'And his papers seized. One or two, I believe, were burned, but the greater part were seized,' and then he broke out with an oath. 'Damn these plots! What in the world made you meddle with such Tory nonsense?'
'Faith,' said Wogan, 'I have been wondering how ever you demeaned yourself to become a Whig.'
Wogan wondered very much more what strange mishap had brought Mr. Kelly to this pass at the moment when he seemed to have success beneath his hand. Something wholly unexpected must have happened during those few minutes when he and Smilinda were left alone. Something had happened, indeed, but it was something very much simpler than Mr. Wogan looked for, who had not the key to the Parson's thoughts. However, he forebore to inquire, and instead:
'Colonel,' said he, 'you professed last night that you were under some trifling obligation to me.'
'I trust to-day to make the profession good.'
'Faith, then you can, Colonel. There's a little matter of a quarrel.'
At this the Colonel broke in with a laugh.
'With whom?'
'With a lad I have taken a great liking for,' and the Colonel laughed again. 'Therefore I would not put a slight on him by missing a certain appointment. It is Lord Sidney Beauclerk.'
Colonel Montague's face clouded as he heard the name.