“That red-faced villain, sir. Jane have seen smoke come out of his mouth.”
“Tut! What an unconscionable scoundrel! We must put a snuffer on him.”
He smiled and nodded and went on his way. He suffered some small trepidation thereby over the thought of what he was about to face.
Miss Royston rose with a little stiff laugh as he entered the room. She was trim and dainty for all her poverty of circumstance. He went straight up to her and bowed low.
“What can I offer you,” he said, “but my deep regrets?”
“Indeed, sir,” she answered loftily, “’tis our friend’s trouble that hath worked your misfortune. You are recovered, I hope?”
“I am almost well.”
The Viscount Dunlone, who had been seated over the hearth, and who was in truth the only other present, rose here with a glowering face. His left arm was swathed in linen bandages.
“That being so,” he said, “I will ask you, is it not intolerable I should be brought by your invitation to this monstrous pass?”
“Sure, sir, I deplore the accident, but I must insist ’twas Sir David bid you here.”