"Indeed?"
"Now, an you'll believe me, sir, I have a mind to speak with the rascal."
"Indeed? then you are bolder than most, sir," said Jack, cheerfully. He was really beginning to wonder what the Squire of Hartington was driving at.
"It seems strange, doesn't it? but to be frank with you, I'm in two minds about that rogue."
"How so?"
"Well! I have a score to settle with him, and a business to propose; and I cannot decide which course to adopt."
"You, sir, being so clever, might perhaps manage both," said Bathurst with a touch of sarcasm.
"Hm! I wonder now," continued Sir Humphrey, not wishing to notice the slight impertinence. "I wonder now what an independent gentleman like yourself would advise me to do. I have not the honour of knowing who you are," he added with grave condescension, "but I can see that you are, like myself, a gentleman."
Bathurst bowed in polite acknowledgment.
"I should be proud to serve you with advice, sir, since you desire it."