There was something in Mr. Catspaw's voice and manner which struck Lady Rety, and which made by no means an agreeable impression upon her.
"You are merry, sir," said she; "though really I cannot understand what there is to laugh at?"
"But I can!" replied Mr. Catspaw. "The man who is in at the death, and after a hard run too, has a right to be merry."
"But we are not in at the death!" retorted Lady Rety; "Viola is at large, and we are suspected."
"Fiddlesticks!" exclaimed the attorney, with a loud burst of laughter. "Viola's escape is nothing to us. Is he not sentenced to death? Is he not aware that he cannot appear against us, without bringing his own skin to market? or do you think that the robber will come to be hanged, merely for the pleasure of giving evidence against you and me? And as for any one suspecting us, why it's sheer nonsense! The thing is too bad for anybody to believe it!"
"You would change your opinion if you could hear what Akosh says. I am afraid he knows more than is good for him and for us."
"Fiddlesticks! Stuff and nonsense!" cried the attorney. "What can he know? I dare say he has smelled a rat, but that's all. But I'll dodge him, madam; I'll dodge him!"
"You are determined to see the bright side of things," said Lady Rety, amazed; for usually it was the worthy attorney's habit rather to increase than to lessen the difficulties of a question.
"Why should I not?" answered Mr. Catspaw, as he leaned over towards her. "Have I not devoted my whole life to your family? And have I not braved all dangers? And now that the time of my reward is come, what can prevent me from enjoying myself?"
"What do you mean, sir?" said Lady Rety, with a stare.