‘So it is. How is that to be managed, landlord? Does his lordship permit strangers to visit the castle?’
‘Nothing easier than that, sir,’ said the host, who gladly embraced a project that should detain his guests at the inn. ‘My lord went through the town this morning on his way to Loughrea fair; but the young ladies is at home; and you’ve only to send over a message, and say you’d like to see the place, and they’ll be proud to show it to you.’
‘Let us send our cards, with a line in pencil,’ said Walpole, in a whisper to his friend.
‘And there are young ladies there?’ asked Lockwood.
‘Two born beauties; it’s hard to say which is handsomest,’ replied the host, overjoyed at the attraction his neighbourhood possessed.
‘I suppose that will do?’ said Walpole, showing what he had written on his card.
‘Yes, perfectly.’
‘Despatch this at once. I mean early to-morrow; and let your messenger ask if there be an answer. How far is it off?’
‘A little over twelve miles, sir; but I’ve a mare in the stable will “rowle” ye over in an hour and a quarter.’
‘All right. We’ll settle on everything after breakfast to-morrow.’ And the landlord withdrew, leaving them once more alone.