Lord Maltravers was naturally very much elated at his success in winning Lena Van Hoosen's consent to marry him.
He was really very much in love with the young lady, and intended to settle down and live a quiet life with her.
That he had got rid of Adéle Bellefontaine forever, he did not doubt for a moment.
Everything progressed favorably with him, as his plans gradually approached their fruition.
A few days before that appointed for the marriage, Bambino entered his master's private room, while he was at breakfast.
He sat down with an air of easy familiarity, which was very unusual with him.
"What do you want?" asked Maltravers, looking up from his paper.
"My discharge," replied Bambino.
Lord Maltravers put a glass in his eye and regarded him curiously.
"Your what?" he asked.