before it was heard, and
+to ride out from the shadow of the hedge.
+
+The chariot drew up and the coachman leaned over the side to see who it
+was bidding them to stop in so peremptory a manner.
+
+"What d'ye want? Who are ye? Is there aught amiss?" he cried testily,
+and found himself staring at a long-nosed pistol.
+
+"Throw down your arms!"
+
+"I ain't got none, blast ye!"
+
+"On your honour?" Jack dismounted.
+
+"Ay! Wish I had, and I'd see ye damned afore I'd throw 'em down!"
+
+At this moment the door of the coach opened and a gentleman leapt
+lightly down on to the road. He was big and loose-limbed as far as
+Carstares could see, and carried himself with an easy grace.
+
+My lord presented his pistol.
+
+"Stand!" he ordered gruffly.
+
+The moon peeped coyly out from behind a cloud and shed her light upon
+the little group as if to see what all the fuss was about. The big man's
+face was in the shadow, but Jack's pistol was not. Into its muzzle the
+gentleman gazed, one hand deep in the pocket of his heavy cloak, the
+other holding a small pistol.
+
+"Me very dear friend," he said in a rich brogue, "perhaps ye are not
+aware that that same pistol ye are pointing at me is unloaded? Don't
+move; I have ye covered!"
+
+Jack's arm fell to his side, and the pistol he held clattered to the
+ground. But it was not surprise at Jim's defection that caused him that
+violent start. It was something far more overwhelming. For the voice
+that proceeded from the tall gentleman belonged to one whom, six years
+ago, he had counted, next to Richard, his greatest friend on earth.
+
+The man moved a little, and the moonlight shone full on his face,
+clearly outlining the large nose and good-humoured mouth, and above, the
+sleepy grey eyes. Miles! Miles O'Hara! For once Jack could find nothing
+amusing in the situation. It was too inconceivably hideous that he
+should meet his friend in this guise, and, further, be unable to reveal
+himself. A great longing to tear off his mask and to grasp Miles' hand
+assailed him. With an effort he choked it down and listened to what
+O'Hara was saying:
+
+"If ye will be so kind as to give me your word of honour ye'll not be
+afther trying to escape, I should be greatly obliged. But I tell ye
+first that if ye attempt to move, I shall shoot."
+
+Jack made a hopeless gesture with his hand. He felt dazed. The whole
+thing was ridiculous; how Miles would laugh afterwards. He went cold.
+There would be no "afterwards".... Miles would never know.... He would
+be given over to the authorities, and Miles would never know that he had
+helped Jack Carstares to the scaffold.... Perhaps, too, he would not
+mind so very much, now that he, Jack, was so disgraced. One could never
+tell; even if he risked everything now, and told his true identity,
+Miles might turn away from him in disgust; Miles, who could never stoop
+to a dishonourable act. Carstares felt that he would bear anything
+sooner than face this man's scorn....
+
+"Never tell me 'tis a dumb man ye are, for I heard ye shout meself! Do
+ye give me your word of honour, or must I have ye bound?"
+
+Carstares pulled himself together and set his teeth as he faced the
+inevitable. Escape was impossible; Miles would shoot, he felt sure, and
+then his disguise would be torn away and his friend would see that Jack
+Carstares was nothing but a common highwayman. Whatever happened, that
+must not be, for the sake of the name and Richard. So he quietly held
+out his hands.
+
+"Ay, I give my word, but ye can bind me if ye choose." It was his
+highwayman voice: raucous, and totally unlike his own.
+
+But O'Hara's eyes were fixed on the slender white hands held out to him.
+In his usual haphazard fashion, Jack had quite forgotten to grime his
+hands. They were shapely and white, and carefully manicured.
+
+Miles took either wrist in his large hands and turned them palm upwards
+in the moonlight.
+
+"Singularly white hands ye have, for one in your profession," he
+drawled, and tightened his hold as Jack tried to draw them away. "No, ye
+do not! Now be so good as to step within, me friend."
+
+Jack held back an instant.
+
+"My mare?" he asked, and O'Hara noted the anxiety in his voice.
+
+"Ye need not be after worrying about her," he said. "George!" The
+footman sprang forward.
+
+"Yessir?"
+
+"Ye see that mare? I want ye to ride her home. Can ye do it?"
+
+"Yessir!"
+
+"I doubt it," murmured Jack.
+
+So did Jenny. She refused point blank to allow this stranger to mount
+her. Her master had left her in one spot, and there she would stand
+until he chose to bid her move. In vain did the groom coax and coerce.
+She ran round him and seemed a transformed creature. She laid her ears
+flat and gnashed at the bit, ready to lash out furiously at the first
+opportunity.
+
+Jack watched the man's futile struggles with the ghost of a smile about
+his lips.
+
+"Jenny!" he said quietly, and O'Hara looked round at him sharply,
+frowning. Unconsciously, he had spoken naturally, and the voice was
+faintly familiar.
+
+Jenny twitched the bridle from the perspiring groom and minced up to the
+prisoner.
+
+"Would ye allow me to have a hand free--sir?" he asked. "Mebbe I can
+manage her."
+
+Without a word Miles released him, and he caught the bridle, murmuring
+something unintelligible to the now quiet animal.
+
+O'Hara watched the beautiful hand stroke her muzzle reassuringly, and
+frowned again. No ordinary highwayman this.
+
+"Mount her now, will 'ee?" Jack flung at the groom, and kept a warning
+hand on the rein as the man obeyed. With a final pat he turned away.
+"She'll do now, sir."
+
+O'Hara nodded.
+
+"Ye've trained her well. Get in, please."
+
+Jack obeyed, and in a minute or two O'Hara jumped in after him, and the
+coach began to move forward.
+
+For a while there was silence, Carstares keeping himself well under
+control. It was almost unbearable to think that after this brief drive
+he would never set eyes on his friend again, and he wanted so badly to
+turn and grasp that strong hand....
+
+Miles turned in his seat and tried to see the masked face in the
+darkness.
+
+"Ye are a gentleman?" he asked, going straight to the point.
+
+Jack was prepared for this.
+
+"Me, sir? Lor' no, sir!"
+
+"I do not believe ye. Don't be forgettin' I've seen your hands!"
+
+"Hands, sir?" in innocent bewilderment.
+
+"Sure, ye don't think I'd be believing ye an ordinary rogue, with hands
+like that?"
+
+"I don't rightly understand ye, sir?"
+
+"Bejabers then, ye'll be understanding me tomorrow!"
+
+"To-morrow, sir?"
+
+"Certainly. Ye may as well tell me now as then. I'm not such a daft fool
+as I look, and I know a gentleman when I see one, even an he does growl
+at me as you do!" he chuckled. "And I'd an odd feeling I knew ye when ye
+spoke to the mare. I'd be loth to send a friend to the gallows."
+
+How well Jack knew that soft, persuasive voice. His hands clenched as he
+forced himself to answer:
+
+"I don't think I've ever seen ye afore, sir."
+
+"Maybe ye have not. We shall see to-morrow."
+
+"What do ye mean by to-morrow, sir?" ventured Carstares uneasily.
+
+"Sure, ye will have the honour of appearing before me, me friend."
+
+"Before _you_, sir?"
+
+"Why not? I'm a Justice of the Peace, heaven save the mark!"
+
+There was a breathless pause, and then at last the funny side of it
+struck Jack, and his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. The
+exquisite irony of it was almost too much for him. He, the Earl of
+Wyncham, was to be formally questioned by his friend Sir Miles O'Hara,
+J.P.!
+
+"What ails ye now, man? Ye find it amusing?" asked Miles, surprised.
+
+"Oh, Lud, yes!" gasped Jack, and collapsed into his corner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+LADY O'HARA INTERVENES
+
+
+Lady O'Hara found that her big, indolent husband was unusually silent
+next morning at breakfast. She had not been married long enough to
+consent to being practically ignored, no matter what the time of day,
+but she had been married quite long enough to know that before she took
+any direct action against him, she must first allow him to assuage his
+appetite. Accordingly she plied him with coffee and eggs, and with a
+satisfied and slightly motherly air, watched him attack a sirloin of
+beef. She was a pretty, birdlike little lady, with big eyes, and soft
+brown curls escaping from under a demure but very becoming mob cap. She
+measured five foot nothing in her stockings, and was sometimes referred
+to by her large husband as the Midget. Needless to say, this flippant
+appellation was in no wise encouraged by the lady.
+
+She decided that Miles had come to the end of his repast, and, planting
+two dimpled elbows on the table, she rested her small chin in her hands
+and looked across at him with something of the air of an inquisitive
+kitten.
+
+"Miles!"
+
+O'Hara leaned back in his chair, and at the sight of her fresh
+prettiness his brow cleared and he smiled.
+
+"Well, asthore?"
+
+A reproachful finger was raised and a pair of red lips pouted adorably.
+
+"Now, Miles, confess you've been vastly disagreeable this morning. Twice
+have I spoken to you and you've not troubled to answer me--nay, let me
+finish! And once you growled at me like a nasty bear! Yes, sir, you
+did!"
+
+"Did I now, Molly? 'Tis a surly brute you're after thinking me, then?
+Troth, and I've been sore perplexed, me dear."
+
+Lady O'Hara got up and sidled round to him.
+
+"Have you so, Miles?"
+
+He flung an arm about her and drew her on to his knee.
+
+"Sure, yes, Molly."
+
+"Well then, Miles, had you not better tell me what it is that troubles
+you?" she coaxed, laying a persuasive hand on his shoulder.
+
+He smiled up at her.
+
+"'Tis just an inquisitive puss you are!"
+
+Again the pout.
+
+"And ye should not pout your pretty lips at me if ye are not wanting me
+to kiss them!" he added, suiting the action to the word.
+
+"But of course I do!" cried my lady, returning the kiss with fervour.
+"Nay, Miles, tell me."
+
+"I see ye mean to have the whole tale out of me, so--"
+
+"To be sure I do!" she nodded.
+
+He laid a warning finger on her lips and summoned up a mighty frown.
+
+"Now will ye be done interrupting, me lady?"
+
+Not a whit abashed, she bit the finger, pushed it away, and folding her
+hands in her lap, cast her eyes meekly heavenwards.
+
+With a twinkle in his own eyes the Irishman continued:
+
+"Well, alanna, ye must know that yesterday evening I was at Kilroy's on
+a matter of business--and that reminds me, Molly, we had a hand or two
+at faro and the like before I left, and I had very distressing luck--"
+
+On a sudden my lady's demure air vanished.
+
+"Is that so, Miles? I make no doubt the stakes were prodigious high?
+Pray, how much have you lost?"
+
+"Whisht, darlin', 'tis a mere thrifle, I assure you.... Well, as I was
+saying, on me way home, what should happen but that we be held up by one
+of these highwaymen--"
+
+My lady's eyes widened in horror, and two little hands clutched at his
+coat.
+
+"Oh, Miles!"
+
+His arm tightened round her waist.
+
+"Sure, asthore, I'm still alive to tell the tale, though 'tis not far
+I'll be getting with you interrupting at every moment!"
+
+"But, Miles, how terrible! You might have been killed! And you never
+told me! 'Twas monstrous wicked of you, darling!"
+
+"Faith, Molly, how should I be telling you when 'twas yourself that was
+fast asleep? Now will you whisht?"
+
+She nodded obediently, and dimpled.
+
+"Well, as I say, here was this man standing in the road, pointing his
+pistol at me. But will ye believe me, me love, when I tell you that that
+same pistol was as empty as--my own?" Here he was shaken with laughter.
+"Lud, Molly, 'twas the drollest thing! I had me pistol in me hand,
+knowing 'twas unloaded, and wondering what the devil, saving your
+presence, was to do next, when the idea struck me that I should try to
+bluff me fine sir. So I cried out that his pistol was unloaded, and
+completely took him by surprise! Sure he hadn't time to ask himself how
+the devil I should be knowing that! He dropped it on the road. Afther--"
+
+"Miles, you are becoming very Irish!"
+
+"Never say so, alanna. _After_ that 'twas simple enough, and me lord
+gave in. He held out his hands for me to bind--and here's where 'tis
+puzzling, Molly--I saw that they were a prodigious sight too white and
+fine for an ordinary highwayman. So I taxed him with it--"
+
+"'Twas a gentleman in disguise! How splendid, Miles!"
+
+"Will ye hold your tongue, asthore, and not be spoiling me story on me?"
+
+"Oh, indeed I am sorry! I will be good!"
+
+"--and he started and seemed monstrous put out. What's more, me dear, I
+heard him speak to his mare in an ordinary, gentleman's voice. Molly, ye
+never saw the like of that same mare! The sweetest--"
+
+"Pray, never mind the mare, dear! I am all agog to hear about the
+gentleman-highwayman!"
+
+"Very well, me love, though 'twas a prodigious fine mare--When I heard
+him speak, it flashed across me brain that I knew him--no, ye don't,
+Molly!" His hand was over her mouth as he spoke, and her eyes danced
+madly. "But I could not for the life of me think where I had heard that
+voice: 'twas but the one word I heard him speak, ye understand, and when
+I held his wrists I felt that 'twas no stranger. And yet 'tis
+impossible. When I got him within the coach--"
+
+"How imprudent! He might have--"
+
+"Whisht now! When I got him within the coach I tried to worm his
+identity out of him, but 'twas to no avail. But when I told him he would
+have to appear before me to-day, he went off into a fit of laughing,
+till I wondered what he was at, at all. And not another word could I get
+out of him after beyond 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir.' Still, I felt that
+'twas a gentleman all the same, so I--"
+
+He was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.
+
+"You dear Miles! You let him escape?"
+
+"Sure, alanna, is it meself that would be doing the like? And me a
+Justice of the Peace withal? I told them not to handcuff me lord."
+
+"Oh, I do so wish you had let him escape! But if 'tis really a
+gentleman, you will?"
+
+"I will not then, asthore. I'll be sending him to await the Assizes."
+
+"You are very cruel, then."
+
+"But, me darlin'--"
+
+"And I wish to get off your knee." He drew her close.
+
+"I'll see what can be done for your protege, Molly. But don't be
+forgetting he tried to kill the only husband you have!" He watched the
+effect of this with that humorous twinkle in his eye. But my lady was
+not to be put off.
+
+"With an empty pistol? Fie on you, Miles! And may I hide behind the
+screen while you question him?"
+
+"Ye may not."
+
+"But I wish so much to see him!"
+
+O'Hara shook his head with an air of finality she knew full well.
+However easy-going and good-natured her husband might be, there were
+times when he was impervious to all blandishments. So after darkly
+hinting that she would be nearer than he imagined, she gave up the
+contest to go and visit young Master David in his nursery.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For some time in lock-up Carstares had cudgelled his brain to think out
+a possible mode of escape next day, but try as he might he could light
+on nothing. If only Miles were not to question him! It was hardly likely
+that he would be allowed to retain his mask, yet therein lay his only
+chance of preserving his incognito. He prayed that by some merciful
+providence O'Hara would either fail to recognise him or would at least
+pretend that he did not. Having decided that there was nothing further
+to be done in the matter he lay down on his extremely hard pallet, and
+went to sleep as if he had not a care in the world.
+
+Next morning, after a long and wordy argument with the head gaoler on
+the subject of masks, he was haled in triumph to the house.
+
+As the little cavalcade was about to ascend the steps that led to the
+front door, my Lady O'Hara came gaily forth carrying a basket and a pair
+of scissors, and singing a snatch of song. At the sight of the
+highwayman the song broke off and her red lips formed a long-drawn "Oh!"
+She stood quite still on the top step, gazing down at my lord. The two
+gaolers stood aside to allow her to come down, just as a greyhound
+darted up the steps and flung itself against her in an exuberance of
+joy. My lady, none too securely balanced, reeled; the basket fell from
+her arm, her foot missed the next step, and she tumbled headlong down.
+But in the flash of an eyelid Carstares had sprung forward and received
+her in his arms. He lowered her gently to the ground. "I trust you are
+not hurt, madam?" he asked, and retrieved her basket, handing it to her.
+
+Molly took it with a smile.
+
+"I thank you sir, not at all; though I fear I should have injured myself
+quite considerably had you not been so swift in catching me. 'Twas most
+kind of you, I am sure!" She extended her small hand, and her eyes
+devoured him.
+
+For a moment my lord hesitated, and then, sweeping off his hat, he bowed
+low over the hand.
+
+"'Twas less than nothing, madam," he said in his own cultivated voice.
+"I beg you will dismiss it from your mind." He straightened himself as
+the gaolers came forward, and put on his hat again.
+
+Lady O'Hara stepped aside and watched them disappear into the house. Her
+cheeks were rather flushed, and her eyes suspiciously bright. Suddenly
+she nodded her head decisively, and throwing away her luckless basket,
+hurried across the lawn and entered the house through a long window.
+
+My lord was conducted to the library, where O'Hara sat awaiting him, and
+slouched forward with his hands thrust deep into his pockets and his hat
+still on his head.
+
+The head gaoler eyed him gloomily, and looked pained when Carstares with
+studied boorishness leaned carelessly against a fine carved table.
+
+"We 'ave refrained from 'andcuffin' pris'ner, sir, at your horders," he
+said, in a tone that warned O'Hara that should harm come of it, on his
+head be the blame.
+
+Miles nodded.
+
+"Quite right," he said pleasantly, and glanced at the cloaked and masked
+figure before him with more suspicion than ever.
+
+"But I regrets to 'ave to report very hobstinate be'aviour on part of
+pris'ner, sir," added the gaoler impressively.
+
+"Indeed?" said Miles gravely. "How so?"
+
+Jack controlled an insane desire to laugh, and listened to the gaoler's
+complaint.
+
+"You see the pris'ner, sir, with that great mask on 'is face? Afore we
+set out to come 'ere, I told 'im to take it hoff. And 'e refoosed, sir.
+Seeing as 'ow you gave no horders, I did not force 'im to hobey."
+
+"Ah! ... Your name, please?"
+
+"John Smith, sir," answered Carstares promptly and hoarsely. O'Hara
+wrote it down with a sceptical smile on his lips that Jack did not quite
+like.
+
+"Perhaps ye will have the goodness to unmask?"
+
+There was a momentary silence.
+
+"Why, sir, I thought ye might allow me to keep it on?"
+
+"Did ye now? I will not be allowing any such thing."
+
+"But, sir--"
+
+"'Tis impossible. Off with it!"
+
+"Sir--"
+
+"If ye don't take it off, I shall ask these men to assist ye," warned
+Miles.
+
+"May I not speak with ye alone, sir?" pleaded Jack. By now O'Hara was
+greatly intrigued.
+
+"Ye may not. Unmask!" He was leaning half across the table, his eyes
+fixed on Jack's face.
+
+With a quaint little laugh that made O'Hara's brows contract swiftly, my
+lord shrugged his shoulders French fashion and obeyed. The mask and hat
+were tossed lightly on to the table, and Miles found himself gazing into
+a pair of blue eyes that met his half defiantly, half imploringly. He
+drew in his breath sharply and the thin ivory rule he held snapped
+suddenly between his fingers. And at that crucial moment a door behind
+him that had stood ajar was pushed open, and my Lady O'Hara came
+tripping into the room.
+
+The two gaolers and her husband turned at once to see who it was, while
+Jack, who had recognised her, but had not the least idea who she was,
+fell to dusting his boots with his handkerchief.
+
+O'Hara rose, and for once looked severe.
+
+"What--" he began, and stopped, for without so much as a glance at him,
+my lady ran towards the prisoner, crying:
+
+"Harry! Oh, Harry!"
+
+Jack gathered that he was the person addressed, and instantly made her
+an elaborate leg.
+
+The next moment she was tugging at the lapels of his coat, with her face
+upturned to his.
+
+"Harry, you WICKED boy!" she cried, and added beneath her breath: "My
+name is Molly!"
+
+A laugh sprang to my lord's eyes and his beautiful smile appeared.
+
+In a stupefied fashion O'Hara watched him steal an arm about her waist,
+and place a hand beneath her chin. The next instant a kiss was planted
+full on the little lady's lips, and he heard Jack Carstares' voice
+exclaim:
+
+"Fie on you, Molly, for a spoil-sport! Here had I fooled Miles to the
+top of my bent--and 'pon rep.! he scarce knows me yet!"
+
+My lady disengaged herself, blushing.
+
+"Oh, Miles, you do know Harry--my cousin Harry?"
+
+O'Hara collected his scattered wits and rose nobly to the occasion.
+
+"Of course I do, me dear, though at first he gave me such a shock, I was
+near dumbfounded. Ye are a mad, scatter-brained fellow to play such a
+thrick upon us, devil take ye!" He laid his hands on Jack's shoulders.
+"Pray, what did ye do it for, boy?"
+
+Jack's brain worked swiftly.
+
+"Why, Miles, never tell me you've forgot our wager! Did I not swear I'd
+have you at a disadvantage--to be even with you for that night at
+Jasper's? But what must you do but see my pistol was unloaded and make
+me lose my wager! Still, 'twas worth that and a night in gaol to see
+your face when I unmasked!"
+
+O'Hara shook him slightly, laughing, and turned to the two amazed
+gaolers. The senior gaoler met his humorous glance with a cold and
+indignant stare, and gave a prodigious sniff.
+
+"Me good fellows," drawled Miles, "I'm mighty sorry ye've been worried
+over me young cousin here. He's fooled us all it appears, but now
+there's nought to be done in the matter, though I've a mind to send him
+to await the next sessions!" He slipped a guinea into each curiously
+ready palm, and replied to the head gaoler's haughty bow with a pleasant
+nod. In silence he watched them leave the room shaking their heads over
+the incomprehensible ways of the gentry. Then he turned and looked
+across at Carstares.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+LADY O'HARA RETIRES
+
+
+For a long minute silence reigned, all three actors in the little comedy
+listening to the heavy footsteps retreating down the passage, Carstares
+with one arm still around my lady's waist and a rather strained look on
+his face. Molly instinctively felt that something beyond her ken was in
+the air, and glanced fearfully up at the white face above her. The
+expression in the blue eyes fixed on her husband made her turn sharply
+to look at him. She found that he was staring at my lord as though he
+saw a ghost: She wanted to speak, to relieve the tension, but all words
+stuck in her throat, and she could only watch the _denouement_
+breathlessly. At last O'Hara moved, coming slowly towards them, reading
+John's countenance. Some of the wonder went out of his face, and, as if
+he sensed the other's agony of mind, he smiled suddenly and laid his
+hands once more on the straight, stiff shoulders.
+
+"Jack, ye rascal, what do ye mean by hugging and kissing me wife under
+me very eyes?"
+
+Molly all at once remembered the position of her "Cousin Harry's" arm,
+and gave a little gasp, whisking herself away.
+
+My lord put out his hands and strove to thrust his friend off.
+
+"Miles, don't forget--don't forget--what I am!"
+
+The words were forced out, but his head was held high.
+
+"Tare an' ouns, man! And is it meself that'll be caring what ye may or
+may not be? Oh, Jack, Jack, I'm so pleased to see ye, that I can scarce
+realise 'tis yourself I am looking at! When did ye come to England, and
+what-a-plague are you doing in that costume?" He jerked his head to
+where John's mask lay, and wrung the hand he held as though he would
+never stop.
+
+"I've been in England a year. As to the mask--!" He shrugged and
+laughed.
+
+Lady O'Hara pushed in between them.
+
+"But please I do not understand!" she said plaintively.
+
+Carstares bowed over her hand.
+
+"May I be permitted to thank you for your kindly intervention, my lady?
+And to congratulate Miles on his marriage?"
+
+She dimpled charmingly and curtsied. Her husband caught her round the
+waist.
+
+"Ay, the saucy minx! Oh, me cousin Harry, forsooth! If it had been
+anyone but Jack I should be angry with ye, asthore, for 'twas a wicked
+thrick to play entirely!"
+
+She patted his hand and smiled across at Jack.
+
+"Of course, I would never have done such a forward thing had I not known
+that he was indeed a gentleman--and had he not saved me from sudden
+death!" she added as an afterthought.
+
+Miles looked sharply round at her and then at Carstares.
+
+"What's this?"
+
+"My lady exaggerates," smiled my lord. "'Tis merely that I had the
+honour to catch her as she fell down the steps this morning."
+
+O'Hara looked relieved.
+
+"Ye are not hurt, alanna?"
+
+"Gracious, no! But I had to do something to show my gratitude--and I was
+sure that you would never expose _my_ fraud--so I--But," as a sudden
+thought struck her, "you seem to _know_ my highwayman!"
+
+"Sure an' I do, Molly. 'Tis none other than Jack Carstares of whom ye've
+often heard me speak!"
+
+She turned round eyes of wonderment upon my lord.
+
+"Can it be--is it possible that you are my husband's dearest
+friend--Lord John?"
+
+Jack flushed and bowed.
+
+"I was once--madam," he said stiffly.
+
+"Once!" she scoffed. "Oh, if you could but hear him speak of you! But
+I'll let you hear him speak _to_ you, which perhaps you'll enjoy more. I
+know you've a prodigious great deal to say to one another, so I shall
+run away and leave you alone." She smiled graciously upon him, blew an
+airy kiss to her husband and went quickly out of the room.
+
+Carstares closed the door behind her and came back to O'Hara, who had
+flung himself back into his chair, trying, manlike, to conceal the
+excitement he was feeling.
+
+"Come, sit ye down, Jack, and let me have the whole story!"
+
+My lord divested himself of his long cloak and shook out his hitherto
+tucked-up ruffles. From the pocket of his elegant scarlet riding coat he
+drew a snuff-box, which he opened languidly. With his eyes resting
+quizzically on O'Hara's face, he took a delicate pinch of snuff and
+minced across the room.
+
+Miles laughed.
+
+"What's this?"
+
+"This, my dear friend, is Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart.!" He bowed with
+great flourish.
+
+"Ye look it. But come over here, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart., and tell
+me everything."
+
+Jack perched on the edge of the desk and swung his leg.
+
+"Well really, I do not think there is much to tell that you do not
+already know, Miles. You know all about Dare's card-party, for instance,
+precisely six years ago?"
+
+"'Tis just exactly what I do not know!" retorted O'Hara.
+
+"You surprise me! I thought the tale was rife."
+
+"Now, Jack, will ye have done drawling at me? Don't be forgetting I'm
+your friend--"
+
+"But are you? If you know the truth about me, do you feel inclined to
+call me friend?"
+
+"There never was a time when I would not have been proud to call ye
+friend, as ye would very well have known, had ye been aught but a damned
+young hothead! I heard that crazy tale about the card-party, but do ye
+think I believed it?"
+
+"It was the obvious thing to do."
+
+"Maybe, but I fancy I know ye just a little too well to believe any
+cock-and-bull story I'm told about ye. And even if I had been fool
+enough to have believed it, do ye think I'd be going back on ye? Sure,
+'tis a poor friend I'd be!"
+
+Jack stared down at the toe of his right boot in silence.
+
+"I know something more than we guessed happened at that same party, and
+I have me suspicions, but 'tis your affair, and whatever ye did ye had
+your reasons for. But, Jack, why in the name of wonder must ye fly off
+to the devil alone knows where, without so much as a good-bye to
+anyone?"
+
+Carstares never raised his eyes from the contemplation of that boot. He
+spoke with difficulty.
+
+"Miles--in my place--would you not have done the same?"
+
+"Well--"
+
+"You know you would. Was it likely that I should inflict myself on you
+at such a time? What would you have thought of me had I done so?"
+
+O'Hara brought his hand down smartly on the other's knee.
+
+"I'd have thought ye less of a young fool! I would have gone away with
+ye, and nothing would have stopped me!"
+
+Jack looked up and met his eyes.
+
+"I know," he said. "'Twas the thought of that--and--and--I could not be
+sure. How should I know whether you would even receive me? Last
+night--last night--I was horribly afraid...."
+
+The hand on his knee tightened.
+
+"Ye foolish boy! Ye foolish boy!"
+
+Bit by bit he drew the story of the past six years out of Carstares, and
+though it was a very modified version, Miles understood his friend well
+enough to read between the lines.
+
+"And now," said Jack, when the recital was over, "tell me about
+yourself. When did you marry the attractive lady whom I have just been
+kissing?"
+
+"Ye rogue! I married Molly three years ago. 'Tis a real darling she is,
+isn't she? And upstairs there's a little chap--your godson."
+
+"You lucky fellow! My godson, you say? Could you not find anyone more
+worthy for that? I want to see him."
+
+"So ye shall presently. Have ye seen Richard?"
+
+"A year ago I held up his coach. 'Twas dark, and I could scarce see him,
+but I thought he seemed aged."
+
+"Aged! Ye wouldn't be afther knowing him! 'Tis an old man he is. Though
+I swear 'tis no wonder with that hussy about the house! Lord, Jack, you
+were well out of that affair with her ladyship!"
+
+Carstares nursed his foot reflectively.
+
+"Lavinia? What ails her?"
+
+"Nought that I know of, save it be her shrewish temper. 'Tis a dog's
+life she leads poor Dick."
+
+"Do you mean to say she does not love Dick?"
+
+"I cannot say--sometimes she's as affectionate as you please, but at
+others she treats him to a fine exhibition of rage. And the money she
+spends! Of course, she married him for what she could get. There was
+never anything else to count with her."
+
+Jack sat very still.
+
+"And anyone but a young fool like yourself would have seen that!"
+
+A gleam of amusement shot into the wistful blue eyes.
+
+"Probably. Yourself, for instance?"
+
+O'Hara chuckled.
+
+"Oh, ay, I knew! 'Twas the money she was after all along; and now
+there's not so much, it seems, as Dick won't touch a penny that belongs
+to you."
+
+"M'm. Warburton told me. Foolish of him."
+
+A grunt was the sole response.
+
+Jack's eyes narrowed a little as he gazed out of the window. "So Lavinia
+never cared? Lord, what a mix-up! And Dick?"
+
+"I'm afraid he still does."
+
+"Poor old Dick! Devil take the woman! Does she bully him? I know what he
+is--always ready to give in."
+
+"I am not so sure. Yet I'll swear if 'twere not for John his life would
+be a misery. He misses you, Jack."
+
+"Who is John?"
+
+"Did not Warburton tell you? John is the hope of the house. He's four
+and a half, and as spoilt a little rascal as you could wish for."
+
+"Dick's child? Good Lord!"
+
+"Ay, Dick's child and your nephew." He broke off and looked into the
+other's face. "Jack, cannot this mystery be cleared up? Couldn't ye go
+back?" He was clasping Jack's hand, but it was withdrawn, and the eyes
+looking down into his were suddenly bored and a little cold.
+
+"I know of no mystery," said Carstares.
+
+"Jack, old man, will ye be afther shutting me out of your confidence?"
+
+A faint, sweet smile curved the fine lips.
+
+"Let us talk of the weather, Miles, or my mare. Anything rather than
+this painful subject."
+
+With an impatient movement O'Hara flung back his chair and strode over
+to the window with his back to my lord. Jack's eyes followed him
+seriously.
+
+"If ye cannot trust me, sure I've no more to say, thin!" flashed O'Hara.
+"It seems ye do not value your friends too highly!"
+
+My lord said never a word. But the hand that rested on the desk clenched
+suddenly. O'Hara wheeled about and came back to his side.
+
+"Sure, Jack, I never meant that! Forgive me bad temper!"
+
+Carstares slipped off the table and straightened himself, linking his
+arm in the Irishman's.
+
+"Whisht, Miles, as you'd say yourself," he laughed, "I know that. 'Tis
+not that I don't trust you, but--"
+
+"I understand. I'll not ask ye any more about it at all. Instead, answer
+me this: what made ye come out with unloaded pistols?"
+
+The laugh died out of Carstares' face.
+
+"Oh, just carelessness!" he answered shortly, and he thought of the
+absent Jim with a tightening of the lips.
+
+"'Twas that very same reason with meself thin!" Jack stared at him.
+
+"Miles, don't tell me yours were unloaded, too?"
+
+"'Deed an' they were! Ecod, Jack! 'tis the best joke I've heard for a
+twelvemonth." They both started to laugh. "Sure 'twas bluff on my part,
+Jack, when I told ye yours was unloaded. And me lady was determined to
+set you free from the moment I told her all about it this morning. We
+were sure ye were no ordinary highwayman, though I was a fool not to
+have known ye right away. But now I have found ye out, ye'll stay with
+us--Cousin Harry?"
+
+"I cannot thank you enough, Miles, but I will not do that. I must get
+back to Jim."
+
+"And who the devil is Jim?"
+
+"My servant. He'll be worried nigh to death over me. Nay, do not press
+me, I could not stay here, Miles. You must see for yourself 'tis
+impossible--Jack Carstares does not exist; only Anthony Ferndale is
+left."
+
+"Jack, dear man, can I not--"
+
+"No, Miles, you can do nothing, though 'tis like you to want to help,
+and I do thank you. But--oh well! ... What about my mare?"
+
+"Plague take me if I'd not forgotten! Jack, that scoundrel of mine let
+her strain her fetlock. I'm demmed sorry."
+
+"Poor Jenny! I'll swear she gave him an exciting ride, though."
+
+"I'll be trying to buy her off ye, Jack, if I see much of her. 'Tis a
+little beauty she is."
+
+"I'm not selling, though I intended to ask you to keep her, if--"
+
+A quick pressure on his arm arrested him.
+
+"That will do! I'm too heavy for her anyway."
+
+"So was that devil of a groom you put on her."
+
+"Ay. I'm a fool."
+
+"I always knew that."
+
+"Whisht now, Jack! Ye'll have to take one of my nags while she heals, if
+ye won't stay with us. Can ye trust her to me for a week, do ye
+suppose?"
+
+"I don't know. It seems as though I must--oh, I retract, I retract. You
+are altogether too large, the day is too hot, and my cravat too nicely
+tied--Egad, Miles! I wish--oh, I _wish_ we were boys again, and--Yes.
+When may I see your son and heir?"
+
+"Sure, ye may come now and find Molly, who'll be aching for the sight of
+you. Afther you, Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+MY LORD TURNS RESCUER AND COMES NIGH ENDING HIS LIFE
+
+
+Late that afternoon Carstares left Thurze House on one of his friend's
+horses. He waved a very regretful farewell to O'Hara and his lady,
+promising to let them know his whereabouts and to visit them again soon.
+O'Hara had extracted a solemn promise that if ever he got into
+difficulties he would let him know:
+
+"For I'm not letting ye drift gaily out of me life again, and that's
+flat."
+
+Jack had assented gladly enough--to have a friend once more was such
+bliss--and had given Miles the name of the inn and the village where he
+would find him, for O'Hara had insisted on bringing the mare over
+himself. So Carstares rode off to Trencham and to Jim, with the memory
+of a very hearty handshake in his mind. He smiled a little as he thought
+of his friend's words when he had shown himself reluctant to give the
+required promise:
+
+"Ye obstinate young devil, ye'll do as I say, and no nonsense, or ye
+don't leave this house!"
+
+For six years no one had ordered him to obey; it had been he who had
+done all the ordering. Somehow it was very pleasant to be told what to
+do, especially by Miles.
+
+He turned down a lane and wondered what Jim was thinking. That he was
+waiting at the Green Man, he was certain, for those had been his orders.
+He was annoyed with the man over the incident of the pistols, for he had
+inspected them and discovered that they were indeed unloaded. Had his
+captor been other than O'Hara, on whom he could not fire, such
+carelessness might have proved his undoing. Apart from that, culpable
+negligence always roused his wrath. A rather warm twenty minutes was in
+store for Salter.
+
+For quite an hour Carstares proceeded on his way with no mishaps nor
+adventures, and then, suddenly, as he rounded a corner of a deserted
+road--little more than a cart-track--an extraordinary sight met his
+eyes. In the middle of the road stood a coach, and by it, covering the
+men on the box with two large pistols, was a seedy-looking ruffian,
+while two others were engaged in what appeared to be a life-and-death
+struggle at the coach-door.
+
+Jacked reined-in his horse and rose in his stirrups to obtain a better
+view. Then his eyes flashed, and he whistled softly to himself. For the
+cause of all the turmoil was a slight, graceful girl of not more than
+nineteen or twenty. She was frenziedly resisting the efforts of her
+captors to drag her to another coach, further up the road. Jack could
+see that she was dark and very lovely.
+
+Another, elderly lady, was most valiantly impeding operations by clawing
+and striking at one of the men's arms, scolding and imploring all in one
+breath. Jack's gaze went from her to a still, silent figure at the side
+of the road in the shadow of the hedge, evidently the stage-manager. "It
+seems I must take a hand in this," he told himself, and laughed joyously
+as he fixed on his mask and dismounted. He tethered his mount to a young
+sapling, took a pistol from its holster, and ran softly and swiftly
+under the lea of the hedge up to the scene of disaster, just as the man
+who covered the unruly and vociferous pair on the box made ready to
+fire.
+
+Jack's bullet took him neatly in the neck, and without a sound he
+crumpled up, one of his pistols exploding harmlessly as it fell to
+earth.
+
+With an oath the silent onlooker wheeled round to face the point of my
+lord's gleaming blade.
+
+Carstares drew in his breath sharply in surprise as he saw the white
+face of his Grace of Andover.
+
+"Damn you!" said Tracy calmly, and sprang back, whipping out his own
+rapier.
+
+"Certainly," agreed Jack pleasantly. "On guard, M. le Duc!"
+
+Tracy's lips curled back in a snarl. His eyes were almost shut. Over his
+shoulder he ordered curtly:
+
+"Keep watch over the girl. I will attend to this young jackanapes."
+
+On the word the blades clashed.
+
+Jack's eyes danced with the sheer joy of battle, and his point snicked
+in and out wickedly. He knew Tracy of old for an expert swordsman, and
+he began warily.
+
+The girl's persecutors retained a firm hold on either arm, but all their
+thoughts were centred on the duel. The men on the box got out their
+blunderbuss, ready to fire should the need arise, and the girl herself
+watched breathlessly, red lips apart, and eyes aglow with fright,
+indignation, and excitement. As for the old lady, she positively bobbed
+up and down shrieking encouragement to Carstares.
+
+The blades hissed continuously against one another; time after time the
+Duke thrust viciously, and ever his point was skilfully parried. He was
+absolutely calm, and his lips sneered. Who it was that he was fighting,
+he had not the faintest idea; he only knew that his opponent had
+recognised him, and must be speedily silenced. Therefore he fought with
+deadly grimness and purpose. Carstares, on the other hand, had no
+intention of killing his Grace. He had never liked him in the old days,
+but he was far too good-natured to contemplate any serious bloodshed. He
+was so used to Tracy's little affairs that he had not been filled with
+surprise when he discovered who the silent figure was. He did not like
+interfering with Belmanoir, but, on the other hand, he could no more
+stand by and see a woman assaulted than he could fly. So he fought on
+with the idea of disarming his Grace, so as to have him at a
+disadvantage and to be able to command his withdrawal from the scene.
+Once he feinted cleverly, and lunged, and a little blood trickled down
+over the Duke's hand. No sign made Belmanoir, except that his eyelids
+flickered a moment and his play became more careful.
+
+Once the Duke thrust in tierce and Jack's sword arm wavered an instant,
+and a splash of crimson appeared on his sleeve. He, for the most part,
+remained on the defensive, waiting for the Duke to tire. Soon his
+Grace's breath began to come unevenly and fast, and beads of moisture
+started on his forehead. Yet never did the sneer fade nor his temper go;
+he had himself well in hand, and although his face was livid, and his
+brain on fire with fury, no trace of it showed itself in his sword-play.
+
+Then Carstares changed his tactics, and began to put into practice all
+the arts and subtleties of fence that he had learnt abroad. He seemed
+made of steel and set on wires, so agile and untireable was he. Time
+after time he leapt nimbly aside, evading some wicked thrust, and all
+the while he was driving his Grace back and back. He was not panting,
+and now and again he laughed softly and happily. The blood from the
+wound on his arm was dripping steadily on to the ground, yet it seemed
+to Tracy to affect him not at all. But Jack himself knew that he was
+losing strength rapidly, and must make an end.
+
+Suddenly he feinted, and fell back. Tracy saw his advantage and pressed
+forward within the wavering sword-point.
+
+The next instant his sword was whirled from his grasp, and he lay on the
+ground, unhurt but helpless, gazing up at the masked face and at the
+shortened rapier. How he had been thrown he did not know, but that his
+opponent was a past master in the art of fence he was perfectly sure.
+
+My lord gave a little chuckle and twisted a handkerchief about his
+wounded arm.
+
+"I am aware, m'sieur, that this is most unusual--and, in
+duels--forbidden. But I am sure that milor' will agree that the
+circumstances are also--most unusual--and the odds--almost
+overwhelming!" He turned his head to the two men, one of whom released
+his hold on the girl's arm and started forward.
+
+"Oh, no!" drawled my lord, shaking his head. "Another step and I spit
+your master where he lies."
+
+"Stand," said his Grace calmly.
+
+"_Bien_! Throw your arms down here at my feet, and--ah--release
+Mademoiselle!"
+
+They made no move to obey, and my lord shrugged deprecatingly, lowering
+his point to Tracy's throat.
+
+"_Eh bien!_"
+
+They still hesitated, casting anxious glances at their master. "Obey,"
+ordered the Duke.
+
+Each man threw down a pistol, eyeing Jack furtively, while the girl ran
+to her aunt, who began to soothe and fuss over her.
+
+Jack stifled a yawn.
+
+"It is not my intention to remain here all night. Neither am I a
+child--or a fool. _Depechez!_"
+
+Belmanoir saw that the coachman had his blunderbuss ready and was only
+too eager to fire it, and he knew that the game was up. He turned his
+head towards the reluctant bullies who looked to him for orders.
+
+"Throw down everything!" he advised.
+
+Two more pistols and two daggers joined their comrades.
+
+"A thousand thanks!" bowed my lord, running a quick eye over the men.
+"M. le Duc, I pray you be still. Now, you with the large nose--yes, _mon
+ami_, you--go pick up the pistol our defunct friend dropped."
+
+The man indicated slouched over to the dead body and flung another
+pistol on to the heap.
+
+My lord shook his head impatiently.
+
+"_Mais non_. Have I not said that I am not entirely a fool? The
+unexploded pistol, please. You will place it here, _doucement._ Very
+good."
+
+His eye travelled to the men on the box. The coachman touched his hat
+and cried:
+
+"I'm ready, sir!"
+
+"It is very well. Be so good as to keep these gentlemen covered, but do
+not fire until I give the order. And now, M. le Duc, have I your parole
+that you will return swiftly from whence you came, leaving this lady
+unmolested, an I permit you to rise?"
+
+Tracy moved his head impatiently.
+
+"I have no choice."
+
+"Monsieur, that is not an answer. Have I your parole?"
+
+"Yes, curse you!"
+
+"But certainly," said Jack politely. "Pray rise."
+
+He rested his sword-point on the ground, and watched Tracy struggle to
+his feet.
+
+For an instant the Duke stood staring at him, with face slightly
+out-thrust.
+
+"I almost think I know you," he said softly, caressingly.
+
+Jack's French accent became a shade more pronounced.
+
+"It is possible. I at least have the misfortune to know monsieur by
+sight."
+
+Tracy ignored the insult, and continued very, very silkily:
+
+"One thing is certain: I shall know you again--if I meet you!"
+
+Even as the words left his mouth Jack saw the pistol in his hand and
+sprang quickly to one side, just in time to escape a shot that would
+have gone straight through his head. As it was, it caught him in his
+left shoulder.
+
+"Do not fire!" he called sharply to the coachman, and bowed to his
+Grace. "As I was saying, m'sieu--do not let me detain you, I beg."
+
+The Duke's green eyes flashed venom for a minute, and then the heavy
+lids descended over them again, and he returned the bow exaggeratedly.
+
+"_Au revoir_, monsieur," he smiled, and bent to pick up his sword.
+
+"It will--not be necessary for--m'sieu to--take his sword," said Jack.
+"I have a--desire to keep--it as a--souvenir. Yes."
+
+"As you will, monsieur," replied Tracy carelessly, and walked away to
+his coach, his men following close on his heels.
+
+My lord stood leaning heavily on his sword, watching them go, and not
+until the coach had swung out of sight did he give way to the weakness
+that was overwhelming him. Then he reeled and would have fallen, had it
+not been for two cool hands that caught his, steadying him.
+
+A tremulous, husky voice sounded in his ears:
+
+"You are hurt! Ah, sir, you are hurt for my sake!"
+
+With a great effort Jack controlled the inclination to swoon, and lifted
+the girl's hand shakily to his lips.
+
+"It is a--pleasure--mademoiselle," he managed to gasp. "Now--you may--I
+think--proceed--in safety."
+
+Diana slipped an arm under his shoulder and cast an anxious glance at
+the footman, hurrying towards them.
+
+"Quick!" she commanded. "Sir, you are faint! You must allow my servant
+to assist you to the coach."
+
+Jack forced a smile.
+
+"It is--nothing--I assure you--pray do not--I--" and he fainted
+comfortably away into stout Thomas's arms.
+
+"Carry him into the coach, Thomas!" ordered the girl. "Mind his arm,
+and--oh! his poor shoulder. Aunt, have you something to bind his wounds
+with?"
+
+Miss Betty hurried forward.
+
+"My darling child, what an escape! The dear, brave gentleman! Do have a
+care, Thomas! Yes, lay him on the seat."
+
+My lord was lowered gently on to the cushions, and Miss Betty fluttered
+over to him like a distracted hen. Then Diana told Thomas to take charge
+of my lord's horse that they could see, quietly nibbling the grass
+further down the road, stooped and picked up his Grace of Andover's
+sword, with its curiously wrought hilt, and jumped into the coach to
+help Miss Betty to attend to Jack's wounds.
+
+The slash on the arm was not serious, but where the pistol had taken him
+was very ugly-looking. While she saw to that, Miss Betty loosened the
+cravat and removed my lord's mask.
+
+"Di, see what a handsome boy 'tis! The poor, brave gentleman! What a
+lucky thing he came up! If only this bleeding would stop!" So she ran
+on, hunting wildly for her salts.
+
+Diana looked up as her aunt finished, and studied the pale face lying
+against the dark cushions. She noted the firm, beautifully curved mouth,
+the aristocratic nose and delicately pencilled eyebrows, with a little
+thrill. The duel had set her every nerve tingling; she was filled with
+admiration for her preserver, and the sight of his sensitive, handsome
+countenance did nothing to dispel that admiration.
+
+She held the salts to his nostrils and watched eagerly for some sign of
+life. But none was forthcoming, and she had to be content with placing
+cushions beneath his injured shoulder, and guarding him as best she
+might from the jolts caused by the uneven surface of the road.
+
+Miss Betty bustled about and did all she could to stanch the bleeding,
+and when they had comfortably settled my lord, she sat down upon the
+seat opposite and nodded decisively.
+
+"We can do no more, my dear--but, yes--certainly bathe his forehead with
+your lavender water. Dear me, what an escape! I must say I would never
+have thought it of Mr. Everard! One would say we were living in the
+Stone Age! The wretch!"
+
+Diana shuddered.
+
+"I knew he was dreadful, but never _how_ dreadful! How can he have found
+out when we were to leave Bath--and why did he waylay us so near home?
+Oh, I shall never be safe again!"
+
+"Nonsense, my dear! Fiddlesticks! You saw how easily he was vanquished.
+Depend upon it, he will realise that he has made a bad mistake to try to
+abduct you, and we shall not be worried with him again."
+
+With this comfortable assurance, she nodded again and leant back against
+the cushions, watching her niece's ministrations with a professional and
+slightly amused air.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+MY LORD DICTATES A LETTER AND RECEIVES A VISITOR
+
+
+My lord came sighing back to life. He opened his eyes wearily, and
+turned his head. A faint feeling of surprise stole over him. He was in a
+room he had never been in before, and by the window, busy with some
+needlework, sat a little old lady who was somehow vaguely familiar.
+
+"Who--are--you?" he asked, and was annoyed to find his voice so weak.
+
+The little lady jumped, and came across to him.
+
+"Praise be to God!" she ejaculated. "Likewise, bless the boy! The fever
+is passed." She laid a thin hand on his brow, and smiled down into his
+wondering eyes.
+
+"As cool as a cucumber, dear boy. What a mercy!"
+
+It was a long time since anyone had called Jack dear, or boy. He
+returned the smile feebly and closed his eyes.
+
+"I--do not--understand--anything," he murmured drowsily.
+
+"Never trouble your head then. Just go to sleep."
+
+He considered this gravely for a moment. It seemed sensible enough, and
+he was so very, very tired. He shut his eyes with a little sigh.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When he awoke again it was morning of the next day, and the sun streamed
+in the window, making him blink.
+
+Someone rustled forward, and he saw it was the lady who had called him
+dear and bidden him go to sleep.
+
+He smiled, and a very thin hand came out of the bedclothes.
+
+"But who are you?" he demanded a little querulously.
+
+Miss Betty patted his hand gently.
+
+"Still worrying your poor head over that? I am Di's Aunt Betty--though,
+to be sure, you don't know who Di is!"
+
+Remembrance was coming back to my lord.
+
+"Why--why--you are the lady in the coach!--Tracy--I remember!"
+
+"Well, I know nought of Tracy, but I'm the lady in the coach."
+
+"And the other--"
+
+"That was Diana Beauleigh, my niece--the pet. You will see her when you
+are better."
+
+"But--but--where am I, madam?"
+
+"Now don't get excited, dear boy!"
+
+"I'm thirty!" protested Jack with a wicked twinkle.
+
+"I should not have thought it, but thirty's a boy to me, in any case!"
+retorted Miss Betty, making him laugh. "You are in Mr. Beauleigh's
+house--Di's father, and my brother. And here you will stay until you are
+quite recovered!"
+
+Jack raised himself on his elbow, grimacing at the pain the movement
+caused him.
+
+"Egad, madam! have I been here long?" he demanded.
+
+Very firmly was he pushed back on to his pillows.
+
+"Will you be still? A nice thing 'twould be if you were to aggravate
+that wound of yours! You will have been here a week to-morrow. Bless my
+heart, what ails the boy?" For Jack's face took on an expression of
+incredulous horror.
+
+"A _week_, madam? Never say so!"
+
+"'Tis as true as I stand here. And a nice fright you have given us, what
+with nearly dying, and raving about your Dicks and your Jims!"
+
+My lord glanced up sharply.
+
+"Oh! So I--talked?"
+
+"Talk? Well, yes, if you can call all that mixture of foreign jargon
+talking. Now you must be still and wait till the doctor comes again."
+
+For a while Carstares lay in silence. He thought of Jim and smiled a
+little. "I could not have thought of a better punishment had I tried,"
+he told himself, and then frowned. "Poor fellow! He'll be off his head
+with fright over me. Miss--er--Betty?"
+
+"Well, and are you not asleep yet?"
+
+"Asleep, Madam? Certainly not!" he said with dignity. "I must write a
+letter."
+
+"'Deed, an' you shall not!"
+
+"But I must! 'Tis monstrous important, madam."
+
+She shook her head resolutely.
+
+"Not until Mr. Jameson gives permission," she said firmly.
+
+Jack struggled up, biting his lip.
+
+"Then I shall get up!" he threatened.
+
+In an instant she was by his side.
+
+"No, no! Now lie down and be good!"
+
+"I will not lie down and be good!"
+
+"Then I shan't let you touch a pen for weeks!"
+
+Jack became very masterful and frowned direfully upon her.
+
+"Madam, I insist on being allowed to write that letter!"
+
+"Sir, I insist on your lying down!"
+
+He controlled a twitching lip.
+
+"Woe betide you unless you bring me pen and paper, Miss Betty!"
+
+"But, dear boy, reflect! You could not use your arm."
+
+"I will use it!" replied Jack indomitably, but he sank back on to the
+pillows with his eyes closed and a tiny furrow of pain between his
+straight brows.
+
+"I told you so!" scolded Miss Betty, not without a note of triumph in
+her voice, and proceeded to rearrange the disorderly coverlet.
+
+The blue eyes opened wide, pleadingly.
+
+"Madam, indeed 'tis very important."
+
+She could not withstand that look.
+
+"Well," she compromised, "I'll not let you write yourself, that's
+certain--but could you not dictate to me?"
+
+Jack brightened, and caught her hand to his lips.
+
+"Miss Betty, you are an angel!" he told her.
+
+"Ah now, get along with you!" She hurried away to fetch paper and ink.
+
+When she returned she found him plucking impatiently at the sheet, and
+frowning.
+
+"I am ready," she said.
+
+"Thank you, madam. 'Tis very kind in you--"
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+He laughed weakly.
+
+"I want you to write to my servant, to bid him bring my baggage to the
+nearest inn--"
+
+"That will I not! I shall tell him to bring it here."
+
+"But, Miss Betty, I cannot possibly trespass upon--"
+
+"Will you have done? Trespass indeed!"
+
+"I perceive I shall be much put upon," sighed Jack, and watched her
+lightning smile.
+
+"You BOY! Will you dictate?"
+
+"Very well, ma'am. No, I have changed my mind. I'll have it writ to a
+friend, please: 'Dear Miles.... True to my promise.... I write to
+you.... In case ... you should be worried ... over my disappearance ...
+be it known ... that I am at'--pray, madam, where am I?"
+
+"Horton Manor, Littledean," she replied, writing it down.
+
+"Thank you. 'I had the misfortune to injure my shoulder in a--"
+
+"'And arm,'" put in the scribe, inexorably.
+
+"'And arm, in a fight ... and a certain very ... kind lady--'"
+
+"I refuse to write that rubbish! 'One of the ladies whom I rescued--'"
+
+"Good heavens, madam, you've not put that?" cried Jack horrified.
+
+She smiled reassuringly.
+
+"I have not. I have put: 'My nurse is writing this for me.'"
+
+"Madam, you are of a teasing disposition," reproved my lord.
+"M--yes--'When you take Jenny--over to Trencham ... will you please tell
+Jim to bring my baggage ... here at once?' Have you that, Miss Betty?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Remember me to Lady ... Molly, I beg ... and accept my apologies ...
+and thanks.'" He paused. "Will you sign it J.C., please, and address it
+to Sir Miles O'Hara, Thurze House, Maltby?"
+
+"Sir Miles O'Hara! Is he your friend, Mr.--Mr.--I do not know your
+name."
+
+"Car--" began Jack, and stopped, biting his lip. "Carr," he continued
+imperturbably, "John Carr. Do you know O'Hara, Miss Betty?"
+
+"Me? No! Will he come to see you, do you think?"
+
+"If you let him in, madam!"
+
+"Gracious! Well, well! I'll tell Thomas to ride over with this at once."
+
+"Miss Betty, you are marvellously good. I vow I can never thank--"
+
+"Bless the boy! And what about yourself, pray? I shudder to think of
+what might have happened to Di if you had not come up! 'Tis we can never
+thank you enough."
+
+Jack reddened boyishly and uncomfortably.
+
+"Indeed, you exaggerate--"
+
+"Tut, tut! Well, go to sleep, and never worry about anything till I
+return. And you won't try and get up?"
+
+He shook with laughter.
+
+"I swear I will not! Even an you never return, I will lie here, wasting
+away--" But he spoke to space, for with a delighted laugh she had left
+the room.
+
+It was not until late that afternoon that O'Hara arrived, and he was
+conducted, after a brief conversation with Diana and her father, to my
+lord's room, where Miss Betty received him with her cheery smile and
+jerky curtsey.
+
+"You'll not excite Mr. Carr?" she said, but was interrupted by my lord's
+voice from within, weak but very gay.
+
+"Come in, Miles, and never listen to Miss Betty! She is a tyrant and
+denies me my wig!"
+
+O'Hara laughed in answer to Miss Betty's quizzical smile, and strode
+over to the bed. He gripped my lord's thin hand and frowned down at him
+with an assumption of anger.
+
+"Young good-for-nought! Could ye find nought better to do than to smash
+yourself up and well-nigh drive your man crazy with fright?"
+
+"Oh, pshaw! Did you find Jim?"
+
+O'Hara looked round and saw that Miss Betty had discreetly vanished. He
+sat gingerly down on the edge of the bed.
+
+"Ay. I took the mare over as soon as I had your letter--and a fine scare
+you gave me, Jack, I can tell you! She recognised him, and I accosted
+him."
+
+"I'll swear you did not get much satisfaction from Jim!" said my lord.
+"Did he look very foolish?"
+
+"To tell ye the truth, I thought the man was half daft, and wondered
+whether I'd been after making a mistake. But in the end I got him to
+believe what I was trying to tell him, and he has taken the mare, and
+will bring your baggage along this evening. By the way, John, I told him
+of our little meeting, and of your pistols being unloaded. He said 'twas
+his fault, and ye never saw aught to touch his face! Put out was not the
+word for it."
+
+"I suppose so. Look here, Miles, this is a damned funny affair!"
+
+"What happened to you exactly?"
+
+"'Tis what I am about to tell you. After I had left you, I rode on quite
+quietly for about an hour, and then came upon Miss Beauleigh's coach
+stopped by three blackguards who were trying to drag her to another
+coach belonging to the gentleman who conducted the affair. So, of
+course, I dismounted, and went to see what was to be done."
+
+"You _would_ be after poking your nose into what didn't concern ye. Four
+men, and ye had the audacity to tackle them all? 'Tis mad ye are
+entirely!"
+
+"Of course, if you had been in my place you would have ridden off in
+another direction--or aided the scoundrels?" was the scathing reply.
+
+O'Hara chuckled.
+
+"Well, go on, Jack. I'm not saying I don't wish I had been with ye."
+
+"'Twould have been superb. I suppose Miss Beauleigh has told you most of
+the tale, but there is one thing that she could not have told you, for
+she did not know it: the man I fought with was Belmanoir."
+
+"Thunder and turf! Not the Duke?"
+
+"Yes. Tracy."
+
+"Zounds! Did he know ye?"
+
+"I cannot be certain. I was masked, of course, but he said he thought he
+did. 'Twas at that moment he fired his pistol at me."
+
+"The dirty scoundrel!"
+
+"M'm--yes. 'Tis that which makes me think he did not know me. Damn it
+all, Miles, even Tracy would not do a thing like that!"
+
+"Would he not? If ye ask me, I say that Tracy is game enough for any
+kind of devilry."
+
+"But, my dear fellow, that is too black! He could not try to kill in
+cold blood a man he had hunted with, and fenced with-and--and--no man
+could!"
+
+O'Hara looked extremely sceptical.
+
+"Because ye could not yourself, is not to say that a miserable spalpeen
+like Belmanoir could not."
+
+"I don't believe it of him. We were always quite friendly--if it had
+been Robert now--But I am not going to believe it. And don't say
+anything to these people, O'Hara, because they do not know Devil. I
+gather from what Miss Betty says, that he calls himself Everard. He met
+the girl--Diana--at Bath; you know his way. She'd none of him: hence the
+abduction."
+
+"Heavens, but 'tis a foul mind the man's got!"
+
+"Where women are concerned, yes. Otherwise--'tis not such a bad fellow,
+Miles."
+
+"I've no use for that kind of dirt myself, Jack."
+
+"Oh, I don't know. I daresay we are none of us exactly saints." He
+changed the subject abruptly. "How is Jenny?"
+
+"Rather off her feed; missing you, I expect. I left her with your man.
+He should be arriving soon, I should think. I don't fancy he'll waste
+much time."
+
+"Neither do I. Poor fellow, he must have worried terribly over his
+worthless master."
+
+"Sure, his face was as white as your own when I told him ye were
+wounded!"
+
+Carstares turned his head quickly.
+
+"What's this about my face? Just be so kind as to hand me that mirror,
+Miles."
+
+O'Hara laughed and obeyed, watching my lord's close scrutiny of his
+countenance with some surprise.
+
+"Interesting pallor, my dear friend, interesting pallor. Nevertheless, I
+am glad that Jim is on his way." He met O'Hara's eyes as he looked up,
+and his lips quivered irrepressibly.
+
+"You think me very vain, Miles?"
+
+"Is it a pose of yours, John? Is it Sir Anthony Ferndale, Bart?"
+
+"No. I believe it is myself. You see, when one has but one's self to
+live for and think for--one makes the most of one's self! Hence my
+vanity. Take the mirror away, please--the sight of my countenance
+offends me!"
+
+"Sure, ye are free with your orders, me lord!" said O'Hara, putting the
+glass down on the table. "And, while I think of it--what might your name
+be now?"
+
+"John Carr--a slip of the tongue on my part, stopped in time. I hear my
+mentor returning--and--Miles!"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Come again!"
+
+"Come again! My dear boy, ye'll be sick of the sight of me soon! I shall
+be here every day."
+
+"Thanks! It will take a good deal to sicken me, I think." He bit his
+lip, turning his head away as Miss Betty came into the room.
+
+"I'm afraid that you ought to leave my patient now, Sir Miles," she
+said. "He has had enough excitement for one day, and should sleep." She
+glanced at the averted head inquiringly. "I doubt he is tired?"
+
+Jack turned and smiled at her.
+
+"No, Miss Betty, I'm not. But I know you will refuse to believe me."
+
+"My dear boy, do you know you have black lines beneath your eyes?"
+
+"More remarks about my face!" he sighed, and glanced at O'Hara, who had
+risen.
+
+"You are quite right, Miss Beauleigh, I must go. May I come again
+to-morrow?"
+
+"Surely," she beamed. "We shall be delighted to welcome you."
+
+O'Hara bent over the bed.
+
+"Then _au revoir_, Jack. My lady sent her love to her 'Cousin
+Harry'--the saucy puss!"
+
+"Did she? How prodigious kind of her, Miles! And you'll give her mine,
+and kiss her--"
+
+"Yes?" said O'Hara with dangerous calm. "I'll kiss her what?"
+
+"Her hand for me!" ended Carstares, bubbling over. "Good-bye, and thank
+you--"
+
+"That will suffice!" said Miles, cutting him short.
+
+He bowed to Miss Betty and left the room.
+
+The business-like little lady fluttered over to the bedside and
+rearranged the pillows.
+
+"Well, and are you satisfied?"
+
+"Madam, most extraordinarily so, I thank you. I shall be getting up
+soon."
+
+"H'm!" was all she vouchsafed, and left him to his meditations.
+
+As she had foreseen, he dozed a little, but his shoulder would not allow
+him to sleep. He lay in a semi-comatose condition, his eyes shut, and a
+deep furrow, telling of pain, between his brows.
+
+The sound of a shutting door made him open his eyes; he turned his head
+slightly and saw that Jim Salter was standing in the middle of the room
+looking at him anxiously.
+
+My lord returned his gaze crossly, and Jim waited for the storm to
+break.
+
+Carstares' heart melted, and he managed to smile.
+
+"I'm monstrous glad to see you, Jim," he said.
+
+"You--you can't mean that, sir! 'Twas I left your pistols unloaded."
+
+"I know. Damned careless of you, but it's the sort of thing I should do
+myself, after all."
+
+Jim advanced to the bedside.
+
+"Do you mean you forgive me, sir?"
+
+"Why, of course! I could not have fired on my best friend in any case."
+
+"No, sir, but that don't make it any better."
+
+"It doesn't, of course, and I was rather annoyed at the time--Oh, devil
+take you, Jim, don't look at me like that! I'm not dead yet!"
+
+"If--if you had been killed, sir--'twould have been my fault."
+
+"Rubbish! I'd a sword, hadn't I? For heaven's sake don't worry about it
+any more! Have you brought all my baggage?"
+
+"Yes, sir. It shan't occur again, sir."
+
+"Certainly not. Jenny is well?"
+
+"Splendid, sir. Will you still trust me with your pistols, sir?"
+
+Carstares groaned.
+
+"Will you have done? 'Twas an accident, and I have forgotten it. Here's
+my hand on it!" He grasped Jim's as he spoke, and seemed to brush the
+whole subject aside.
+
+"Have you disposed of that horrible coat you tried to make me wear the
+other day?"
+
+"I gave it to the landlord, sir."
+
+"I should have burned it, but perhaps he liked it."
+
+"He did, sir. Will you try to go to sleep now?"
+
+"If you had a shoulder on fire and aching as mine does, you wouldn't ask
+such a ridiculous question," answered Jack snappishly.
+
+"I'm sorry, sir. Is there aught I can do?"
+
+"You can change the bandages, if you like. These are prodigious hot and
+uncomfortable."
+
+Without another word Salter set about easing his master, and he was so
+painstaking and so careful not to hurt the ugly wound, and his face
+expressed so much concern, that Carstares controlled a desire to swear
+when he happened to touch a particularly tender spot, and at the end
+rewarded him with a smile and a sigh of content.
+
+"That is much better," he said. "You have such a light touch, Jim."
+
+The man's face reddened with pleasure, but he said nothing, and walked
+away to the window to draw the curtains.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+MY LORD MAKES HIS BOW
+
+
+After Jim's arrival my lord recovered quickly, each day making great
+progress, much to the doctor's satisfaction, who never tired of telling
+Mr. Beauleigh and Miss Betty that it was entirely owing to his treatment
+that the patient had recovered at all. As his idea of treatment mainly
+consisted of copiously bleeding John, which process Miss Betty very soon
+put an end to, he and she had many arguments on the subject, in which he
+was completely routed. She held that Mr. Carr was well on the strength
+of her nursing and his own constitution--and very probably she was
+right. In any case, hardly a fortnight after O'Hara's first visit, my
+lord was standing before his mirror, surveying himself, with his head
+speculatively on one side and a worried look in his eyes. Salter watched
+him anxiously, knowing this to be a critical moment. His master was
+somewhat of an enigma to him; the important things in life never
+appeared to affect him, but over a question of two cravats as opposed to
+each other, or some equally trivial matter, he would become quite
+harassed.
+
+After contemplating his appearance for several moments, Carstares
+frowned and looked over his shoulder.
+
+"I have changed my mind, Jim. I will wear blue after all." Salter sighed
+despairingly.
+
+"Ye look very well in what ye have on, sir," he grunted. Jack sat down
+obstinately.
+
+"I have conceived a dislike--nay, a veritable hatred--for puce. I will
+wear blue."
+
+"Now, sir, do ha' done changing your clothes! Ye'll be tired out before
+ever ye get downstairs, and ye know what the doctor said."
+
+My lord consigned the doctor and his words of wisdom to a place of great
+heat.
+
+"Ay, sir, but--"
+
+"The doctor is a worthy individual, Jim, but he knows even less of the
+art of dressing than you do. He does not understand the soul-agony of a
+man who makes his first appearance in puce."
+
+"But--"
+
+"The blue coat laced with gold."
+
+"Sir--"
+
+"I order it! I insist; the blue coat or nought!"
+
+"Very well, sir." Resignedly Jim walked to the cupboard.
+
+When at length his lordship was dressed to his entire satisfaction it
+was midway through the hot June afternoon, and Miss Betty was tapping at
+the door, wishing to know whether Mr. Carr was coming down, or whether
+he was not.
+
+Carstares shifted his sling, and taking up his hat, moved just a little
+shakily to the door.
+
+Salter opened it, and cast a triumphant glance at Miss Betty, as though
+he were showing off all my lord's graces. He proffered an arm.
+
+"Shall I help ye, sir?"
+
+Miss Betty curtsied low.
+
+"La, Mr. Carr!"
+
+John bowed profoundly.
+
+"Give ye good den, madam," he said. "I am just about to descend. Thank
+you, Jim." He leaned heavily on the man's arm.
+
+Miss Betty walked round him admiringly.
+
+"Lud! 'Tis mighty elegant, I vow! But I protest, I am shy!"
+
+"Egad, Miss Betty! and why?"
+
+"You are not so young as I imagined," she replied candidly.
+
+"Bear in mind, madam, that I never sought to deceive you. I am an aged
+man."
+
+"Thirty!" she scoffed, and went on ahead. "Come, child, and mind the
+first step!"
+
+At the bottom of the staircase stood Mr. Beauleigh, a man of medium
+height, thin-lipped and grey-eyed. He came forward with one hand
+outstretched.
+
+"I am delighted to see you so much better, sir. I trust your shoulder no
+longer pains you?"
+
+My lord pushed Jim gently to one side and placed his hand in Mr.
+Beauleigh's.
+
+"I thank you, sir, it is almost well. But for Miss Betty, who, I fear,
+has the makings of a true tyrant, I should not wear this obnoxious
+sling."
+
+Mr. Beauleigh smiled a little.
+
+"Ah, yes, she keeps us all in order, does Betty. Pray, will you not walk
+a little in the garden? There are chairs on the lawn--and here is my
+daughter."
+
+He waved to the door, and Carstares, turning, beheld Diana.
+
+She stood framed by the dark wood, gowned in amber silk, with old lace
+falling from her elbows and over the bosom of her dress. Her hair was
+dark as night, with little tendrils curling over her broad, white brow.
+One rolling curl fell over her shoulder, the rest were gathered up under
+a small lace cap, which was secured by means of a riband passed beneath
+her chin.
+
+Jack gazed, and gazed again, and in her turn Diana studied him with wide
+brown eyes of almost childlike innocence. Then her lids fluttered and
+curling lashes veiled the glorious depths, as a slow blush mounted to
+her cheeks.
+
+My lord recovered his manners and made his most approved leg as her
+father presented him.
+
+"My love, this is Mr. Carr--"
+
+Diana sank into a curtsey.
+
+"--and, Mr. Carr, this is my daughter, Diana."
+
+"I am delighted to make Miss Beauleigh's acquaintance," said John, and
+raised her hand to his lips.
+
+The delicate, tapering fingers trembled a little in his hold, and
+tremulous lips parted in the shyest and most adorable smile that he had
+ever seen.
+
+"Indeed, sir, we are already acquainted. I am not like to forget my
+rescuer."
+
+"I am happy to think that I was able to be of some service to you,
+mademoiselle. Believe me, it was an honour to fight in your cause." His
+eyes were on the fascinating dimple that played about her mouth.
+
+"'Tis very kind of you to say so, sir. I fear we greatly incommoded
+you--and--" She made a gesture towards his sling.
+
+"That, mademoiselle, is less than nothing. All the obligation is on my
+side."
+
+Miss Betty bustled forward.
+
+"Now that will do! I never heard such a foolish set of compliments! You
+are looking tired, Mr. Carr; come into the garden and rest."
+
+Salter stepped forward, but Diana stayed him with uplifted finger.
+
+"If Mr. Carr will accept my arm?" she hazarded.
+
+Jack flushed.
+
+"Indeed, no, Miss Beauleigh--I can--"
+
+"Oh, tut-tut!" cried Miss Betty. "Have done dilly-dallying! Take him
+out, Di!"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh had already disappeared. His world lay in his library, and
+he was never far from it for any length of time. Now he had seized the
+moment when his sister was not looking to withdraw quietly, and, when
+she turned round, she was only in time to see the library door close
+softly.
+
+"Your papa has gone again," she remarked to her niece. "What a trying
+man he is, to be sure!"
+
+She followed the pair out on to the lawn, and helped to make Carstares
+seat himself in a long chair under a great elm. A cushion was placed
+under his wounded shoulder and another at his back.
+
+"And are you sure that you are quite comfortable?" inquired Miss Betty,
+anxiously bending over him.
+
+Jack laughed up at her.
+
+"Quite sure, thank you, madam. But where will you sit?"
+
+"I shall sit in this chair, and Di will sit on a cushion"--throwing one
+down--"at my feet--so."
+
+"I see that you are all ruled with a rod of iron, mademoiselle," he
+said, and watched the dimple tremble into being.
+
+"Indeed, yes, sir. 'Tis very sad."
+
+Miss Betty chuckled, and unrolled a packet of silks which she threw into
+her niece's lap.
+
+"Will you have the goodness to sort those for me, love?" she asked,
+taking out her embroidery.
+
+"Pray allow me to assist!" pleaded John.
+
+Diana rose and planted her cushion down beside his chair. She then knelt
+down upon it and emptied the multi-coloured strands on to his knee.
+
+"Very well! You must be very careful to separate the different pinks,
+though. See, we will have the rose here, the salmon here, the deeper
+rose here, the pale pink over there, and the reds--there is no more
+room--we will put the reds in this paper."
+
+"Certainly," agreed Carstares. "Are we to leave the other colours until
+the pinks are sorted?"
+
+She nodded and bent her head over the silks.
+
+"Is Sir Miles coming this afternoon, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"Why yes, Miss Betty--now you mention it, I remember that he is. Miss
+Beauleigh, I defy you to put that one on the rose pile; 'tis a shade too
+deep."
+
+"I am sure 'tis not! Where is one to compare with it?"
+
+Carstares produced a long thread and held it next to hers. The two heads
+were bent close over it. Diana sighed.
+
+"You are right; I can just see the difference. But 'tis _very_ slight!"
+
+Miss Betty peeped over their shoulders.
+
+"Gracious, what an eye you must have! I can detect no difference." Her
+eye ran along the row of silks laid out on my lord's white satin leg.
+
+"Mr. Carr," said Diana suddenly, "I want to ask you something--something
+that has been puzzling me."
+
+"Faith, what is it, Miss Beauleigh?"
+
+"Just this: why did you call Mr. Everard M. le Duc?"
+
+There was a tiny pause. My lord looked down into the gold-flecked eyes
+and frowned a little.
+
+"Did I call him that?"
+
+"Yes, I remember it distinctly. Was it just--a manner of speaking?"
+
+"Just a manner of speaking.... You may call it that, mademoiselle. Do
+you not think that he looks rather ducal?"
+
+"I tried not to think of him at all. I hate him!"
+
+"Almost I begin to pity this Mr. Everard," quoth Jack.
+
+The dimple peeped out.
+
+"Then 'tis most ungallant of you, sir!" she reproved. "Do you know Mr.
+Everard?"
+
+"I have certainly seen him before, madam."
+
+Diana sat back on her heels and eyed him wonderingly.
+
+"I believe you do not wish to answer me," she said slowly. "Tell me, is
+'Everard' that man's real name?"
+
+My lord twisted the ring on his finger uneasily. He did not feel himself
+at liberty to expose Belmanoir, and if he should reveal his true
+identity, it was quite possible that Mr. Beauleigh might seek him out,
+in which case he himself might be recognised. He looked up.
+
+"Pardon me, mademoiselle, but whence this cross-examination?"
+
+Diana nodded placidly.
+
+"I thought you would refuse, but I have discovered something that will
+confound you, sir!" She rose to her feet. "I will go and get it." She
+walked gracefully away towards the house, and my lord watched her go.
+
+"Now _I_ am going to ask a question," broke in Miss Betty's voice.
+
+He threw out an imploring hand.
+
+"Madam, I beg you will consider my feeble condition. Am I fit to bear
+the strain, think you?"
+
+"I do!--Is it usual for gentlemen to ride masked, as you were?"
+
+At that he laughed.
+
+"No, madam, but for the gentlemen of the High Toby, it is _de regie_."
+
+She paused, with her needle held in mid-air:
+
+"Now, what mean you by that?"
+
+"Just that I am a common highwayman, Miss Betty."
+
+She stared at him for a moment, and then resumed her work.
+
+"You look it."
+
+John cast a startled glance down his slim person.
+
+"Is that so, madam? And I rather flattered myself I did not!"
+
+"I was only laughing at you. You do not expect me to believe that
+fabrication--surely?"
+
+"I fear I do," he sighed. "'Tis very true, alack!"
+
+"Oh, indeed? Also a friend of Sir Miles O'Hara, _J.P_.--and of Mr.
+Everard?"
+
+"At least the last-named is not an acquaintance to be proud of," he
+retorted.
+
+"Perhaps not. My Di says he is some great gentleman."
+
+"I perceive that your Di is by nature suspicious. Why does she think
+that?"
+
+"You will see. Di, love, here is Mr. Carr trying to make me believe that
+he is a highwayman!"
+
+Diana came up to them smiling.
+
+"I fear he teases you, aunt. Do you remember this, sir?" Into Jack's
+hands she put his Grace of Andover's sword.
+
+Carstares took it, surprised, and glanced casually at the hilt. Then he
+started up.
+
+"Why, 'tis his sword. And I thought 'twas left on the roadside. Can it
+be--did _you_ bring it, mademoiselle?"
+
+She dropped him a curtsey, and laughed.
+
+"You are surprised, sir? You demanded the sword, so I naturally supposed
+that you required it. Therefore I brought it home."
+
+"'Twas monstrous thoughtful of you then. I dared not hope that it had not
+been forgotten. I am very grateful--"
+
+"Then pray show your gratitude by sitting down again!" advised the elder
+Miss Beauleigh. "Remember that this is your first day up, and have a
+care!"
+
+John subsided obediently, turning the sword over in his hands.
+
+Diana pointed to the wrought gold hilt with an accusing finger.
+
+"An I mistake not, sir, that is a coronet."
+
+My lord's eyes followed the pink-tipped finger and rested wrathfully
+upon the arms of Andover. It was like Tracy to flaunt them on his
+sword-hilt, he reflected.
+
+"It certainly has that appearance," he admitted cautiously.
+
+"Also, those are not paste, but real diamonds, and that is a ruby."
+
+"I do not dispute it, madam," he answered meekly.
+
+"And I believe that that big stone is an emerald."
+
+"I am very much afraid that it is."
+
+"An expensive toy!" she said, and looked sharply at him.
+
+"Ornate, I agree, but as true a piece of steel as ever I saw," replied
+my lord blandly, balancing the rapier on one finger.
+
+"A very expensive toy!" she repeated sternly.
+
+John sighed.
+
+"True, madam--true." Then with a brightened air: "Perhaps Mr. Everard
+has expensive tastes?"
+
+"It is very possible. And I think that Mr. Everard must have been more
+than a simple country gentleman to indulge those tastes."
+
+Carstares bit his lip to hide a smile at the thought of Tracy in the
+light of a simple country gentleman, and shook his head sadly.
+
+"Do you infer that he came by this sword dishonestly, madam?"
+
+The dimple quivered and was gone.
+
+"Sir, I believe that you are playing with me," she said with great
+dignity.
+
+"Madam, I am abashed."
+
+"I am very glad to hear it, then. I infer that Mr. Everard was something
+more than he pretended to be."
+
+"In truth, a sorry rogue to deceive a lady."
+
+"And I want to know if I am right. Is he, perhaps, some grand
+gentleman?"
+
+"I can assure you, madam, that there is very little of the gentleman
+about Mr. Everard."
+
+Miss Betty began to laugh.
+
+"Have done, my dear! 'Tis of no avail, and 'tis impolite to press Mr.
+Carr too hard."
+
+Diana pouted.
+
+"He is monstrous provoking, I think," she said, and eyed him
+reproachfully.
+
+"I am desolated," mourned Jack, but his eyes danced.
+
+"And now you are laughing!"
+
+"But then, mademoiselle, so are you!"
+
+She shook her head, resolutely repressing the dimple.
+
+"Then I am inconsolable."
+
+The brown eyes sparkled and her lips parted in spite of her efforts to
+keep them in a stern line.
+
+"Oh, but you are ridiculous!" she cried, and sprang to her feet. "And
+here is Sir Miles!"
+
+O'Hara came across the lawn towards them, bowed to the ladies, and
+glanced inquiringly from one to the other.
+
+"Is it a joke ye have?" he asked.
+
+Diana answered him.
+
+"Indeed no, sir. 'Tis Mr. Carr who is so provoking."
+
+"Provoking, is it? And what has he been doing?"
+
+"I'll tell you the whole truth, Miles," interposed the maligned one.
+"'Tis Mistress Diana who is so inquisitive!"
+
+"Oh!" Diana blushed furiously "I protest you are unkind, sir!"
+
+"Sure, 'tis no gentleman he is, at all!"
+
+"'Twas on the subject of gentlemen that we--"
+
+"Quarrelled," supplied her aunt.
+
+"Disagreed," amended his lordship.
+
+"Disagreed," nodded Diana. "I asked him whether Mr. Everard was not some
+grand gentleman, and he evaded the point."
+
+"I vow 'tis slander!" cried Jack. "I merely said that Everard was no
+gentleman at all."
+
+"There! And was not that evading the point, Sir Miles?"
+
+"Was it? Sure, I'm inclined to agree with him."
+
+"I declare you are both in league against me!" she cried, with greater
+truth than she knew. "I mean, was he perhaps a _titled_ gentleman?"
+
+"But how should Jack know that?"
+
+"Because I am sure he knows him--or, at least, of him."
+
+"Listen, Mistress Di," broke in my lord, shooting a warning glance at
+O'Hara. "I will tell you all about Mr. Everard, and I hope you will be
+satisfied with my tale." He paused and seemed to cudgel his brain.
+"First he is, of course, titled--let me see--yes, he is a Duke. Oh, he
+is certainly a Duke--and I am not sure but what he is royal--he--"
+
+"Now you are ridiculous!" cried Miss Betty.
+
+"You are very teasing," said Diana, and tried to frown. "First you
+pretend to know nothing about Mr. Everard, and then you tell me foolish
+stories about him. A Duke, indeed! I believe you _really_ do know
+nothing about him!"
+
+As Carstares had hoped, she refused to believe the truth.
+
+"He is playing with ye, child," said O'Hara, who had listened to Jack's
+tale with a face of wonder. "I warrant he knows no Everard--eh, Jack?"
+
+"No, I cannot say that I do," laughed his lordship.
+
+"But--but--you said--"
+
+"Never mind what he said, Miss Di. 'Tis a scurvy fellow he is."
+
+She regarded him gravely.
+
+"Indeed, I almost think so."
+
+But the dimple peeped out for all that! The next instant it was gone,
+and Diana turned a face of gloom to her aunt, pouting her red lips
+adorably, so thought my lord.
+
+"Mr. Bettison," she said in accents of despair.
+
+At these mystic words, Jack saw Miss Betty frown, and heard her
+impatient remark: "Drat the man!"
+
+He looked towards the house, and perceived a short, rather stout, young
+man to be walking with a peculiar strutting gait towards them. The boy
+was good-looking, Carstares acknowledged to himself, but his eyes were
+set too close. And he did not like his style. No, certainly he did not
+like his style, nor the proprietary way in which he kissed Diana's hand.
+
+"How agreeable it is to see you again, Mr. Bettison!" said Miss Betty
+with much affability. "I declare 'tis an age since we set eyes on you!"
+
+"Oh, no, Aunt," contradicted Diana sweetly. "Why, it was only a very
+short while ago that Mr. Bettison was here, _surely_!" She withdrew the
+hand that the young man seemed inclined to hold fast to, and turned to
+John.
+
+"I think you do not know Mr. Bettison, Mr. Carr?" she said. "Mr.
+Bettison, allow me to present you to Mr. Carr. Sir Miles I think you
+know?"
+
+The squire bowed with a great deal of stiff hostility. Carstares
+returned the bow.
+
+"You will excuse my not rising, I beg," he smiled. "As you perceive--I
+have had an accident."
+
+Light dawned on Bettison. This was the man who had rescued Diana,
+confound his impudence!
+
+"Ah, yes, sir! Your arm, was it not? My faith, I should be proud of such
+a wound!"
+
+It seemed to Carstares that he smiled at Diana in a damned familiar
+fashion, devil take his impudence!
+
+"It was indeed a great honour, sir. Mistress Di, I have finished sorting
+your green silks."
+
+Diana sank down on the cushion again, and shook some more strands out on
+to his knee.
+
+"How quick you have been! Now we will do the blue ones." Bettison
+glared. This fellow seemed prodigious intimate with Diana, devil take
+him! He sat down beside Miss Betty, and addressed my lord patronisingly.
+
+"Let me see--er--Mr. Carr. Have I met you in town, I wonder? At Tom's,
+perhaps?"
+
+This country bumpkin _would_ belong to Tom's, reflected John savagely,
+for no reason at all. Aloud he said:
+
+"I think it extremely unlikely, sir. I have been abroad some years."
+
+"Oh, indeed, sir? The 'grand tour,' I suppose?"
+
+Mr. Bettison's tone was not the tone of one who supposes any such thing.
+
+John smiled.
+
+"Not this time," he said, "that was seven years ago."
+
+Mr. Bettison had heard rumours of this fellow who, it was murmured, was
+nought but a common highwayman.
+
+"Really? After Cambridge, perhaps?"
+
+"Oxford," corrected Carstares gently.
+
+Curse his audacity! thought Mr. Bettison.
+
+"Seven years ago--let me think. George must have been on the tour
+then--Selwyn, I mean, Miss Beauleigh."
+
+Jack, who had made the tour with several other young bucks fresh down
+from college, accompanied as far as Paris by the famous wit himself,
+held his peace.
+
+Mr. Bettison then launched forth into anecdotes of his own tour, and
+seeing that his friend was entirely engrossed with Miss Diana and her
+silks, O'Hara felt it incumbent on him to draw the enemy's fire, and,
+taking his own departure, to bear the squire off with him. For which he
+received a grateful smile from my lord, and a kiss blown from the tips
+of her fingers from Mistress Di, with whom he was on the best of terms.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+MISTRESS DIANA IS UNMAIDENLY
+
+
+The idyllic summer days passed quickly by, and every time that my lord
+spoke of leaving, the outcry was so indignant and so firm that he
+hastily subsided and told himself he would stay just another few days.
+His shoulder, having mended up to a certain point, refused quite to
+heal, and exertion brought the pain back very swiftly. So his time was
+for the most part spent with Mistress Di out of doors, helping her with
+her gardening and her chickens--for Diana was an enthusiastic poultry
+farmer on a small scale--and ministering to her various pets. If Fido
+had a splinter in his paw, it was to Mr. Carr that he was taken; if
+Nellie, the spaniel, caught a live rabbit, Mr. Carr would assuredly know
+what to do for it, and the same with all the other animals. The young
+pair grew closer and closer together, while Miss Betty and O'Hara
+watched from afar, the former filled with pride of her darling, and
+satisfaction, and the latter with apprehension. O'Hara knew that his
+friend was falling unconsciously in love, and he feared the time when
+John should realise it. He confided these fears to his wife, who, with
+young David, was staying at her mother's house in Kensington, in a long
+and very Irish letter. She replied that he must try and coax my lord
+into coming to stay with them, when her charms would at once eclipse
+Mistress Diana's, though to be sure, she could not understand why Miles
+should not wish him to fall in love, for as he well knew, 'twas a
+prodigious pleasant sensation. If he did not know it, then he was indeed
+most disagreeable. And had he ever heard of anything so
+wonderful?--David had drawn a picture of a horse! Yes, really, it was a
+horse! Was he not a clever child? Further, would her dearest Miles
+please come and fetch her home, for although Mamma was prodigious
+amiable, and wanted her to stay several weeks, she positively could not
+live without her husband an instant longer than was necessary!
+
+As soon as O'Hara read the last part of the letter he brushed Carstares
+and his love affairs to one side, and posted straight to London to obey
+the welcome summons.
+
+Bit by bit my lord discovered that he was very much in love with Diana.
+At first his heart gave a great bound, and then seemed to stop with a
+sickening thud. He remembered that he could not ask her to marry him,
+disgraced as he was, and he immediately faced the situation, realising
+that he must go away at once. His first move was to Mr. Beauleigh, to
+tell him of his decision. On being asked why he must so suddenly leave
+Horton House, he explained that he loved Diana and could not in honour
+speak of love to her. At which Mr. Beauleigh gasped and demanded to know
+the reason. Carstares told him that he was by profession a highwayman,
+and watched him bridle angrily. Before so agreeable and so smiling, Mr.
+Beauleigh now became frigidly polite. He quite understood Mr. Carr's
+position, and--er--yes, he honoured him for the course on which he had
+decided. But Mr. Beauleigh was very, very cold. Carstares gave Jim
+orders to pack immediately, that he might depart next day, and
+reluctantly informed Miss Betty of his going. She was startled and
+bewildered. She had imagined that he would spend all June with them.
+Circumstances, he regretted, willed otherwise. He should always remember
+her great kindness to him, and hoped that she would forgive the brusque
+nature of his departure.
+
+When he told Diana her eyes opened very wide and she laughed, pointing
+an accusing finger at him.
+
+"You are teasing, Mr. Carr!" she cried, and ran into the house.
+
+That evening Miss Betty confirmed Jack's words, and seeing the hurt look
+in the girl's eyes, wisely held her peace.
+
+Next morning in the pleasaunce Diana came across my lord, and went up to
+him, gravely questioning.
+
+"You are really leaving us to-day, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"I am afraid I must, Mistress Di."
+
+"So suddenly? Then you were not teasing yesterday?"
+
+"No, mademoiselle--I was not. I fear I have tarried too long, taking
+advantage of your kindness."
+
+"Oh, no, no!" she assured him. "Indeed, you have not! Must you _really_
+go?"
+
+Looking down into her big eyes, John read the answering love in them,
+and grew pale. It was worse to think that she cared, too. If only he
+thought she was indifferent, parting would not seem so unbearable.
+
+"Mademoiselle--you overwhelm me--I must go."
+
+"Oh, but I am sorry. Your being here has been such a pleasure! I--" She
+stopped, and looked away across the flowers.
+
+"You?" prompted Jack before he could check himself.
+
+With a tiny laugh she brought her gaze back.
+
+"I am sorry you must leave us, naturally."
+
+She sat down beneath an arbour of roses, and patted the place beside her
+invitingly, with just the same unconscious friendliness that she had
+always shown him. My lord stayed where he was, with one hand on a tree
+trunk and the other fidgeting with his quizzing glass.
+
+"Mistress Di--I think it only right that I should tell you what I have
+told your father, and what I told your aunt some time ago, when she
+refused to believe me. To some extent I am here under false pretences. I
+am not what you think me."
+
+Diana laced and unlaced her fingers, and thought that she understood.
+
+"Oh, no, Mr. Carr!"
+
+"I am afraid yes, mademoiselle. I am--a common felon ... a highwayman!"
+He bit the words out, not looking at her.
+
+"But I knew that," she said softly.
+
+"You _knew_ it?"
+
+"Why, yes! I remember when you told Aunt Betty."
+
+"You believed me?"
+
+"You see," she apologised, "I always wondered why you were masked."
+
+"And yet you permitted me to stay--"
+
+"How silly of you, Mr. Carr! Of course I do not care what you are! I owe
+so much to you!"
+
+He wheeled round at that, and faced her.
+
+"Madam, I can bear anything rather than gratitude! Is it only that which
+has made you tolerate me all this time?"
+
+Her fingers gripped one another.
+
+"Why, sir--why, sir--"
+
+The flame died out of his eyes, and he drew himself up stiffly, speaking
+with a curtness that surprised her.
+
+"I crave your pardon. I should be whipped at the cart-tail for asking
+such an impertinent question. Forget it, I beg."
+
+Diana looked up at the stern face, half amazed, half affronted.
+
+"I do not think I quite understand you, sir."
+
+"There is nought to understand, mademoiselle," he answered with dry
+lips. "'Twere merely that I was coxcomb enough to hope that you liked me
+a little for mine own sake."
+
+She glanced again at his averted head with a wistful little smile.
+
+"Oh!" she murmured. "_Oh!_"--and--"It is very dreadful to be a
+highwayman!" she sighed.
+
+"Yes, mademoiselle."
+
+"But surely you could cease to be one?" coaxingly.
+
+He did not trust himself to answer.
+
+"I know you could. Please do!"
+
+"That is not all," he forced himself to say. "There is worse."
+
+"_Is_ there?" she asked wide-eyed. "What else have you done, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"I--once--" heavens, how hard it was to say! "I once ... cheated ... at
+cards." It was out. Now she would turn from him in disgust. He shut his
+eyes in anticipation of her scorn, his head turned away.
+
+"Only _once_?" came the soft voice, filled with awed admiration.
+
+His eyes flew open.
+
+"Mademoiselle--!"
+
+She drooped her head mournfully.
+
+"I'm afraid I always cheat," she confessed. "I had no idea 'twas so
+wicked, although Auntie gets very cross and vows she will not play with
+me."
+
+He could not help laughing.
+
+"'Tis not wicked in you, child. You do not play for money."
+
+"Oh, did you?"
+
+"Yes, child."
+
+"Then that _was_ horrid of you," she agreed.
+
+He stood silent, fighting the longing to tell her the truth.
+
+"But--but--do not look so solemn, sir," the pleading voice went on. "I
+am sure you must have had a very strong excuse?"
+
+"None."
+
+"And now you are letting it spoil your life?" she asked reproachfully.
+
+"It does not wait for my permission," he answered bitterly.
+
+"Ah, but what a pity! Must one moment's indiscretion interfere with all
+else in life? That is ridiculous. You have--what is the word?--expiated!
+yes, that is it--expiated it, I know."
+
+"The past can never be undone, madam."
+
+"That, of course, is true," she nodded, with the air of a sage, "but it
+can be forgotten."
+
+His hand flew out eagerly and dropped back to his side. It was hopeless.
+He could not tell her the truth and ask her to share his disgrace; he
+must bear it alone, and, above all, he must not whine. He had chosen to
+take Richard's blame and he must abide by the consequences. It was not a
+burden to be cast off as soon as it became too heavy for him. It was for
+ever--for ever. He forced his mind to grasp that fact. All through his
+life he must be alone against the world; his name would never be
+cleared; he could never ask this sweet child who sat before him with
+such a wistful, pleading look on her lovely face, to wed him. He looked
+down at her sombrely, telling himself that she did not really care: that
+it was his own foolish imagination. Now she was speaking: he listened to
+the liquid voice that repeated:
+
+"Could it not be forgotten?"
+
+"No, mademoiselle. It will always be there."
+
+"To all intents and purposes, might it not be forgotten?" she persisted.
+
+"It will always stand in the way, mademoiselle."
+
+He supposed that mechanical voice was his own. Through his brain
+thrummed the thought: "It is for Dick's sake ... for Dick's sake. For
+Dick's sake you must be silent." Resolutely he pulled himself together.
+
+"It will stand in the way--of what?" asked Diana.
+
+"I can never ask a woman to be my wife," he replied.
+
+Diana wantonly stripped a rose of its petals, letting each fragrant leaf
+flutter slowly to the ground.
+
+"I do not see why you cannot, sir."
+
+"No woman would share my disgrace."
+
+"No?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You seem very certain, Mr. Carr. Pray have you asked the lady?"
+
+"No, madam." Carstares was as white as she was red, but he was holding
+himself well in hand.
+
+"Then--" the husky voice was very low, "then--why don't you?"
+
+The slim hand against the tree trunk was clenched tightly, she observed.
+In his pale face the blue eyes burnt dark.
+
+"Because, madam, 'twere the action of a--of a--"
+
+"Of a what, Mr. Carr?"
+
+"A cur! A scoundrel! A blackguard!"
+
+Another rose was sharing the fate of the first.
+
+"I have heard it said that some women like--curs, and-and--and
+scoundrels; even blackguards," remarked that provocative voice. Through
+her lashes its owner watched my lord's knuckles gleam white against the
+tree-bark.
+
+"Not the lady I love, madam."
+
+"Oh? But are you sure?"
+
+"I am sure. She must marry a man whose honour is spotless; who is not--a
+nameless outcast, and who lives--not--by dice--and highway robbery."
+
+He knew that the brown eyes were glowing and sparkling with unshed
+tears, but he kept his own turned inexorably the other way. There was no
+doubting now that she cared, and that she knew that he did also. He
+could not leave her to think that her love had been slighted. She must
+not be hurt, but made to understand that he could not declare his love.
+But how hard it was, with her sorrowful gaze upon him and the pleading
+note in her voice. It was quivering now:
+
+"Must she, sir?"
+
+"Yes, madam."
+
+"But supposing--supposing the lady did not care? Supposing she--loved
+you--and was willing to share your disgrace?"
+
+The ground at her feet was strewn with crimson petals, and all around
+and above her roses nodded and swayed. A tiny breeze was stirring her
+curls and the lace of her frock, but John would not allow himself to
+look, lest the temptation to catch her in his arms should prove too
+great for him. She was ready to give herself to him; to face anything,
+only to be with him. In the plainest language she offered herself to
+him, and he had to reject her.
+
+"It is inconceivable that the lady would sacrifice herself in such a
+fashion, madam," he said.
+
+"Sacrifice!" She caught her breath. "You call it that!"
+
+"What else?"
+
+"I ... I ... I do not think that you are very wise, Mr. Carr. Nor ...
+that you ... understand women ... very well. She might not call it by
+that name."
+
+"It would make no difference what she called it, madam. She would ruin
+her life, and that must never be."
+
+A white rose joined its fallen brethren, pulled to pieces by fingers
+that trembled pitifully.
+
+"Mr. Carr, if the lady ... loved you ... is it quite fair to her--to say
+nothing?"
+
+There was a long silence, and then my lord lied bravely.
+
+"I hope that she will--in time--forget me," he said.
+
+Diana sat very still. No more roses were destroyed; the breeze wafted
+the fallen petals over her feet, lightly, almost playfully. Somewhere in
+the hedge a bird was singing, a full-throated sobbing plaint, and from
+all around came an incessant chirping and twittering. The sun sent its
+bright rays all over the garden, bathing it in gold and happiness; but
+for the two in the pleasaunce the light had gone out, and the world was
+very black.
+
+"I see," whispered Diana at last. "Poor lady!"
+
+"I think it was a cursed day that saw me come into her life," he
+groaned.
+
+"Perhaps it was," her hurt heart made answer.
+
+He bowed his head.
+
+"I can only hope that she will not think too hardly of me," he said,
+very low. "And that she will find it in her heart to be sorry--for
+me--also."
+
+She rose and came up to him, her skirts brushing gently over the grass,
+holding out her hands imploringly.
+
+"Mr. Carr...."
+
+He would not allow himself to look into the gold-flecked eyes.... He
+must remember Dick--his brother Dick!
+
+In his hand he took the tips of her fingers, and bowing, kissed them.
+Then he turned on his heel and strode swiftly away between the hedges
+towards the quiet woods, with a heart aflame with passion, and with
+rebellion and impotent fury. He would go somewhere quite alone and fight
+the devil that was prompting him to cry the truth aloud and to throw
+aside his burden for love, forgetting duty.
+
+But Diana remained standing among the scattered flowers, very still,
+very cold, with a look of hopeless longing in her eyes and a great
+hurt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+O'HARA'S MIND IS MADE UP
+
+
+Jim Salter folded one of my lord's waistcoats, and placed it carefully
+in an open valise; then he picked up a coat, and spread it on the bed
+preparatory to folding it in such wise that no crease should afterwards
+mar its smoothness. All about him my lord's clothing was strewn; Mechlin
+ruffles and cravats adorned one chair, silk hose another; gorgeous coats
+hung on their backs; shoes of every description, red-heeled and white,
+riding boots and slippers, stood in a row awaiting attention; wigs
+perched coquettishly on handy projections, and piles of white cambric
+shirts peeped out from an almost finished bag.
+
+Jim laid the coat tenderly in the valise, coaxing it into decorous
+folds, and wondering at the same time where his master was. He had been
+out all the morning, and on his return had looked so ill that Jim had
+been worried, and wished that they were not leaving Horton House quite
+so soon. A little while ago my lord had been closeted with his host; Jim
+supposed he must still be there. He reached out his hand for another
+waistcoat, but before his fingers had touched it, he stopped, and lifted
+his head, listening. Hasty, impetuous footsteps sounded on the stairs,
+and came furiously along the corridor. The door was twisted open, and my
+lord stood on the threshold. Jim scanned the tired face anxiously, and
+noted with a sinking heart that the blue eyes were blazing and the fine
+lips set in a hard, uncompromising line. The slender hand gripping the
+door-handle twitched in a way that Jim knew full well; evidently my lord
+was in an uncertain mood.
+
+"Have you finished?" rapped out Carstares.
+
+"Not quite, sir."
+
+"I wish to leave this year and not next, if 'tis all the same to you!"
+
+"Yes, sir. I didn't know you was in a hurry, sir."
+
+There was no reply to this. My lord advanced into the room and cast one
+glance at his scattered baggage and another all round him.
+
+"Where is my riding dress?"
+
+Jim shivered in his luckless shoes.
+
+"I--er--'tis packed, sir. Do ye want it?"
+
+"Of course I want it! Do you suppose that I am going to ride in what I
+have on?"
+
+"I rather thought ye were driving, your honour."
+
+"I am not. The scarlet suit at once, please."
+
+He flung himself down in a chair before his dressing-table and picked up
+a nail-file.
+
+Salter eyed his reflection in the glass dismally, and made no movement
+to obey. After a moment my lord swung round.
+
+"Well! What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear me?"
+
+"Ay, sir, I did, but--your pardon, sir--but do ye think 'tis wise to
+ride to-day for--for the first time?"
+
+The file slammed down on to the table.
+
+"I am riding to Horley this afternoon!" said his master dangerously.
+
+"'Tis a matter of fifteen miles or so, your honour. Hadn't ye better--"
+
+"Damn you, Jim, be quiet!"
+
+Salter gave it up.
+
+"Very well, sir," he said, and unearthed the required dress. "I'll see
+the baggage goes by coach, and saddle the mare and Peter."
+
+"Not Peter. You go in the coach."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"_What!_"
+
+My lord stared at him. There had been a note of finality in the
+respectful tone. My lord became icy.
+
+"You forget yourself, Salter."
+
+"I ask your pardon, sir."
+
+"You will travel in charge of my things, as usual."
+
+Jim compressed his lips, and stowed a shoe away in one corner of the
+bag.
+
+"You understand me?"
+
+"I understand ye well enough, sir."
+
+"Then that is settled."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+My lord dropped his eye-glass.
+
+"What the devil do you mean--'No, sir'?"
+
+"I ask your pardon, sir, an I presume, but I can't and won't let ye ride
+alone with your wound but just healed." There was not a hint of defiance
+or impertinence in the quiet voice, but it held a great determination.
+
+"You won't, eh? Do you imagine I am a child?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Or unable to take care of myself?"
+
+"I think ye are weaker than ye know, sir."
+
+"Oh, you do, do you?"
+
+Jim came up to him.
+
+"Ye'll let me ride with ye, sir? I won't trouble ye, and I can ride
+behind, but I can't let ye go alone. Ye might faint--sir--"
+
+"I can assure you I am not like to be a pleasant companion!" said
+Carstares with a savage little laugh.
+
+"Why, sir, I understand there's something troubling ye. Will ye let me
+come?"
+
+My lord scowled up at him, then relented suddenly.
+
+"As you please."
+
+"Thank ye, sir." Salter returned to his packing, cording one bag and
+placing it near the door, and quickly filling another. The piles of
+linen grew steadily smaller until they disappeared, and he retired into
+a cupboard to reappear with a great armful of coats and small-clothes.
+
+For a long while my lord sat silent staring blankly before him. He
+walked to the window and stood with his back to the room, looking out,
+then he turned and came back to his chair. Jim, watching him covertly,
+noted that the hard glitter had died out of his eyes, and that he looked
+wearier than ever.
+
+Carstares studied his nails for a moment in silence. Presently he spoke:
+
+"Jim."
+
+"Yes, sir?"
+
+"I shall be--going abroad again shortly."
+
+If Carstares had remarked that it was a fine day the man could not have
+shown less surprise.
+
+"Shall we, sir?"
+
+John looked across at him, smiling faintly.
+
+"You'll come, Jim?"
+
+"I would go anywhere with ye, sir."
+
+"And what about that little girl at Fittering?"
+
+Salter blushed and stammered hopelessly.
+
+"My dear fellow, since when have I been blind? Did you think I did not
+know?"
+
+"Why, sir--well, sir--er--yes, sir!"
+
+"Of course I knew! Can you leave her to come with me?"
+
+"I couldn't leave ye to stay with her, sir."
+
+"Are you sure? I do not want you to come against your inclinations."
+
+"Women ain't everything, sir."
+
+"Are they not? I think they are ... a great deal," said my lord
+wistfully.
+
+"I'm mighty fond o' Mary, but she knows I must go with you."
+
+"Does she? But is it quite fair to her? And I believe I am not minded to
+drag you 'cross Continent again."
+
+"Ye won't leave me behind, sir? Ye couldn't do that! Sir-ye're never
+thinking of going by yourself? I--I--I won't let ye!"
+
+"I am afraid I cannot spare you. But if you should change your mind,
+tell me. Is it a promise?"
+
+"Ay, sir. If I _should_ change my mind." Salter's smile was grimly
+sarcastic.
+
+"I am selfish enough to hope you'll not change. I think no one else
+would bear with my vile temper as you do. Help me out of this coat, will
+you?"
+
+"I'll never change, sir. And as to tempers--As if I minded!"
+
+"No. You are marvellous. My breeches. Thanks."
+
+He shed his satin small-clothes, and proceeded to enter into white
+buckskins. "Not those boots, Jim, the other pair." He leaned against the
+table as he spoke, drumming his fingers on a chair-back.
+
+A knock fell on the door, at which he frowned and signed to Jim, who
+walked across and opened it, slightly.
+
+"Is your master here?" inquired a well-known voice, and at the sound of
+it my lord's face lighted up, and Salter stood aside.
+
+"Come in, Miles!"
+
+The big Irishman complied and cast a swift glance round the disordered
+room. He raised his eyebrows at sight of Jack's riding boots and looked
+inquiringly across at him.
+
+My lord pushed a chair forward with his foot.
+
+"Sit down, man! I thought you were in London?"
+
+"I was. I brought Molly home yesterday, the darlint, and I heard that ye
+were leaving here this afternoon."
+
+"Ah?"
+
+"And as I'm not going to let ye slip through me fingers again, I thought
+I would come and make sure of ye. Ye are a deal too slippery, Jack."
+
+"Yet I was coming to see you again whatever happened."
+
+"Of course. Ye are coming now--to stay."
+
+"Oh no!"
+
+O'Hara placed his hat and whip on the table, and stretched his legs with
+a sigh.
+
+"Sure, 'tis stiff I am! Jim, I've a chaise outside for the baggage, so
+ye may take it down as soon as may be."
+
+"Leave it where it is, Jim. Miles, 'tis monstrous good of you, but--"
+
+"Keep your buts to yourself, Jack. Me mind's made up."
+
+"And so is mine! I really cannot--"
+
+"Me good boy, ye are coming to stay with us until ye are recovered, if I
+have to knock ye senseless and then carry ye!"
+
+The lightning smile flashed into Jack's eyes.
+
+"How ferocious! But pray do not be ridiculous over a mere scratch.
+Recovered, indeed!"
+
+"Ye still look ill. Nay, Jack, take that frown off your face; 'tis of no
+avail, I am determined."
+
+The door closed softly behind Jim as Carstares shook his head.
+
+"I can't, Miles. You must see 'tis impossible."
+
+"Pooh! No one who comes to Thurze House knows ye or anything about ye.
+Ye need not see a soul, but come ye must!"
+
+"But, Miles--"
+
+"Jack, don't be a fool! I want ye, and so does Molly. 'Tis no trap, so
+ye need not look so scared."
+
+"I'm not. Indeed, I am very grateful, but--I cannot. I am going abroad
+almost at once."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Yes. I mean it."
+
+O'Hara sat up.
+
+"So it has come! I knew it would!"
+
+"What mean you?"
+
+"Ye've found out that ye love Mistress Di."
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"And she you."
+
+Jack looked at him.
+
+"Oh, ay! I'm a tactless oaf, I know, and me manners are atrocious to be
+for trying to break through the barriers ye've put up round yourself.
+But, I tell ye, Jack, it hurts to be kept at the end of a pole! I don't
+want to force your confidence, but for God's sake don't be treating me
+as if I were a stranger!"
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miles. It's confoundedly hard to confide in anyone
+after six years' solitude." He struggled into his coat as he spoke, and
+settled his cravat. "If you want to know the whole truth, 'tis because
+of Diana that I am going."
+
+"Of course. Ye are in love with her?"
+
+"It rather points that way, does it not?"
+
+"Then why the divil don't ye ask her to marry ye?"
+
+"Why don't I ask her? Because I will not offer her a smirched name!
+Because I love her so much that--" He broke off with a shaky, furious
+laugh. "How can you ask me such a question? I am a desirable _parti,
+hein? Nom d'un nom_! For what do you take me?"
+
+O'Hara looked up, calmly studying the wrathful countenance.
+
+"Chivalrous young fool," he drawled.
+
+Again the short, angry laugh.
+
+"It is so likely that I should ask her to marry me, is it not?
+'Mademoiselle, you see in me an improvident fool: I began life by
+cheating at cards, and since then--' Oh, I shall believe it myself ere
+long! I seem to have told it to so many people. And I lay myself open to
+the impertinences of--" he checked himself, thinking of the interview
+downstairs with Mr. Beauleigh.
+
+"Rubbish, Jack."
+
+"'Tis not rubbish. I have one recommendation--only one."
+
+"Faith, have ye as much? What is it?"
+
+My lord laughed bitterly.
+
+"I dress rather well."
+
+"And fence better, as far as I remember."
+
+"I have reason to. That is but another point to damn me. What woman
+would marry a fencing-master? Oh, my God! what a mess I have made of my
+life." He tried to laugh and failed miserably.
+
+"I rather fancy Mistress Di would."
+
+"She will not be asked thus to demean herself," was the proud answer.
+
+"My dear Jack, ye forget ye are the Earl of Wyncham."
+
+"A pretty earl! No thank you, Miles. Richard's son will be Earl--no son
+of mine."
+
+O'Hara brought his fist down on the table with a crash.
+
+"Damn Richard and his son!"
+
+My lord picked up a jewelled pin and, walking to the glass, proceeded to
+fasten it in his cravat. The other followed him with smouldering eyes.
+
+"Retired into your shell again?" he growled.
+
+Carstares, with his head slightly on one side, considered the effect of
+the pin. Then he came back to his friend.
+
+"My dear Miles, the long and short of it is that I am an unreasonable
+grumbler. I made my bed, and I suppose I must-on it."
+
+"And will ye be afther telling me who helped ye in the making of it?"
+
+Carstares sat down and started to pull on one boot.
+
+"I foresee we shall be at one another's throats ere long," he prophesied
+cheerfully. "Did I tell you that I informed Mr. Beauleigh of
+my--er--profession to-day?"
+
+Miles forgot his anger in surprise.
+
+"Ye never told him ye were a highwayman?" he cried.
+
+"Yes, I did. Why not?"
+
+"Why not? Why wot? God help us all! are ye daft, man? Do ye intend to
+tell every other person ye meet what ye are? Bedad, 'tis mad ye are
+entirely!"
+
+Carstares sighed.
+
+"I was afraid you would not understand."
+
+"'Twould take a wizard to understand ye! Another chivalrous impulse, I
+doubt not?"
+
+"Chiv--! No. It is just that I could not let him think me an honourable
+gentleman. He took it well, on the whole, and is now frigidly polite."
+
+"Polite! I should hope so! The ould scarecrow, after ye'd saved his
+daughter on him, too! And 'twas he made ye so furious?"
+
+Carstares laughed.
+
+"He and myself. You see--he--lectured me--oh! quite kindly--on the error
+of my ways, and--it hurt."
+
+"'Tis as well ye are coming to me then, the way things are with ye at
+present."
+
+My lord opened his mouth to speak, encountered a fiery glance, and shut
+it again.
+
+"Anything to say?" inquired O'Hara with a threatening gleam in his eye.
+
+"No, sir," replied Jack meekly.
+
+"Ye will come?"
+
+"Please."
+
+O'Hara sprang up joyfully.
+
+"Good lad! Lud! but I was afraid at one time--Put on your other boot
+while I go and look for that rascal of yours!" He hurried out of the
+room to find Jim, who, having foreseen the result of the contest, was
+already stowing the luggage away on the chaise.
+
+Half-an-hour later, his _adieux_ made, Jim and the baggage following, my
+lord rode out with O'Hara on his way to Thurze House.
+
+For some time there was silence between the two men, with only a
+perfunctory remark or two on the fineness of the day and the freshness
+of the mare to break it. Carstares' mind was, as his friend well knew,
+dwelling on all that he had left behind him. His parting with Diana had
+been quite ordinary, she at least making no sign that he was anything
+beyond a chance acquaintance; indeed, it had almost seemed to him that
+her attitude was slightly aloof, as if she had drawn a little into
+herself. Her hand when he had kissed it had been lifeless and cold, her
+smile sweetly remote. He knew that he had held the hand a fraction of a
+minute longer than was strictly in accordance with the rules of good
+manners, and he feared that he had clasped it in most unseemly wise,
+pressing it hard against his lips. He wondered whether she had remarked
+it. He little guessed that long after he had ridden out of sight, she
+continued to feel that pressure. If he could have seen her passionately
+kissing each finger separately for fear her lips might pass over the
+exact spot his had touched, his heart might have been lighter.
+
+It was true that she had retired into her shell, a little hurt at what
+she termed his man's blind obstinacy. She had laid her heart bare for
+him to read; she had offered herself to him as plainly as if she had
+spoken in terms less general than in the pleasaunce; she had fought
+desperately for her happiness, thrusting aside all thought of maiden
+modesty, and when she afterwards had realised what she had done, and
+tried to imagine what he must think of her, she had blushed dark, and
+mentally flayed herself for her lack of proper pride and manners.
+Terrified that he might think her immodest, overwhelmed with sudden
+shyness, she had been colder in her attitude towards him, than she had
+intended, even in her anxiety not to appear forward. But in spite of
+her coldness, how intensely had she hoped that he would sense her love
+and all that she wanted him to know! Incomprehensible the ways of women!
+
+Not endowed with feminine perspicacity or intuition, how could John hope
+to understand her dual feelings? He only knew that he had hurt her, and
+that she had drawn back that she might not lay herself open to more. He
+could not hope to understand her when she did not fully understand
+herself.
+
+Reflecting on the swiftness with which love had come to them, he
+believed that with a like swiftness it might fade, at least from Diana's
+memory. He told himself that he hoped for that end, but he was honest
+enough to know that it was the last thing in the world he wanted. The
+mere thought of Diana indifferent to him, or worse, another man's bride,
+made him bite on his underlip and tighten his hold on the rein.
+
+O'Hara cast many a surreptitious glance at the stern young profile
+beside him, wondering whether his lordship would last out the tedious
+ride or no. He knew enough of Carstares' indomitable courage to believe
+that he would, but he feared that it would prove too great a strain on
+him in his present weakened condition.
+
+Very wisely he made no attempt to draw Carstares out of his abstraction,
+but continued to push on in silence, past fields knee-deep in grass,
+soon to be hay, with sorrel and poppies growing apace, along lanes with
+hedges high above their heads on either side, over hill and down
+dale--always in silence.
+
+Presently O'Hara fell a little to the rear that he might study his
+friend without palpably turning to do so. He thought he had never seen
+Jack's face wear such a black look. The fine brows almost met over his
+nose with only two sharp furrows to separate them; the mouth was
+compressed, the chin a little prominent, and the eyes, staring ahead
+between Jenny's nervous ears, seemed to see all without absorbing
+anything. One hand at his hip was clenched on his riding-whip, the other
+mechanically guided the mare.
+
+O'Hara found himself admiring the lithe grace of the man, with his
+upright carriage and splendid seat.
+
+Suddenly, as if aware that he was being studied, my lord half turned his
+head and met O'Hara's eyes. He gave a tiny shrug and with it seemed to
+throw off his oppression. The frown vanished, and he smiled.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miles. I am a surly fellow."
+
+"Mayhap your shoulder troubles you," suggested O'Hara tactfully.
+
+"N-no, I am barely conscious of it. I've no excuse beyond bad manners
+and a worse temper."
+
+From thence onward he set himself to entertain his friend, and if his
+laugh was sometimes rather forced, at least his wit was enough to keep
+O'Hara in a pleasurable state of amusement for some miles.
+
+By the time they arrived at Thurze House, Carstares was suspiciously
+white about the mouth, and there was once more a furrow--this time of
+pain--between his brows. But he was able to greet my Lady O'Hara with
+fitting elegance and to pay her at least three neat, laughing
+compliments before O'Hara took him firmly by the arm and marched him to
+his room, there to rest and recover before the dinner hour.
+
+Shortly after, Jim arrived, highly contented with his new surroundings,
+and able to give a satisfactory verdict on Jenny's stalling. He had
+quite accepted O'Hara as a friend, after some jealous qualms, and was
+now well pleased that his master should be in his house instead of
+roaming the countryside.
+
+At five o'clock, as the gong rang, my lord descended the stairs
+resplendent in old gold and silver trimmings, determined to be as gay
+and light-hearted as the occasion demanded, as though there had never
+been a Diana to upset the whole course of a man's life.
+
+Not for nothing had he fought against the world for six long years.
+Their teaching had been to hide all feeling beneath a perpetual mask of
+nonchalance and wit; never for an instance to betray a hurt, and never
+to allow it to appear that he was anything but the most care-free of
+men. The training stood him in good stead now, and even O'Hara wondered
+to see him in such spirits after all that had passed. Lady Molly was
+delighted with her guest, admiring his appearance, his fine, courtly
+manners, and falling an easy victim to his charm.
+
+O'Hara, watching them, saw with content that his capricious little wife
+was really attracted to my lord. It was a high honour, for she was hard
+to please, and many of O'Hara's acquaintances had been received, if not
+with actual coldness, at least not with any degree of warmth.
+
+At the end of the meal she withdrew with the warning that they were not
+to sit too long over their wine, and that Miles was not to fatigue his
+lordship.
+
+O'Hara pushed the decanter towards his friend.
+
+"I've a piece of news I daresay will interest ye!" he remarked.
+
+Carstares looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Ay. 'Tis that his Grace of Andover has withdrawn his precious person to
+Paris."
+
+Carstares raised one eyebrow.
+
+"I suppose he would naturally wish to remain in the background after our
+little fracas."
+
+"Does he ever wish to be in the background?"
+
+"You probably know him better than I do. Does he?"
+
+"He does not. 'Tis always in front he is, mighty prominent. Damn him!"
+
+My lord was faintly surprised.
+
+"Why that? Has he ever interfered with you?"
+
+"He has interfered with me best friend to some purpose."
+
+"I fear the boot was on the other leg!"
+
+"Well, I know something of how he interferes with Dick."
+
+Carstares put down his glass, all attention now.
+
+"With Dick? How?"
+
+O'Hara seemed to regret having spoken
+
+"Oh, well--I've no sympathy with _him_."
+
+"What has Tracy done to him?"
+
+"'Tis nothing of great moment. Merely that he and that worthless brother
+of his seek to squeeze him dry."
+
+"Robert?"
+
+"Andrew. I know very little of Robert."
+
+"Andrew! But he was a child--"
+
+"Well, he's grown up now, and as rakish a young spendthrift as ye could
+wish for. Dick seems to pay their debts."
+
+"Devil take him! Why?"
+
+"Heaven knows! I suppose Lavinia insists. We all knew that 'twas for
+that reason Tracy flung you both in her way."
+
+"Nonsense! We went of our own accord. She had but returned from school."
+
+"Exactly. And whose doing was that but Tracy's?"
+
+Carstares opened his eyes rather wide and leant both arms on the table,
+crooking his fingers round the stem of his wine glass.
+
+"Do the debts amount to much?"
+
+"I can't tell ye that. 'Twas but by chance I found it out at all. The
+Belmanoirs were never moderate in their manner of living."
+
+"Nor were any of us. Don't be so hard on them, Miles!... I knew, of
+course, that the Belmanoir estate was mortgaged, but I did not guess to
+what extent."
+
+"I don't know that either, but Dick's money does not go to pay it off.
+'Tis all frittered away on gambling and pretty women."
+
+My lord's brow darkened ominously.
+
+"Ye-s. I think I shall have a little score to settle with Tracy on that
+subject--some day."
+
+Miles said nothing.
+
+"But how does Dick manage without touching my money?"
+
+"I do not know." O'Hara's tone implied that he cared less.
+
+"I hope he is not in debt himself," mused Carstares, "'Tis like enough
+he is in some muddle. I wish I might persuade him to accept the
+revenue." He frowned and drummed his fingers on the table.
+
+O'Hara exploded.
+
+"Sure, 'twould be like you to be doing the same. Let the man alone for
+the Lord's sake, and don't be after worrying your head over a miserable
+spalpeen that did ye more harm than--"
+
+"Miles, I cannot allow you to speak so of Dick! You do not understand."
+
+"I understand well enough. 'Tis too Christian ye are entirely. And let
+us have an end of this farce of yours! I know that Dick cheated as well
+as you do, and I say 'tis unnatural for you to be wanting him to take
+your money after he's done you out of honour and all else!"
+
+Carstares sipped his wine quietly, waiting for Miles' anger to
+evaporate, as it presently did, leaving him to glower balefully. Then he
+started to laugh.
+
+"Oh, Miles, let me go my own road! I'm a sore trial to you, I know."
+Then suddenly sobering: "But I want you not to think so hardly of Dick.
+You know enough of him to understand a little how it all came about. You
+know how extravagant he was and how often in debt--can you not pardon
+the impulse of a mad moment?"
+
+"That I could pardon. What I cannot forgive is his--unutterable meanness
+in letting you bear the blame."
+
+"O'Hara, he was in love with Lavinia--"
+
+"So were you."
+
+"Not so deeply. With me 'twas a boy's passion, but with him 'twas
+serious."
+
+O'Hara remained silent, his mouth unusually hard.
+
+"Put yourself in his place," pleaded Jack. "If you--"
+
+"Thank you!" O'Hara laughed unpleasantly. "No, Jack, we shall not agree
+on this subject, and we had best leave it alone. I do not think you need
+worry about him, though. I believe he is not in debt."
+
+"Does he have fair luck with his racing and his--"
+
+O'Hara smiled grimly.
+
+"Dick is a very changed man, John. He does not keep racehorses, neither
+does he play cards, save for appearance's sake."
+
+"Dick not play! What then does he do?"
+
+"Manages your estates and conducts his wife to routs. When in town,"
+bitterly, "he inhabits your house."
+
+"Well, there is none else to use it. But I cannot imagine Dick turned
+sober!"
+
+"'Tis easy to be righteous after the evil is done, I'm thinking!"
+
+My lord ignored this remark. A curious smile played about his mouth.
+
+"Egad, Miles, 'tis very entertaining! I, the erstwhile sober
+member--what is the matter?--am now the profligate: I dice, I gamble, I
+rob. Dick the ne'er-do-weel is a saint. He--er--lives a godly and
+righteous life, and--er--is robbed by his wife's relations. After all, I
+do not think I envy him overmuch."
+
+"At least, you enjoy life more than he does," said O'Hara, grinning.
+"For ye have no conscience to reckon with."
+
+Carstares' face was inscrutable. He touched his lips with his napkin and
+smiled.
+
+"As you say, I enjoy life the more--but as to conscience, I do not think
+it is that."
+
+O'Hara glanced at him sitting sideways in his chair, one arm flung over
+its back.
+
+"Will ye be offended if I ask ye a question?"
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"Then--do ye intend to go back to this highroad robbery?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"What then will you do?"
+
+The shadows vanished, and my lord laughed.
+
+"To tell you the truth, Miles, I've not yet settled that point. Fate
+will decide--not I."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+MR. BETTISON PROPOSES
+
+
+Mr. Bettison could make nothing of Diana of late. Her demeanour, at
+first so charming and so cheerful, had become listless, and even
+chilling. She seemed hardly to listen to some of his best tales, and
+twice she actually forgot to laugh at what was surely a most witty
+pleasantry. It struck him that she regarded him with a resentful eye, as
+if she objected to his presence at Horton House, and had no desire to be
+courted. But Mr. Bettison was far too egotistic to believe such a thing,
+and he brushed the incredible suspicion away, deciding that her coldness
+was due to a very proper shyness. He continued his visits until they
+became so frequent that scarce a day passed without his strutting step
+being heard approaching the house and his voice inquiring for the Miss
+Beauleighs. Mr. Beauleigh, who secretly hoped for Mr. Bettison as a
+son-in-law, would not permit the ladies to deny themselves, and he
+further counselled Miss Betty to absent herself after the first few
+moments, leaving the young couple together. Thus it was that it so
+continually fell to Diana's lot to receive the Squire and to listen to
+his never-ending monologues. She persistently snubbed him, hoping to
+ward off the impending proposal, but either her snubs were not severe
+enough, or Mr. Bettison's skin was too thick to feel them; for not a
+fortnight after my lord's departure, he begged her hand in marriage. It
+was refused him with great firmness, but, taking the refusal for
+coquettishness, he pressed his suit still more amorously, and with such
+a self-assured air that Mistress Di became indignant.
+
+"Sir," she cried, "it seems you have indeed misread my attitude towards
+you!"
+
+Mr. Bettison was struck dumb with amazement. It had never entered his
+brain that Diana could seriously refuse him. He could hardly believe his
+ears at this quite unmistakable tone of voice, and sat gaping.
+
+"I must beg," continued Diana, "I must beg that you will discontinue
+your all-too-frequent visits here. Please do not deem me unkind, but
+your persecution of me--I can call it nothing else--is
+wearying--and--you will forgive the word--tiresome. I confess I am
+surprised that you had not perceived your attentions to be distasteful
+to me."
+
+"Distasteful!" cried Mr. Bettison, recovering after two or three
+unsuccessful attempts from his speechlessness. "Do you mean what you
+say, Miss Diana? That you will not wed me?"
+
+She nodded.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Bettison, I do."
+
+"And that my attentions are displeasing to you! Well, Miss Beauleigh!
+Well, indeed!"
+
+Diana softened a little.
+
+"I am indeed sorry that you should have misconstrued--"
+
+"No misconstruction, madam!" snapped the Squire, who was fast losing
+control over his temper. "Do you dare aver that you did not encourage me
+to visit you?"
+
+"I do, most emphatically!"
+
+"Oh, I see what 'tis! You cannot hoodwink me. 'Twas never thus with you
+before that fellow came!"
+
+"Mr. Bettison, I am entirely at a loss, but I desire you to leave this
+room before you say aught you may afterwards regret."
+
+He disregarded her.
+
+"You are infatuated by that over-dressed popinjay--that insufferable
+Carr, who, from all I hear, is but a shady fellow, and who--"
+
+With a sweeping movement Diana had risen and walked to the bell-rope.
+She now pulled it with such vigour that a great peal sounded throughout
+the house.
+
+She stood perfectly still, a statue of Disdain, tall, beautiful and
+furious, with compressed lips and head held high. Mr. Bettison broke off
+and mopped his brow, glaring at her.
+
+Startled Thomas appeared at the door.
+
+"Did you ring, madam?"
+
+"Show Mr. Bettison out," was the proud answer.
+
+The Squire got up awkwardly.
+
+"I am sure I apologise if I said aught that was untrue," he mumbled. "I
+hope you will not take my words amiss--"
+
+"I shall try to forget your insults, sir," she replied. "The door,
+Thomas!"
+
+Mr. Bettison went out, and his step had lost some of its self-confident
+swagger.
+
+For a full minute after the great front door had shut behind him, Diana
+stood where she was, and then the colour suddenly flamed in her cheeks,
+and she turned and ran out of the room, up the stairs, to her own
+chamber, where she indulged in a luxurious fit of crying. From this
+enjoyable occupation she was interrupted by a rap on the door, and Miss
+Betty's voice desiring to know if she was within.
+
+She instantly started up and with hasty fingers straightened her tumbled
+curls.
+
+"Pray enter!" she called, trying to sound jaunty. To complete the
+illusion, she started to hum. Her aunt entered.
+
+"I came to see if you had my broidery. I cannot find it, and I am sure
+'twas you brought it in from the garden this morning."
+
+"Yes--oh, yes--I am so sorry! 'Tis in that corner on the chair, I
+think," replied Diana, keeping her face averted.
+
+Miss Betty cast a shrewd glance at her, and sat down on the sofa with
+the air of one who means to stay.
+
+"What is it, my love?" she demanded.
+
+Diana pretended to search for something in a cupboard.
+
+"Nothing, aunt! What should there be?"
+
+"I do not know. 'Tis what I want to find out," answered Miss Betty
+placidly.
+
+"There is nought amiss, I assure you!" To prove the truth of this
+statement, Diana essayed a laugh. It was a poor attempt, and wavered
+pitifully into a sob.
+
+"My pet, don't tell me! You are crying!"
+
+"I--I'm n-not!" avowed Diana, hunting wildly for her
+pocket-handkerchief. "'Tis a cold in the head I have had these three
+days."
+
+"Indeed, my love? Longer than that, I fear."
+
+"Yes--perhaps so--I--What do you mean?"
+
+"I doubt but what you caught it the day that Mr. Carr left us."
+
+Diana started.
+
+"P-pray, do not be ridiculous, auntie!"
+
+"No, my dear. Come and sit beside me and tell me all about it," coaxed
+Miss Betty.
+
+Diana hesitated, gave a damp sniff, and obeyed.
+
+Miss Betty drew her head down on to her shoulder soothingly.
+
+"There, there! Don't cry, my sweet! What has happened?"
+
+"'Tis that odious Mr. Bettison!" sobbed Diana "He--he had the audacity
+to ask me to m-marry him!"
+
+"You don't say so, my love! I thought I heard him arrive. So you sent
+him about his business?"
+
+"N-not before he had time to insult m-me!"
+
+"Insult you? Di!"
+
+"He--he dared to insinuate--oh no! he accused me outright--of being
+infatuated by Mr. Carr! Infatuated!"
+
+Over her head Miss Betty opened her eyes at her own reflection in the
+glass.
+
+"The brute! But, of course, 'tis true?"
+
+No answer.
+
+"Is it not?"
+
+The sobs came faster.
+
+"Of--of course 'tis true, but h-how dared he say so?"
+
+"Di, my love, you really are in love with that boy?"
+
+"I--I--I asked him to marry me--and he wouldn't!"
+
+"Good gracious heavens!" Miss Betty was genuinely horrified. "My dear
+Diana!"
+
+"N-not outright--b-but he understood--and--he loves me! And I'd do it
+again to-morrow, if I could--immodest or no! So there!"
+
+"Yes, yes," soothed Miss Betty hastily. "Tell me all about it." Diana
+lifted her head.
+
+"That's all. And he loves me--he does--he does!"
+
+"Did he say so?"
+
+"N-no--but I could tell. And I love him"--sob--"and I'd sooner die than
+live without him, and he won't ask me b-because he has not got a
+spotless p-past, and he'd be a cur, and horrid things, and my husband
+must not be an--an--outcast, and-and--and I don't care!"
+
+Her bewildered aunt unravelled this with difficulty.
+
+"He'd be a cur if he asked you to marry him?" she asked, with knitted
+brows.
+
+"Yes. Because he's a highwayman."
+
+"A highwayman! Then 'twas true what he said? Well, well! I should never
+have thought it! That nice boy!"
+
+Diana disengaged herself; in her eyes was a threatening gleam.
+
+"Don't dare say a word against him!"
+
+"No, no--of course not! I was only surprised. But I am thankfully glad
+he did not ask you, for all that!"
+
+"Glad? How can you be so cruel?"
+
+"My dear, you could not possibly marry--a--a--"
+
+"Common felon!" sobbed Diana. "I can--I can!"
+
+"And heaven alone knows what else he may have done! Why, child, he said
+himself that he had a--a spotty past!"
+
+At this her niece gave a tearful giggle.
+
+"La! What ails you now, Di?"
+
+"H-he never said--spotty."
+
+Miss Betty smiled reluctantly.
+
+"A doubtful past, then."
+
+"I don't believe it!"
+
+Her aunt pursed up her lips.
+
+"I won't believe it. He couldn't be wicked. You forget he saved me!"
+
+Miss Betty relented.
+
+"No, I do not, my love; and, to be sure, I think he is a dear boy, but I
+also think 'twas very right of him to go away."
+
+She was enveloped in a rapturous embrace.
+
+"Auntie, you know you love him almost as much as I do?"
+
+"No, that I do not!" was the grim retort. "_I_ am not like to want to
+marry him!"
+
+There was another watery giggle at this, and Diana went over to the
+dressing-table to tidy her hair.
+
+"I doubt I shall never see him again," she said wretchedly. "Oh, auntie,
+if you could but have seen his dear, unhappy eyes!"
+
+"Stuff and nonsense! Not see him again, forsooth! He will call upon us
+in town. 'Tis but common politeness."
+
+"You forget he is a highwayman, and not like to come nigh us again."
+
+"Well, my dear, if he cares for you as you say he does, he will see to
+it that he takes up some decent occupation. Mayhap, he will go into the
+army, or what not. Then wait and see if he does not come to you."
+
+"Do you think so?" doubtfully.
+
+"Of course I do, sweetheart! And if he does not try to mend his ways,
+and you see him no more--why then, snap your fingers at him, my love,
+for he will not be worth one tear!"
+
+Diana sighed and poured out some water to bathe her face with.
+
+"Is not that sensible?" coaxed her aunt.
+
+She raised her head and looked unutterable scorn.
+
+"I think 'tis remarkable silly," she answered. Then her dignity fell
+from her. "Oh, are all men such big stupids?" she cried.
+
+"Most of 'em," nodded her aunt.
+
+"But can't he tell that I shall be--oh, so miserable, and that I should
+not ruin my life if I married him?"
+
+"My dear, once a man gets an idea into his head, 'tis the very devil to
+get it out of him! Not but what I think Master Jack is right, mind you.
+And your dear papa and I had looked higher for you. After all--what is
+Mr. Carr?"
+
+"He is the only man I will ever marry! So you may cease looking higher
+for me! I suppose you want me to marry that great gaby, Sir Denis
+Fabian, you are for ever inviting to the house? Or, perhaps, this
+gallant Mr. Bettison? Or Mr. Everard? How _can_ you be so unkind?"
+
+"I am not. But I could not bear to see you throw yourself away on a
+highwayman, my dear."
+
+Diana ran to her, putting her arms round her neck.
+
+"Dearest auntie, forgive my rudeness! I know you did not mean to be
+unkind! But you do not understand--I _love_ him."
+
+"I always said you'd take it badly," nodded Miss Betty gloomily.
+
+"Take what badly?"
+
+"Love. And no man is worth one tear-drop, sweet."
+
+The confident, tender little laugh that answered this statement made her
+look at her suddenly changed niece in surprise.
+
+"You don't know," said Diana. Her eyes were soft and luminous. "You just
+do not know."
+
+Before Miss Betty could think of a suitable retort, a knock fell on the
+door. It was opened, and Thomas was found to be without.
+
+"My Lady O'Hara is below, madam."
+
+For an instant the two ladies stared at one another. Then:
+
+"La and drat!" said Miss Betty. "With the drawing-room in a muddle after
+cleaning!"
+
+Diana nodded to the man.
+
+"We will come, Thomas." Then as soon as he had withdrawn, she stared
+again at her aunt. "Lady O'Hara! But why?"
+
+"I suppose she felt she must call after Sir Miles had been here so
+often. But why, for goodness' sake, must she choose the one day that the
+drawing-room is all untidy? Drat again, I say!"
+
+Diana was powdering her little nose, and anxiously looking to see if the
+tear-stains had quite vanished.
+
+"'Tis not untidy, Aunt Betty. Oh, I am quite eager to see her--I think
+she must be charming, from all Sir Miles said. Do hurry, aunt!"
+
+Miss Betty stuck a pin into her hair and smoothed out her dress.
+
+"And me in this old taffeta!" she grumbled.
+
+Diana swirled round, her own peach-coloured silk rustling fashionably.
+
+"Never mind, dear--you look very sweet. But _do_ be quick!" Miss Betty
+suffered herself to be led to the door.
+
+"'Tis all very fine for you, my love, with a new gown fresh on to-day!
+Will you just take a look at my petticoat, though?"
+
+"Nonsense, you are beautiful! Come!"
+
+Together they descended the stairs, and went into the drawing-room.
+
+A dainty, very diminutive little lady arose from a chair at their entry,
+and came forward with outstretched hands, and such a fascinating smile
+that Miss Betty's ill-humour vanished, and she responded to her
+visitor's deep curtsy with one of her best jerky dips.
+
+"I am vastly delighted to welcome you, madam," she said primly. "'Tis
+good in you to come this long way to see us."
+
+She drew a chair forward for my lady, and presented her niece. Lady
+O'Hara gave the girl a swift, scrutinising glance, and curtsied again.
+
+"'Tis a great pleasure to me to meet you at last, Miss Beauleigh," she
+smiled. "My husband has told me so much of you, I declare I was all agog
+to meet you!"
+
+Diana warmed instantly to the little lady's charm.
+
+"Indeed, madam, we, too, have heard much of you from Sir Miles. _We_
+have wanted to meet _you_!"
+
+Lady O'Hara seated herself and nodded briskly.
+
+"I expect he told you some dreadful tales of me," she said happily. "I
+must ask your pardon for not having visited you before, but, as I
+daresay you know, I have been away, and, gracious me, when I returned
+everything seemed topsy-turvy!" She laughed across at Miss Betty. "I
+promise you I have had my hands full putting things to rights, Miss
+Beauleigh!"
+
+Miss Betty drew her chair closer, and in a minute they were deep in
+truly feminine conversation: the prodigious extravagance of the
+servants; the helplessness of men-folk when left to themselves, and then
+London, its shops, its parks, the newest play.
+
+Lady O'Hara was begged to take a dish of Miss Betty's precious Bohea--a
+very high honour indeed--and when Mr. Beauleigh came into the room he
+found his sister and daughter seated on either side of a pretty,
+animated little lady whom he had never before seen, talking hard, and
+partaking of tay and angel cakes. Whereupon he retired hastily and shut
+himself up in his library.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+LADY O'HARA WINS HER POINT
+
+
+Lady O'Hara looked across at her sleeping husband with no little
+severity in her glance. He was stretched in a chair beneath a giant oak,
+and she was busied with some needlework a few paces from him. O'Hara's
+eyes were shut and his mouth open. My lady frowned and coughed. She
+rasped her throat quite considerably, but it was not without effect; her
+spouse shut his mouth and opened one lazy eyelid. Immediately my lady
+assumed an air of gentle mournfulness, and the eye regarding her
+twinkled a little, threatening to close. Molly looked reproachful, and
+began to speak in an aggrieved tone:
+
+"Indeed, and I do not think it at all kind in you to go to sleep when I
+want to talk, sir."
+
+O'Hara hastily opened the other eye.
+
+"Why, my love, I was not asleep! I was--er--thinking!"
+
+"Do you say so, sir? And do you usually think with your mouth
+open--_snoring_?"
+
+O'Hara started up.
+
+"I'll swear I did not snore!" he cried. "Molly, 'tis a wicked tease ye
+are!"
+
+"Miles, 'tis a big baby you are!" she mimicked. "There is a caterpillar
+on your wig, and 'tis on crooked."
+
+"The caterpillar?" asked O'Hara, bewildered.
+
+"No, stupid, the wig. I had best straighten it for you, I suppose." She
+rose and stooped over him, settling the wig and removing the caterpillar
+by means of two leaves, judiciously wielded. Then she dropped a kiss on
+her husband's brow and sat down at his feet.
+
+"First, you have never asked me where I was gone to all yesterday
+afternoon."
+
+O'Hara had been carefully broken in, and he now knew what was expected
+of him, and put on an expression of great interest.
+
+"Where _did_ ye go, my lady?"
+
+"I went to call on Miss Beauleigh and her niece, sir!"
+
+She looked up at him triumphantly and a little challengingly.
+
+"The devil ye did!"
+
+"Certainly, sir. I knew that there was something in the air, and I
+remembered your letter to me saying that Jack was in love with Diana. So
+I thought I would go and see her for myself."
+
+Miles looked down at her half indulgently, half vexedly.
+
+"Did you, puss?"
+
+"I did. And I found that she was in love with him as well as he with
+her--of course."
+
+"Of course?"
+
+"Who could help falling in love with him? He's so monstrous captivating,
+I would like to marry him myself."
+
+She bent her head to hide the roguish smile that had sprung to her lips.
+
+"I beg your pardon?" asked O'Hara, startled.
+
+My lady traced patterns on his knee.
+
+"Provided, of course, that I had not already married you, Miles."
+
+But O'Hara had seen the smile. He heaved a great sigh, and said in
+lugubrious tones:
+
+"There is always the river, madam."
+
+My lady's finger wavered and stopped, and her hand tucked itself away
+into his.
+
+"That is not a nice joke, Miles."
+
+He laughed, and tweaked one of her curls.
+
+"Sure, and did ye not ask for it, asthore?"
+
+"Of course I did not. But about Jack, dear--"
+
+"I thought it _was_ about Jack?"
+
+"Miles, will you be quiet and attend?"
+
+"Yes, m'dear."
+
+"Very well, then. As I have told you, I drove over to Littledean
+yesterday afternoon, and made the acquaintance of the Miss Beauleighs."
+
+"And what did ye think of them?"
+
+"I thought Diana was wonderfully beautiful--such eyes, Miles!--and such
+hair! Miss Beauleigh is very amiable, and so droll! I drank a dish of
+tay with them, and I spoke of Jack--"
+
+"Madcap, never tell me ye called him Carstares?"
+
+"No, you great gaby! Of course I did not. As it chanced, Miss Beauleigh
+mentioned him first, and she called him Mr. Carr. So I did, too. And I
+noticed that Diana said scarce a word about him, and when she did 'twas
+of the coolest. That, of course, made me all the more certain that she
+loved him."
+
+O'Hara was plainly puzzled.
+
+"But why should you be certain if she did not speak of him, alanna?"
+
+"'Tis what you'll never understand, my dear, because you are but a man.
+But no matter--I knew. I quite adored Diana, and determined to talk to
+her alone. So I admired the roses, and she offered to escort me round
+the garden, which was what I wanted. We went out together. I think Diana
+must have liked me, for--"
+
+"Nonsense!"
+
+"Be quiet, Miles!--for she dropped her ice and became quite friendly.
+And I talked a lot."
+
+She was aware of a convulsive movement above her, and a suppressed
+cough. She raised inquiring eyebrows.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"Nothing, asthore--nothing. Go on with the tale--you were saying--"
+
+"That I talked a lot." She paused, and her eyes dared him; then she
+dimpled and dropped her lashes over them. "I shan't tell you all I
+said--"
+
+A relieved sigh interrupted her.
+
+"And if you continue to behave in this disagreeable fashion I shall not
+say another word about anything!"
+
+Having satisfied herself that he was not going to venture a retort, she
+continued:
+
+"We had a long chat, and I gathered, from all she said and left unsaid,
+that Jack, for some foolish reason, will not ask her to marry him."
+
+"Foolish reason, asthore?" he interrupted.
+
+"Oh, I know you consider it a remarkable fine reason, but I tell you,
+'tis rank cruelty to that poor child. As if she cared about highwaymen!"
+
+"'Twas not so much that, I take it, as--"
+
+"Yes, but he could tell her he was innocent--oh, Miles, do not look so
+provoking! Of course he could! I vow if you had treated me so, I would
+never have let you go until you had truly repented! I am of a mind to
+speak to Jack."
+
+"'Twould be an entertaining sight, but ye'll kindly have a care how you
+touch him, my lady."
+
+"He does not understand. I _know_ she would be proud to marry him--"
+
+"And ye'd think it a fine thing in Jack to ask her, the way things are
+with him at present?"
+
+"I--oh, I don't know!"
+
+"No, me love. Jack is right: he must first clear his name."
+
+"Then, gracious goodness me, why does he not?" cried Molly, exasperated.
+
+This time it was O'Hara's turn to look superior.
+
+"Well, alanna, that's a question ye cannot hope to understand--because
+ye are but a woman."
+
+Lady O'Hara ignored the challenge.
+
+"But what is to be done?"
+
+"Nought. He will have to work it out himself. He bound me to secrecy
+some time ago, or I would be tempted to speak to Richard."
+
+"I quite _hate_ Richard!" she cried. "He must be a selfish, unkind
+person. And now Jack swears he must go away almost at once--and, oh! you
+should have seen Diana's face of despair when I mentioned that he was
+going abroad again. Miles, we must keep him here as long as ever we can!
+Oh, dear! 'tis all very worrying."
+
+She broke off as O'Hara pressed her hand warningly. My lord was coming
+across the lawn towards them.
+
+"I am in dire disgrace," he said. "I was left with your ferocious baby,
+Molly, and to quiet him, I gave him a string of beads that you had left
+on the table."
+
+"My precious Indian wooden beads!"
+
+"Yes--I believe so. Anyway, the paint came off, and when Jane returned,
+David looked as though he had some horrible disease. She was most
+annoyed about it." He sat down in Molly's lately vacated chair, and
+carefully wiped a daub of green from his forefinger.
+
+Molly laughed.
+
+"Poor Jane! She will have such a task to clean him. But you've arrived
+most opportunely. We were talking of you."
+
+O'Hara groaned inwardly, and tried to frown her down.
+
+"You were? I am flattered! May I ask what you were saying?"
+
+"Why, that we do not want you to go back to France."
+
+O'Hara breathed again.
+
+"That is very kind of you, my lady. I regret the necessity myself."
+
+"Are you sure it is necessary? You might just as well live in a nice
+place near here, with a dear old woman to keep house for you--and--and
+Jim--and--lots of pleasant things."
+
+My lord shook his head.
+
+"No, thank you!"
+
+"Yes, yes! And later on you could choose a wife!" she continued
+audaciously.
+
+"Not at all. There would be no choice; I should be made to marry the
+dear old woman. You would bully me into it."
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Seriously, Jack, could you not settle down near here?"
+
+"Not with that old woman, Molly."
+
+"Never mind her; won't you consider it? No one need know you--in fact,
+you need see no one--and--oh, Jack! don't look like that. Miles, is he
+not ridiculous?"
+
+"Sure, alanna, 'tis a dreary life he'd be leading," chuckled O'Hara.
+
+"I see what it is, Molly. You have planned to make me a recluse, _and_
+to marry me to my housekeeper. I protest, 'tis great ill-usage!"
+
+Molly eyed him doubtfully.
+
+"Would you _much_ object to the life, John?"
+
+"Madam," he replied solemnly, "you would find my corpse in the garden at
+the end of the first week."
+
+"Of course I should not like that," she pondered. "But I do not see what
+else we can do for you. Oh, and that reminds me! I drove over to
+Littledean yesterday--Miles, my love, will you be so kind as to fetch me
+my hat? I protest, the sun--"
+
+"We will move more into the shade," said her disobliging husband.
+
+"Oh, well! 'tis of no account, though I did hear that Brown was wanting
+to speak to you about the new cob--"
+
+"'Tis prodigious thoughtful of you, Molly, but I met Brown some time
+ago."
+
+Lady O'Hara gave it up.
+
+"Well, as I was saying, Jack, I went to call at Horton House. Dear me,
+what a beautiful girl Diana is, to be sure!"
+
+Carstares tried to think of something to say, and failing, made a
+non-committal sound.
+
+"Yes. They both sent their kind wishes, and hoped you were better.
+Goodness! 'tis very close here. I wonder if you will give me your arm
+round the garden? And would _you_ fetch me my hat? I left it in the
+hall, I think. Thank you very much!"
+
+She waited until he was out of earshot before she turned to her husband.
+
+"Now, Miles, you must please to stay where you are. I am not going to do
+anything indiscreet."
+
+"Molly, I can't have ye worry him--"
+
+"No such thing! I am going to coax him to stay here instead of going
+abroad. I feel sure that if we can but persuade him to stay, something
+will happen."
+
+"What will happen?"
+
+"Something!"
+
+"How do ye know?"
+
+"I don't know; I only feel it."
+
+"Very well, asthore. If you can tease Jack into staying, I'll bless ye."
+
+"That will be most enjoyable, I make no doubt!" she answered, and
+stepped back out of reach.
+
+"Oh, thank you, John!" She tied the hat over her curls, and placed her
+hand on my lord's arm. "Lazy Miles is going to sleep again!" she said.
+"And I so dislike to hear him snore, so let's go a long way away--into
+the rose garden!"
+
+"Don't go so far as all that!" drawled Miles, closing his eyes. "You
+will tire yourselves."
+
+"Do you allow him to make these ribald remarks?" inquired Jack, waiting
+for her to extricate a stone from her shoe.
+
+"Not usually," she answered. "He takes advantage when you are here." She
+dropped the pebble on top of O'Hara and strolled away with my lord.
+
+As soon as they had rounded a corner in the shrubbery, she commenced the
+attack.
+
+"I want to speak to you of Miles," she confided. "He is so worried."
+
+"Is he, Molly? Faith, I hadn't noticed it!"
+
+She reflected that neither had she, but continued, nothing daunted:
+
+"Ah, but he is!"
+
+"What worries him?"
+
+"You," sighed the lady mournfully. "'Tis the thought of your leaving us.
+I feel it myself."
+
+"Why--"
+
+"He had hoped you would be with us for a long time--as I had."
+
+"'Tis monstrous good of you both, but--"
+
+"I am sure I do not know what I shall do with Miles when you are gone.
+He was so looking forward to having you with him."
+
+"Molly--"
+
+"And, indeed, it has come as a great disappointment to both of us to
+hear you talk of leaving. Won't you think better of it?"
+
+"Molly, you overwhelm me.... How can I remain here indefinitely?"
+
+"If only you would! You don't know how happy it would make us. I declare
+Miles will worry himself quite ill if you persist in being so unkind."
+
+"Oh, Molly, you rogue!"
+
+She could not repress a smile, but checked it almost at once. "I mean
+it, Jack."
+
+"What! That Miles is worrying himself ill over me? Fie!"
+
+"Perhaps not as bad as that," she admitted. "But, indeed, he is much
+perturbed ... and, oh! I wish that you would not make us so unhappy."
+She dabbed at her eyes with a wispy handkerchief, but managed to watch
+his face all the same. "David loves you so, the pet! and Miles is so
+delighted to have found you again--and _I_ like you--and--and--and I
+think 'twill be indeed rude and horrid if you do go--besides being so
+silly!"
+
+"Do you, Molly? You make me feel I should be an ungrateful boor to
+refuse--"
+
+The handkerchief was whisked away.
+
+"Then, of course you won't try to refuse! You'll stay? Promise!"
+
+"I cannot thank you enough--"
+
+"Oh, you nice Jack! Till the autumn? Promise!"
+
+"Molly, I really--"
+
+"Promise! I shall cry if you do not!"
+
+"I cannot! How could I prey upon your hospitality for so--"
+
+"What rubbish, Jack! As if Miles had not spent months and months at
+Wyncham when you were boys--"
+
+"That was different--"
+
+"--when you were boys, and now you are so proud that you refuse to stay
+three miserable little months with us--"
+
+"No, no, Molly; indeed, 'tis not that!"
+
+"Confess, if Miles were a bachelor, you would not hesitate?" He was
+silent, nonplussed.
+
+"You see! And just because he has a wife you are disagreeable and proud.
+You feel you cannot bear to stay with me--"
+
+"I swear I do not!"
+
+"Then why do you refuse?" she triumphed.
+
+"Molly--really, I--" He broke off, laughing. "You little wretch, you
+leave me nothing to say!"
+
+"Then you will stay, as I ask?"
+
+"You are quite sure--"
+
+"Quite."
+
+"Thank you very much, I will stay. 'Tis monstrous good of you, I vow.
+When you are tired of me, say so."
+
+"I will," she promised. "Oh, but we shall do famously! How pleased Miles
+will be! By the way," she continued, airily, "I asked the Miss
+Beauleighs to honour us on Wednesday, but, unfortunately, they could
+not. Still, perhaps some other d--"
+
+She stopped, a little frightened, for he was standing before her,
+gripping her shoulders in a very elder-brotherly fashion.
+
+"Listen to me, Molly. I know that you have discovered that I love Diana,
+and I know that you think to be very kind and to bring us together. But
+I tell you that 'twill not be kind at all, only very cruel to us both.
+If you worry her to come here, I must go. Do you see?"
+
+Molly looked into the stern eyes, and her lip trembled.
+
+"I'm very--sorry!" she faltered.
+
+Jack drew her arm through his once more.
+
+"'Tis nothing to be sorry about; and, indeed, I am very grateful to you
+for trying to make me happy. But please do not!"
+
+"No, I promise I will not. But--but do you think you are being quite
+fair to--"
+
+"Molly, tell me this: do you think you are being quite good to disobey
+your husband?"
+
+The blue eyes were dancing. She smiled doubtfully.
+
+"What do you mean, Jack?"
+
+"Do you tell me that Miles did not expressly forbid you to mention this
+subject to me?"
+
+She pulled her hand away, her mouth forming a soundless
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Well--well--well, how horrid of you!" she cried, and shook her fist at
+him. "I'm going now!"
+
+Later, she found her husband in the library, and ran into his arms.
+
+"Do you mind holding me tightly?" she asked. "I've--I've been put in the
+corner!"
+
+"What?" O'Hara drew her on to his knee.
+
+"Yes--figuratively--by Jack. I think, perhaps, I shouldn't like to marry
+him after all!"
+
+"What has he done?"
+
+"N-nothing. I'm _afraid_," polishing one of his buttons with an
+assiduous finger, "I'm _afraid_ that it was rather my own fault!"
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Yes--but I only said _very_ little about the Miss Beauleighs, and he
+suddenly turned into an iceberg and made me feel like a naughty little
+girl. But he is going to stay, all the same; so kiss me, Miles!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+ENTER CAPTAIN HAROLD LOVELACE
+
+
+At the end of August, after having spent a moderately quiet summer in
+the country, Lady Lavinia was again seized with a longing for town and
+its attractions. She would not listen to Richard's warnings of the
+atrocious condition of the roads, declaring that she cared not one jot,
+and go to London she must. After that one protest he desisted, and
+promised to take her there the following week, secretly counting himself
+lucky to have kept her so long at Wyncham in comparative cheerfulness of
+spirits. Lavinia was overjoyed, kissed him again and again, scolded
+herself for being such a wicked tease, and set about making her
+preparations for the journey.
+
+The roads proved even worse than Richard had prophesied, and twice the
+coach nearly upset, and times without number stuck fast in the mire,
+causing the inmates much inconvenience. Carstares rode by the side of
+the heavy vehicle, in which were his wife, her maid, her tiny dog, and
+countless bandboxes and small parcels. In spite of the worry the
+constant stoppages entailed, he quite enjoyed the journey, for Lavinia
+was in excellent spirits, and made light of their mishaps, receiving
+each fresh one with roguish laughter and some witty remark. Even when
+the chimney of her bed-chamber, at one of the inns at which they halted,
+smoked most vilely, she did not, as Richard quite expected she would,
+fly into a rage and refuse to spend another moment in the house, but
+after looking extremely doleful, cheered up and told dear Dicky that she
+would have his room while he should have hers. Then in the morning she
+would find him all dried up and _smoked_! In high good humour she went
+down to dinner with him, voted the partridges excellent, the pasties
+quite French, and the wine marvellously tolerable for such an
+out-of-the-way place, and kept him laughing at her antics until
+bed-time.
+
+The journey was, of necessity, very slow, not only on account of the bad
+roads, but because whenever my lady caught sight of wild roses growing
+on the hedges, she must stop to pluck some. Then she and Richard would
+stroll along for some way, he leading his horse, the coach following at
+a walking pace. All of which was very idyllic, and had the effect of
+sending Richard to the seventh heaven of content.
+
+When at length they arrived at Wyncham House, Mayfair, they found that
+the servants had arrived a week before, and had made good use of their
+time. Never, declared Lavinia, had the house looked so inviting--so
+spick and span.
+
+One of her black pages proffered a small monkey with much bowing and
+grinning, and the murmur of: "Massa's present."
+
+Lady Lavinia flew to embrace her Dicky. How did he guess that she had
+for so long yearned for a monkey? Surely she had but once or twice
+mentioned it? Oh, he was the very best of husbands! She danced off to
+her apartments in a state of ecstasy.
+
+The _beau monde_ was returning to town, and when, a few days later,
+Carstares conducted his wife to Ranelagh, they found the gardens fairly
+crowded and very gay. Lamps hung from tree branches, although it was
+still quite light; the fiddlers scraped away almost without a pause;
+fireworks shot up from one end; the summer-houses had all been freshly
+painted, and the Pavilion was a blaze of light.
+
+Consciousness of her beauty and the smartness of her Georgia silk gown,
+with its petticoat covered in gold net, considerably added to Lavinia's
+enjoyment. Her hair she wore powdered and elaborately curled down on
+both sides with dainty escalloped lace half concealing it, and a grey
+_capuchin_ over all. Her tippet was gold-laced to match her petticoat,
+and to fasten it she wore a brooch composed of clustered rubies. Rubies
+also hung in her earrings, which last were of such length that the other
+ladies turned to stare in envy, and the bracelets that she wore over her
+long gloves flashed also with the great red stones. She was well-pleased
+with Richard's appearance, and reflected that, when he chose, he could
+be very fashionable indeed. The claret-coloured velvet he was wearing
+was most distinguished, and the gold clocks to his hose quite ravishing.
+
+They had not been in the Gardens ten minutes before a little crowd of
+men had gathered around them, professing themselves enraptured to behold
+the fair Lady Lavinia once more. One of them fetched her a chair,
+another a glass of negus, and the rest hovered eagerly about her.
+
+Becomingly flushed with triumph, my lady gave her little hand to Mr.
+Selwyn, who had been once a very ardent admirer, laughed at his neat
+compliment, and declared that he was a dreadful flattering demon, and
+positively she would not listen to him!
+
+Sir Gregory Markham, who brought her the negus, she discovered to have
+just returned from Paris. On hearing this, she broke off in the middle
+of a conversation with an enchanted French Chevalier and turned to him,
+raising her china-blue eyes to his face and clasping tight-gloved
+hands.
+
+"Oh, Sir Gregory! Paris? Then tell me--please, tell me--have you seen my
+darling Devil?"
+
+"Why, yes, madam," responded Markham, handing her the glass he held.
+
+She sipped the negus, and gave it to the Chevalier to take care of.
+
+"I declare, I quite love you then!" she exclaimed. "What is he doing,
+and, oh! _when_ will he return to England?"
+
+Sir Gregory smiled.
+
+"How can I say?" he drawled. "I fear _monsieur s'amuse_!"
+
+She flirted her fan before her face.
+
+"Dreadful creature!" she cried. "How dare you say such things?"
+
+"Belmanoir?" inquired Lord D'Egmont, twirling his cane.
+
+"Enamoured of the Pompadour, is he not--saving your presence, Lady
+Lavvy!"
+
+Lavinia let fall her fan.
+
+"The Pompadour! He had best have a care!"
+
+"I believe there has already been some unpleasantness between his
+Majesty and the fair Jeanne on the subject of Devil. Since then she is
+supposed to have turned on him a cold shoulder."
+
+"_I_ heard 'twas he wearied of madame," said Markham.
+
+"Well, whichever it was, I am glad the episode is closed," decided
+Lavinia. "'Tis too dangerous a game to play with Louis' mistresses. Oh,
+mon cher Chevalier! if I had not forgot your presence! But I am sure you
+say dreadful ill-natured things of our George, now don't you? Oh, and
+have you held my negus all this time? How monstrous good of you! There,
+I will drink it, and Julian shall take the glass away.... _Voila_!" She
+handed it to D'Egmont and rapped Mr. Selwyn's knuckles with her fan,
+looking archly up at him as he stood behind her chair.
+
+"Naughty man! Will you have done whispering in my ear? I vow I will not
+listen to your impudences! No, nor laugh at them neither! Sir Gregory,
+you have given me no answer. When will Tracy return? For the Cavendish
+rout on Wednesday week? Ah, say yes!"
+
+"Certainly I will say yes, fair tormentor! But, to tell the truth, Tracy
+said no word of coming to London when I saw him."
+
+She pouted.
+
+"Now I hate you, Sir Gregory! And he has been absent since May! Oh,
+Julian, back already? You shall escort me to the fireworks then. Oh, my
+fan! Where is it? I know I dropped it on the ground--Selwyn, if you have
+taken it--Oh, Dicky, you have it! Thank you! See, I am going with
+Julian, and you may ogle Mrs. Clive, whom I see walking over there--yes,
+positively you may, and I shall not be jealous! Very well, Julian, I am
+coming! Chevalier, I shall hope to see you at the rout on Wednesday
+week, but you must wait upon me before then."
+
+The Frenchman brightened.
+
+"Madame is too good. I may then call at Wyncham 'Ouse? _Vraiment_, I
+shall but exist until then!" In a perfectly audible whisper, he confided
+to Wilding that "_miladi etait ravissante! mais ravissante!_"
+
+Lady Lavinia went off on her gratified cavalier's arm, encountering many
+bows and much admiration as she passed down the walk, leaving her
+husband not to ogle the beautiful Kitty, as she had advised, but to
+saunter away in the direction of the Pavilion in company with Tom
+Wilding and Markham.
+
+D'Egmont guided my lady into one of the winding alleys, and they
+presently came out on a large lawn, dotted over with people of all
+conditions. Towards them was coming Lavinia's brother--Colonel Lord
+Robert Belmanoir--very richly clad and rakish in appearance. When he saw
+his sister, a look of surprise came into his florid face, and he made
+her a sweeping leg.
+
+"'Pon my honour--Lavinia!"
+
+My lady was not fond of her brother, and acknowledged the salutation
+with a brief nod.
+
+"I am delighted to see you, Robert," she said primly.
+
+"The mere word 'delighted' in no way expresses my sensations," replied
+the Colonel in the drawling, rather unpleasant voice peculiar both to
+him and to the Duke. "Your servant, D'Egmont. I imagined, Lavvy, that
+you were in the country?"
+
+"Richard brought me to town last Tuesday," she answered.
+
+"How unwise of him!" taunted the Colonel. "Or had he no choice?"
+
+She tossed her head angrily.
+
+"If you are minded to be disagreeable, Robert, pray do not let me detain
+you!" she flashed.
+
+D'Egmont was quite unembarrassed by this interchange of civilities. He
+knew the Belmanoir family too well to be made uncomfortable by their
+bickerings.
+
+"Shall we leave him?" he asked Lavinia, smiling.
+
+"Yes," she pouted. "He is determined to be unpleasant."
+
+"My dear sister! On the contrary, I believe I can offer you some
+amusement. Lovelace is in town."
+
+"Captain _Harold_?" she cried incredulously.
+
+"The same."
+
+"Oh, Bob!" Impulsively she withdrew her hand from Julian's arm,
+transferring it to the Colonel's. "I must see him at once! To think he
+is returned after all these years! Quick, Julian, dear lad--go and find
+him--and tell him 'tis I, Lavinia, who want him! You know him, do you
+not? Yes--I thought you did. Send him to me at once!--at once!"
+
+D'Egmont looked very crestfallen at having his walk with the goddess
+thus cut short, but he had perforce to kiss her hand and to obey.
+
+"Yes. I thought you would be pleased," remarked Lord Robert, and
+chuckled. "Allow me to point out to you that there is a chair--two
+chairs--in fact, quite a number of chairs--immediately behind you."
+
+She sat down, chattering excitedly.
+
+"Why, 'tis nigh on five years since I saw Harry! Has he changed? Lud!
+but he will deem me an old woman! Is he like to be in town for long, I
+wonder?--Dear me, Bob, look at the two ladies over behind that
+seat!--Gracious! what extraordinary _coifs_, to be sure! And cherry
+ribbons, too!... Tell me, Bob, where did you meet Harry Lovelace?"
+
+The Colonel, who, far from attending to her monologue, had been sending
+amorous glances across to a palpably embarrassed girl, who hung on her
+papa's arm while that gentleman stopped to speak to a stout dowager,
+brought his gaze reluctantly back to his sister.
+
+"What's that you say, Lavvy?"
+
+"How provoking of you not to listen to me! I asked where you met
+Harold."
+
+"Where I met him? Let me see--where did I meet him? Oh, I remember! At
+the Cocoa-Tree, a fortnight since."
+
+"And he is altered?"
+
+"Not in any way, dear sister. He is the same mad, reckless rake-hell as
+ever. And unmarried."
+
+"How delightful! Oh, I shall be so glad to see him again!"
+
+"You must present him to Richard," sneered the Colonel, "as an old
+flame."
+
+"I must, indeed," she agreed, his sarcasm passing over her head. "Oh, I
+see him! Look! Coming across the grass!"
+
+She rose to meet the tall, fair young Guardsman who came swiftly towards
+her, curtsying as only Lady Lavinia could curtsy, with such stateliness
+and coquetry.
+
+"Captain Lovelace!"--she put forward both her hands.
+
+Lovelace caught them in his, and bent his head over them so that the
+soft, powdered curls of his loose wig fell all about his face.
+
+"Lady Lavinia!--Enchantress!--I can find no words! I am dumb!"
+
+"And I!"
+
+"In that case," drawled the Colonel, "you are not like to be very
+entertaining company. Pray give me leave!" He bowed and sauntered away
+down the path with a peculiarly malicious smile on his lips.
+
+Lavinia and Lovelace found two chairs, slightly apart from the rest, and
+sat down, talking eagerly.
+
+"Captain Lovelace, I believe you had forgot me?" she rallied him.
+
+"Never!" he answered promptly. "Not though you well-nigh broke my
+heart!"
+
+"No, no! I did not do that. I never meant to hurt you."
+
+He shook his head disbelievingly.
+
+"You rejected me to marry some other man: do you say you did not mean
+to?"
+
+"You naughty Harry!... You never married yourself?"
+
+"I?" The delicate features expressed a species of hurt horror. "I marry?
+No! I was ever faithful to my first love."
+
+She unfurled her fan, fluttering it delightedly.
+
+"Oh! Oh! _Always_, Harold? Now speak the truth!"
+
+"Nearly always," he amended.
+
+"Disagreeable man! You admit you had lapses then?"
+
+"So very trivial, my dear," he excused himself. "And I swear my first
+action on coming to London was to call at Wyncham House. Imagine my
+disappointment--my incalculable gloom (on the top of having already
+dropped a thousand at faro) when I found the shell void, and Venus--"
+
+She stopped him, her fan held ready for chastisement.
+
+"Sir! You said your _first_ action was to call upon me!"
+
+He smiled, shaking back his curls.
+
+"I should have said: my first action of any importance."
+
+"You do not deem losing a thousand guineas important?" she asked
+wistfully.
+
+"Well--hardly. One must enjoy life, and what's a thousand, after all? I
+had my pleasure out of it."
+
+"Yes!" she breathed, her eyes sparkling. "That is how I think! What
+pleasure can one get if one neither hazards nor spends one's money? Oh,
+well!" She shrugged one shoulder, dismissing the subject.
+
+"Have you seen Tracy of late?"
+
+"He was at a court ball I attended at Versailles, but I did not have a
+chance of speaking with him. I heard he was very popular at Paris."
+
+"Ay!" she said proudly. "He has the French air.... I so desire to see
+him again, but I fear he does not think of returning. I know he was
+promised for the Duchess of Devonshire's rout months ago--before even
+the date was fixed, she so dotes on him--but I do not expect to see him
+there." She sighed and drummed on the ground with her diamond-buckled
+shoe. "Harry, I am chilled! Take me to the Pavilion! I doubt they are
+dancing--and Dicky will be there."
+
+"Dicky?" he repeated. "Dicky! Lavinia, do not tell me there is another
+claimant to your heart?"
+
+"Wicked, indelicate creature! 'Tis my husband!"
+
+"Your _husband_! Enfin--"
+
+She cast him a sidelong glance of mingled coquetry and reproof.
+
+"Your mind is at rest again, I trust?"
+
+"Of course! A husband? Pooh, a bagatelle, no more!"
+
+"My husband is not a bagatelle!" she laughed. "I am very fond of him."
+
+"This grows serious," he frowned. "'Tis very unfashionable, surely?"
+
+She met his teasing eyes and cast down her lashes.
+
+"Captain Lovelace, you may take me to the Pavilion."
+
+"Sweet tormentor, not until you cease so to misname me."
+
+"Harold, I am indeed chilly!" she said plaintively and snatched her hand
+from his lips. "No, no! People will stare--look, there is my odious
+brother returning! I declare I will not stay to listen to his hateful,
+sneering remarks!... Come!"
+
+They walked across the grass together, keeping up a running fire of
+raillery, punctuated on his side by extravagant compliments filled with
+classical allusions, all more or less erroneous, and on hers by
+delighted little laughs and mock scoldings. So they came to the
+Pavilion, where the musicians fiddled for those who wished to dance, and
+where most of the company had assembled now that it was growing chilly
+without. Down one end of the hall, card-tables were set out, where
+members of both sexes diced and gambled, drinking glasses of burgundy or
+negus, the men toasting the ladies, and very often the ladies returning
+the toasts with much archness and low curtseying.
+
+Lavinia cast off her _capuchin_ and plumed her feathers, giving a
+surreptitious shake to her ruched skirts and smoothing her ruffles. She
+rustled forward with great stateliness, fan unfurled, head held high,
+her gloved fingers resting lightly on Lovelace's velvet-clad arm.
+Richard, hearing the little stir caused by her entry, glanced up, and
+perceived her. He did not recognise her companion, but the sparkle in
+her eyes and the happy curve to her full lips were quite enough to tell
+him that it was someone whom she was very contented to have met. He had
+ample opportunity for studying Lovelace as the good-looking pair drew
+near, and he could not but admire the delicate, handsome face with the
+grey eyes that held a laugh in them, the pleasure-loving, well-curved
+mouth, and the chin that spoke of determination. Here was not one of
+Lavinia's lisping, painted puppy-dogs, for in spite of the effeminate
+curls, it was easy to see that this man had character and a will of his
+own, and, above all, a great charm of manner. He saw Lavinia blush and
+rap the Captain's knuckles in answer to some remark, and his heart sank.
+He rose and came to meet them.
+
+Lady Lavinia smiled sweetly upon him, and patted his arm with a
+possessive little air.
+
+"Dicky dear, I have found an old friend--a very old friend! Is it not
+agreeable? Captain Lovelace--Mr. Carstares."
+
+The two men bowed, Richard with reluctancy, the Captain with easy
+_bonhomie_.
+
+"Sir, I claim to be a worshipper at the shrine of which you, I believe,
+are High Priest!" he said impudently, and bowed again, this time to my
+lady.
+
+"You are one of many, sir," smiled Richard.
+
+Lady Devereux came tripping up to them, and kissed Lavinia with a great
+show of affection.
+
+"My dearest life! My sweet Lavinia!"
+
+Lady Lavinia presented a powdered cheek.
+
+"Dearest Fanny, how charming to see you again!" she cooed. Through her
+lashes she gazed at her friend's enormous headdress, with its rolls of
+powdered curls and the imitation flowers perched upon the top of the
+erection.
+
+"But, my angel!" exclaimed Lady Fanny, stepping back to view her,
+"surely you have been ill?"
+
+"How strange!" smiled Lavinia. "I was about to ask you that same
+question, my dear! 'Tis age, I doubt not. Do we both look such dreadful
+hags?" She turned her bewitching little countenance to the men, and
+smiled appealingly.
+
+Compliments showered upon her, and Lady Devereux, who was conscious that
+her own sallow countenance, in spite of rouge and powder, must appear
+even more sallow beside Lavinia's pink-and-whiteness, flushed in
+annoyance and turned away, begging her dearest Lavvy to come to the faro
+with her. But Lavinia, it appeared, was going to watch the dicing at
+Richard's table: she vowed she should bring him monstrous good luck.
+
+"I don't doubt it, my dear," replied her husband, "but I am not playing
+to-night. Will you not take your luck to Bob?" He nodded to where the
+Colonel was lounging, dice-box in hand.
+
+Lavinia pouted.
+
+"No, I want you to play!"
+
+"'Tis of no avail, Lady Lavinia!" drawled Sir Gregory. "Richard is the
+very devil to-night."
+
+Selwyn, rattling his dice, paused, and looked round at Markham with a
+face of innocent surprise. Then he turned slowly and stared at
+Carstares' grave, almost stern countenance, with even more surprise. He
+started to rattle the dice again, and shifted back to face his opponent,
+with pursed lips.
+
+"Is he?" he inquired with studied depression.
+
+Even Lavinia joined in the general laugh, not so much at the wit's words
+as at his comic expression, and the extreme deliberation with which he
+had enacted the little scene.
+
+Someone cried a bet to Lovelace, which was promptly accepted, and
+Lavinia's eyes glowed afresh as she followed the Captain to a table.
+
+Richard went to fetch her some refreshment, and on his return, found her
+leaning over Lovelace's chair, her hand on his shoulder, eagerly casting
+the dice on to the table. He was in time to see her clap her hands and
+to hear her cry of: "My luck! Oh, my luck is in! I will throw again!"
+
+Glancing round she caught sight of her husband, and her face fell.
+
+"Do you _mind_, Dicky?" she pleaded.
+
+He did mind, but he could not appear churlish before all these men; so
+he laughed and shook his head, and went to her elbow to watch her play.
+
+When she at length ceased, her luck had run out, and she had lost her
+much-prized ruby earring to Mr. Selwyn, who placed it carefully in his
+vest pocket, vowing he should wear it next his heart for ever. Then, and
+then only, did she consent to leave the gaming tables for the dancing
+hall, and for another hour Richard had the felicity of watching her
+tread the minuet with various young bloods, but most often with her
+new-found Harry Lovelace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE REAPPEARANCE OF HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER
+
+
+It seemed to Richard in the days that followed, that Captain Lovelace
+was never out of his house. If he went to his wife's boudoir, there was
+Lovelace, hanging over her while she played upon the spinet or glanced
+through the pages of the _Rambler_. If Lavinia went to a ball or
+masquerade, the Captain was always amongst the favoured ones admitted to
+her chamber for the express purpose of watching her don her gown and
+judiciously place her patches. If Carstares begged his wife's company
+one morning, she was full of regrets: Harry was calling to take her to
+Vauxhall or to Spring Gardens. When he entered his door, the first sight
+that met his eyes was the Captain's amber-clouded cane and point-edged
+hat; and when he looked out of the window, it was more often to see a
+chair draw up at the house and Lovelace alight. After patiently enduring
+a week of his continued presence, Carstares remonstrated with his wife:
+she must not encourage her friend to spend all his time at Grosvenor
+Square. At first she had looked reproachful, and then she inquired his
+reason. His reluctant answer was that it was not seemly. At that her
+eyes had opened wide, and she demanded to know what could be more seemly
+than the visits of such an old friend? With a gleam of humour, Richard
+replied that it was not Captain Harold's age that he objected to, but,
+on the contrary, his youth. On which she accused him of being jealous.
+It was true enough, but he indignantly repudiated the suggestion. Very
+well, then, he was merely stupid! He must not be cross; Harry was her
+very good friend, and did not Richard admire the new device for her
+hair? Richard was not to be cajoled: did she clearly understand that
+Lovelace's visits must cease? She only understood one thing, and that
+was that Dicky was marvellous ill-tempered and ridiculous to-day. And he
+must not tease her! Yes, she would be very good, but so must he! And now
+she was going shopping, and she would require at least twenty guineas.
+
+In spite of her promise to "be good," she made no attempt to discourage
+Lovelace's attentions, always smiling charmingly upon him and beckoning
+him to her side.
+
+It was the morning of the Duchess of Devonshire's rout that Carstares
+again broached the subject. My lady was in bed, her fair hair unpowdered
+and streaming all about her shoulders, her chocolate on a small table at
+her side and countless _billets doux_ from admirers scattered on the
+sheet. In her hand she held a bouquet of white roses with a card
+attached bearing, in bold, sprawling characters, the initials "H. L."
+Perhaps it was the sight of those incriminating letters that roused
+Richard's anger. At all events, with a violence quite unlike his usual
+gentle politeness, he snatched the flowers from her hand, and sent them
+whizzing into a corner.
+
+"Let there be an end to all this folly!" he cried.
+
+Lavinia raised herself on one elbow, astonished.
+
+"H-how _dare_ you?" she gasped.
+
+"It has come to that!" he answered. "How dare I, your husband, try to
+control your actions in any way? I tell you, Lavinia, I have had enough
+of your antics, and I will not longer put up with them!"
+
+"You--you--What in heaven's name ails you, Richard?"
+
+"This! I will not countenance that puppy's invasion of my house!" He
+made a furious gesture towards the wilted bouquet.
+
+"Neither will I permit you to make yourself the talk of London through
+him!"
+
+"I? I? _I_ make myself the talk of London? How dare you? Oh! how dare
+you?"
+
+"I beg you will cease that foolishness. There is no question of my
+daring. How dare _you_ disobey me, as you have been doing all this past
+week?"
+
+She cowered away from him.
+
+"Dicky!"
+
+"'Tis very well to cry 'Dicky,' and to smile, but I have experienced
+that before. Sometimes I think you are utterly without heart!--a
+selfish, vain, extravagant woman!"
+
+The childish lips trembled. Lady Lavinia buried her face in the pillows,
+sobbing.
+
+Carstares' face softened.
+
+"I beg your pardon, my dear. Mayhap that was unjust."
+
+"And cruel! And cruel!"
+
+"And cruel. Forgive me."
+
+She twined white, satiny arms about his neck.
+
+"You did not _mean_ it?"
+
+"No. I mean that I will not allow Lovelace to dangle after you,
+however."
+
+She flung away from him.
+
+"You have no right to speak like that. I knew Harry long before I ever
+set eyes on _you_!"
+
+He winced.
+
+"You infer that he is more to you than I am?"
+
+"No! Though you try to make me hate you. No! I love you best. But I will
+not send Harry away!"
+
+"Not if I order it?"
+
+"Order it? Order it? No! No! A thousand times no!"
+
+"I do order it!"
+
+"And I refuse to listen to you!"
+
+"By God, madam, you need a lesson!" he flamed. "I am minded to take you
+back to Wyncham this very day! And I promise you that, an you do not
+obey me in this, to Wyncham you _shall_ go!" He stamped out of the room
+as he spoke, and she sank back amongst her pillows, white and trembling
+with fury.
+
+As soon as she was dressed, she flounced downstairs, bent on finishing
+the quarrel. But Carstares had gone out some time since, and was not
+expected to return until late. For a moment Lavinia was furious, but the
+timely arrival of a box from her mantua-maker's chased away the frowns
+and wreathed her face in smiles.
+
+Richard did not return until it was time to prepare for the rout, and on
+entering the house he went straight to his chamber, putting himself into
+the hands of his valet. He submitted to the delicate tinting of his
+finger-nails, the sprinkling of his linen with rosewater and the
+stencilling of his brows. He was arrayed in puce and gold, rings slipped
+on to his fingers, his legs coaxed into hose with marvellous clocks
+splashed on their sides, and a diamond buckle placed above the large
+black bow of his tie-wig. Then, powdered, painted and patched, he went
+slowly across to his wife's room.
+
+Lavinia, who had by now quite forgotten the morning's _contretemps_,
+greeted him with a smile. She sat before the mirror in her under-gown,
+with a loose _deshabille_ thrown over her shoulders. The _coiffeur_ had
+departed, and her hair, thickly powdered, was dressed high above her
+head over cushions, twisted into curls over her ears and allowed to fall
+in more curls over her shoulders. On top of the creation were poised
+ostrich feathers, scarlet and white, and round her throat gleamed a
+great necklet of diamonds. The room was redolent of some heavy perfume;
+discarded ribbons, laces, slippers and gloves strewed the floor; over
+the back of a chair hung a brilliant scarlet domino, and tenderly laid
+out on the bed was her gown, a mass of white satin and brocade, with
+full ruffles over the hips and quantities of foaming lace falling from
+the corsage and from the short sleeves. Beside it reposed her fan, her
+soft lace gloves, her mask and her tiny reticule.
+
+Carstares gingerly sat down on the extreme edge of a chair and watched
+the maid tint his wife's already perfect cheeks.
+
+"I shall break hearts to-night, shall I not?" she asked gaily, over her
+shoulder.
+
+"I do not doubt it," he answered shortly.
+
+"And you, Dicky?" She turned round to look at him. "Puce... 'tis not the
+colour I should have chosen, but 'tis well enough. A new wig, surely?"
+
+"Ay."
+
+Her eyes questioned his coldness, and she suddenly remembered the events
+of the morning. So he was sulky? Very well! Monsieur should see!
+
+Someone knocked at the door; the maid went to open it.
+
+"Sir Douglas Faversham, Sir Gregory Markham, Moosso le Chevalier and
+Captain Lovelace are below, m'lady."
+
+A little devil prompted Lavinia.
+
+"Oh, la-la! So many? Well, I cannot see all, 'tis certain. Admit Sir
+Gregory and Captain Lovelace."
+
+Louisa communicated this to the lackey and shut the door.
+
+Richard bit his lip angrily.
+
+"Are you sure I am not _de trop_?" he asked, savagely sarcastic.
+
+Lady Lavinia cast aside her _deshabille_ and stood up.
+
+"Oh, 'tis no matter--I am ready for my gown, Louisa."
+
+There came more knocking at the door, and this time it was Carstares who
+rose to open it.
+
+There entered Markham, heavily handsome in crimson and gold, and
+Lovelace, his opposite, fair and delicately pretty in palest blue and
+silver. As usual, he wore his loose wig, and in it sparkled three
+sapphire pins.
+
+He made my lady a marvellous leg.
+
+"I am prostrated by your beauty, fairest!"
+
+Sir Gregory was eyeing Lavinia's white slippers through his quizzing
+glass.
+
+"Jewelled heels, 'pon my soul!" he drawled.
+
+She pirouetted gracefully, her feet flashing as they caught the light.
+
+"Was it not well thought on?" she demanded. "But I must not waste
+time--the dress! Now, Markham--now Harry--you will see the creation!"
+
+Lovelace sat down on a chair, straddle-wise, his arms over the back, and
+his chin sunk in his hands. Markham leant against the _garde-robe_ and
+watched through his glass.
+
+When the dress was at last arranged, the suggested improvements in the
+matter of lace, ribbons, and the adjustment of a brooch thoroughly
+discussed, bracelets fixed on her arms and the flaming domino draped
+about her, it was full three-quarters of an hour later, and Carstares
+was becoming impatient. It was not in his nature to join with the two
+men in making fulsome compliments, and their presence at the toilette
+filled him with annoyance. He hated that Lavinia should admit them, but
+it was the _mode_, and he knew he must bow the head under it.
+
+My lady was at last ready to start; her gilded chair awaited her in the
+light of the _flambeaux_ at the door, and with great difficulty she
+managed to enter it, taking absurd pains that her silks should not
+crush, nor the nodding plumes of her huge head-dress become disordered
+by unseemly contact with the roof. Then she found that she had left her
+fan in her room, and Lovelace and Markham must needs vie with one
+another in the fetching of it. While they wrangled wittily for the
+honour, Richard went quietly indoors and presently emerged with the
+painted chicken-skin, just as Lovelace was preparing to ascend the
+steps. At last Lavinia was shut in and the bearers picked up the poles.
+Off went the little cavalcade down the long square, the chair in the
+middle. Lovelace walked close beside it on the right, and Richard and
+Markham on the left. So they proceeded through the uneven streets,
+carefully picking their way through the dirtier parts, passing other
+chairs and pedestrians, all coming from various quarters into South
+Audley Street. They were remarkably silent: Markham from habitual
+laziness, Lovelace because he sensed Richard's antagonism, and Richard
+himself on account of his extremely worried state of mind. In fact,
+until they reached Curzon Street no one spoke, and then it was only
+Markham, who, glancing behind him at the shuttered windows of the great
+corner house, casually remarked that Chesterfield was still at Wells. An
+absent assent came from Carstares, and the conversation came to an end.
+
+In Clarges Street they were joined by Sir John Fortescue, an austere
+patrician, and although some years his senior, a close friend of
+Richard's. They fell behind the chair, and Fortescue took Richard's
+proffered arm.
+
+"I did not see you at White's to-day, John?"
+
+"No. I had some business with my lawyer. I suppose you did not stumble
+across my poor brother?"
+
+"Frank? I did not--but why the 'poor'?"
+
+Fortescue shrugged slightly.
+
+"I think the lad is demented," he said. "He was to have made one of
+March's supper-party last night, but at four o'clock received a
+communication from heaven knows whom which threw him into a state of
+unrest. What must he do but hurry off without a word of explanation.
+Since then I have not set eyes on him, but his man tells me he went to
+meet a friend. Damned unusual of him is all I have to say."
+
+"Very strange. Do you expect to see him to-night?"
+
+"I should hope so! My dear Carstares, who is the man walking by your
+lady's chair?"
+
+"Markham?"
+
+"The other."
+
+"Lovelace."
+
+"Lovelace? And who the devil is he?"
+
+"I cannot tell you--beyond a captain in the Guards."
+
+"That even is news to me. I saw him at Goosetree's the other night, and
+wondered. Somewhat of a rake-hell, I surmise."
+
+"I daresay. I do not like him."
+
+They were entering the gates of Devonshire House now, and had to part
+company, for the crush was so great that it was almost impossible to
+keep together. Carstares stayed by Lavinia's chair, and the other men
+melted away into the crowd. Chairs jostled one another in the effort to
+get to the door, town coaches rolled up, and having let down their fair
+burdens, passed out again slowly, pushing through the throng.
+
+When the Carstares' chair at last drew near the house, it was quite a
+quarter of an hour later. The ball-room was already full and a blaze of
+riotous colour. Lavinia was almost immediately borne off by an
+infatuated youth for whom she cherished a motherly affection that would
+have caused the unfortunate to tear his elegant locks, had he known it.
+
+Richard distinguished Lord Andrew Belmanoir, one of a group of bucks
+gathered about the newest beauty, Miss Gunning, who, with her sister
+Elizabeth, had taken fashionable London by storm. Andrew wore a mask,
+but he was quite unmistakable by his length of limb and carelessly
+rakish appearance.
+
+Wilding, across the room, beckoned to Richard, and on his approach,
+dragged him to the card-room to play at lansquenet with March, Selwyn
+and himself.
+
+Carstares found the Earl in great good-humour, due, so Selwyn remarked,
+to the finding of an opera singer even more lovely than the last. From
+lansquenet they very soon passed to dice and betting, with others who
+strolled up to the table. Then Carstares excused himself and went back
+to the ball-room. He presently found himself by the side of one Isabella
+Fanshawe, a sprightly widow, greatly famed for her wittiness and good
+looks. Carstares had met her but once before, and was now rather
+surprised that she motioned him to her side, patting the couch with an
+inviting, much be-ringed hand.
+
+"Come and sit by me, Mr. Carstares. I have wanted to speak with you this
+long time." She lowered her mask as she spoke and closely scrutinised
+his face with her bright, humorous eyes.
+
+"Why, madam, I am flattered," bowed Richard.
+
+She cut him short.
+
+"I am not in the mood for compliments, sir. Nor am I desirous of making
+or hearing clever speeches. You are worrying me."
+
+Richard sat down, intrigued and attracted by this downright little
+woman.
+
+"I, madam?"
+
+"You, sir. That is, your face worries me." Seeing his surprise, she
+laughed, fanning herself. "'Tis comely enough, I grant you! I mean there
+is such a strong likeness to--a friend of mine."
+
+Richard smiled politely and relieved her of the fan.
+
+"Indeed, madam?"
+
+"Yes. I knew--this other gentleman in Vienna, three years ago. I should
+judge him younger than you, I think. His eyes were blue, but very
+similar to yours. His nose was almost identical with yours, but the
+mouth--n-no. Yet the whole expression--" She broke off, noticing her
+companion's sudden pallor. "But you are unwell, sir?"
+
+"No, madam, no! What was your friend's name?"
+
+"Ferndale," she answered. "Anthony Ferndale."
+
+The fan stopped its swaying for a moment.
+
+"Ah!" said Richard.
+
+"Do you know him?" she inquired eagerly.
+
+"Many years ago, madam, I was--acquainted with him. Can you tell me--was
+he in good spirits when last you saw him?"
+
+She pursed her lips thoughtfully.
+
+"If you mean was he gay, was he witty--yes. But sometimes I thought--Mr.
+Carstares, when he was silent, his eyes were so sad--! Indeed, I do not
+know why I tell you this."
+
+"You may be sure, madam, your confidence is safe with me. I had--a great
+regard for this gentleman." He opened and shut her fan as he spoke,
+fidgeting with the slender sticks. "You, too, were interested in him,
+madam?"
+
+"I do not think ever anyone knew him and was not, sir. It was something
+in his manner, his personality--I cannot explain--that endeared him to
+one. And he once--aided me--when I was in difficulties."
+
+Richard, remembering scraps of gossip concerning the widow's past,
+merely bowed his head.
+
+She was silent for a time, staring down at her hands, but presently she
+looked up smiling, and took her fan away from him.
+
+"I cannot abide a fidget, sir!" she told him. "And I see Lord
+Fotheringham approaching. I am promised to him this dance." She rose,
+but Richard detained her.
+
+"Mrs. Fanshawe, will you permit me to call upon you? I would hear more
+of--your friend. You, mayhap, think it strange--but--"
+
+"No," she answered. "I do not. Certainly call upon me, sir. I lodge in
+Mount Street with my sister--No. 16."
+
+"I protest, madam, you are too good--"
+
+"Again, no. I have told you, I like a man to talk as a man and not as an
+affected woman. I shall be pleased to welcome you."
+
+She curtsied and went away on the Viscount's arm.
+
+At the same moment a voice at Richard's elbow drawled:
+
+"Do I see you at the vivacious widow's feet, my good Dick?"
+
+Carstares turned to face his brother-in-law, Colonel Belmanoir.
+
+"Is not all London?" he smiled.
+
+"Oh, no! Not since the beautiful Gunnings' arrival. But I admit she is a
+dainty piece. And Lavinia? Will she break her heart, I wonder?" He
+laughed beneath his breath as he saw Richard's eyes flash.
+
+"I trust not," replied Carstares. "Are you all here to-night?"
+
+"Our illustrious head is absent, I believe. Andrew is flirting with the
+Fletcher girl in the Blue Salon; I am here, and Lavinia is amusing
+herself with Lovelace. Yes, Richard, Lovelace! Be careful!" With another
+sneering laugh he walked on, bowing to Elizabeth Gunning, who passed by
+on the arm of her partner, his Grace of Hamilton, most palpably _epris_.
+
+At that moment two late-comers entered the room and made their way
+towards their hostess, who appeared delighted to see them, especially
+the taller of the two, whose hand she slapped with good-humoured
+raillery. The shorter gentleman wore no mask, and the Colonel recognised
+Frank Fortescue. His eyes travelled to the other, who, unlike most of
+the men who only held their masks, had fastened his across his eyes, and
+they widened in surprise. The purple domino, worn carelessly open,
+revealed black satin encrusted with silver and diamonds. The natural
+hair was raven-black, the nostrils were pinched and the lips thin.
+
+"The Devil!" ejaculated Robert, and strolled over to him.
+
+Fortescue walked away when he saw who approached, and his Grace of
+Andover turned slowly towards his brother.
+
+"I rather thought you were in Paris," yawned the colonel.
+
+"I am always sorry to disillusion you," bowed his Grace.
+
+"Not at all; I am transported with joy at seeing you. As is Lavinia, it
+appears."
+
+Lady Lavinia, on recognising his Grace, had dropped her partner's hand
+and fled incontinent towards him.
+
+"You, Tracy!" She clasped delighted hands on his arm.
+
+"This is very touching," sneered Robert. "It only needs Andrew to
+complete the happy reunion. Pray excuse me!"
+
+"With pleasure," replied the Duke gently, and bowed as if to a stranger.
+
+"He grows tedious," he remarked, as soon as the Colonel was out of
+earshot.
+
+"Oh, Bob! I take no account of _him_! But, Tracy, how is it you have
+come to-day? I thought--"
+
+"My dear Lavinia, do I wear an air of mystery? I imagined you knew I was
+promised to Dolly Cavendish to-night?"
+
+"Yes, but--oh, what matters it? I am so charmed to see you again, dear!"
+
+"You flatter me, Lavinia."
+
+"And now that you have come, I want to hear why you ever went! Tracy,
+take me into the room behind us. I know 'tis empty."
+
+"Very well, child, as you will." He held back the curtain for her and
+followed her into the deserted chamber.
+
+"You want to know why I went?" he began, seating himself at her side. "I
+counsel you, my dear, to cast your mind back to the spring--at Bath."
+
+"Your _affaire_! Of course! So the lady proved unkind?"
+
+"No. But I bungled it."
+
+"_You_? Tell me at once!--at once!"
+
+His Grace stretched out his leg and surveyed his shoe-buckle through
+half-closed lids.
+
+"I had arranged everything," he said, "and all would have been well but
+for an interfering young jackanapes who chanced along the track and saw
+fit to espouse Madam Diana's cause." He paused. "He tripped me up by
+some trick, and then--_que veux-tu_?"
+
+"Who was it?"
+
+"How should I know? At first he seemed familiar. At all events, he knew
+me. He may be dead by now. I hope he is."
+
+"Gracious! Did you wound him?"
+
+"I managed to fire at him, but he was too quick, and the bullet took him
+in the shoulder. It may, however, have been mortal."
+
+"And so you went to Paris?"
+
+"Ay. To forget her."
+
+"And have you forgotten?"
+
+"I have not. She is never out of my thoughts. I plan again."
+
+His sister sighed.
+
+"She is then more beautiful than the Pompadour?" she asked meaningly.
+
+Tracy turned his head.
+
+"The Pompadour?"
+
+"Ay! We heard you contrived to amuse yourself in a pretty fashion,
+Tracy!"
+
+"Really? I had no idea people were so interested in my affairs. But
+'amuse' is an apt word."
+
+"Ah? You were not then _epris_?"
+
+"I? With that low-born cocotte? My dear Lavinia!"
+
+She laughed at his haughty tone.
+
+"You've not always been so nice, Tracy! But what of your Diana? An you
+are so infatuated, you had best wed her."
+
+"Why, so I think."
+
+Lady Lavinia gasped.
+
+"Tracy! You do not mean it? Goodness me, but a marriage!"
+
+"Why not, Lavinia?"
+
+"Oh, a respectable married man, forsooth! And how long will the passion
+last?"
+
+"I cannot be expected to foretell that, surely? I hope, for ever."
+
+"And you'll tie yourself up for the sake of one chit? Lud!"
+
+"I can conceive a worse fate for a man."
+
+"Can you? Well, tell me more! 'Tis monstrous exciting. Do you intend to
+court her?"
+
+"At this stage of the proceedings? That were somewhat tactless, my dear.
+I must abduct her, but I must be more careful. Once I have her, I can
+propitiate Papa."
+
+"Tracy, 'tis the maddest scheme ever I heard! What will the others say?"
+
+"Do you really suppose I care?"
+
+"No, I suppose not. Oh, will not Bob be furious, though!"
+
+"It were almost worth while--just for the sake of foiling him. He would
+so like to succeed me. But I really do not think he must." His elbow was
+on his knee, his chin in his hand, and a peculiar smile on his lips.
+"Can you imagine him stepping into my ducal shoes, Lavinia?"
+
+"Very easily!" she cried. "Oh, yes, yes, Tracy! Marry the girl!"
+
+"If she will."
+
+"Why, 'tis not like you to underrate your persuasive powers!"
+
+His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up in a curious grimace.
+
+"I believe one cannot force a girl to the altar," he said.
+
+"Unless she is a fool, she'll have you."
+
+"Her parent would be influenced by my dukedom, but she, no. Not even if
+she knew of it."
+
+"Does she not know?"
+
+"Certainly not. I am Mr. Everard."
+
+"How wise of you, Tracy! So you've nought to fear?"
+
+"Fear?" He snapped his fingers. "I?"
+
+The heavy curtain swung noiselessly aside. Richard Carstares stood in
+the opening.
+
+Tracy turned his head and scrutinised him languidly. Then he put up his
+hand and removed his mask.
+
+"Is it possible the husband scented an intrigue? It seems I am doomed to
+disappoint to-night."
+
+Lavinia, smarting from her morning's wrongs, laughed savagely.
+
+"More probable he mistook me for someone else!" she snapped.
+
+Richard bowed, his hand on the curtain. He had shown no surprise at
+seeing the Duke.
+
+"Far more probable, my dear. I thought you Lady Charlwood! Pray give me
+leave." He was gone on the word.
+
+Tracy replaced his mask, chuckling.
+
+"Honest Dick grows cold, eh? But what a snub, Lavinia!"
+
+Her little hand clenched.
+
+"Oh, how dare he! How dare he insult me so?"
+
+"My dear sister, in all justice to him, you must admit the boot was
+rather on the other leg."
+
+"Oh, I know--I know! But he is so provoking!--so jealous!--so
+unreasonable!"
+
+"Jealous? And why?"
+
+With an impatient twitch at her petticoat she made answer, not looking
+at him.
+
+"Oh, I do not know! Nor he! Take me back to the ball-room."
+
+"Certainly, my dear." He rose and led her out. "I shall do myself the
+honour of waiting on you--to-morrow."
+
+"Yes? How delightful 'twill be! Come to dine, Tracy! Richard is promised
+to the Fortescues."
+
+"In that case, I have much pleasure in accepting your invitation.... In
+heaven's name, who is this?"
+
+Lovelace was bearing down upon them.
+
+"Lavinia! I have been seeking you everywhere!--ah--your servant, sir!"
+He bowed to his Grace, and took Lavinia's hand.
+
+"Oh--oh, Harold!--you remember Tracy?" she said nervously.
+
+"Tracy! I did not know you masked! I saw you last in Paris."
+
+"Really? I regret I was not aware of your presence. It is a good many
+years since I had the honour of seeing you."
+
+"Five," nodded Lovelace, and sent a smiling, amorous glance at Lavinia.
+
+"Exactly," bowed his Grace. "You have, I perceive, renewed your
+acquaintance with my sister."
+
+When they were gone he caressed his chin, thoughtfully.
+
+"Lovelace ... and Richard is so jealous, so unreasonable. Now I do hope
+Lavinia will do nothing indiscreet--Yes, Frank, I was talking to myself;
+a bad habit."
+
+Fortescue, who had come up behind him, took his arm.
+
+"A sign of lunacy, my dear. Jim Cavendish demands you."
+
+"Does he? May I ask why?"
+
+"He is in the card-room. There is some bet on, I believe."
+
+"In that case I shall have to go. You had best accompany me, Frank."
+
+"Very well. You have seen Lady Lavinia?"
+
+Beneath the mask his Grace's eyes narrowed.
+
+"I have seen Lavinia. Also I have seen an old friend--Lovelace by name."
+
+"The captain with the full-bottomed wig? Your friend, you say?"
+
+"Did I say so? I should correct myself: a friend of my sister's."
+
+"Indeed? Yes, I believe I have seen him in her company."
+
+Tracy smiled enigmatically.
+
+"I daresay."
+
+"And what of you, Tracy?"
+
+"Well? _What_ of me?"
+
+"You told me this morning that you had at last fallen in love. It is
+true? You are honestly in love?"
+
+"Honestly? How do I know? I only know that I have felt this passion for
+four months, and now it is stronger than ever. It sounds like love."
+
+"Then, an she is a good woman, I hope she will consent to take you, such
+as you are, and make of you such as she can!"
+
+"Now that is very neat, Frank. I congratulate you. Of course she will
+take me; as to the rest--I think not."
+
+"Tare an' ouns, Tracy! but an that is the tone you take with her, she'll
+have none of you!"
+
+"I have never found it unsuccessful."
+
+"With your common trollops, no! But if your Diana is a lady, she will
+dispatch you about your business! Woo her, man! Forget your own damned
+importance, for I think you will need to humble yourself to the dust if
+all that you tell me has passed between you is true!"
+
+They had paused outside the card-room. A curtain shut it off from the
+ball-room, and with his hand on it, Tracy stared arrogantly down at his
+friend.
+
+"Humble myself? 'Fore Gad, you must be mad!"
+
+"Belike I am; but I tell you, Tracy, that if your passion is love, 'tis
+a strange one that puts yourself first. I would not give the snap of a
+finger for it! You want this girl, not for her happiness, but for your
+own pleasure. That is not the love I once told you would save you from
+yourself. When it comes, you will count yourself as nought; you will
+realise your own insignificance, and above all, be ready to make any
+sacrifice for her sake. Yes, even to the point of losing her!"
+
+His Grace's lips sneered.
+
+"Your eloquence is marvellous," he remarked. "I have not been so amused
+since I left Paris."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME
+
+
+When the Duke of Andover dined next day at Grosvenor Square, he
+contrived, by subtle means, to make his sister feel inexplicably ill at
+ease. He let fall pleasant little remarks concerning her friendship with
+Captain Lovelace, in which she read disapproval and a sinister warning.
+She was afraid of him, as she was not of her husband, and she knew that
+if he ever guessed at the depths of her affection for the old flame, he
+would take very effective measures towards stopping her intercourse with
+him. It was, then, entirely owing to his return that she told Lovelace
+that he must not so palpably adore her. Neither must he visit her so
+frequently. They were both in her boudoir at the time, one morning, and
+no doubt Lavinia looked very lovely and very tempting in her wrapper,
+with her golden curls free from powder and loosely dressed beneath her
+escalloped lace ruffle. At all events, Lovelace abandoned his daintily
+bantering pose and seized her in his arms, nearly smothering her with
+fierce, passionate caresses.
+
+Her ladyship struggled, gave a faint shriek, and started to cry. As his
+kisses seemed to aggravate her tears, he picked her up, and carrying her
+to a chair, lowered her gently into it. Then, having first dusted the
+floor with his handkerchief, he knelt down beside her and possessed
+himself of both her hands.
+
+"Lavinia! Goddess! I adore you!"
+
+Bethinking herself that tears were ruinous to her complexion, Lady
+Lavinia pulled her hands away and dabbed at her eyes.
+
+"Oh, Harold!" she reproached him.
+
+"I have offended you! Wretch that I am--"
+
+"Oh, no, no!" Lady Lavinia gave him her hand again. "But 'twas wicked of
+you, Harry! You must never, never do it again!"
+
+His arm crept round her waist.
+
+"But I love you, sweetheart!"
+
+"Oh! Oh! Think of Dicky!"
+
+He released her at that, and sprang to his feet.
+
+"Why should I think of him? 'Tis of you and myself I think! Only a week
+ago you vowed he was unkind--"
+
+"You are monstrous wicked to remind me of that! We were both cross--and
+then we were both sorry. I am very fond of poor Dicky."
+
+"Fond of him! Ay, so you may be, but you do not love him! Not as a woman
+loves a man--do you?"
+
+"Harold!"
+
+"Of course you do not! You used to love me--no, do not shake your head,
+'tis true! You would have married me had it not been for Tracy."
+
+"Oh, Harry! How can you say so? What had he to do with it?"
+
+"What, indeed! Whose fault was it that I was time after time refused
+admittance at Andover? Whose fault was it that you were induced to marry
+Carstares?"
+
+"Not Tracy's. 'Twas my own wish."
+
+"Fostered by his influence?"
+
+"Oh, no!"
+
+"You never loved Carstares--"
+
+"I did! I do!"
+
+"You may think so, but I know better. Why, he is not even suited to you!
+You were made for life and pleasure and hazard! With me you would have
+had all that; with him--"
+
+She had risen to her feet and drawn nearer to him, her eyes sparkling,
+but now she covered her ears with her hands and stamped pettishly.
+
+"I will not listen! I will not, I tell you! Oh, you are unkind to plague
+me so!"
+
+Lovelace took her into his arms once more, and drawing down her hands,
+kissed her again and again. She resisted, trying to thrust him off, but
+she was crushed against him, and he would have kissed her again, had not
+there come an interruption.
+
+A knock fell on the door, and the footman announced:
+
+"His Grace of Andover, m'lady!"
+
+The guilty pair sprang apart in the nick of time, she fiery red, he
+pale, but composed.
+
+His Grace stood in the doorway, his quizzing glass raised inquiringly.
+His eyes went swiftly from one to the other and widened. He bowed
+elaborately.
+
+"My dear Lavinia! Captain Lovelace, your very obedient!"
+
+Lovelace returned the bow with much flourish.
+
+"Your Grace!"
+
+"Dear me, Tracy!" cried Lavinia, advancing. "What an unexpected visit!"
+
+"I trust I have not arrived at an inopportune moment, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, no!" she assured him. "I am quite charmed to see you! But at such
+an early hour--! I confess, it quite astonishes me!" She brought him to
+a chair, chattering like a child, and so innocent was his expression, so
+smiling his attitude towards the Captain, that she imagined that he
+suspected nothing, and had not noticed her blushes.
+
+It was only when Lovelace had departed that she was undeceived. Then,
+when his Grace moved to a chair opposite her, she saw that he was
+frowning slightly.
+
+"You--you are put out over something, Tracy?" she asked nervously.
+
+The frown deepened.
+
+"N-no. I am not 'put out.' I merely anticipate the sensation."
+
+"I--I don't understand. What mean you?"
+
+"At present, nothing."
+
+"Tracy, please do not be mysterious! Are you like to be put out?"
+
+"I trust not, Lavinia."
+
+"But what annoys you?"
+
+Instead of answering, he put a question:
+
+"I hope you amused yourself well--last night, my dear sister?"
+
+She flushed. Last night had been Lady Davenant's masquerade, to which
+Lord Robert had conducted her. She had danced almost exclusively with
+Lovelace the whole evening, but as they were both masked, she was rather
+surprised at the question.
+
+"I enjoyed myself quite tolerably, thank you. You were there?"
+
+"No, Lavinia, I was not there."
+
+"Then how do you kn--" She stopped in confusion, biting her lips. For an
+instant she caught a glimpse of his eyes, piercing and cold.
+
+"How do I know?" smoothly finished his Grace "One hears things, Lavinia.
+Also--" he glanced round the room, "one sees things."
+
+"I--I don't understand you!" she shot out, twisting the lace of her gown
+with restless, uneasy fingers.
+
+"No? Must I then be more explicit?"
+
+"Yes! Yes! I should be glad!"
+
+"Then let me beg of you, my dear Lavinia, that you will commit no
+indiscretion."
+
+Her cheeks flamed.
+
+"You mean--"
+
+"I mean that you have grown too friendly with Harold Lovelace."
+
+"Well! What of it?"
+
+His Grace put up his eye-glass, faintly astonished.
+
+"What of it? Pray think a moment, Lavinia!"
+
+"'Tis not likely that _I_ shall be the one to disgrace the name, Tracy!"
+
+"I sincerely hope not. I give you my word I should do all in my power to
+prevent any foolhardy action on your part. Pray do not forget it."
+
+She sat silent, biting her lips.
+
+"It is, my child, unwise to play with fire. Sooner or later one gets
+burnt. And remember that your gallant captain has not one half of
+Richard's wealth."
+
+Up she sprang, kicking her skirts as she always did when angered.
+
+"Money! money!--always money!" she cried. "I do not care one rap for it!
+And Richard is not wealthy!"
+
+"Richard is heir to wealth," replied his Grace calmly. "And even an you
+are so impervious to its charms, I, my dear, am not. Richard is
+extremely useful to me. I beg you will not leave him for any such mad
+rake as Lovelace, who would be faithful to you for perhaps three months,
+certainly not longer."
+
+"Tracy, I will not have you speak to me like this! How dare you insult
+me so? I have given you no cause! I did not say I had any desire to run
+away with him--and he _would_ be faithful to me! He has been faithful
+all these years!"
+
+His Grace smiled provokingly.
+
+"My dear--!"
+
+"Oh, I know there have been episodes--indiscretions. Do you think I
+count him the worse for that?"
+
+"Evidently not."
+
+"There has never been another serious love with him! I hate you!"
+
+"You are overfree with your emotions, my dear. So you do indeed
+contemplate an elopement?"
+
+"No, no, no! I do not! I am _fond_ of Dicky!"
+
+"Dear me!"
+
+"Of course I shall not leave him!"
+
+"Why then, I am satisfied," he answered, and rose to his feet. "I shall
+look to see Captain Lovelace more out of your company." He picked up his
+hat and cane and stood directly in front of her. One dead white hand, on
+which blazed a great ruby seal ring, took her little pointed chin in a
+firm clasp and tilted her head up until she was forced to meet his eyes.
+They held hers inexorably, scorchingly.
+
+"You understand me?" he asked harshly.
+
+Lavinia's eyes filled with tears and her soft underlip trembled.
+
+"Yes," she fluttered, and gave a tiny sob. "Oh, yes, Tracy!"
+
+The eyes lost something of their menacing gleam, and he smiled, for once
+without a sneer, and releasing her chin, patted her cheek indulgently.
+
+"Bear in mind, child, that I am fifteen years your senior, and I have
+more worldly wisdom in my little finger than you have in the whole of
+your composition. I do not wish to witness your ruin."
+
+The tears brimmed over, and she caught his handkerchief from him,
+dabbing at her eyes with one heavily-laced corner.
+
+"You do love me, Tracy?"
+
+"In the recesses of my mind I believe I cherish some affection for you,"
+he replied coolly, rescuing his handkerchief. "I used to class you with
+your deplorable brothers, but I think perhaps I was wrong."
+
+She gave an hysterical laugh.
+
+"Tracy, how can you be so disagreeable? Lud! but I pity Diana an she
+marries you!"
+
+To her surprise he flushed a little.
+
+"Diana, an she marries me, will have all that her heart could desire,"
+he answered stiffly, and took his leave.
+
+Once outside in the square he looked for a sedan, and not seeing one,
+walked away towards Audley Street. He went quickly, but his progress was
+somewhat retarded by two ladies, who, passing in their chairs down the
+street, perceived him and beckoned him to their sides. Escaping
+presently from them, he turned into Curzon Street, and from thence down
+Half Moon Street, where he literally fell into the arms of Tom Wilding,
+who had much to say on the subject of March's last bet with Edgecumbe.
+His Grace affected interest, politely declined Wilding's proffered
+escort, and hurried down into Piccadilly, walking eastwards towards St.
+James's Square, where was the Andover town house. He was fated to be
+again detained, for as he walked along Arlington Street, Mr. Walpole was
+on the point of descending the steps of No. 5. He also had much to say
+to his Grace. He had no idea that Belmanoir had returned from Paris. A
+week ago he had arrived? Well, he, Walpole, had been out of town all the
+week--at Twickenham. He hoped Bel. would honour him with his company at
+the small card-party he was giving there on Thursday. George was coming,
+and Dick Edgecumbe; he had asked March and Gilly Williams, but the Lord
+knew whether both would be induced to appear! Bel. had heard of Gilly's
+absurd jealousy? Wilding was promised, and Markham; several other
+answers he was awaiting.
+
+Andover accepted gracefully and parted from Mr. Walpole. He made the
+rest of his journey in peace, and on arriving at his house, went
+straight to the library, where sat a sleek, eminently
+respectable-looking individual, dressed like a groom. He stood up as his
+Grace entered, and bowed.
+
+Belmanoir nodded shortly and sat down at his desk.
+
+"I have work for you, Harper."
+
+"Yes, sir--your Grace, I should say."
+
+"Do you know Sussex?"
+
+"Well, your Grace, I don't know as how--"
+
+"_Do you know Sussex?_"
+
+"No, your Grace--er--yes, your Grace! I should say, not well, your
+Grace!"
+
+"Have you heard of a place called Littledean?"
+
+"No, s--your Grace."
+
+"Midhurst?"
+
+"Oh, yes, your Grace."
+
+"Good. Littledean is seven miles west of it. You will find that
+out--also an inn called, I think, 'The Pointing Finger.' There you will
+lodge."
+
+"Yes, your Grace, certainly."
+
+"At a very little distance from there is a house--Horton House, where
+lives a certain Mr. Beauleigh, with his sister and daughter. You are to
+watch the comings and goings of these people with the utmost care.
+Eventually you will become groom to Mr. Beauleigh."
+
+"B-but, your Grace!" feebly protested the astonished Harper.
+
+"You will approach their present groom, and you will insinuate that I,
+Andover, am in need of a second groom. You will tell him that I pay
+handsomely--treble what Mr. Beauleigh gives him. If I know human nature,
+he will apply for the post. You then step in. If Mr. Beauleigh asks for
+some recommendation, you are to refer him to Sir Hugh Grandison, White's
+Chocolate House, St. James's Street. When you are engaged I will send
+further instructions."
+
+The man gaped, shut his mouth, and gaped again.
+
+"Do you fully understand me?" asked Belmanoir calmly.
+
+"Er--er--yes, your Grace!"
+
+"Repeat what I have said, then."
+
+Harper stumbled through it and mopped his brow unhappily.
+
+"Very well. In addition, I pay you twice as much as Mr. Beauleigh gives
+you, and, at the end, if you serve me well--fifty guineas. Are you
+satisfied?"
+
+Harper brightened considerably.
+
+"Yes, your Grace! Thank you, sir!"
+
+Tracy laid twenty guineas before him.
+
+"That is for your expenses. Remember this: the sooner the thing is done,
+the more certain are your fifty guineas. That is all. Have you any
+questions to ask?"
+
+Harper cudgelled his still dazed brain, and finding none, shook his
+head.
+
+"No, your Grace."
+
+"Then you may go."
+
+The man bowed himself out, clutching his guineas. He was comparatively a
+newcomer in his Grace's service, and he was by no means accustomed to
+the Duke's lightning method of conducting his affairs. He was not sure
+that he quite appreciated it. But fifty guineas were fifty guineas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+MRS. FANSHAWE LIGHTS A FIRE AND O'HARA FANS THE FLAME
+
+
+Richard Carstares very soon availed himself of Mrs. Fanshawe's
+permission to call upon her, and duly put in an appearance at No. 16,
+Mount Street. He found the house very tastefully appointed, the sister
+elderly and good-natured, and the widow herself an excellent hostess.
+The first time he called he was not the only visitor; two ladies whom he
+did not know and a young cousin were already there, and later, a bowing
+acquaintance, Mr. Standish, also arrived. Seeing that he would have no
+opportunity to talk with the widow on the subject of his brother, he
+very soon took his leave, promising to wait upon her again at no very
+distant date. When, three days later, he again sent in his name and was
+admitted, he found the lady alone, and was gratified to hear her order
+the servant to deny her to all other visitors.
+
+He bowed over her hand and hoped she was well.
+
+Mrs. Fanshawe drew him down beside her on the settee.
+
+"I am very well, Mr. Carstares. And you?"
+
+"Also," he smiled, but his looks belied his words.
+
+She told him so, laughing, and he pleaded a worried week.
+
+"Well, sir, I presume you did not come to talk to me about your health,
+but about my friend--eh?"
+
+"I assure--"
+
+"Remember, no vapid compliments!" she besought.
+
+"Then, madam, yes. I want to hear about--Ferndale. You see, I--like
+you--took a great interest in him."
+
+She sent him a shrewd glance, and nodded.
+
+"Of course. I will tell you all I know, Mr. Carstares, but it is not
+very much, and maybe you will be disappointed. But I only knew him the
+short time we were both in Vienna, and--he was not very communicative."
+
+"Ah!--he did not confide in you, madam?"
+
+"No. If one attempted to draw his confidence, he became a polite
+iceberg."
+
+"Nevertheless, madam, please tell me all that you know."
+
+"It will not take long, I fear. I met him in '48 at Vienna, in the
+Prater, where I was walking with my husband, who had come to Vienna for
+his health. I chanced to let fall my reticule when Sir Anthony was
+passing us, and he picked it up, speaking the most execrable German."
+She smiled a little at the remembrance. "Mr. Fanshawe, who had the
+greatest dislike for all foreigners, was overjoyed to hear the English
+accent. He induced Sir Anthony to continue his walk with us, and
+afterwards he called at our lodgings. I think he, too, was glad to meet
+a fellow-countryman, for he came often, and once when I had been talking
+with him for some time he let fall--what shall I say?--his reserve--his
+guard--and told me that he had scarcely spoken his own language for four
+years. Afterwards he seemed to regret having said even that much, and
+turned the subject." She paused and looked up to see if her auditor was
+interested.
+
+"Yes, yes?" urged Richard. "And then?"
+
+"I do not remember. He came, as I said, often, mostly to talk to my
+husband, who was a great invalid, but sometimes to see me. He would
+hardly ever speak of England--I think he did not trust himself. He never
+mentioned any relations or any English friends, and when I spoke of
+home, he would shut his mouth very tightly, and look terribly sad. I
+saw that for some reason the subject pained him, so I never spoke of it
+if I could help it.
+
+"He was a most entertaining companion, Mr. Carstares; he used to tell my
+husband tales that made him laugh as I had not heard him laugh for
+months. He was very lively, very witty, and almost finickingly well
+dressed, but what his occupation was I could not quite ascertain. He
+said he was a gentleman of leisure, but I do not think he was at all
+wealthy. He frequented all the gaming houses, and I heard tales of his
+marvellous luck, so one day I taxed him with it, and he laughed and said
+he lived by Chance--he meant dice. Yet I know, for I once had
+conversation with his servant, that his purse was at times very, very
+slender."
+
+"The time he aided you, Mrs. Fanshawe, when was that?"
+
+She flushed.
+
+"That was a few months after we first met him. I was--foolish; my
+married life was not--very happy, and I was--or, rather, I fancied
+myself--in love with an Austrian nobleman, who--who--well, sir, suffice
+it that I consented to dine with him one evening. I found then that he
+was not the _galant homme_ I had thought him, but something quite
+different. I do not know what I should have done had not Sir Anthony
+arrived."
+
+"He did arrive then?"
+
+"Yes. You see, he knew that this Austrian had asked me to dine--I told
+him--and he counselled me to refuse. But I--well, sir, I have told you,
+I was young and very foolish--I would not listen. When he called at our
+house and found that I was out, he at once guessed where I had gone, and
+he followed me to the Count's house, gave an Austrian name, and was
+announced just as the Count tried to--tried to--kiss me. I think I shall
+never forget the relief of that moment! He was so safe, and so English!
+The Count was furious, and at first I thought he would have his lackeys
+throw Anthony out. But when he heard all that Anthony had to say, he
+realised that it was useless to try to detain me--and I was taken home.
+Anthony was very kind--he did not scold, neither had he told my husband.
+Two days after, he and the Count fought a duel, and the Count was
+wounded in the lung. That was all. But it made me very grateful to him
+and interested in his affairs. Mr. Fanshawe left Vienna a few weeks
+after that, and I have never seen my _preux chevalier_ since." She
+sighed and looked steadily across at Carstares. "And you--you are so
+like him!"
+
+"You think so, madam?" was all he could find to say.
+
+"I do, sir. And something more, which, perhaps, you will deem an
+impertinence. Is Anthony your brother?"
+
+The suddenness of the attack threw Carstares off his guard. He went
+white.
+
+"Madam!"
+
+"Please be not afraid that mine is the proverbial woman's tongue, sir.
+It does not run away with me, I assure you. When I saw you the other
+night for the first time, I was struck by the resemblance, and I asked
+my partner, Mr. Stapely, who you were. He told me, and much more beside,
+which I was not at the time desirous of hearing."
+
+"Trust Will Stapely!" exclaimed Richard, and mentally cursed the amiable
+gossip-monger.
+
+"Among other things he told me of your elder brother-who--who--in fact,
+he told me the whole story. Of course, my mind instantly leapt to my
+poor Sir Anthony, despite that in appearance he is younger than you. Was
+I right?"
+
+Richard rose to his feet and walked away to the window, standing with
+his back to her.
+
+"Ay!"
+
+"I was sure of it," she nodded. "So that was why he would not speak of
+England? Poor boy!"
+
+Richard's soul writhed under the lash of her pity.
+
+"So he will always be outcast," she continued. "Alone, unhappy, without
+friends--"
+
+"No!" he cried, turning. "'Fore Gad, no, madam!"
+
+"Will society--cruel, hard society--receive him, then?" she asked.
+
+"Society will--one day--receive him, Mrs. Fanshawe. You will see."
+
+"I long for that day," she sighed. "I wish I had it in my power to help
+him--to repay in part the debt I owe him."
+
+At that he lifted his head.
+
+"My brother, madam, would count it not a debt, but an honour," he
+answered proudly.
+
+"Yes," she smiled. "You are like him; when you speak like that you might
+almost be he."
+
+"He is worth a thousand of me, Mrs. Fanshawe!" he replied vehemently,
+and broke off, staring down at the table.
+
+"And his name?" she asked softly.
+
+"John Anthony St. Ervine Delaney Carstares," he said, "Earl of Wyncham."
+
+"So the Anthony was real! I am so glad, for he would always be Anthony
+to me."
+
+There was a long silence, broken at last by the lady.
+
+"I fear I have made you sad, Mr. Carstares. You will drink a dish of
+Bohea with me, before you go? And we will not speak of this again."
+
+"You are very good, madam. Believe me, I am grateful to you for telling
+me all that you have. I beg you will allow me to wait on you again ere
+long?"
+
+"I shall be honoured, sir. I am nearly always at home to my friends."
+
+Her sister entered the room soon after, and private conversation came to
+an end.
+
+Carstares lay awake long that night, hearing the hours toll by and the
+owls screech in the square. The widow's words had sunk deep into his
+ever-uneasy conscience, and he could not sleep for the thought of John,
+"alone, unhappy, without friends." ... Time after time had he argued
+this question with himself: John or Lavinia? ... He fell to wondering
+where his brother now was; whether he was still roaming the South
+Country, a highwayman. No one would ever know how he, Richard, dreaded
+each fresh capture made by the military. Every time he expected John to
+be among the prisoners, and he visited Newgate so often that his friends
+twitted him on it, vowing he had Selwyn's love of horrors.
+
+He would argue that the matter rested in John's own hands: if he were
+minded to come back to society, he would do so; but deep within himself
+he knew that such a decision was unworthy of one even so debased as was
+he. Then his mind went to Lavinia, who alternately enchanted and
+exasperated him. Only a week ago she had defied him openly in the matter
+of her friendship with Lovelace, yet had she not afterwards apologised,
+and thrust the Captain aside for his sake? She was so sweetly naughty,
+so childishly unreasonable. Selfish? Yes, he supposed so, but he loved
+her!--loved her so greatly that it were a pleasure to him to die for her
+sake. Yet John--John was his brother--the adored elder brother, and by
+obeying Lavinia he was wronging him, hurting him. If only Lavinia would
+consent to the truth being told! It always came back to that point: if
+only she would consent. And she never would. She insisted that, having
+married her under false pretences, he had no right to disgrace her now.
+She was right, he knew, but he wished she could be for once unselfish.
+
+So he worried on through the night, tossing to and fro in his great bed,
+a weight on his mind, a ceaseless ache in his heart.
+
+Towards dawn he fell asleep and did not wake again until his chocolate
+was brought to him. Bitterly he reflected that at least John had no
+conscience to prey upon him; he did not fall asleep with his brain
+seething with conflicting arguments, and awake with the decision as far
+off as ever. To-day his head ached unbearably, and he stayed in bed for
+some time contemplating the grey morning. A fog hung over the Square,
+and through it the trees, with their withered autumn leaves, loomed
+dismally before the windows. There was something infinitely depressing
+about the dull outlook, and presently he rose and allowed his valet to
+dress him, not able to stand the inaction any longer. His headache was
+better by the time he had visited his wife in her room, and listened to
+her enthusiastic account of last night's rout, and, going out into the
+square, he called a chair, ordering the men to carry him to White's,
+where he intended to write two letters. Somehow, Wyncham House was too
+poignantly full of memories of John to-day, and he was thankful to be
+out of it.
+
+White's was crowded even at that hour of the morning, and the noise
+seemed to cut through his head. Men hailed him from all sides, offering
+him bets; someone tried to tell him some piece of scandal; they would
+not let him alone, and at last his jagged nerves would no longer support
+it, and he left the house to go further down the street to his other
+club, the Cocoa-Tree, which he hoped to find less rowdy. It was fuller
+than he expected, but many of the men had come as he had, to write
+letters and to be quiet. Very little gaming was as yet in swing.
+
+Richard wrote steadily for perhaps an hour, and sealed his last letter
+preparatory to leaving. As he affixed the wafer, he was conscious of a
+stir behind him, and heard exclamations of:
+
+"Where in thunder did you spring from?"
+
+"Gad, 'tis an age since I've seen you!"
+
+"Lord, 'tis O'Hara!"
+
+Then came the soft Irish voice in answer, and he slewed round in his
+chair to face them all. Miles O'Hara was the centre of a little group of
+interested and welcoming clubmen, explaining his arrival.
+
+"Sure, I was in town on a matter of business, and I thought I must come
+to the club to see ye all while I was here, for 'tis not often I get the
+chance--"
+
+Richard rose, gathering up his letters and stared across at this man who
+had been Jack's greatest friend. He took a step towards him. As he did
+so, O'Hara turned and caught sight of him. Richard was about to hail
+him, when he suddenly noticed the change in his expression. The good
+humour died out of the Irishman's eyes and left them hard and scornful.
+His pleasant mouth curved into a disdainful line. Carstares stood still,
+one hand on the back of a chair, his eyes rivetted to O'Hara's face,
+reading all the reproach, the red-hot anger that Miles was trying to
+convey to him. O'Hara achieved a sneer and turned his shoulder,
+continuing to address his friends.
+
+Richard's head swam. O'Hara was ignoring him, would not speak to him....
+O'Hara knew the truth! He walked blindly to the door, and groped for the
+handle.... O'Hara knew! He was in the passage, on the front steps, in
+the road, shuddering. O'Hara knew, and he had looked at him as if--as
+if--again he shuddered, and seeing an empty chair, hailed it, bidding
+the men carry him to Grosvenor Square.... O'Hara despised
+him!--reproached him! Then Jack was in trouble? He had seen him and
+learnt the truth? God, but his brain was reeling! ...
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+DEVELOPMENTS
+
+
+After the encounter with O'Hara, whatever peace of mind Richard had had,
+left him. He knew not a moment's quiet; all day, and sometimes all
+night, his brain worried round and round the everlasting question: John
+or Lavinia? He had quite decided that it must be either the one or the
+other; the idea that he might conceivably retain his wife _and_ confess
+the truth, never occurred to him. So often had Lavinia assured him that
+he had no right to expect her to share his disgrace, that now he
+believed it. He thought that she would elope with Lovelace, whom, his
+tortured mind decided, she really loved. Any attempt to frustrate such
+an action would, he supposed wretchedly, be the essence of selfishness.
+Of course he was not himself, and his brain was not working normally or
+rationally; had he but known it, he was mentally ill, and if Lavinia had
+thought to examine him closely she could not have failed to observe the
+fever spots on each cheek, the unnaturally bright eyes and the dark
+rings encircling them. Richard wore the look of one goaded beyond
+endurance, and utterly tired and overwrought. As he told Mrs. Fanshawe,
+when she exclaimed at his appearance--he could not rest; he must always
+be moving, thinking. She saw that he was not entirely himself, and
+counselled him to consult a doctor. His half-angry repudiation of all
+illness did not surprise her, but she was considerably startled when, in
+answer to her pleading that he should have a care for himself, he
+vehemently said: "If I could die, I should be glad!" She wondered what
+his wife was about not to see his condition, and wished that she might
+do something. But she was not acquainted with Lady Lavinia, and she
+felt it would be a piece of gross presumption on her part to speak to
+her of Richard. If she had thought his malady to be physical, she
+reflected, she might venture a word, but as she perceived it to be
+mental, she could only hope that it would pass in time, and that he
+would recover from his run-down condition.
+
+Lady Lavinia was pursuing her butterfly existence, heeding nothing but
+her own pleasure, bent on enjoying herself. She succeeded very well, on
+the whole, but she could not help wishing that Dicky were a little more
+cheerful and wishful to join in her gaiety. Of late he was worse than
+ever, and although he supplied her wants uncomplainingly, she would
+almost rather he had refused her and shown a little life, than give way
+to her with this dreadful apathy.
+
+Lovelace was out of town for a week, and Lavinia was surprised to find
+how little she missed him. To be sure, playing with fire was very
+pleasant, but when it was removed out of her reach, it really made no
+odds. She missed Harry's adulation and his passionate love-making, for
+she was one of those women who must always have admiration and
+excitement, but she was not made miserable by his absence. She continued
+to flutter round to all the entertainments of the season with one or
+other of her brothers, and when Lovelace returned he was disturbed by
+her casual welcome. However, she was undoubtedly pleased to see him, and
+soon fell more or less under his spell, allowing him to be by her side
+when Tracy was not near, and to charm her ears with compliments and
+gallantry.
+
+To do him justice, Captain Harold was really in love with her and was
+quite ready to relinquish his commission if only she would run away with
+him. He had private means of his own, and promised her that her every
+whim should be satisfied. But Lavinia scolded him and shook her head.
+Apart from any ulterior consideration, Richard was, after all, her
+husband; he, too, loved her, and she was very, very fond of him,
+although she did plague him dreadfully.
+
+Lovelace assured her that her husband did not love her nearly as much as
+he, and when she smiled her disbelief, lost his temper and cried that
+all the town knew Carstares to be at Mrs. Fanshawe's feet!
+
+Lavinia stiffened.
+
+"Harold!"
+
+"I am only surprised that you have been blind to it," he continued.
+"Where do you think he goes every day for so long? White's? No. To 16,
+Mount Street! Stapely called there and met him; another day Lady
+Davenant saw him with her; Wilding has also met him at her house. He
+spends nearly every afternoon with her!"
+
+Lavinia was a Belmanoir, and she had all the Belmanoir pride. Rising to
+her feet she drew her cloak about her with her most queenly air.
+
+"You forget yourself, Harold," she said haughtily. "Never dare to speak
+to me of my husband again in that tone! You may take me at once to my
+brother."
+
+He was very penitent, wording his apology most cleverly, smoothing her
+ruffled plumage, withdrawing his words, but at the same time contriving
+to leave their sting behind. She forgave him, yes, but he must never
+offend her so again.
+
+Although she had indignantly refused to believe the scandal, it
+nevertheless rankled, and she found herself watching her husband with
+jealous eyes, noticing his seeming indifference towards her and his
+many absences from home. Then came a day when she caused her chair to be
+borne down Mount Street at the very moment when Richard was coming out
+of No. 16.
+
+That was enough for Lavinia. So he was indeed tired of her! He loved
+another woman!--some wretched widow! For the first time a real worry
+plagued her. She stayed at home that evening and exerted all her arts to
+captivate her husband. But Richard, seeing John unhappy, reproachful,
+every way he turned, his head on fire, his brain seething with
+conflicting arguments, hardly noticed her, and as soon as he might
+politely do so, left her, to pace up and down the library floor, trying
+to make up his mind what to do.
+
+Lady Lavinia was stricken with horror. She had sickened him by her
+megrims, as Tracy had prophesied she would! He no longer cared for her!
+_This_ was why he continually excused himself from accompanying her when
+she went out! For once in her life she faced facts, and the prospect
+alarmed her. If it was not already too late, she must try to win back
+his love, and to do this she realised she must cease to tease him for
+money, and also cease to snap at him whenever she felt at all out of
+sorts. She must charm him back to her. She had no idea how much she
+cared for him until now that she thought he did not care for her. It was
+dreadful: she had always been so sure of Dicky! Whatever she did,
+however exasperating she might be, he would always adore her.
+
+And all the time, Richard, far from making love to Mrs. Fanshawe, was
+hearing anecdotes of his brother from her, little details of his
+appearance, things he had said. He drank in all the information,
+clutching eagerly at each fresh scrap of gossip, greedy to hear it if it
+in any way concerned John. His brain was absorbed with this one
+subject, and he never saw when Lavinia smiled upon him, nor did he seem
+to hear her coaxing speeches. When she remarked, as she presently did,
+on his pallor, he almost snapped at her, and left the room. Once she put
+her arms about him and kissed him on the lips; he put her gently aside,
+too worried to respond to the caress, but, had she known it--grateful
+for it.
+
+His Grace of Andover meeting his sister at Ranelagh Gardens, thought her
+face looked pinched, and her eyes unhappy. He inquired the reason, but
+Lady Lavinia refused to confide even in him, and pleaded a headache.
+Andover, knowing her, imagined that she had been refused some kickshaw,
+and thought no more about it.
+
+He himself was very busy. Only two days before a groom had presented
+himself at St. James's Square, bearing a missive from Harper, very
+illegible and ill-spelt, but to the point:
+
+"YR. GRACE,
+
+"I have took the liberty of engageing this Man, Douglas, in Yr. Name. I
+hope I shall soon be Able to have carrid out the Rest of yr. Grace's
+Instructions, and trust my Connduct will met with Yr. Grace's Approvall.
+
+Very Obed'tly,
+
+M. HARPER."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Tracy confirmed the engagement and straightway dispatched the man to
+Andover, where the head groom would undoubtedly find work for him to do.
+He was amused at the blind way in which the man had walked into his
+trap, and meditated cynically on the frailty of human nature, which
+will always follow the great god Mammon.
+
+Not three days later came another letter, this time from Mr. Beauleigh,
+addressed to him at White's, under the name of Sir Hugh Grandison. It
+asked for the man Harper's character.
+
+His Grace of Andover answered it in the library of his own home, and
+smiled sarcastically as he wrote Harper down "exceeding honest and
+trustworthy, as I have always found."
+
+He was in the middle of the letter when the door was unceremoniously
+pushed open and Andrew lounged into the room.
+
+His Grace looked up frowning. Not a whit dismayed by the coolness of his
+reception, his brother kicked the door to and lowered his long limbs
+into a chair.
+
+"May I ask to what I owe the honour of this intrusion?" smiled Tracy
+dangerously.
+
+"Richard," was the cheerful reply, "Richard."
+
+"As I am not interested in either him or his affairs--"
+
+"How truly amiable you are to-day! But I think you'll be interested in
+this, 'tis so vastly mysterious."
+
+"Indeed? What is the matter?"
+
+"Just what I want to know!"
+
+Tracy sighed wearily.
+
+"Pray come to the point, Andrew--if point there be. I have no time to
+waste."
+
+"Lord! Busy? Working? God ha' mercy!" The young rake stretched his legs
+out before him and cast his eyes down their shapeliness. Then he
+stiffened and sat up, staring at one white-stockinged ankle.
+
+"Now, damn and curse it! where did that come from?" he expostulated
+mildly.
+
+"Where did _what_ come from?"
+
+"That great splash of mud on my leg. Brand new on this morning, and I've
+scarce set my nose without doors. Damn it, I say! A brand new--"
+
+"Leg?"
+
+"Hey? What's that you say?"
+
+"Nought. When you have quite finished your eulogy, perhaps you would
+consent to tell me your errand?"
+
+"Oh, ay!--but twenty shillings the pair! Think of it! ... Well, the
+point--there is one, you see--is this: it is Richard's desire that you
+honour him with your presence at Wyncham on Friday week, at three in the
+afternoon exactly. To which effect he sends you this." He tossed a
+letter on to the desk. "You are like to have the felicity of meeting me
+there."
+
+Tracy ripped open the packet and spread the single sheet on the desk
+before him. He read it through very deliberately, turned it over, as if
+in search of more, re-read it, folded it, and dropped it into the
+wastebasket at his side. He then picked up his quill and dipped it in
+the ink again.
+
+"What think you?" demanded Andrew, impatiently.
+
+His Grace wrote tranquilly on to the end of the line.
+
+"What think I of what?"
+
+"Why, the letter, of course! What ails the man? 'Something of great
+import to impart to us,' forsooth! What means he?"
+
+"Yes, I noticed 'twas very badly worded," commented Tracy. "I have not
+the vaguest notion as to his meaning."
+
+"But what do you make of it? Lord, Tracy, don't be such a fish! Dick is
+summoning quite a party!"
+
+"You appear to be in his confidence, my dear Andrew. Allow me to
+congratulate you. No doubt we shall know more--ah--on Friday week, at
+three o'clock."
+
+"Oh, you'll go, then?"
+
+"Quite possibly." He went on writing unconcernedly.
+
+"And you've no idea of what 'tis about? Dick is very strange. He hardly
+listens to what one has to say, and fidget--Lord!"
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"I think he looks ill, an' 'pon my soul, so does Lavvy! Do you suppose
+there is aught amiss?"
+
+"I really have no idea. Pray do not let me detain you."
+
+Andrew hoisted himself out of his chair.
+
+"Oh, I'm not staying, never fear! ... I suppose you cannot oblige me
+with--say--fifty guineas?"
+
+"I should be loth to upset your suppositions," replied his Grace
+sweetly.
+
+"You will not? Well, I didn't think you would somehow! But I wish you
+might contrive to let me have it, Tracy. I've had prodigious ill-luck of
+late, and the Lord knows 'tis not much I get from you! I don't want to
+ask Dick again."
+
+"I should not let the performance grow monotonous, certainly," agreed
+the other. "Fifty, you said?"
+
+"Forty-five would suffice."
+
+"Oh, you may have it!" shrugged his Grace. "At once?"
+
+"Blister me, but that's devilish good of you, Tracy! At once would be
+convenient to _me_!"
+
+His Grace produced a key from his vest pocket and unlocked a drawer in
+the desk. From it he took a small box. He counted out fifty guineas, and
+added another to the pile. Andrew stared at it.
+
+"What's that for?" he inquired.
+
+"The stockings," replied Tracy, with a ghost of a smile. Andrew burst
+out laughing.
+
+"That's good! Gad! but you're devilish amusing, 'pon rep. you are!" He
+thanked his Grace profusely and gathering up the money, left the room.
+
+Outside he gave vent to a low whistle of astonishment. "Tare an' ouns!
+he must be monstrous well-pleased over something!" he marvelled. "I
+shall awaken soon, I doubt not." He chuckled a little as he descended
+the staircase, but his face was full of wonderment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lovelace called nearly every day at Wyncham House, but was always
+refused admittance, as Lady Lavinia deemed it prudent not to see him.
+There came a day, however, when he would not be gainsaid, and was
+ushered into her drawing-room. He kissed her hands lingeringly, holding
+them for a long while in his.
+
+"Lavinia! Cruel fair one!"
+
+She drew her hands away, not too well pleased at his intrusion.
+
+"How silly, Harold! I cannot have you tease me every day!"
+
+She allowed him to sit by her on the window seat, and he again possessed
+himself of her hands. Did she love him? She hoped he was not going to be
+foolish. Of course not. He did not believe her, and started to plead his
+suit, imploring her to come away with him. In vain Lady Lavinia begged
+him to be quiet; she had stirred up a blaze, and it threatened to
+consume her. He was so insistent that, expecting Richard at any moment,
+and terrified lest there should be a disturbance, she promised to give
+him an answer next evening, at the theatre. She managed to be rid of him
+in this way, and, with a relieved sigh, watched him walk down the
+square. She was very fond of dear Harry, but really, he was dreadfully
+tiresome at times.
+
+She brought her tiny mirror out from her pocket and surveyed her
+reflection critically, giving a tweak to one curl, and smoothing another
+back. She was afraid she was looking rather old this evening, and hoped
+that Richard would not think so. She glanced up at the clock, wondering
+where he was; surely he should be in by now? Then she arranged a chair
+invitingly, pushed a stool up to it and sat down opposite. With a sigh,
+she reflected that it was an entirely new departure for her to strive to
+please and captivate her husband, and she fell a-thinking of how he must
+have waited on her in the old days, waiting as she was waiting
+now--hoping for her arrival. Lady Lavinia was beginning to realise that
+perhaps Dick's life had not been all roses with her as wife.
+
+The door opened and Richard came into the room. Deep lines were between
+his brows, but his mouth was for once set firmly. He looked sombrely
+down at her, thinking how very beautiful she was.
+
+Lady Lavinia smiled and nodded towards the chair she had prepared.
+
+"Sit down, Dicky! I am so glad you have come! I was monstrous dull and
+lonely, I assure you!"
+
+"Were you?" he said, fidgeting with her scissors. "No, I will not sit
+down. I have something to say to you, Lavinia. Something to tell you."
+
+"Oh, _have_ you?" she asked. "Something nice, Dicky?"
+
+"I fear you will hardly think so. I am about to make an end."
+
+"Oh--oh, are you? Of _what_?"
+
+"Of this--this deceitful life I am leading--have been leading. I--I--I
+am going to confess the whole truth."
+
+"Rich-ard!"
+
+He let fall the scissors and paced restlessly away down the room.
+
+"I--I tell you, Lavinia, I cannot endure it! I cannot! I cannot! The
+thought of what John may be bearing is driving me crazy! I must speak!"
+
+"You--you can't!" she gasped. "After seven years! Dicky, for heaven's
+sake--!" The colour ebbed and flowed in her cheeks.
+
+"I cannot continue any longer this living of a lie--I have been feeling
+it more and more ever since--ever since I met--Jack--that time on the
+road. And now I can no longer stand it. Everywhere I go I seem to see
+him--looking at me--you don't understand--"
+
+Lavinia cast aside her work.
+
+"No! No! I do not! 'Pon rep., but you should have thought of this
+before, Dick!"
+
+"I know it. Nothing can excuse my cowardice--my weakness. I know all
+that, but it is not too late even now to make amends. In a week they
+will all know the truth."
+
+"What--what do you mean?"
+
+"I have requested all whom it concerns to come to Wyncham the Friday
+after this."
+
+"Good heavens! Dick, Dick, _think_!"
+
+"I have thought. God! _how_ I have thought!"
+
+"It is not fair to me! Oh, think of your honour--Wyncham!"
+
+"My honour is less than nothing. 'Tis of his that I think."
+
+She sprang up, clutching at his arm, shaking him.
+
+"Richard, you are mad! You must not do this! You must not, I say!"
+
+"I implore you, Lavinia, not to try to make me change my decision. It is
+of no use. Nothing you can say will make any difference."
+
+She flew into a passion, flinging away from him, her good resolutions
+forgotten.
+
+"You have no right to disgrace me! If you do it, I will never forgive
+you! I won't stay with you--I--"
+
+He broke in--this was what he had expected; he must not whine; this was
+retribution.
+
+"I know. I have faced that."
+
+She was breathless for a moment. He knew! He had faced it! He had taken
+her seriously--he always expected her to leave him! Oh, he must indeed
+be tired of her, and wanted her to go! What was he saying?
+
+"I know that you love Lovelace. I--I have known it for some time."
+
+Lavinia sank into the nearest chair. To what depths had her folly led
+her?
+
+"I shall put no obstacle in the way of your flight, of course...."
+
+This was dreadful! Lady Lavinia buried her face in her hands and burst
+into tears. It was true then--he did not love her--he loved Mrs.
+Fanshawe--_she_ was to elope. She sobbed pitifully as the full horror of
+the situation struck her.
+
+The temptation to gather her into his arms almost overmastered Richard,
+but he managed to choke it down. If he allowed himself to kiss her, she
+would try to break his resolution--mayhap, she would succeed. So he
+looked away from her, tortured by the sound of her crying.
+
+Lavinia wept on, longing to feel his arms about her, ready to consent to
+anything if only he would show that he loved her. But when he made no
+movement towards her, pride came back, and flicking her handkerchief
+across her eyes, she rose to her feet.
+
+"You are cruel!--cruel!--cruel! If you do this thing I _shall_ leave
+you!"
+
+Now surely he would say something--contradict her!
+
+With an immense effort, Richard controlled himself.
+
+"I am--sorry--Lavinia," he said in a queer, constrained voice.
+
+It was of no avail. She had killed his love, and he was longing to be
+rid of her. She walked to the door, and turned.
+
+"I see that you do not love me," she said, with deadly calmness. "I
+understand perfectly." Then, as she wrenched the handle round: "I hate
+you!" she cried, and fled, her silken skirts rustling furiously down the
+corridor. A door slammed in the distance, and there was silence.
+
+Carstares stood very still, staring down at her crumpled broidery.
+Presently he stooped to pick it up, and her violet scent was wafted up
+to him. He carried it to his lips, passionately.
+
+If Lavinia had been able to see him, it would have changed the whole
+state of affairs; as it was she locked herself into her room and
+continued her cry in private. When she had no more tears to shed, she
+sat up and tried to think that she wanted to elope. Harold would be very
+good to her, she was sure, and she would doubtless lead a very exciting
+life, but--somehow the more she thought of it, the less she wanted to
+elope. Then she remembered that Dicky--why had she never realised how
+much she cared for him?--was in love with some horrid widow, and did not
+want her to remain with him. The idea was not to be borne, she was not
+going to be the unwanted wife. She would have to go away, though not
+with Lovelace. Dicky should _not_ force her to elope with another man.
+She would go somewhere alone--she had forgotten--she had no money. The
+dowry that had been hers was spent years ago. She was utterly dependent
+on her husband. That settled it: she _must_ elope with Harry!
+
+"Oh, was anyone ever so beset!" she sobbed as her misery swept in upon
+her with full force. "Why should I run away if I don't want to?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+LADY LAVINIA GOES TO THE PLAY
+
+
+Richard was away from home all next day, and his wife had plenty of time
+in which to meditate upon her situation. She had quite come to the
+conclusion that she must elope with Lovelace, and was only waiting for
+to-night to tell him so. She would never, never ask Richard to let her
+stay with him now that she knew he loved another. Truly a most trying
+predicament. The Carstares were going to-night to Drury Lane to see
+Garrick play one of his most successful comedies: the _Beaux'
+Stratagem_. The _monde_ that would flock to see the inimitable Archer
+was likely to be a very distinguished one, especially as the cast held
+the added attraction of Mrs. Clive, and ordinarily Lady Lavinia would
+have looked forward with much excitement to seeing the piece. To-day,
+however, she felt that she would far rather go to bed and cry. But
+Lovelace had to be answered, and besides that, she had invited two
+cousins, new come from Scotland, to accompany her, and she could not
+fail them.
+
+So that evening saw her seated in her box, wonderfully gowned as usual,
+scanning the house. Behind her stood her husband--when she thought that
+this was the last time she would ever go with him to the theatre she had
+much ado to keep from bursting into tears before them all--and in the
+chair at her side was the cousin, Mrs. Fleming. Mr. Fleming stood with
+his hands behind his back, exclaiming every now and then as his kinsman,
+young Charles Holt, pointed out each newcomer of note. He was a short,
+tubby little man, dressed in sober brown, very neat as regards his
+wrists and neckband, but attired, so thought Lavinia, for the country,
+and not for town. His dark suit contrasted strangely with Mr. Holt's
+rather garish mixture of apple-green and pink, with waistcoat of yellow,
+and Richard's quieter, but far more handsome apricot and silver. His
+wig, too, was not at all modish, being of the scratch type that country
+gentlemen affected. His wife was the reverse of smart, but she was loud
+in her admiration of her more affluent cousin's stiff silks and laces.
+
+She had married beneath her, had Mrs. Fleming, and the Belmanoirs had
+never quite forgiven the shocking _mesalliance_. William Fleming was
+nought but a simple Scotsman, whose father--even now the family
+shuddered at the thought--had been a farmer!
+
+Lavinia was not over-pleased that they should have elected to visit
+London, and still less pleased that they should evince such an affection
+for the Hon. Richard and his wife.
+
+"Well, to be sure, Lavvy, 'tis pleasant to sit here and admire all the
+people!" exclaimed Mrs. Fleming, for perhaps the twentieth time. "I
+declare I am grown positively old-fashioned from having lived for so
+long in the country!--yes, my dear, positively old-fashioned! ... I
+cannot but marvel at the great hoops everyone is wearing! I am sure mine
+is not half the size of yours, and the lady down there in the stage-box
+has one even larger!"
+
+Lavinia directed her gaze towards the box in question. At any other time
+she would have been annoyed to see that the occupant was Lady Carlyle,
+her pet rival in all matters of fashion. Now she felt that nothing
+signified, and merely remarked that she considered those absurd garlands
+of roses on the dress quite grotesque.
+
+Behind, Holt was directing Mr. Fleming's attention to a box at the back
+of the house.
+
+"'Pon my soul, William! 'Tis the Duchess of Queensberry and her
+son--March, you know. I assure you there is no one more amiable in town.
+When I last visited her--"
+
+"Charles knows well-nigh everyone here," remarked Mrs. Fleming
+ingenuously, and wondered why her cousin laughed.
+
+When the curtain rose on the first act, Lovelace was nowhere to be seen,
+and Lavinia tried to interest herself in the play. But it is difficult
+to be interested in anything when one's whole mind is occupied with
+something else far more overwhelming. She was not the only one of the
+party that Garrick failed to amuse. Richard sat wretchedly in the shadow
+of the box, thinking how, in a short while, he would never again conduct
+his wife to the theatre and never again sit at her side watching her
+every change of expression.
+
+In the first interval Lovelace had still not arrived, but many other
+acquaintances had arrived and called to see the Carstares. Markham,
+Wilding, Devereux, Sir John Fortescue--all came into the box at
+different times, paid homage to Lavinia, were introduced to Mrs.
+Fleming, laughed and cracked jokes with the men, and drifted away again.
+
+How was it she had never before realised how much she enjoyed her life?
+wondered Lavinia. She settled down to listen to the second act, and
+Garrick's skill caught her interest and held it. For a moment she forgot
+her woes and clapped as heartily as anyone, laughing as gaily.
+
+The next instant she remembered again, and sank back into unutterable
+gloom.
+
+But Richard had heard her merry laugh, and his heart was even gloomier
+than hers. There was no help for it: Lavinia was delighted at the
+thought of leaving him.
+
+As the curtain fell, Mrs. Fleming suddenly demanded if it was not Tracy
+seated in the box over on the other side. Lavinia turned to look. In the
+box, alone, sat his Grace, seemingly unaware of her presence.
+
+"Is it not Tracy?" persisted Mrs. Fleming. "I remember his face so
+well."
+
+"Yes," nodded Lavinia, and waved to him.
+
+Andover rose, bowed, and left his box. In a few moments he was in their
+own, kissing his cousin's hand.
+
+Lavinia now caught sight of Lovelace standing on the floor of the
+theatre looking up at her. He, too, disappeared from view, and she
+guessed that he was coming to speak with her. He had evidently failed to
+perceive the Duke, who was just a little behind her in the shadow.
+
+Richard and Mr. Fleming had left the box, and only Charles Holt
+remained, engaging Mrs. Fleming's whole attention. If only Tracy would
+go! How was she ever to give Lovelace her answer with him sitting there
+so provokingly.
+
+Captain Lovelace knocked at the door. Carelessly she bade him enter, and
+affected surprise on seeing him. His Grace looked at her through
+narrowed lids, and shot a swift glance at Lovelace, whose discomfiture
+at finding him there was palpable. Not a trace of emotion was visible on
+that impassive countenance, but Lavinia felt her brother's attitude to
+be sinister, as if he divined her wishes and was determined to frustrate
+them. She watched him smile on Lovelace and beg him to be seated.
+Whether by accident or design, she was not sure which, he had so placed
+the chairs that he himself was between her and the captain. Skilfully
+he drew Mrs. Fleming into the conversation, and rearranged his stage.
+
+Lavinia found herself listening to the amiable Mr. Holt, and out of the
+tail of her eye observed that Lovelace had fallen a victim to her
+cousin. She could find no way of speaking to him, and dared not even
+signal, so adroitly was his Grace stage-managing the scene. Lavinia was
+now quite certain that he was managing it. Somehow he had guessed that
+she had arranged to speak to Lovelace to-night, and was determined to
+prevent her. How he had found out, she could not imagine, but she was
+too well acquainted with him to be surprised. He would never let her
+disgrace herself if he could help it--she knew that. In whatever manner
+he himself might behave, his sister's conduct must be above reproach; he
+would find some means of separating them until he could cause Lovelace
+to be removed. She did not in the least know how he would contrive to do
+this, but she never doubted that he could and would. And then she would
+have to stay with Richard--Richard, who did not want her. If only Tracy
+would go! Ah! he was rising!
+
+His Grace of Andover begged Captain Lovelace to bear him company in his
+box. He would brook no refusal. He bore his captive off in triumph.
+
+A minute later Mr. Fleming re-entered the box. The third act had just
+begun when Richard re-appeared, and softly took his seat. On went the
+play. Neither Tracy nor Lovelace came to the box during the next
+interval, and from her point of vantage Lavinia could see that Andrew
+had been introduced to the latter. She could guess how cleverly his
+Grace was keeping the Captain by him....
+
+Lord Avon, who had only a week ago returned from Bath, came to pay his
+respects. He had much to tell dear Lady Lavinia. How Cholmondely and
+Falmouth had dared to fight a duel in Crescent Fields, and had been
+arrested. How furious the Beau was, but how his age was beginning to
+tell on him, and how it was whispered that his power was waning. All of
+which at any ordinary time would have interested my lady quite
+prodigiously, but now bored and even annoyed her.
+
+On went the play. Scrub and Boniface kept the house in a roar; all but
+Richard and his wife were enthralled. The incomparable Kitty failed to
+hold Lavinia's attention. Would Lovelace manage to speak to her in the
+last interval? A solicitous enquiry from Mrs. Fleming roused her, and
+she had perforce to smile--to own to a slight headache, and to evince
+some interest in the play. One more interval: would he come? She became
+aware of a hand laid on her shoulder. Richard's voice, gravely
+courteous, sounded in her ears.
+
+"You are heated, my dear. Will you walk outside a little?"
+
+She felt a mad desire to cling to his hand, and suppressed it forcibly.
+She rose, hesitating. Mrs. Fleming decided the point.
+
+"The very thing. How considerate of you, Mr. Carstares! I shall like to
+walk amongst all the people, to be sure! Here is Charles offering to
+escort us, too! What say you, Lavvy?"
+
+"I--oh, I shall be pleased to do what suits you best, cousin," she
+answered.
+
+"Then let us go, my love. Charles has an arm for each, so we may leave
+our husbands to chat."
+
+They went out into the broad passage and walked towards the foyer. There
+Lord March espied Lavinia, who was always a favourite with him, and came
+forward, offering his arm. Lavinia took it, thankful to escape from Mr.
+Holt's vapid conversation. She let March conduct her to where his mother
+was sitting, with Mr. Selwyn at her elbow. Someone fetched her a glass
+of ratafie, and Montagu came to talk to her.
+
+Stepping out of his box, Richard fell into the arms of his Grace of
+Andover.
+
+"Ah! Dick!"
+
+Richard eyed him coldly.
+
+"You wanted me?"
+
+Tracy saw Mr. Fleming approaching
+
+"Only to ask if I may return with you to Grosvenor Square. I have
+something important to say."
+
+"Certainly," bowed Richard, and turned aside.
+
+Lovelace, who had succeeded in escaping from the Belmanoir claws,
+hurried in search of Lavinia. Not finding her in her box, he gathered
+she must be in the foyer and made his way towards it. As soon as she saw
+him coming she set down her glass and rose to her feet.
+
+"Oh, Captain Lovelace! Have you come to fetch me back to my seat? I have
+scarce set eyes on you this evening. No, Markham, you may _not_ come!
+No, nor you, my lord! Madam--" She curtsied low to the old Duchess and
+walked away on Harold's arm.
+
+When they were once in the deserted passage behind the boxes, he turned
+eagerly towards her.
+
+"Well, my dearest? Well?"
+
+Lady Lavinia's mouth drooped miserably.
+
+"Yes," she said, "I shall have to come with you."
+
+The tone was damping, to say the least of it, but he did not seem to
+notice it.
+
+"Lavinia! You mean it?"
+
+"Yes," she assented, still more dejectedly.
+
+"My beautiful love! You will really come? When? At once?"
+
+"At--Oh, no, no!"
+
+"Darling, the sooner the better. I understand 'tis a great step to
+expect you to take in a hurry, but I assure you 'tis wisest. Can you
+come to-morrow?"
+
+Her big eyes dilated.
+
+"No! No! I--oh, I cannot leave Dicky so soon!" She ended with a sob.
+
+"But, Lavinia, my dearest! You surely do not want to _stay_ with him?"
+he cried.
+
+"Yes I do!" she answered. "I--I don't want ever to leave him!"
+
+This blighting speech left him gasping.
+
+"You--but--heavens! what are you saying? You love _me_!"
+
+"No, I don't!" she contradicted. "I always s-said I d-didn't. I love my
+husband!"
+
+"You are distraught!" he exclaimed. "If you love him, why do you consent
+to elope with me?"
+
+She looked at him reproachfully.
+
+"There is no one else," she said mournfully.
+
+"Good Lord! What--"
+
+"I have to elope with someone--because--Dick--d-doesn't love me any
+more--you see. I will come with you, and I will try to be good."
+
+He kissed her hand quickly
+
+"Sweetheart! ... I still think you are not yourself. You will think
+differently to-morrow--you do not really love Carstares."
+
+She shut her mouth obstinately, tilting her regal little head.
+
+He watched her anxiously.
+
+"If you really do love him, 'tis ridiculous to elope with me," he said.
+
+Her fingers tightened on his wrist.
+
+"But I must! You don't understand, Harry! You _must_ take me! Don't you
+want me?"
+
+"Of course I do, but not if you are longing to be somewhere else all the
+time. The whole thing seems preposterous!"
+
+"'Tis all dreadful!--dreadful! I have never been so unhappy in my life!
+I--oh, I wish I had not been so heedless and selfish!"
+
+Lovelace pondered for a moment, as they stood outside her box; then,
+seeing that people were returning to their seats, he opened the door and
+took her in.
+
+"Listen, dear! This is the maddest scheme ever I heard; but if you are
+determined, you shall carry it through. Come to my lodgings to-morrow
+evening! Bring as little baggage as possible; I will have all ready, and
+we will post at once to Dover. Then in time I hope you will forget
+Richard and come to care for me a little."
+
+"You are very, very good, Harry! Yes, I will do just as you say and, oh,
+I am sorry to put you out like this! I am nought but a plague to
+everyone, and I wish I were dead! You don't really love me, and I shall
+be a burden!"
+
+"I do indeed love you!" he assured her, but within himself he could not
+help wishing that he had not fallen quite so passionately in love with
+her. "I'll leave you now, sweet, for your husband will be returning at
+any moment." He kissed her hands lightly "_A demain_, fairest!"
+
+How she sat through the last act Lavinia could never afterwards imagine.
+She was longing to be at home--so soon to be home no longer--and quiet.
+Her head ached now as Richard's had ached for weeks. More than anything
+did she want to rest it against her husband's shoulder, so temptingly
+near, and to feel his sheltering arms about her. But Dick was in love
+with Isabella Fanshawe, and she must sit straight and stiff in her chair
+and smile at the proper places.
+
+At last the play was ended! The curtain descended on the bowing Archer,
+and the house stamped and clapped its appreciation. The curtain rose
+again--what! not finished yet? Ah, no! it was but Garrick leading Mrs.
+Clive forward. Would they never have done?
+
+Mrs. Fleming was standing; she supposed they were going, and got up.
+Someone put her cloak about her shoulders; Richard--for the last time.
+Mr. Holt escorted her to her coach, and put her and her cousin into it.
+He and Mr. Fleming had their chairs; so only Richard and Tracy went with
+the ladies. The Flemings were staying with friends in Brook Street, just
+off Grosvenor Square, so that when they had put Harriet down, only a few
+more yards remained to be covered.
+
+Lavinia wondered dully why Tracy had elected to come with them. What did
+he want? Was he going to warn Dick of her intended flight? He little
+knew the true state of affairs!
+
+At the foot of the staircase at Wyncham House she turned to say
+good-night.
+
+She merely nodded to Tracy, but to Dick she extended her hand. He took
+it in his, kissing it, and she noticed how cold were his fingers, how
+burning hot his lips. Then he released her, and she went slowly up the
+stairs to her room.
+
+His Grace watched her through his eyeglass. When she was out of sight he
+turned and surveyed Richard critically.
+
+"If that is the way you kiss a woman, Lavinia has my sympathies," he
+remarked.
+
+Richard's lips tightened. He picked up a stand of lighted candles and
+ushered his Grace into the drawing-room.
+
+"I presume you did not come to tell me that?" he asked.
+
+"Your presumption is correct, Richard. I have come to open your eyes."
+
+"You are too kind."
+
+His Grace laid his hat on the table, and sat down on the arm of a chair.
+
+"I think perhaps I am. It may interest you to hear that Lavinia intends
+to elope with our gallant friend the Captain." Richard bowed.
+
+"You knew it?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+Andover looked him over.
+
+"May I ask what steps you are taking to prevent her?"
+
+"None."
+
+His Grace's expression was quite indescribable. For a moment he was
+speechless, and then he reverted to heavy sarcasm.
+
+"Pray remember to be at hand--to conduct her to her chair!" he drawled.
+"Upon my soul, you sicken me!
+
+"I am grieved. There is a remedy," replied Carstares significantly.
+
+Tracy ignored the suggestion.
+
+"I suppose it is nothing to you that you lose her? No; It is nothing to
+you that she disgraces her name? Oh, no!"
+
+"_My_ name, I think."
+
+"Our name! Is it possible for her to disgrace yours?"
+
+Richard went white and his hand flew instinctively to his sword hilt.
+
+Tracy looked at him.
+
+"Do you think I would soil my blade with you?" he asked, very softly.
+
+Richard's hand fell from the hilt: his eyes searched the other's face.
+
+"You know?" he asked at last, quite calmly.
+
+"You fool," answered his Grace gently. "You fool, do you think I have
+not always known?"
+
+Richard leaned against the mantel-shelf.
+
+"You never thought I was innocent? You knew that night? You guessed?"
+
+The Duke sneered.
+
+"Knowing both, could I suspect other than you?" he asked insultingly.
+
+"Oh, my God!" cried Carstares suddenly. "Why could you not have said so
+before?"
+
+The Duke's eyes opened wide.
+
+"It has chafed you--eh? I knew it would. I've watched you." He chuckled
+beneath his breath. "And those fools never looked beneath the surface.
+One and all, they believed that John would cheat. John! They swallowed
+it tamely and never even guessed at the truth."
+
+"You, at least, did not believe?"
+
+"I? Hardly. Knowing you for a weak fool and him for a quixotic fool, I
+rather jumped to conclusions."
+
+"Instead, you tried to throw the blame on him. I would to God you had
+exposed me!"
+
+"So you have remarked. I confess I do not understand this heroic
+attitude. Why should I interfere in what was none of my business? What
+proof had I?"
+
+"Why did you raise no demur? What motive had you?"
+
+"I should have thought it fairly obvious."
+
+Richard stared at him, puzzled.
+
+"Gad, Richard! but you are singularly obtuse. Have I not pointed out
+that John was a quixotic fool? When did I say he was a weak one?"
+
+"You mean--you mean you wanted Lavinia to marry me--because you thought
+to squeeze me as you willed?" asked Carstares slowly.
+
+His Grace's thin nostrils wrinkled up.
+
+"You are so crude," he complained.
+
+"It suited you that Jack should be disgraced? You thought I should seize
+his money. You--you--"
+
+"Rogue? But you will admit that I at least am an honest rogue. You
+are--er--a dishonest saint. I would sooner be what I am."
+
+"I know there is nothing on God's earth more vile than I am!" replied
+Carstares, violently.
+
+His Grace sneered openly.
+
+"Very pretty, Richard, but a little tardy, methinks." He paused, and
+something seemed to occur to him. "'Tis why you purpose to let Lavinia
+go, I suppose? You confess the truth on Friday--eh?"
+
+Richard bowed his head.
+
+"I have not the right to stop her. She--chooses her own road."
+
+"She knows?" sharply.
+
+"She has always known."
+
+"The jade! And I never guessed it!" He paused. "Yes, I understand your
+heroic attitude. I am sorry I cannot pander to it. In spite of all this,
+I cannot permit my sister to ruin herself."
+
+"She were as effectually ruined an she stayed with me."
+
+"Pshaw! After seven years, who is like to care one way or the other
+which of you cheated? Play the man for once and stop her!"
+
+"She _loves_ Lovelace, I tell you!"
+
+"What of it? She will recover from that."
+
+"No--I cannot ask her to stay with me--'twould be damnably selfish."
+
+His Grace appeared exasperated.
+
+"'Fore Gad, you are a fool! Ask her! _Ask_ her! Force her! Kick Lovelace
+from your house and abandon the heroic pose, I beg of you!"
+
+"Do you suppose I want to lose her?" cried Carstares. "'Tis because I
+love her so much that I will not stand in the way of her happiness!"
+
+The Duke flung round and picked up his hat.
+
+"I am sorry I cannot join with you in your heroics. I must take the
+matter into my own hands, as usual, it seems. Lord, but you should have
+learnt to make her obey you, my good Dick! She has led you by the nose
+ever since she married you, and she was a woman who wanted mastering!"
+He went over to the door and opened it. "I will call upon you to-morrow,
+when I shall hope to find you more sane. They do not purpose to leave
+until late, I know, for Lovelace is promised to Mallaby at three
+o'clock. There is time in which to act."
+
+"I shall not interfere," repeated Richard.
+
+His Grace sneered.
+
+"So you have remarked. It remains for me to do. Good-night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+RICHARD PLAYS THE MAN
+
+
+Lady Lavinia's frame of mind when she awoke next morning was hardly
+befitting one who contemplated an elopement. A weight seemed to rest on
+her chest, hopeless misery was gathered about her head. She could not
+bring herself to drink her chocolate, and, feeling that inaction was the
+worst of all, she very soon crawled out of bed and allowed her maid to
+dress her. Then she went with dragging steps to her boudoir, wondering
+all the time where Richard was and what he was doing. She seated herself
+at her window and looked out on to the square, biting the edge of her
+handkerchief in the effort to keep back her tears.
+
+Richard was in a no more cheerful mood. He, too, left his chocolate
+untouched, and went presently down to the breakfast table and looked at
+the red sirloin with a feeling of acute nausea. He managed to drink a
+cup of coffee, and immediately afterwards left the room and made his way
+to his wife's boudoir. He told himself he was acting weakly, and had far
+better avoid her, but in the end he gave way to his longing to see her,
+and knocked on one white panel.
+
+Lavinia's heart leapt. How well she knew that knock!
+
+"Come in!" she called, and tried to compose her features.
+
+Richard entered and shut the door behind him.
+
+"Oh--oh--good-morning!" she smiled. "You--wanted to speak with
+me--Dick?"
+
+"I--yes--that is--er--have you the Carlyles' invitation?"
+
+It was, perhaps, an unlucky excuse. Lavinia turned away and fought
+against her tears.
+
+"I--I believe--'tis in my--escritoire," she managed to say. "I--I will
+look for it."
+
+She rose and unlocked the bureau, standing with her back to him.
+
+"'Tis no matter," stammered Carstares. "I--only--'twas but that I could
+not find it. Pray do not disturb yourself!"
+
+"Oh--not--at all," she answered, scattering a handful of letters before
+her. "Yes--here 'tis." She came up to him with the note in her hand,
+extending it.
+
+Carstares looked down at the golden head, and at the little face with
+its eyes cast down, and red mouth set so wistfully. Heavens, how could
+he bear to live without her! Mechanically he took the letter.
+
+Lavinia turned away, and as she stepped from him something snapped in
+Richard's brain. The luckless invitation was flung down.
+
+"No, by God you shall not!" he cried suddenly.
+
+Lavinia stopped, trembling.
+
+"Oh--oh, what do you mean?" she fluttered.
+
+The mists were gone from his mind now, everything was clear. Lavinia
+should not elope with Lovelace. In two strides he was at her side, had
+caught her by the shoulders and swung her to face him.
+
+"You shall not leave me! Do you understand? I cannot live without you!"
+
+Lavinia gave a little cry full of relief, joy and wonderment, and shrank
+against him.
+
+"Oh, please, please forgive me and keep me with you!" she cried, and
+clung to the lapels of his coat.
+
+Carstares swept her right off the ground in the violence of his embrace,
+but she did not mind, although the crushing was ruinous to her silks.
+Silks were no longer uppermost in her brain. She returned his kisses
+eagerly, sobbing a little.
+
+When Carstares was able to say anything beyond how he loved her, he
+demanded if she did not love him?
+
+"Of course I do!" she cooed. "I always, always did, only I was so
+selfish and so careless!"
+
+He carried her to the sofa and sat down with her on his knee, trying to
+look into her face. But she had somehow contrived to hide it on his
+shoulder, and he did not succeed.
+
+"Then you never loved that puppy?" he asked, amazed.
+
+One hand crept up to his other shoulder.
+
+"Oh, Dicky, no! And--and you--you don't love that horrid Mrs. Fanshawe,
+do you?"
+
+He was still more amazed.
+
+"Mrs. Fanshawe? Great heavens, no! You never thought that, surely?"
+
+"I did--I did! Since you were always at her house, and so cold to
+me--how could I help it?"
+
+"Cold to _you_? My dearest, surely not?"
+
+"You were--you truly were--and I was so miserable--I--I thought I had
+been so unreasonable and so horrid that you had ceased to I-love me--and
+I did not know what to do. And--and then you told me that you were going
+to--to confess--and I lost my temper and said I would n-not stay with
+you--But I never, never meant it--and when you seemed to expect me to
+go--I--I did not know what to do again!"
+
+He patted her shoulder comfortingly.
+
+"Sweetheart, don't cry! I had no idea of all this--why, I was sure that
+you loved Lovelace--I never doubted it--why in the world did you not
+tell me the truth?"
+
+She sat up at that, and looked at him.
+
+"Why, how could I?" she demanded. "I was quite certain that you loved
+Isabella Fanshawe. I felt I had to go away, and I could not do it
+alone--so--so--so, of course I had to elope. And I told Harold last
+night that I would go with him--and I'm afraid he didn't quite want me
+when he heard that I loved you. Oh, Dicky darling, you'll tell him that
+I won't go with him, won't you?"
+
+He could not help laughing.
+
+"Ay, I'll tell him. 'Pon rep., sweetheart, I can find it in me to be
+sorry for him!"
+
+"Oh, he will not mind for long," she said philosophically. "He loves so
+_easily_, you see! But you, Dick--why did you go so often--so _very_
+often to see Mrs. Fanshawe?"
+
+His face grew solemn.
+
+"She knew--Jack--in Vienna--I--I wanted to hear all she could tell me of
+him--I could think of nothing else."
+
+"Oh, Dicky! How--how wickedly foolish I have been! And 'twas that that
+made you so cold--and I thought--oh, dear!"
+
+He drew her head down on to his shoulder again.
+
+"My poor love! Why, 'tis the kindest lady imaginable, but as to loving
+her--!" He kissed her hand lingeringly. "I love--and have always
+loved--a far different being: a naughty, wilful, captivating little
+person, who--"
+
+Lady Lavinia clasped her arms about his neck.
+
+"You make me feel so very, very dreadful! I have indeed been
+naughty--I--"
+
+"And you'll be so many times again," he told her, laughing.
+
+"No, no! I--will--try to be good!"
+
+"I do not want you good!" Richard assured her. "I want you to be your
+own dear self!" ... Lady Lavinia disengaged herself with a contented
+little sigh, and stood up.
+
+"How charming it is to be happy again, to be sure!" she remarked
+naively. "To think that only half an hour ago I was wishing to be dead!"
+She went over to the glass and straightened her hair.
+
+Richard looked at her rather anxiously.
+
+"Lavinia--you--you quite understand, I am going to tell everyone the
+truth--next Friday?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I do, of course--'tis dreadfully disagreeable of you, but I
+suppose you will do it. I do _hope_ people will not refuse to recognise
+us, though."
+
+"No one would ever refuse to recognise you, dearest."
+
+She brightened.
+
+"Do you really think so? Well, perhaps after all, 'twill not be so
+_very_ horrid. And--and you will like to have Jack again, won't you?
+Yes--I knew you would. Oh, 'twill all be quite comfortable after a
+little while, I make no doubt!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+His Grace of Andover arose betimes, and early sallied forth into the
+street. He called a chair, and drove to an address in the Strand, where
+lodged a certain Colonel Shepherd. Half-an-hour did he spend with the
+Colonel, and when he at length emerged from the house the curl of his
+lip betokened satisfaction. He did not at once hail a chair, but walked
+along in the direction of St. James's, entering the park in company
+with one Dare, who, seven years before, had given a certain memorable
+card-party.
+
+Dare was pleasantly intrigued over Richard's latest oddity.
+
+"Have you an idea what 'tis about, Belmanoir?" he inquired. "Has he
+written you to come as well?"
+
+"I believe I did receive some communication from Carstares; yes--I
+remember, Andrew brought it."
+
+"Well, what does it mean? Fortescue is bidden, and Davenant. 'Tis very
+curious."
+
+"My dear Dare, I am not in Richard's confidence. We shall doubtless hear
+all that there is to hear at the given time. Mysteries do not interest
+me. But 'twill be a pleasant reunion.... Fortescue and Davenant, you
+say? Strange! I have heard that Evans and Milward have also received
+their sum--invitations. It should be most entertaining."
+
+"'Tis prodigious curious," repeated Dare. "No one can imagine what 'tis
+all about!"
+
+"Ah?" His Grace's thin lips twitched.
+
+Midway through the afternoon he repaired to Wyncham House and was
+ushered into the library.
+
+Richard sat writing, but rose on seeing him, and came forward.
+
+It struck his Grace that Carstares was looking quite happy.
+
+"You seem cheerful, Richard!"
+
+"I am," smiled his brother-in-law.
+
+"I am much relieved to hear it. I have seen Shepherd."
+
+"Shepherd?" interrogated Carstares.
+
+"Lovelace's colonel, my dear Richard. You may count on Captain Harold's
+departure--on an important mission--in, say, forty-eight hours."
+
+"You may count on Captain Harold's departure in very much less, Tracy,"
+said Carstares, a twinkle in his eye.
+
+The Duke started forward.
+
+"She has gone?" he almost hissed.
+
+"Gone? No! She is in the drawing-room with him."
+
+"With Lovelace! And you permit it? You stand by and watch another man--"
+
+"Say farewell to my wife. But I am not watching it, as you see."
+
+The anger died out of his Grace's eyes.
+
+"Farewell? Do you tell me you at last came to your senses?"
+
+"We found that we both laboured under a delusion," replied Carstares
+pleasantly.
+
+"I am delighted to hear you say so. I hope you will for the future keep
+a stricter hold over Lavinia."
+
+"Do you?"
+
+"I do. I think I will not undo what I have done; Lovelace were perhaps
+better out of the way for a time."
+
+"Why, I have no objection to that," bowed Richard.
+
+His Grace nodded shortly and picked up his hat.
+
+"Then there remains nothing more to be done in the matter."
+
+He looked piercingly across at Carstares. "She did not love him?"
+
+Richard gave a happy little sigh.
+
+"She loves me."
+
+The heavy lids drooped again.
+
+"You cannot conceive my delight. If she indeed loves you, she is safe. I
+thought she had not got it in her. Pray bear my respects to her." His
+hand was on the door-knob, when something seemed to occur to him.
+
+"I take it my presence at Wyncham on Friday will not be necessary?" he
+said cynically.
+
+Richard flushed.
+
+"It will not be necessary."
+
+"Then I am sure you will excuse me an I do not appear. I have other,
+more important affairs on hand.....But I shall be loth to miss the
+heroics," he added pensively, and chuckled. "_Au revoir,_ my good
+Richard!"
+
+Richard bowed him out thankfully.
+
+Presently the front door opened and shut again, and looking out of the
+window he saw that Captain Harold Lovelace had taken his departure.
+
+He was now awaiting Mr. Warburton, whom he had sent in search of John
+some days ago. He should have been here by now, he thought, but perhaps
+he had been detained. Richard was aching to hear news of his brother,
+longing to see him once more. But at the same time he was dreading the
+meeting; he shrank from the thought of looking into Jack's eyes,
+cold--even scornful. It was not possible, so he reasoned, that Jack
+should feel no resentment....
+
+"Mr. Warburton, sir."
+
+Carstares turned and came eagerly forward to greet the newcomer.
+
+"Well? Well?"
+
+Mr. Warburton spread out deprecating hands.
+
+"Alas! Mr. Carstares."
+
+Richard caught his arm.
+
+"What mean you? He is not--dead?"
+
+"I do not know, sir."
+
+"You could not find him? Quick! Tell me?"
+
+"Alas! no, sir."
+
+"But the Chequers--he said--Surely they knew something?"
+
+"Nought, Mr. Carstares." Out came Mr. Warburton's snuff-box. Very
+deliberately he took a pinch, shaking the remains from his finger-tips.
+"The host, Chadber--an honest man, though lacking in humour--has not set
+eyes on my lord for well-nigh six months. Not since I went to advise my
+lord of the Earl's death."
+
+"But Warburton, he cannot be far? He is not dead! Oh, surely not that?"
+
+"No, no, Master Dick," soothed the lawyer. "We should have heard of it
+had he been killed. I fear he has gone abroad once more. It seems he
+often spoke of travelling again."
+
+"Abroad? God! don't let me lose him again!" He sank into a chair, his
+head in his arms.
+
+"Tut! I implore you, Mr. Carstares! Do not despair yet. We have no proof
+that he has left the country. I daresay we shall find him almost at
+once. Chadber thinks it likely he will visit the inn again ere long.
+Calm yourself, Master Dick!" He walked up to the man and laid a hand on
+one heaving shoulder. "We shall find him, never fear! But do not--I know
+'twould grieve him to see you so upset, Master Dick--pray, do not--!"
+
+"If I could only make amends!" groaned Richard.
+
+"Well, sir, are you not about to? He would not wish you to distress
+yourself like this! He was so fond of you! Pray, pray do not!"
+
+Carstares rose unsteadily and walked to the window. "I crave your
+pardon, Mr. Warburton--you must excuse me--I have been--living in
+hell--this last week."
+
+Warburton came over to his side.
+
+"Master Dick--I--you know I have never cared for you-as--well--as--"
+
+"You cared for him."
+
+"Er--yes, sir, exactly!--and of late years I may, perhaps, have been
+hard. I would desire to--er--apologise for any unjust--er--thoughts I
+may have harboured against you. I--I--possibly, I never quite
+understood. That is all, sir."
+
+He blew his nose rather violently, and then his hand found Richard's.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Richard Carstares had plenty to occupy him for the rest of the week.
+Arrangements had to be made, a house acquired for Lavinia, Wyncham House
+to be thoroughly cleaned and put in order, awaiting its rightful owner.
+Once she had made up her mind to face the inevitable, Lavinia quite
+enjoyed all the preparations. The new house in Great Jermyn Street she
+voted charming, and she straightway set to work to buy very expensive
+furniture for it, and to superintend all the alterations. In her present
+penitent mood she would even have accompanied her husband to Wyncham on
+Monday, to stand by him on the fateful Friday; but this he would not
+allow, insisting that she remain in town until his return. So she
+fluttered contentedly from Grosvenor Square to Jermyn Street, very busy
+and quite happy.
+
+Carstares was to travel to Wyncham on Monday, arriving there the
+following evening in company with Andrew, whom he was taking as far as
+Andover. His lordship had lately embroiled himself in a quarrel over a
+lady when deep in his cups, and owing to the subsequent duel at Barn
+Elms and the almost overpowering nature of his debts, he deemed it
+prudent to go into seclusion for a spell. Tracy disappeared from town in
+the middle of the week, whither no one knew, but it was universally
+believed that he had gone to Scotland on a visit.
+
+Monday at length dawned fair and promising. After bidding his wife a
+very tender farewell, and gently drying her wet eyelashes with his own
+handkerchief, Richard set out with his brother-in-law in the big
+travelling chaise soon after noon. Andrew had quite recovered his
+hitherto rather dampened spirits, and produced a dice-box from one
+pocket and a pack of cards from the other wherewith to beguile the
+tedium of the journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER CAPTURES THE QUEEN
+
+
+Diana stood in the old oak porch, riding-whip in hand, and the folds of
+her voluminous gown over her arm. Miss Betty stood beside her, surveying
+her with secret pride.
+
+Diana's eyes seemed darker than ever, she thought, and the mouth more
+tragic. She knew that the girl was, to use her own expression, "moping
+quite prodigiously for that Mr. Carr." Not all that she could do to
+entertain Diana entirely chased away the haunting sadness in her face;
+for a time she would be gay, but afterwards the laughter died away and
+she was silent. Many times had Miss Betty shaken her fist at the absent
+John.
+
+Presently Diana gave a tiny sigh, and looked down at her aunt, smiling.
+
+"You would be surprised how excellently well Harper manages the horses,"
+she said. "He is quite a godsend. So much nicer than that stupid
+William."
+
+"Indeed, yes," agreed Miss Betty. "Only think, my dear, he was groom to
+Sir Hugh Grandison--I saw the letter Sir Hugh writ your Papa--a
+remarkable elegant epistle, I assure you, my love."
+
+Diana nodded and watched the new groom ride up, leading her mount. He
+jumped down, and, touching his hat, stood awaiting his mistress's
+pleasure.
+
+Diana went up to the cob, patting his glossy neck.
+
+"We are going towards Ashley to-day, aunt," she said. "I am so anxious
+to find some berries, and Harper tells me they grow in profusion not far
+from here."
+
+"Now, my dear, pray do not tire yourself by going too far--I doubt it
+will rain before long and you will catch your death of cold!"
+
+Diana laughed at her.
+
+"Oh, no, aunt! Why, the sky is almost cloudless! But we shall not be
+long, I promise you. Only as far as Crossdown Woods and back again."
+
+She gave her foot to the groom just as Mr. Beauleigh came out to watch
+her start.
+
+"Really, my dear, I must ride with you to-morrow," he told her. "'Tis an
+age since we have been out together."
+
+"Why, Papa, will you not accompany me this afternoon?" cried Diana
+eagerly. "I should so like it!"
+
+It struck her aunt that Harper awaited the answer to this question
+rather anxiously. She watched him, puzzled. However, when Mr. Beauleigh
+had refused she could not see any change in his expression, and
+concluded that she must have been mistaken.
+
+So with a wave of her hand, Diana rode away, the groom following at a
+respectful distance. Yet somehow Miss Betty was uneasy. A presentiment
+of evil seemed to touch her, and when the riders had disappeared round a
+bend in the road she felt an insane desire to run after them and call
+her niece back. She gave herself a little shake, saying that she was a
+fond old woman, over-anxious about Diana. Nevertheless, she laid a
+detaining hand on her brother's arm as he was about to go indoors.
+
+"Wait, Horace! You--you _will_ ride with Di more frequently, will you
+not?"
+
+He looked surprised.
+
+"You are uneasy, Betty?"
+
+"Oh--uneasy--! Well, yes--a little. I do not like her to go alone with a
+groom, and we do not know this man."
+
+"My dear! I had the very highest references from Sir Hugh Grandison,
+who, I am sure, would never recommend anyone untrustworthy. Why, you saw
+the letter yourself!"
+
+"Yes, yes. Doubtless I am very stupid. But you _will_ ride with her
+after to-day, will you not?"
+
+"Certainly I will accompany my daughter when I can spare the time," he
+replied with dignity, and with that she had to be content.
+
+Diana rode leisurely along the lane, beside great trees and hedges that
+were a blaze of riotous colour. Autumn had turned the leaves dull gold
+and flame, mellow brown and deepest red, with flaming orange
+intermingled, and touches of copper here and there where some beech tree
+stood. The lane was like a fairy picture, too gorgeous to be real; the
+trees, meeting overhead, but let the sunlight through in patches, so
+that the dusty road beneath was mottled with gold.
+
+The hedges retained their greenness, and where there was a gap a vista
+of fields presented itself. And then they came upon a clump of berries,
+black and red, growing the other side of the little stream that
+meandered along the lane in a ditch. Diana drew up and addressed her
+companion.
+
+"See, Harper--there are berries! We need go no further." She changed the
+reins to her right hand and made as if to spring down.
+
+"The place I spoke of is but a short way on, miss," ventured the man,
+keeping his seat.
+
+She paused.
+
+"But why will these not suffice?"
+
+"Well, miss, if you like. But those others were a deal finer. It seems a
+pity not to get some."
+
+Diana looked doubtfully along the road.
+
+"'Tis not far?"
+
+"No, miss; but another quarter of a mile, and then down the track by the
+wood."
+
+Still she hesitated.
+
+"I do not want to be late," she demurred.
+
+"No, miss, of course not. I only thought as how we might come back by
+way of Chorly Fields."
+
+"Round by the mill? H'm...."
+
+"Yes, miss. Then as soon as we get past it there is a clear stretch of
+turf almost up to the house."
+
+Her eye brightened.
+
+"A gallop? Very well! But let us hurry on."
+
+She touched the cob with her heel, and they trotted on briskly out of
+the leafy canopy along the road with blue sky above and pasture land
+around. After a little while the wood came in sight, and in a minute
+they were riding down the track at right angles to the road. Harper was
+at Diana's heels, drawing nearer. Half unconsciously she quickened her
+pace. There was not a soul in sight.
+
+They were coming to a bend in the road, and now Harper was alongside.
+
+Choking a ridiculous feeling of frightened apprehension, Diana drew
+rein.
+
+"I do not perceive those berries!" she said lightly.
+
+"No, miss," was the immediate response. "They are just a step into the
+wood. If you care to dismount here I can show you."
+
+Nothing could be more respectful than the man's tone. Diana shook off
+her nervous qualms and slipped down. Harper, already on the ground, took
+the cob's rein and tied both horses to a tree.
+
+Diana gathered her skirts over her arm and picked her way through the
+brambles to where he had pointed.
+
+The blackberry hedges he held back for her entrance swung back after
+they had passed, completely shutting out all view of the road. There
+were no berries.
+
+Diana's heart was beating very fast, all her suspicions springing to
+life again, but she showed no sign of fear as she desired him to hold
+the brambles back again for her to pass out.
+
+"For there are no berries here, as you can see for yourself."
+
+She swept round and walked calmly towards the bushes.
+
+Then, how she could never quite remember, she was seized from behind,
+and before she had time to move, a long piece of silk was flung over her
+head and drawn tight across her mouth, while an arm, as of steel, held
+and controlled her.
+
+Fighting madly, she managed to get one arm free, and struck out
+furiously with her slender crop. There was a brief struggle, and it was
+twisted from her grasp, and her hands tied behind her, despite all her
+efforts to be free.
+
+Then her captor swung her writhing into his arms, and strode away
+through the wood without a word.
+
+Diana was passive now, reserving her strength for when it might avail
+her something, but above the gag her eyes blazed with mingled fright and
+fury. She noticed that she was being carried not into the wood, but
+along it, and was not surprised when they emerged on to the road where
+it had rounded the bend.
+
+With a sick feeling of terror, she saw a coach standing in the road, and
+guessed, even before she knew, what was her fate. Through a haze she saw
+a man standing at the door, and then she was thrust into the coach and
+made to sit down on the softly-cushioned seat. All her energies were
+concentrated in fighting against the faintness that threatened to
+overcome her. She won gradually, and strained her ears to catch what was
+being said outside.
+
+She caught one sentence in a familiar, purring voice:
+
+"Set them loose and tie this to the pummel." Then there was silence.
+
+Presently she heard footsteps returning. An indistinguishable murmur
+from Harper, and the door opened to allow his Grace of Andover to enter
+the coach. It gave a lurch and rumbled on.
+
+Tracy looked down with a slight smile into the gold-flecked eyes that
+blazed so indignantly into his.
+
+"A thousand apologies, Miss Beauleigh! Allow me to remove this scarf."
+
+As he spoke he untied the knot, and the silk fell away from her face.
+
+For a moment she was silent, struggling for words wherewith to give vent
+to her fury; then the red lips parted and the small, white teeth showed,
+clenched tightly together.
+
+"You cur!" she flung at him in a panting undertone. "Oh, you cur!--you
+coward! Undo my hands!"
+
+"With pleasure." He bowed and busied himself with this tighter knot.
+
+"Pray, accept my heartfelt apologies for incommoding you so grievously.
+I am sure that you will admit the necessity."
+
+"Oh, that there were a _man_ here to avenge me!" she raged.
+
+His Grace tugged at the stubborn knot.
+
+"There are three outside," he answered blandly. "But I do not think they
+are like to oblige you."
+
+He removed her bonds and sat back in the corner, enjoying her. His eyes
+fell on her bruised wrists, and at once his expression changed, and he
+frowned, leaning forward.
+
+"Believe me, I did not mean that," he said, and touched her hands.
+
+She flung him off.
+
+"Do not touch me!"
+
+"I beg your pardon, my dear." He leaned back again nonchalantly.
+
+"Where are you taking me?" she demanded, trying to conceal the fear in
+her voice.
+
+"Home," replied his Grace.
+
+"Home!" Incredulously she turned to look at him, hope in her eyes.
+
+"Home," he reiterated. "_Our_ home."
+
+The hope died out.
+
+"You are ridiculous, sir."
+
+"'Tis an art, my dear, most difficult to acquire."
+
+"Sir--Mr. Everard--whoever you are--if you have any spark of manliness
+in you, of chivalry, if you care for me at all, you will this instant
+set me down!"
+
+Never had she seemed more beautiful, more desirable. Her eyes shone with
+unshed tears, soft and luminous, and the tragic mouth pleaded, even
+trying to smile.
+
+"It would appear that none of these attributes belongs to me," murmured
+his Grace, and wondered if she would weep. He had never a taste for a
+weeping woman.
+
+But Diana was proud. She realised that tears, prayers and all would
+avail her nothing, and she was determined not to break down, at least in
+his presence. Tracy was surprised to see her arrange her skirts and
+settle back against the cushions in the most unconcerned manner
+possible.
+
+"Then, since you are so ungallant, sir, pray tell me what you purpose
+doing with me?" The tone was light, even bantering, but with his
+marvellous, almost uncanny perspicacity, he sensed the breathless terror
+behind it.
+
+"Why, my dear, I had planned to marry you," he answered, bowing.
+
+The knuckles gleamed white on her clenched hand. "And if I refuse?"
+
+"I do not _think_ you will refuse, my dear." She could not repress a
+shiver.
+
+"I do refuse!" she cried sharply.
+
+The smile with which he received this statement drove the blood cold in
+her veins.
+
+"Wait. I think you will be glad to marry me--in the end," he drawled.
+
+Her great eyes were hunted, desperate, and her face was very white. The
+dry lips parted.
+
+"I think--you will be--very sorry--when my father--comes."
+
+The indulgent sneer brought the blood racing back to her cheeks.
+
+"And he will come!"
+
+His Grace was politely interested.
+
+"Really? But I do not doubt it, Diana, an he knows where to come."
+
+"He will find a way, never fear!"
+
+She laughed with a confidence she was far from feeling.
+
+"I do not fear--not in the least--I shall be delighted to welcome him,"
+promised his Grace. "I do not anticipate a refusal of your hand from
+him."
+
+"No?" Diana, too, could sneer.
+
+"No, my dear. Not after a little--persuasion."
+
+"Who are you?" she shot at him.
+
+His shoulders shook in the soundless laugh peculiar to him.
+
+"I am several people, child."
+
+"So I apprehend," she retorted smoothly. "Sir Hugh Grandison amongst
+them?"
+
+"Ah, you have guessed that?"
+
+"It rather leaps to the eye, sir." She spoke in what was almost an exact
+imitation of his sarcastic tone.
+
+"True. It was neatly done, I flatter myself."
+
+"Quite marvellous, indeed."
+
+He was enjoying her as he had rarely enjoyed a woman before. Others had
+sobbed and implored, railed and raved; he had never till now met one who
+returned him word for word, using his own weapons against him.
+
+"Who else have you the honour to be?" she asked, stifling a yawn.
+
+"I am Mr. Everard, child, and Duke of Andover."
+
+Then she turned her head and looked at him with glittering eyes.
+
+"I have heard of you, sir," she said, evenly.
+
+"You are like to hear more, my dear."
+
+"That is as may be, your Grace."
+
+Now she understood the elaborate hilt of the mysterious sword with the
+coronet on it, wrought in jewels. She wondered whether Jack had it
+still, wherever he was. If only some wonderful providence would bring
+him to her now in her dire need! There was no one to strike a blow for
+her; she was entirely at the mercy of a ruthless libertine, whose
+reputation she knew well, and whose presence filled her with dread and a
+speechless loathing. She felt very doubtful that her father would
+succeed in finding her. If only Jack were in England! He would come to
+her, she knew.
+
+His Grace leaned towards her, laying a thin, white hand on her knee.
+
+"My dear, be reasonable. I am not such a bad bargain after all."
+
+The tenderness in his voice filled her with horror. He felt her shrink
+away.
+
+"Take your hand away!" she commanded throbbingly. "Do not touch me!" He
+laughed softly and at the sound of it she controlled her terrors and
+dropped again to the mocking tone she had adopted. "What? Ungallant
+still, your Grace? Pray keep your distance!"
+
+The pistol holster on the wall at her side caught her attention.
+Instantly she looked away, hoping he had not observed her. Very little
+escaped his Grace.
+
+"I am desolated to have to disappoint you, my dear. It is empty."
+
+She laid a careless hand on the holster, verifying his statement.
+
+"This? Oh, I guessed it, your Grace!"
+
+He admired her spirit more and more. Was there ever such a girl?
+
+"My name is Tracy," he remarked.
+
+She considered it with her head tilted to one side.
+
+"I do not like your name, sir," she answered.
+
+"'There was no thought of pleasing you when I was christened,'" he quoted
+lazily.
+
+"Hardly, sir," she said. "You might be my father."
+
+It was a master stroke, and for an instant his brows drew together. Then
+he laughed.
+
+"_Merci du compliment, mademoiselle_! I admire your wit."
+
+"I protest I am overwhelmed. May I ask when we are like to arrive at our
+destination?"
+
+"We should reach Andover soon after eight, my dear."
+
+So it was some distance he was taking her?
+
+"I suppose you had the wit to provide food for the journey?" she yawned.
+"You will not wish to exhibit me at an inn, I take it?"
+
+He marvelled at her indomitable courage
+
+"We shall halt at an inn certainly, and my servant will bring you
+refreshment. That will be in about an hour."
+
+"So long?" she frowned. "Then, pray excuse me an I compose myself to
+sleep a little. I am like to find the journey somewhat tedious, I fear."
+
+She shifted farther into the corner, leaned her head back against the
+cushions and closed her eyes.
+
+Thus outwitting his Grace. For it is impossible to be passionate with a
+girl who feigns sleep when she should be struggling to escape from you.
+So Tracy, who, whatever else he might lack, possessed a keen sense of
+humour, settled himself in his corner and followed her example. So they
+jogged on....
+
+Arrived at length at the inn, the coach pulled up slowly. Diana opened
+her eyes with a great assumption of sleepiness.
+
+"Already?" she marvelled.
+
+"I trust you have slept well," said his Grace suavely.
+
+"Excellently well, I thank you, sir," was the unblushing reply.
+
+"I am relieved to hear you say so, my dear. I had thought you unable
+to--your mouth kept shut so admirably. Doubtless you have schooled your
+jaw not to drop when you sleep sitting up? I wish I might do the same."
+
+The triumph in his voice was thinly veiled. She found nothing to say.
+
+He rose.
+
+"With your leave, I will go to procure you some refreshment, child. Do
+not think me uncivil if I remind you that a servant stands without
+either door."
+
+"I thank you for the kind thought," she smiled, but her heart was sick
+within her.
+
+He disappeared, returning a few moments later with a glass of wine and
+some little cakes.
+
+"I deplore the scanty nature of your repast," he said. "But I do not
+wish to waste time. You shall be more fittingly entertained when we
+reach Andover."
+
+Diana drank the wine gratefully, and it seemed to put new life into her.
+The food almost choked her, but rather than let him see it, she broke a
+cake in half and started to eat it, playing to gain time: time in which
+to allow her father a chance of overtaking them before it was too late.
+She affected to dislike the cake, and rather petulantly demanded a 'maid
+of honour.'
+
+Tracy's eyes gleamed.
+
+"I fear I cannot oblige you, my dear. When we are married you can go to
+Richmond, and you shall have maids of honour in plenty."
+
+He relieved her of her glass, taking it from hands that trembled
+pitifully.
+
+The rest of the journey was as some terrible nightmare. She felt that
+she dared no longer feign sleep. She was terrified at what his Grace
+might do, and kept him at arm's length by means of her tongue and all
+her woman's wit. As a matter of fact, Andover had himself well in hand,
+and had no intention of letting his passion run away with him. But as
+the time went on and the light went, some of Diana's control seemed to
+slip from her, and she became a little less the self-possessed woman,
+and a little more the trapped and frightened child. When they at last
+reached Andover Court, and his Grace assisted her to alight her legs
+would barely carry her up the steps to the great iron-clamped door. She
+trembled anew as he took her hand.
+
+On the threshold he paused and bowed very low. "Welcome to your future
+home, my queen," he murmured, and led her in, past wooden-faced footmen
+who stared over her head, to his private room, where a table was set for
+two. He would have taken her in his arms then, but she evaded him and
+slipped wearily into a chair.
+
+"I protest," she managed to say, "I protest, I am faint through want of
+food."
+
+Andover, looking at her white lips, believed her. He took a seat
+opposite.
+
+Two footmen came to wait on them, and although her very soul was shamed
+that they should see her there, she was thankful for their restraining
+presence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+MY LORD RIDES TO FRUSTRATE HIS GRACE
+
+
+My lord yawned most prodigiously and let fall the _Spectator._ His eyes
+roved towards the clock, and noted with disgust that the hands pointed
+to half after five. He sighed and picked up the _Rambler_.
+
+His host and hostess were visiting some miles distant, and were not
+likely to be back until late, so my lord had a long dull evening in
+front of him, which he relished not at all. Lady O'Hara had tried to
+induce him to accompany them, promising that he would meet no one he
+knew, but he had for once been prudent and refused steadfastly. So my
+lady, after pouting crossly at him and assuring him that he was by far
+the most obstinate and disagreeable man that she had ever come across,
+not excepting her husband, who, to be sure, had been quite prodigiously
+annoying all day, relented, told him she understood perfectly, and even
+offered to kiss him to make up for her monstrous ill-humour. Jack
+accepted the offer promptly, waved farewell to her from the porch, and
+returned to the empty drawing-room to while away the time with two
+numbers of the _Spectator_ and his own thoughts till dinner, which was
+to be later than usual to-day, on account of an attack of vapours which
+had seized the cook.
+
+His thoughts were too unpleasant to be dwelt on; everything in his world
+seemed to have gone awry. So he occupied himself with what seemed to him
+a particularly uninteresting number of the _Spectator_. The sun had
+almost disappeared, and very soon it became too dark to read; no candles
+having been brought as yet, my lord, very unromantically, went to sleep
+in his chair. Whether he would have eventually snored is not known, for
+not more than a quarter of an hour afterwards the butler roused him with
+the magic words:
+
+"Dinner is served, sir."
+
+Carstares turned his head lazily.
+
+"What's that you say, James?"
+
+"Dinner is served, sir," repeated the man, and held the door wide for
+him to pass out.
+
+"Faith! I'm glad to hear it!"
+
+My lord rose leisurely and pulled his cravat more precisely into
+position. Although he was to be alone, he gave his costume a touch here
+and there, and flicked a speck of dust from one great cuff with his
+elegant lace handkerchief.
+
+He strolled across the old panelled hall to the dining-room, and sat
+down at the table.
+
+The curtains were drawn across the windows, and clusters of candles in
+graceful silver holders were arranged on the table, shedding a warm
+light on to the white damask and the shining covers. The footmen
+presented a fish, and my lord permitted a little to be put on his plate.
+The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink claret or burgundy,
+or ale? Mr. Carr would drink claret. A sirloin of beef next made its
+appearance, and went away considerably smaller. Then before my lord was
+spread an array of dishes. Partridges flanked one end, a pasty stood
+next, a cream, two chickens, a duck, and a ham of noble proportions.
+
+My lord went gently through.
+
+The butler desired to know if Mr. Carr would drink a glass of burgundy?
+He exhibited a dusty bottle. My lord considered it through his eyeglass
+and decided in favour. He sipped reflectively and waved the ham away.
+
+Sweetmeats appeared before him and a soup, while plump pigeons were
+uncovered at his elbow.
+
+One was whipped deftly on to his plate, and as he took up his knife and
+fork to carve it, a great scuffling sounded without, angry voices being
+raised in expostulation, and, above all, a breathless, insistent appeal
+for Mr. Carr or Sir Miles. My lord laid down the knife and fork and came
+to his feet.
+
+"It appears I am demanded," he said, and went to the door. It was opened
+for him at once, and he stepped out into the hall to find Mr. Beauleigh
+trying to dodge the younger footman, who was refusing to let him pass.
+At the sight of Carstares he stepped back respectfully. Mr. Beauleigh,
+hot, distraught, breathless, fell upon my lord.
+
+"Thank God you are here, sir!" he cried.
+
+Carstares observed him with some surprise. Mr. Beauleigh had been so
+very frigid when last they had met.
+
+"I am glad to be at your service, sir," he bowed. "You have commands for
+me?"
+
+"We are in terrible trouble," almost moaned the other. "Betty bade me
+come to find you, or failing you, Sir Miles, for none other can help
+us!"
+
+Carstares' glance grew sharper.
+
+"Trouble? Not--But I forget my manners--we shall talk more at ease in
+here." He led Mr. Beauleigh into the morning-room. Beauleigh thrust a
+paper into his hands.
+
+"Diana went riding this afternoon, and only her horse returned--with
+this attached to the pommel! Read it, sir! Read it!"
+
+"Diana!" Carstares strode over to the light, and devoured the contents
+of the single sheet, with eager eyes.
+
+They were not long, and they were very much to the point:
+
+"Mr. Beauleigh may haply recall to mind a certain 'Mr. Everard,' of
+Bath, whose Addresses to Miss Beauleigh were cruelly repulsed. He
+regrets having now to take the Matter into his Own Hands, and trusts to
+further his Acquaintance with Mr. Beauleigh at some Future Date, when
+Miss Beauleigh shall, He trusts, have become 'Mrs. Everard.'"
+
+Jack crumpled the paper furiously in his hand, grinding out a startling
+oath.
+
+"--insolent cur!"
+
+"Yes, yes, sir! But what will that avail my daughter? I have come
+straight to you, for my sister is convinced you know this Everard, and
+can tell me where to seek them!"
+
+Carstares clapped a hand on his shoulder.
+
+"Never fear, Mr. Beauleigh! I pledge you my word she shall be found this
+very night!"
+
+"You know where he has taken her? You do? You are sure?"
+
+"Back to his earth, I'll lay my life; 'tis ever his custom." He strode
+to the door, flung it wide and shot clear, crisp directions at the
+footman. "See to it that my mare is saddled in ten minutes and Blue
+Devil harnessed to your master's curricle! Don't stand staring--go! And
+send Salter to me!"
+
+The footman scuttled away, pausing only to inform my lord that Salter
+was not in.
+
+Carstares remembered that he had given Jim leave to visit his Mary at
+Fittering, and crushed out another oath. He sprang up the stairs, Mr.
+Beauleigh following breathlessly.
+
+In his room, struggling with his boots, he put a few questions.
+
+Mr. Beauleigh related the whole tale, dwelling mournfully on the
+excellent references for Harper he had received from Sir Hugh Grandison.
+
+Jack hauled at his second boot.
+
+"Tracy himself, of course!" he fumed, adjusting his spurs.
+
+"Pray, Mr. Carr, who is this scoundrel? Is it true that you know him?"
+
+"Andover," answered Jack from the depths of the garde-robe. "Damn the
+fellow, where has he put my cloak?" This to the absent Jim, and not the
+Duke.
+
+"Andover! Not--surely not the Duke?" cried Mr. Beauleigh.
+
+"I know of none other. At last!"
+
+He emerged and tossed a heavy, many-caped coat on to the bed.
+
+"Now, sir, your attention for one moment."
+
+He was buckling on his sword as he spoke, and not looking at the other
+man.
+
+"Tracy will have borne Di--Miss Beauleigh off to Andover Court, seven
+miles beyond Wyncham, to the south-west. Your horse, I take it, is not
+fresh," (he knew Mr. Beauleigh's horse). "I have ordered the curricle
+for you. I will ride on at once by short cuts, for there is not a moment
+to be lost--"
+
+"The Duke of Andover!" interrupted Mr. Beauleigh. "The Duke of Andover!
+Why, do you think he purposes to marry my daughter?"
+
+Jack gave a short, furious laugh.
+
+"Ay! As he married all the others!"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh winced.
+
+"Sir! Pray why should you say so?"
+
+"I perceive you do not know his Grace. Perchance you have heard of Devil
+Belmanoir?"
+
+Then the little man paled.
+
+"Good God, Mr. Carr, 'tis not he?"
+
+Carstares caught up his hat and whip.
+
+"Ay, Mr. Beauleigh, 'tis indeed he. Now perhaps you appreciate the
+necessity for haste?"
+
+Mr. Beauleigh's eyes were open at last.
+
+"For God's sake, Mr. Carr, after them!"
+
+"'Tis what I intend, sir. You will follow as swiftly as possible?"
+
+"Yes, yes, but do not wait for anything! Can you reach Andover--in
+time?"
+
+"I reach Andover to-night," was the grim answer. "And you, sir? You know
+the road?"
+
+"I will find out. Only go, Mr. Carr! Do not waste time, I implore you!"
+
+Jack struggled into his riding coat, clapped his hat on to his head, and
+with his Grace of Andover's sword tucked beneath his arm, went down the
+stairs three and four at a time, and hurried out on to the drive, where
+the groom stood waiting with Jenny's bridle over his arm. Carstares cast
+a hasty glance at the girths and sprang up. The mare sidled and
+fidgeted, fretting to be gone, but was held in with a hand of iron while
+her master spoke to the groom.
+
+"You must drive Mr. Beauleigh to Andover Court as fast as you can. It is
+a matter of life and death. You know the way?"
+
+The amazed groom collected his wits with difficulty.
+
+"Roughly, sir."
+
+"That will do--Mr. Beauleigh will know. Drive your damnedest, man--Sir
+Miles won't mind. You understand?"
+
+Jack's word was law in the O'Hara household.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered the man, and touched his hat.
+
+On the word, he saw the beautiful straining mare leap forward, and the
+next moment both horse and rider were swallowed in the gloom.
+
+"Well I'm--darned," exploded the groom, and turned to fetch the
+curricle.
+
+Across the stretch of moorland went Jack at a gallop, Jenny speeding
+under him like the wind, and seeming to catch something of her master's
+excitement. Low over her neck he bent, holding the Duke's sword across
+his saddle-bows with one hand and with the other guiding her. So he
+covered some three miles. He reined in then, and forced her to a canter,
+saving her strength for the long distance ahead of them. She was in
+splendid condition, glorying in the unrestrained gallop across the turf,
+and although she was too well-mannered to pull on the rein, Carstares
+could see by the eager twitching of her ears how she longed to be gone
+over the ground. He spoke soothingly to her and guided her on to the
+very lane where Diana had ridden that afternoon. She fell into a long,
+easy stride that seemed to eat up the ground. Now they were off the
+lane, riding over a field to join another road, leading west. A hedge
+cut them off, but the mare gathered her legs beneath her and soared
+over, alighting as gracefully as a bird, and skimming on again up the
+road.
+
+Her responsive ears flickered as he praised her, and pulled her up.
+
+"Easy now, Jenny, easy!"
+
+She was trembling with excitement, but she yielded to his will and
+trotted quietly for perhaps another half-hour.
+
+Carstares rose and fell rhythmically in the saddle, taking care to keep
+his spurred heels from her glossy sides. He guessed the time to be about
+seven o'clock, and his brows drew together worriedly. Jenny was made of
+steel and lightning, but would she manage it? He had never tested her
+powers as he was about to now, and he dared not allow her much breathing
+space. Every minute was precious if he were to reach Andover before it
+was too late.
+
+Assuming that Tracy had captured Diana at four, or thereabouts, he
+reckoned that it should take a heavy coach four hours or more to reach
+Andover. Jenny might manage it in two and a half hours, allowing for
+short cuts, in which case he ought to arrive not long after the others.
+
+He was tortured by the thought of Diana at the mercy of a man of Tracy's
+calibre; Diana in terror; Diana despairing. Unconsciously he pressed his
+knees against the smooth flank and once more Jenny fell into that long,
+swift stride. She seemed to glide over the ground with never a jar nor a
+stumble. Carstares was careful not to irk her in any way, only keeping a
+guiding, restraining hand on the rein, and for the rest letting her go
+as she willed. On and on they sped, as the time lagged by, sometimes
+through leafy lanes, at others over fields and rough tracks. Not for
+nothing had Carstares roamed this country for two years; almost every
+path was familiar to him; he never took a wrong turn, never swerved,
+never hesitated. On and on, past sleeping villages and lonely
+homesteads, skirting woods, riding up hill and down dale, never
+slackening his hold on the rein, never taking his eyes off the road
+before him, except now and then to throw a glance to the side on the
+look-out for some hidden by-path. After the first hour a dull pain in
+his shoulder reminded him of his wound, still troublesome. He set his
+teeth and pressed on still faster.
+
+The mare caught her foot on a loose stone and stumbled. His hand held
+her together, the muscles standing out like ribbed steel, his voice
+encouraged her, and he made her walk again. This time she did not fret
+against the restraint. He shifted the sword under his bridle hand, and
+passed the right down her steaming neck, crooning to her softly beneath
+his breath.
+
+She answered with a low, throbbing whinny. She could not understand why
+he desired her to gallop on, braving unknown terrors in the dark; all
+she could know was that it was his wish. It seemed also that he was
+pleased with her. She would have cantered on again, but he made her walk
+for, perhaps, another five minutes, until they were come to a stretch of
+common he knew well. It was getting late, and he pressed her with his
+knee, adjuring her to do her best, and urging her to a gallop, leaning
+right forward, the better to pierce the darkness ahead. A gorse bush
+loomed before them, and Jenny shied at it, redoubling her pace.
+
+With hand and voice he soothed her, and on they sped. He judged the time
+to be now about half-past eight, and knew that they must make the
+remaining miles in an hour. Even now the coach might have arrived, and
+beyond that he dared not think.
+
+Another half-hour crept by, and he could feel the mare's breath coming
+short and fast, and reined in again, this time to a canter. He was off
+the moor now, on a road he remembered well, and knew himself to be not
+ten miles from Wyncham. Five more miles as the crow flies.... He knew
+he must give Jenny another rest, and pulled up, dismounting and going to
+her head.
+
+Her legs were trembling, and the sweat rolled off her satin skin. She
+dropped her nose into his hand, sobbingly. He rubbed her ears and patted
+her, and she lipped his cheek lovingly, breathing more easily.
+
+Up again then, and forward once more, skimming over the ground.
+
+Leaving Wyncham on his right, Carstares cut west and then north-west, on
+the highroad now, leading to Andover. Only two more miles to go....
+
+Jenny stumbled again and broke into a walk. Her master tapped her
+shoulder, and she picked up her stride again.
+
+She was almost winded, and he knew it, but he had to force her onwards.
+She responded gallantly to his hand, although her breath came sobbingly
+and her great, soft eyes were blurred.
+
+At last the great iron gates were in view; he could see them through the
+dusk, firmly shut. He pulled up and walked on, looking for a place in
+the hedge where Jenny might push through.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+MY LORD ENTERS BY THE WINDOW
+
+
+His Grace of Andover made a sign to the footmen, and with a sinking
+heart Diana watched them leave the room, discreetly closing the door
+behind them. She affected to eat a peach, skinning it with fingers that
+were stiff and wooden. Tracy leaned back in his chair, surveying her
+through half-shut eyelids. He watched her eat her peach and rise to her
+feet standing with her hand on the back of the high, carved chair. She
+addressed him nervously and with would-be lightness.
+
+"Well, sir, I have eaten, and I protest I am fatigued. Pray have the
+goodness to conduct me to your housekeeper."
+
+"My dear," he drawled, "nothing would give me greater pleasure--always
+supposing that I possessed one."
+
+She raised her eyebrows haughtily.
+
+"I presume you have at least a maidservant," she inquired. "If I am to
+remain here, I would retire."
+
+"You shall, child, all in good time. But do not be in a hurry to deprive
+me of your fair company." He rose as he spoke, and taking her hand, led
+her dumbly to a low-backed settee at the other end of the great room.
+
+"If you have aught to say to me, your Grace, I beg that you will reserve
+it until to-morrow. I am not in the humour to-night."
+
+He laughed at her.
+
+"Still so cold, child?"
+
+"I am not like to be different, sir."
+
+His eyes glinted.
+
+"You think so? I shall show you that you are wrong, my dear. You may
+loathe me, you may love me, but I think you will lose something of that
+icy indifference. Allow me to point out to you that there is a couch
+behind you."
+
+"I perceive it, sir."
+
+"Then be seated."
+
+"It is not worth the while, sir. I am not staying." He advanced one step
+towards her with that in his face that made her sink hurriedly on to the
+couch.
+
+He nodded smiling.
+
+"You are wise, Diana."
+
+"Why so free with my name, sir?" This with icy sweetness.
+
+Tracy flung himself down beside her, his arm over the back of the settee
+and the fingers of his drooping hand just touching her shoulder. It was
+all the girl could do to keep from screaming. She felt trapped and
+helpless, and her nerve was in pieces.
+
+"Nay, sweet! An end to this quibbling. Bethink you, is it worth your
+while to anger me?"
+
+She sat rigid and silent.
+
+"I love you--ay, you shudder. One day you will not do that."
+
+"You call this love, your Grace?" she cried out, between scorn and
+misery.
+
+"Something near it," he answered imperturbably.
+
+"God help you then!" she shivered, thinking of one other who had loved
+her so differently.
+
+"Belike He will," was the pleasant rejoinder. "But we wander from the
+point. It is this: you shall retire to your chamber at once--er--armed
+with the key--an you will swear to marry me to-morrow."
+
+Very white, she made as if to rise. The thin fingers closed over her
+shoulders, forcing her to remain.
+
+"No, my dear. Sit still."
+
+Her self-control was slipping away from her; she struggled to be free of
+that hateful hand.
+
+"Oh, you brute, you brute! Let me go!"
+
+"When you have given me your answer, sweetheart."
+
+"It is no!" she cried. "A thousand times no!"
+
+"Think...."
+
+"I have thought! I would rather die than wed you!"
+
+"Very possibly. But death will not be your lot, my pretty one," purred
+the sinister voice in her ear. "Think carefully before you answer; were
+it not better to marry me with all honour than to--"
+
+"You devil!" she panted, and looked wildly round for some means of
+escape. The long window was open, she knew, for the curtain blew out
+into the room. But his Grace was between it and her.
+
+"You begin to think better of it, child? Remember, to-morrow will be too
+late. This is your chance, now. In truth," he took a pinch of snuff, "in
+truth, it matters not to me whether you will be a bride or no."
+
+With a sudden movement she wrenched herself free and darted to the
+window. In a flash he was up and had caught her as she reached it,
+swinging her round to face him.
+
+"Not so fast, my dear. You do not escape me so."
+
+His arm was about her waist, drawing her irresistibly towards him. Sick
+with fear, she struck madly at the face bent close to hers.
+
+"Let me go! How dare you insult me so? Oh, for God's sake let me go!"
+
+He was pressing her against him, one hand holding her wrists behind her
+in a grip of iron, his other arm about her shoulders.
+
+"For my own sake I will keep you," he smiled, and looked gloatingly down
+at her beautiful, agonised countenance, with its wonderful eyes gazing
+imploringly at him, and the sensitive mouth a-quiver. For one instant he
+held her so, and then swiftly bent his head and pressed his lips to
+hers.
+
+She could neither struggle nor cry out. A deadly faintness assailed her,
+and she could scarcely breathe.
+
+"By God, it is too late!" he swore. "You had best give in, madam--nought
+can avail you now."
+
+And then the unexpected happened. Even as in her last desperate effort
+to free herself she moaned the name of him whom she deemed hundreds of
+miles away across the sea, a crisp voice, vibrating with a species of
+cold fury, sounded directly behind them.
+
+"You delude yourself, Belmanoir," it said with deadly quiet.
+
+With an oath Tracy released the girl and wheeled to face the intruder.
+
+Framed by the dark curtains, drawn sword in hand, murder in his blue
+eyes, stood my lord.
+
+Tracy's snarl died slowly away as he stared, and a look of blank
+amazement took its place.
+
+Diana, almost unable to believe her eyes, dizzy with the suddenness of
+it all, stumbled blindly towards him, crying:
+
+"Thank God! Thank God! Oh, Jack!"
+
+He caught her in his arms, drawing her gently to the couch.
+
+"Dear heart, you never doubted I should come?"
+
+"I thought you in France!" she sobbed, and sank down amongst the
+cushions.
+
+Carstares turned to meet his Grace.
+
+Tracy had recovered from the first shock of surprise and was eyeing him
+though his quizzing glass.
+
+"This is an unexpected pleasure, my lord," he drawled with easy
+insolence.
+
+Diana started at the mode of address and looked up at Carstares,
+bewildered.
+
+"I perceive your sword in the corner behind you, your Grace!" snapped
+Jack, and flung over to the door, twisting the key round in the lock and
+slipping it into his breeches pocket.
+
+To Diana he was as a stranger, with no laugh in the glittering blue
+eyes, and none of the almost finicking politeness that usually
+characterised his bearing. He was very white, with lips set in a hard
+straight line, and his nostrils slightly expanded.
+
+His Grace shrugged a careless refusal.
+
+"My dear Carstares, why should I fight you?" he inquired, seemingly not
+in the least annoyed by the other's intrusion.
+
+"I had anticipated that answer, your Grace. So I brought _this_!"
+
+As he spoke Jack drove the sword he held into the wood floor, where it
+stayed, quivering.
+
+Nonchalantly Tracy took it in his hand and glanced at the hilt.
+
+His fingers tightened on it convulsively, and he shot a piercing glance
+at Jack.
+
+"I am entirely at your service," he said very smoothly, and laid the
+sword on the table.
+
+Some of the glare died out of my lord's eyes, and a little triumphant
+smile curved the corners of his mouth. Quickly he divested himself of
+his fine velvet coat, his waistcoat and his scabbard, and pulled off
+the heavy riding boots, caked with mud. He proceeded to tuck up his
+ruffles, awaiting his Grace's convenience.
+
+As one in a dream, Diana saw the table pushed back, the paces measured,
+and heard the ring of steel against steel.
+
+My lord opened the attack after a few moments' cautious circling,
+lunging swiftly and recovering, even as the Duke countered and delivered
+a lightning _riposte en quinte_. My lord parried gracefully in tierce,
+and chuckled softly to himself.
+
+With parted lips and wide eyes, the girl on the couch watched each fresh
+lunge. A dozen times it seemed as though Carstares must be run through,
+but each time, by some miraculous means, he regained his opposition, and
+the Duke's blade met steel.
+
+Once, indeed, thrusting in _quarte_, Tracy's point, aimed too high,
+flashed above the other's guard and ripped the cambric shirt at the
+sleeve. My lord retired his foot nimbly, parried, and _riposted_ with a
+straight thrust, wrist held high, before Tracy could recover his
+opposition. The blades clashed as forte met foible, and my lord lunged
+straight at his opponent's breast.
+
+Diana shut her eyes, expecting every moment to hear the dull thud of
+Tracy's body as it should fall to the ground. It did not come, but
+instead there sounded a confused stamping, and scraping of blades, and
+she looked again to find the Duke disengaging over my lord's supple
+wrist and being parried with the utmost ease and dexterity.
+
+Carstares knew that he would not be able to last long, however. His
+shoulder, fretted by the long ride, was aching intolerably, and his
+wrist seemed to have lost some of its cunning. He was conscious of a
+singing in his head which he tried, in vain, to ignore. But his eyes
+glowed and sparkled with the light of battle and the primitive lust to
+kill.
+
+The Duke was fencing with almost superhuman skill, moving heavily and
+deliberately, seemingly tireless.
+
+Carstares, on the other hand, was as swift and light as a panther, grace
+in every turn of his slim body.
+
+He feinted suddenly inside the arm, deceiving the parade of tierce. His
+Grace fell back a pace, parrying in _quarte_, and as John with a quick
+twist changed to _quarte_ also and the blades crossed, Tracy lunged
+forward the length of his arm, and a deep red splash stained the
+whiteness of my lord's sleeve at the shoulder.
+
+Diana gave a choked cry, knowing it to be the old wound, and the Duke's
+blade came to rest upon the ground.
+
+"You are--satisfied?" he asked coolly, but panting a little.
+
+My lord reeled slightly, controlled himself and brushed his left hand
+across his eyes.
+
+"On guard!" was all he replied, ignoring a pleading murmur from the
+girl.
+
+Tracy shrugged, meeting Carstares' blade with his, and the fight went
+on.
+
+Tracy's eyes were almost shut, it appeared to Diana, his chin thrust
+forward, his teeth gripping the thin lower lip.
+
+To her horror she saw that Carstares was breathing in gasps, and that
+his face was ashen in hue. It was torture to her to sit impotent, but
+she held herself in readiness to fly to his rescue should the need
+arise. Suddenly my lord feinted on both sides of the arm and ripped open
+the Duke's sleeve, causing a steady trickle of blood to drip down on to
+the floor.
+
+Tracy took no notice, but countered so deftly that John's blade wavered,
+and he staggered back. For an instant it seemed as though the end had
+come, but somehow he steadied himself, recovering his guard.
+
+Diana was on her feet now, nearly as white as her lover, her hands
+pressed to her breast. She saw that John's point was no longer so
+purposeful, and the smile had gone from his lips. They were parted now,
+the upper one rigid, and a deep furrow cut into his brow.
+
+Then, startling in the stillness of the great house, came the clanging
+of a bell, pulled with some violence.
+
+Carstares' white lips moved soundlessly, and Diana, guessing it to be
+her father, moved, clinging to the wall, towards the door.
+
+A moment later along the passage came the sound of steps; a gay,
+boisterous voice was raised, followed by a deeper, graver one.
+
+His Grace's face became devilish in its expression, but Carstares took
+no notice, seeming not to hear. Only he thrust with such skill that his
+Grace was forced to fall back a pace. The loud voices demanded to know
+what was toward in the locked room, and Diana, knowing that my lord was
+nearly spent, beat upon the panels.
+
+"Quickly, quickly!" she cried. "Break through, for heaven's sake,
+whoever you are! 'Tis locked!"
+
+"Good Gad! 'tis a woman!" exclaimed the voice. "Listen,
+Dick!--why--why--'tis a fight!"
+
+"Oh, be _quick_!" implored poor Diana.
+
+And then came the deeper voice: "Stand away, madam, we will burst the
+lock."
+
+She moved quickly aside, turning her attention once more to the duel by
+the window, as Andrew flung his shoulder against the stout wood. At the
+third blow the lock gave, the door flew wide, and Lord Andrew was
+precipitated into the room.
+
+And the two by the window fought on unheeding, faster and faster.
+
+"Well, I'm damned!" said Andrew, surveying them. He walked forward
+interestedly, and at the same moment caught sight of Jack's face. He
+stared in amazement, and called to Richard.
+
+"Good Lord! Here! Dick! Come here! Surely it's--_who_ is that man?"
+
+Diana saw the tall gentleman, so like her lover in appearance, step
+forward to the young rake's side. The next events happened in a flash.
+She heard a great cry, and before she had time to know what he was
+doing, Richard had whipped his sword from its scabbard and had struck up
+the two blades. In that moment the years rolled back, and, recognising
+his brother, Jack gasped furiously:
+
+"Damn--you--Dick! Out--of--the way!"
+
+Tracy stood leaning on his sword, watching, his breath coming in gasps,
+but still with that cynical smile on his lips.
+
+Richard, seeing that his brother would fly at the Duke again, closed
+with him, struggling to wrest the rapier from his weakened grasp.
+
+"You fool, John, leave go! Leave go, I say!"
+
+With a twist he had the sword in his hand and sent it spinning across
+the room as without a sound my lord crumpled up and fell with a thud to
+the floor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+IN WHICH WHAT THREATENED TO BE TRAGEDY TURNS TO COMEDY
+
+
+With a smothered cry Diana flew across the room to where my lord lay in
+a pitiful little heap, but before her was Richard. He fell on his knees
+beside the still figure, feeling for the wound.
+
+Diana, on the other side, looked across at him.
+
+"'Tis his shoulder, sir--an old wound. Oh, he is not--he cannot
+be--_dead_?"
+
+Richard shook his head dumbly and gently laid bare the white shoulder.
+The wound was bleeding very slightly, and they bound it deftly betwixt
+them, with their united handkerchiefs and a napkin seized from the
+table.
+
+"'Tis exhaustion, I take it," frowned Richard, his hand before the pale
+lips. "He is breathing still."
+
+Over her shoulder Diana shot an order:
+
+"One of you men, please fetch water and cognac!"
+
+"At once, madam!" responded Andrew promptly, and hurried out.
+
+She bent once more over my lord, gazing anxiously into his face.
+
+"He will live? You--are sure? He--he must have rid all the way from
+Maltby--for me!" She caught her breath on a sob, pressing one lifeless
+hand to her lips.
+
+"For you, madam?" Richard looked an inquiry.
+
+She blushed.
+
+"Yes--he--we--I--"
+
+"I see," said Richard gravely.
+
+She nodded.
+
+"Yes, and--and the Duke--caught me, and--brought me here--and--and then
+_he_ came--and saved me!"
+
+The air blowing in from the window stirred the ruffles of my lord's
+shirt, and blew a strand of her dark hair across Diana's face. She
+caught it back and stared at Richard with a puzzled air.
+
+"Pardon me, sir--but you are so like him!"
+
+"I am his brother," answered Richard shortly.
+
+Her eyes grew round with surprise.
+
+"His _brother_, sir? I never knew Mr. Carr had a brother!"
+
+"Mr.--who?" asked Richard.
+
+"Carr. It is not his name, is it? I heard the Duke call him
+Carstares--and--my lord."
+
+"He is the Earl of Wyncham," answered Richard, stretching out a hand to
+relieve Andrew of the jug of water he was proffering.
+
+"Good--gracious!" gasped Diana. "B-but he said he was a highwayman!"
+
+"Quite true, madam."
+
+"True? But how--how ridiculous--and how like him!"
+
+She soaked a handkerchief in the water, and bathed my lord's forehead.
+
+"He is not coming to in the least," she said nervously. "You are sure
+'tis not--not--"
+
+"Quite. He'll come round presently. You said he had ridden far?"
+
+"He must have, sir--I wish he were not so pale--he was staying with the
+O'Haras at Maltby."
+
+"What? The O'Haras?"
+
+"Yes--and he must have ridden from there--and his wound still so
+tender!" Again she kissed the limp hand.
+
+Over by the window his Grace, his breath recovered, was eyeing Andrew
+through his quizzing-glass.
+
+"May I inquire what brings you here?" he asked sweetly. "And why you saw
+fit to bring the saintly Richard?"
+
+"I came because it suited me to do so. I never dreamed you were
+here--'Pon my soul, I did not!"
+
+"Where then did you think I was?"
+
+"Never thought about you at all, my dear fellow. I'm not your squire."
+
+"Why is Richard here?"
+
+"Lord, what a catechism! He is here because he brought me with him on
+his way to Wyncham. Have you any objection?"
+
+"It would be useless," shrugged Tracy. "Have I killed that young fool?"
+
+Andrew looked him over in disgust.
+
+"No, you have not. You have barely touched him, thanks be."
+
+"Dear me! Why this sudden affection for Carstares?"
+
+Andrew swung round on his heel, remarking over his shoulder:
+
+"He may be a cheat, but he's a damned fine fellow. By Gad! he nearly
+pinked you as I entered!" He chuckled at the memory of that glorious
+moment.
+
+"He nearly pinked me a dozen times," replied Tracy, binding his arm
+round more tightly. "He fights like ten devils. But he was fatigued."
+
+He followed Andrew across the room and stood looking down at his
+unconscious foe.
+
+Diana's eyes challenged him.
+
+"Stand back, your Grace! You have no more to do here!"
+
+He drew out his snuff-box and took a pinch.
+
+"So that is how the matter lies, my dear. I did not know that."
+
+"You pretend that it would have made a difference in your treatment of
+me?"
+
+"Not the slightest, child," he replied, shutting the box with a snap.
+"It has merely come as a slight surprise to me. It seems he has the luck
+this round." He walked away again as another great bell-peal sounded
+through the house.
+
+Andrew, pouring cognac into a glass, paused with bottle held in mid-air.
+
+"Thunder and turf! We are like to be a party! Who now?" He set the glass
+down and lounged out of the room, bottle in hand. They heard him give an
+astonished cry and a loud laugh, and the next moment O'Hara strode into
+the room, booted and spurred and enveloped in a heavy surcoat. He came
+swiftly upon the little group about my lord and went down on one knee
+beside him. His eyes seemed to take in everyone at a glance. Then he
+looked across at Richard.
+
+"Is he alive?"
+
+Richard nodded, not meeting the hard, anxious gaze.
+
+O'Hara bent over his friend.
+
+"He has been wounded?"
+
+Diana answered this.
+
+"Only slightly, Sir Miles, but 'twas his shoulder again. He was tired
+after the ride--Mr. Carstares thinks he has fainted from exhaustion."
+
+O'Hara very gently slipped one arm beneath my lord's shoulders and the
+other under his knees, rising with him as easily as if he were carrying
+a baby. He walked over to the couch, lowering his burden on to the
+cushions that Diana placed to receive him.
+
+"He will be easier there," he said, and looked across at her.
+
+"Ye are quite safe, child?"
+
+"Quite--quite--He came just in time--and fought for me." She dabbed
+openly at her eyes. "I--I love him so, Sir Miles--and now I hear that he
+is an Earl!" she sighed.
+
+"Well, child, 'twill make no difference, I take it. I hope he'll make ye
+happy."
+
+She smiled through her tears very confidently.
+
+O'Hara turned and faced Richard, who was standing a little in the rear,
+watching his brother's face. He met O'Hara's scathing look squarely.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Nought," answered the Irishman cuttingly, and walked over to where Lord
+Andrew was arguing hotly with his brother.
+
+Carstares returned to my lord's side and stood looking silently down at
+him.
+
+Diana suddenly gave a little joyful cry.
+
+"He is coming round! He moved his head! Oh, Jack, my dear one, look at
+me!" She bent over him with eyes alight with love.
+
+My lord's eyelids flickered and opened. For a moment he stared at her.
+
+"Why--Diana!" She took his head between her hands and kissed him full on
+the mouth. Then she raised his head to look into the blue eyes.
+
+My lord's arm crept round her and held her tight against him. After a
+moment she disengaged herself and stood aside. Jack's eyes, still a
+little bewildered, fell upon his brother. He struggled up on his elbow.
+
+"Am I dreaming? _Dick_!" His voice was full of a great joy. Richard went
+quickly to him, trying to put him back on the cushions.
+
+"My dear Jack--no, no--lie still!"
+
+"Lie still?" cried my lord, swinging his feet to the ground. "Not a bit
+of it! I am well enough, but a trifle dizzy. How in thunder did you come
+here? Surely 'twas you knocked up my sword? Yes? Interfering young cub!
+Give me your arm a minute!"
+
+"But why do you want to get up?" pleaded a soft voice in his ear.
+
+"So that I can take you in my arms, sweetheart," he answered, and
+proceeded to do so.
+
+Then his glance, wandering round the room, alighted on the heated group
+by the table; Andrew vociferously indignant, Tracy coolly sarcastic, and
+O'Hara furious.
+
+"Tare an' ouns!" ejaculated my lord. "Where _did_ they all spring from?"
+
+"I don't quite know!" laughed Diana. "Sir Miles came a few minutes
+ago--the other gentleman came with Mr. Carstares."
+
+"Ay, I remember him--'tis Andrew, eh, Dick? Zounds! how he has grown!
+But what in the world are they all fighting over? Miles! Miles, I say!"
+
+O'Hara wheeled round, surprised.
+
+"Oho! Ye are up, are ye." He crossed to his side. "Then sit down!"
+
+"Since you are all so insistent, I will. How did you come here?"
+
+O'Hara went round to the back of the couch to arrange a cushion beneath
+the hurt shoulder, and leaned his arms upon the back, looking down with
+a laugh in his eyes.
+
+"Faith, I rode!"
+
+"But how did you know? Where--"
+
+"'Twas all on account of that young rascal David," he said. "Molly
+fretted and fumed all the way to the Frasers, vowing the child would be
+neglected, and what not, and we'd not been in the house above an hour or
+so, when up she jumps and says she knows that _something_ has happened
+at home, and nothing will suffice but that I must drive her back. We
+arrived just as Beauleigh was setting out. He told us the whole tale,
+and of course I had Blue Peter saddled in the twinkling of an eye and
+was off after ye. But, what with taking wrong turns and me horse not
+happening to be made of lightning, I couldn't arrive until now."
+
+"You cannot have been so long after me," said Jack. "For I wasted full
+half-an-hour outside here, trying to find an opening in the hedge for
+Jenny to get through. She is now stalled in a shed at the bottom of the
+lawn with my cloak over her. I'll swear she's thirsty, too."
+
+"I'll see to that," promised O'Hara.
+
+Andrew came across the room and bowed awkwardly to my lord, stammering a
+little. Carstares held out his hand. "Lord, Andy! I scarce knew you!"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, Andrew took the outstretched hand and
+answered, laughingly. But my lord had not failed to notice the
+hesitation, short though it had been.
+
+"I--beg your pardon. I had forgot," he said stiffly.
+
+Andrew sat down beside him, rather red about the ears.
+
+"Oh, stuff, Jack! I'm a clumsy fool, but I did not mean that!" Richard
+stepped forward into the full light of the candles.
+
+"If you will all listen to me one moment, I shall be greatly obliged,"
+he said steadily.
+
+Lord John started forward.
+
+"Dick!" he cried, warningly, and would have gone to him, but for
+O'Hara's hand on his shoulder, dragging him back.
+
+"Ah, now, be aisy," growled Miles. "Let the man say it!"
+
+"Hold your tongue, O'Hara! Dick, wait one moment! I want to speak to
+you!"
+
+Richard never glanced at him.
+
+"I am about to tell you something that should have been told--seven
+years ago--"
+
+"Once and for all, I forbid it!" snapped my lord, trying to disengage
+himself from O'Hara's grip.
+
+Miles leant over him.
+
+"See here, me boy, if ye don't keep a still tongue in your head, it's
+meself that'll be gagging you, and that's that!"
+
+My lord swore at him.
+
+Diana laid a gentle hand on his arm.
+
+"Please, John! Please be still! Why should not Mr. Carstares speak?"
+
+"You don't know what he would do!" fumed Jack.
+
+"In fact, Miss Beauleigh, Sir Miles and Andrew are completely in the
+dark," drawled the Duke. "Shall I tell the tale, Richard?"
+
+"Thank you, I shall not require your assistance," was the cold
+rejoinder. "But I must ask you to be quiet, John."
+
+"I will not! You must n--"
+
+"That will do," decided O'Hara, and placed a relentless hand over his
+mouth. "Go on, Carstares!"
+
+"For the sake of Miss Beauleigh, I will tell you that seven years ago my
+brother and I went to a card-party. I cheated. He took the blame. He has
+borne it ever since because I was too much a coward to confess. That is
+all I have to say."
+
+"'Twas for that ye wanted to see me on Friday?" shot out O'Hara.
+
+Richard nodded, dully.
+
+"Yes, I was going to tell you then."
+
+"H'm! I'm glad ye had decided to play the man's part for once!"
+
+With a furious oath Jack wrenched himself free and rounded on his
+friend.
+
+"You take too much upon yourself, O'Hara!"
+
+He rose unsteadily and walked to Richard's side.
+
+"Dick has told you much, but not all. You none of you know the reasons
+we had for acting as we did. But you know him well enough to believe
+that it needed very strong reasons to induce him to allow me take the
+blame. If anyone has aught to say in the matter, I shall be glad if he
+will say it to me--now!" His eyes flashed menacingly as they swept the
+company, and rested for an instant on O'Hara's unyielding countenance.
+Then he turned and held out his hand to his brother with his own
+peculiarly wistful smile.
+
+"Can you bear to speak to me?" muttered Richard, with face averted.
+
+"Gad, Dick, don't be ridiculous!" He grasped the unwilling hand. "You
+would have done the same for me!"
+
+Andrew pressed forward.
+
+"Well, I can see no use in raking up old scores! After all, what does it
+matter? It's buried and finished. Here's my hand on it, Dick! Lord! I
+couldn't turn my back on the man I've lived on for years!" He laughed
+irrepressibly, and wrung Richard's hand.
+
+My lord's eyes were on O'Hara, pleading. Reluctantly the Irishman came
+forward.
+
+"'Tis only fair to tell you, Richard, that I can't see eye to eye with
+Andrew, here. However, I'm not denying that I think a good deal better
+of ye now than I did--seven years ago."
+
+Richard looked up eagerly.
+
+"You never believed him guilty?"
+
+O'Hara laughed.
+
+"Hardly!"
+
+"You knew 'twas I?"
+
+"I had me suspicions, of course."
+
+"I wish--oh, how I wish you had voiced them!"
+
+O'Hara raised his eyebrows, and there fell a little silence. His Grace
+of Andover broke it, coming forward in his inimitable way. He looked
+round the room at each member of the company.
+
+"One, two, three--four, five--" he counted. "Andrew, tell them to lay
+covers for five in the dining-room."
+
+"Aren't you staying?" asked his brother, surprised.
+
+"I have supped," replied Tracy coolly.
+
+For a moment O'Hara's mouth twitched, and then he burst out laughing.
+Everyone looked at him inquiringly.
+
+"Ecod!" he gasped. "Oh, sink me an I ever came across a more amusing
+villain! 'Lay covers for five!' Oh, damme!"
+
+"Or should I have said six?" continued his Grace imperturbably. "Am I
+not to have the honour of Mr. Beauleigh's company?"
+
+O'Hara checked his mirth.
+
+"No, ye are not! He was content to let me manage the business, and went
+back to Littledean."
+
+"I am sorry," bowed his Grace, and turned to my lord, who, with his arm
+about Diana's waist, was watching him arrogantly.
+
+"I see how the land lies," he remarked. "I congratulate you, John. I
+cannot help wishing that I had finished you that day in the road. Permit
+me to say that you fence rather creditably."
+
+My lord bowed stiffly.
+
+"Of course," continued his Grace smoothly, "you also wish you had
+disposed of me. I sympathise. But, however much you may inwardly despise
+and loathe me, you cannot show it--unless you choose to make yourself
+and me the talk of town--not forgetting Mistress Diana. Also I abhor bad
+tragedy. So I trust you will remain here to-night as my guest--er,
+Andrew, pray do not omit to order bed-chambers to be
+prepared--Afterwards you need never come near me again--in fact, I hope
+that you will not."
+
+My lord could not entirely repress a smile.
+
+"I thank your Grace for your hospitality, which I fear," he glanced down
+at Diana's tired face, "I shall be compelled to accept. As to the
+rest--I agree. Like you, I dislike bad tragedy."
+
+Diana gave a tiny laugh.
+
+"You are all so stiff!" she said _I_ shall go to bed!"
+
+"I will take you to the stairs then," said Jack promptly, and led her
+forward.
+
+She stopped as they were about to pass his Grace, and faced him.
+
+Tracy bowed very low.
+
+"Good-night, madam. Carstares will know which room I had assigned to
+you. You will find a servant there."
+
+"Thank you," she said steadily. "I shall try to forget the happenings of
+this day, your Grace. I see the truth in what you say--we cannot afford
+to let the world see that we are at enmity, lest it should talk. And, I
+confess it freely, I find it less hard to forgive you the insults of--of
+to-day, since they brought--Jack--to me. An I had not been in such dire
+straits, I might never have seen him again."
+
+"In fact," bowed his Grace, "everything has been for the best!"
+
+"I would not say that, sir," she replied, and went out.
+
+For a moment there was silence in the room. No one quite knew what to
+say. As usual, it was Tracy who came to the rescue, breaking an
+uncomfortable pause.
+
+"I suggest that we adjourn to the dining-room," he said. "I gather we
+may have to wait some time before his lordship reappears. O'Hara, after
+you!"
+
+"One moment," replied Miles. "Jack's mare is in a shed somewhere. I said
+I would see to her."
+
+"Andrew!" called his Grace. "When you have finished superintending the
+laying of the supper, give orders concerning Carstares' mare!"
+
+A casual assent came from outside, and immediately afterwards Lord
+Andrew's voice was heard shouting instructions to someone, evidently
+some way off.
+
+On the whole, the supper-party passed off quite smoothly. His Grace was
+smilingly urbane, Andrew boisterous and amusing, and O'Hara bent on
+keeping the conversation up. Richard sat rather silent, but my lord,
+already deliriously happy, soon let fall his armour and joined in the
+talk, anxious to hear all the news of town for the last six years.
+
+O'Hara was several times hard put to it to keep from laughing out loud
+at his thoughts. The humour of the situation struck him forcibly. After
+fighting as grimly as these men fought, and after all that had
+transpired, that they should both sit down to supper as they were doing,
+appealed to him strongly. He had quite thought that my lord would
+incline to tragedy and refuse to stay an instant longer in the Duke's
+house.
+
+It was not until midnight, when everyone else had gone to bed, that the
+brothers came face to face, alone. The dining-room was very quiet now,
+and the table bore a dissipated look with the remains of supper left on
+it. My lord stood absently playing with the long-handled punch spoon,
+idly stirring the golden dregs at the bottom of the bowl. The candles
+shed their light full on his face, and Richard, standing opposite in the
+shadow, had ample opportunity of studying it.
+
+It seemed to him that he could not look long enough. Unconsciously his
+eyes devoured every detail of the loved countenance and watched each
+movement of the slender hand. He found John subtly changed, but quite
+how he could not define. He had not aged much, and he was still the same
+laughter-loving Jack of the old days, with just that intangible
+difference. O'Hara had felt it, too: a slight impenetrability, a
+reserve.
+
+It was my lord who broke the uncomfortable silence. As if he felt the
+other's eyes upon him, he looked up with his appealing, whimsical smile.
+
+"Devil take it, Dick, we're as shy as two schoolboys!"
+
+Richard did not smile, and his brother came round the table to his side.
+
+"There's nought to be said betwixt us two, Dick. 'Twould be so damned
+unnecessary. After all--we always shared in one another's scrapes!"
+
+He stood a moment with his hand on Richard's shoulder; then Richard
+turned to him "What you must _think_ of me!" he burst out. "My God, when
+I realise--"
+
+"I know. Believe me, Dick, I know just what you must have felt. But pray
+forget it! It's over now, and buried."
+
+There was another long silence. Lord John withdrew his hand at last, and
+perched on the edge of the table, smiling across at Richard.
+
+"I'd well-nigh forgot that you were a middle-aged papa! A son?"
+
+"Ay--John--after you."
+
+"I protest I am flattered. Lord, to think of you with a boy of your
+own!" He laughed, twirling his eyeglass.
+
+At last Richard smiled.
+
+"To think of you an uncle!" he retorted, and suddenly all vestige of
+stiffness had fled.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Next morning Richard went on to Wyncham, and Diana, Jack and O'Hara
+travelled back to Sussex. Jack would not go home yet. He protested that
+he was going to be married first, and would then bring home his
+Countess. But he had several instructions to give his brother concerning
+the preparation of his house. The last thing he requested Richard to do
+was to seek out a certain city merchant, Fudby by name, and to rescue a
+clerk, Chilter, from him, bearing him off to Wyncham. All this he called
+from the coach window, just before they set off.
+
+Richard led Jenny, whom he was to ride home, up to the door of the
+vehicle, and expostulated.
+
+"But what in thunder am I to do with the man?"
+
+"Give him to Warburton," advised Jack flippantly. "I know he needs a
+clerk--he always did!"
+
+"But perhaps he will not desire to come--"
+
+"You do as I tell you!" laughed his brother. "I shall expect to find him
+at Wyncham when I arrive! _Au revoir_!" He drew his head in, and the
+coach rumbled off.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+LADY O'HARA IS TRIUMPHANT
+
+
+After spending a restless night, starting at every sound, and hearing
+the hours strike slowly away, Lady O'Hara arose not a whit refreshed and
+considerably more ill at ease than she had been before.
+
+During the night she had imagined all sorts of impossible horrors to
+have befallen her husband, and if, when the reassuring daylight had
+come, the horrors had somewhat dispersed, enough remained to cause her
+an anxious morning as she alternated between the hall window and the
+gate.
+
+No less worried was Jim Salter. He had returned from Fittering last
+night to find his master and Sir Miles gone, Lady O'Hara in a state of
+frightened bewilderment, and the house in a whirl. No one, least of all
+poor Molly, seemed to know exactly where the two men had gone. All she
+knew was that they had come back upon a scene of turmoil, with Mr.
+Beauleigh in the midst of a small crowd of excited servants. Her husband
+had elbowed his way through, and into his ears had Mr. Beauleigh poured
+his story. Then O'Hara seemed to catch the excitement, and she had been
+hurried into the house with the hasty explanation that Jack was off
+after Devil, who had caught Diana, and he must to the rescue. Ten
+minutes after, she had an alarming vision of him galloping off down the
+drive, his sword at his side and pistols in the saddle-holsters. The
+poor little lady had sent an imploring cry after him, checked almost
+before it had left her lips. Afterwards she wished it had never been
+uttered, and rather hoped that it had escaped O'Hara's ears.
+
+Salter arrived not half-an-hour later, and his feelings when told that
+his beloved master had ridden off in search of a fight, may be more
+easily imagined than described. He was all for setting out in his wake,
+but her ladyship strongly vetoed the plan, declaring that Sir Miles
+would be rescue enough, and she was not going to be left entirely
+without protectors. Jim was far too respectful to point out that there
+were five able-bodied men, not counting himself, in the house, but as
+his master had left no instructions for him, he capitulated.
+
+He proved nought but a Job's comforter next day, for when my lady
+pessimistically premised that both Carstares _and_ her husband were
+undoubtedly hurt, he did not, as she expected he would, strive to
+reassure her, but gave a gloomy assent. Whereupon she cast an indignant
+glance in his direction, and turned her back.
+
+At four in the afternoon they were both in the hall, anxiously watching
+the drive.
+
+"To be sure, 'tis monstrous late!" remarked Molly, with wide,
+apprehensive eyes.
+
+"Yes, my lady."
+
+"If--if nought were amiss, they should have been back by now, surely?"
+
+"Yes indeed, my lady."
+
+Lady O'Hara stamped her foot.
+
+"Don't say jes!" she cried.
+
+Jim was startled.
+
+"I beg pardon, m'lady?"
+
+"You are not to say yes! After all, they may have gone a long
+way--they--er--they may be tired! Jenny may have gone
+lame--anything--anything may have happened!"
+
+"Yes, m'--I mean certainly, your ladyship!" hastily amended Jim.
+
+"In fact, I should not be surprised an they were not at all hurt!"
+
+He shook his head despondently, but luckily for him the lady failed to
+notice it, and continued with airy cheerfulness:
+
+"For my husband has _often_ told me what an excellent swordsman Mr.
+Carstares is, and--"
+
+"Your ladyship forgets his wound."
+
+What she might have been constrained to reply to this is not known, for
+at that moment came the sound of coach-wheels on the gravel. With one
+accord she and Salter flew to the door, and between them, wrenched it
+open, just as a gentleman's travelling coach, postillioned by men in
+gold and black, and emblazoned with the Wyncham arms, drew up at the
+door.
+
+My lady was down the steps in the twinkling of an eye, almost before one
+of the grooms had opened the door to offer an arm to my lord. Carstares
+sprang lightly out, followed by O'Hara, seemingly none the worse for
+wear.
+
+Molly ran straight into her husband's arms, regardless of the servants,
+hugging him.
+
+Jim Salter hurried up to my lord.
+
+"Ye are not hurt, sir?" he cried.
+
+Carstares handed him his hat and cloak.
+
+"Nought to speak of, Jim. But 'Everard' well-nigh finished me for all
+that!" He laughed at Jim's face of horror, and turned to Molly, who,
+having satisfied herself that her husband was quite uninjured and had
+never once been in danger of his life, had come towards him, full of
+solicitude for his shoulder.
+
+"Oh, my dear Jack! Miles tells me you have hurt your poor shoulder
+again! And pray what has been done for it? I dare swear not one of you
+great men had the wit to summon a doctor, as indeed you should have,
+for--"
+
+"Whist now, asthore!" adjured her husband. "'Tis but a clean scratch
+after all. Take him into the house and give him something to drink! I'll
+swear 'tis what he needs most!"
+
+Molly pouted, laughed and complied.
+
+Over the ale Jack related the whole escapade up to the moment when he
+had parted from Diana at Littledean. Then O'Hara took up the tale with a
+delightful chuckle.
+
+"Sure, Molly, ye never saw anything to equal poor old Beauleigh when his
+daughter had told him Jack's name! Faith, he didn't know what to do at
+all, he was so excited! And Miss Betty I thought would have the vapours
+from the way she flew from Di to Jack and back again, in such a state of
+mind as ye can't imagine!"
+
+Molly, who had listened with round eyes, drew a deep ecstatic breath.
+Then she bounced up, clapping her hands, and proclaimed that she was
+right after all!
+
+"What will ye be meaning, alanna?" inquired O'Hara.
+
+"Pray, sir, did I not say _over_ and _over_ again that if I could only
+induce Jack to stay with us everything would come right? Now, Miles, you
+know I did!"
+
+"I remember ye said something like it once," admitted her spouse.
+
+"Once, indeed! I was always sure of it. And I did coax you to stay, did
+I not, Jack?" she appealed.
+
+"You did," he agreed. "You assured me that if I was churlish enough to
+leave, Miles would slowly sicken and pine away!"
+
+She ignored her husband's ribald appreciation of this.
+
+"Then you see that 'tis all owing to me that--" She broke off to shake
+O'Hara, and the meeting ended in riotous hilarity.
+
+When he went to change his clothes, Carstares found Jim already in his
+room awaiting him. He hailed him gaily, and sat down before his
+dressing-table.
+
+"I require a very festive costume to-night, Jim. Rose velvet and cream
+brocade, I think."
+
+"Very good, your lordship," was the prim reply.
+
+Jack slewed round.
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"I understand your lordship is an Earl," said poor Jim.
+
+"Now who was the tactless idiot who told you that? I had intended to
+break the news myself. I suppose now, you know my--story?"
+
+"Yes, si--my lord. I--I suppose ye won't be requiring my services any
+longer?"
+
+"In heaven's name, why not? Do you wish to leave me?"
+
+"Wish to--! No, sir--my lord--I--I thought ye'd maybe want a smarter
+valet--and--not me."
+
+My lord turned back to the mirror and withdrew the pin from his cravat.
+
+"Don't be a fool."
+
+This cryptic remark seemed greatly to reassure Jim.
+
+"Ye mean it, sir?"
+
+"Of course I do. I should be lost without you after all this time. Marry
+that nice girl at Fittering, and she shall maid my lady. For I'm to be
+married as soon as may be!"
+
+"Ay, s--my lord! I'm sure I'm very glad, s--your lordship. Rose, sir?
+With the silver lacing?"
+
+"I think so, Jim. And a cream--very pale cream waistcoat, broidered in
+with rose. There is one, I know."
+
+"Yes, sir--your lordship."
+
+My lord eyed him despondently.
+
+"Er--Jim!"
+
+"Yes--your lordship?"
+
+"I'm sorry, but I cannot endure it."
+
+"I beg pardon, my lord?"
+
+"I can't have you call me 'your lordship,' after every second word--I
+really cannot."
+
+"Why, sir--may I still call you 'sir'?"
+
+"I would much rather you did."
+
+"Ay, sir--thank you...."
+
+In the middle of tying the bow to his master's wig Jim paused, and in
+the mirror Jack saw his face fall.
+
+"What's amiss now? And what have you done with my patches?"
+
+"In that little box, sir--yes--that one. I was just thinking--here's the
+haresfoot, sir--that I shall never be able to see ye hold up a coach
+now!"
+
+My lord, striving to affix the patch in just the right spot at the
+corner of his mouth, tried to control his features, failed, and went off
+into a peal of laughter that reached O'Hara in the room across the
+landing, and caused him to grin delightedly. He had not heard that laugh
+for many a long day.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE
+
+
+His Grace of Andover sat at the window of his lodgings at Venice,
+looking down at a letter in his hand. The writing was his sister's.
+After a moment he drew a deep breath and broke the seal, spreading the
+sheets out upon the broad sill.
+
+"My very dear Tracy,
+
+"So you have gone again with no Farewell to yr. poor Sister, sir! I am
+indeed very offended, but I understand yr. Reason. As soon as I sett
+mine eyes on Diana I knew the Truth and recognised yr. dark Beauty. I am
+monstrous grieved for you, dear. I quite love her myself, altho' she is
+very tiresomely lovely, but perhaps as she is dark and I am fair, we
+shall not clash.
+
+"The Home-coming was prodigious exciting. Andrew was present, Dicky, of
+course, and me. Mrs. Fanshawe, too, was there, for she knew Jack Abroad,
+and a monstrous queer Old Man, who was vastly fidgetty and overcome to
+see Jack. Then Sir Miles and his wife came, who I thought quite
+agreeable nice People, and Diana's Father and Aunt, rather Bourgeois,
+but, on the whole, presentable.
+
+"Everyone knows the Truth now, but most People have been prodigious kind
+and I scarce notice a difference in our Reception. Dearest Dicky is
+gayer than he was wont to be and more darling, and I almost enjoy being
+a Social Outcast.
+
+"When Diana is properly gowned, as should suit her position (but I
+grieve to say that she prefers to dress plainly), she will make a
+prodigious Elegantt Countess. I have promised to connduct her to my own
+Mantua Maker, which is very sacrificing, as I am sure You will agree. I
+know London will go Crazy about her, and, indeed, those who have
+allready seen her, which is Avon and Falmouth, are positively Foolish. I
+make no doubtt 'twill be very mortifying, but I suppose it must be
+borne.
+
+"She and Jack are prodigious happy together; it is most Unfashionable,
+but so am I happy with Dick, so there are a Pair of us, and we had best
+_sett_ Fashion.
+
+"Pray, return soon, my dear Tracy, you cannot conceive how I miss you. I
+was surprised you went away with Mr. Fortescue, I had no Notion you were
+so friendly.
+
+"With dearest Love,
+
+"Yr. Sister
+
+"LAVINIA.
+
+"P.S.--'Twill interest you to hear that Miss Gunning is to marry
+Coventry. 'Tis all over Town this last Week."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Slowly his Grace put the sheets together and handed them to Fortescue,
+who had just come into the room.
+
+"These, from my sister, may possibly interest you, Frank."
+
+Fortescue read the letter through, and at the end folded it and handed
+it back in silence. Tracy laid it down on the table at his elbow.
+
+"I began--wrongly," he said.
+
+"Yes," assented his friend. "She was not--that kind of girl."
+
+"But having begun wrongly--I could not undo the wrong."
+
+"So you made it worse," said Fortescue gently.
+
+"I would have married her in all honour--"
+
+"In your own arrogant fashion, Tracy."
+
+"As you say--in my own arrogant fashion, Frank. If I could go back a
+year--but where's the use? I am not whining. Presently I shall return
+to England and make my bow to--the Countess of Wyncham. Possibly, I
+shall not feel one jealous qualm. One never knows. At all events--I'll
+make that bow."
+
+"You will?" Frank looked sharply down at him. "Nothing more, Tracy! You
+do not purpose--"
+
+"Nothing more. You see, Frank--I love her."
+
+"I crave your pardon. Yes--she would not take you, but she has, I think,
+made you. As I once told you, when love came you would count yourself as
+nought, and her happiness as everything."
+
+For a moment his Grace was silent, and then back came the old smile,
+still cynical, yet with less of the sneer in it.
+
+"How very pleasant it must be, Frank, to have one's prophecies so
+happily verified!" he purred. "Allow me to felicitate you!"
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Moth, by Georgette Heyer
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