He handed the paper to his wife, and added:
"Go, my dear, to your room, and amuse yourself with the news until I am at liberty."
Elise, with an ill grace, quitted the room, wondering what secret business the two men were about to transact.
With the quick instinct of a woman, who is always more or less of a disciple of Lavater, and a judge of male character, she took a dislike to Maltravers when she had a fair opportunity of studying his face.
Not that he was homely. Far from it. He was just the sort of man to fascinate a woman, but there was a lurking devil in his features which betrayed the slumbering fire of wickedness within.
Her husband and Mr. Smith were closeted together for over an hour, when the latter left.
"You fully understand?" said his lordship, at parting.
"Perfectly."
"I leave for Calistoga this afternoon, and depend upon you."
"I will do my best, sir," replied Clarence, respectfully.