When Mr. Slingsby had taken his departure, Mr. Wrench rubbed the palms of his hands together in great glee.
“Ah, I wasn’t far out in my surmise!” he ejaculated. “I thought there was a woman in the case. Well, I should never have thought it of him, for, to say the truth, he appeared to be altogether a different sort of man; but, Lord, one never knows whom to place faith in. Still he seemed so discreet, so high-minded, so far removed from temptation. But, then, after all, it is but a natural consequence. Here’s a fine handsome young fellow finds himself suddenly deserted by one who, if the truth must be told, ought to have cleaved to him through good and bad fortune. Yes, it is but natural that he should form another connection, and it is withal most fortunate, as far as we are concerned.”
He put on his hat and gloves, and sallied forth.
He made the best of his way to Mr. Chicknell’s chambers.
The lawyer was perfectly staggered when he heard the news.
“You don’t mean it? Can it be possible?” he ejaculated.
“Fact, sir—an indisputable fact.”
“Do you think he is living in open adultery with this woman?”
“I fear—or rather I fancy so.”
“Umph! sit down. Pray, be seated, Mr. Wrench. The earl must know of this; he will be most delighted.”