‘Ha! indeed. Is that our friend’s line?’
‘Most undoubtedly, my lord. I am ashamed to say that it was entirely my own fault if you are saddled with the fellow at all.’
‘I do not see the infliction—’
‘I mean, my lord, that, in a measure, I put him on you without very well knowing what it was that I did.’
‘Have you heard—do you know anything of the man that should inspire caution or distrust?’
‘Well, these are strong words,’ muttered he hesitatingly.
But Lady Maude broke in with a passionate tone, ‘Don’t you see, my lord, that he does not know anything to this person’s disadvantage; that it is only my cousin’s diplomatic reserve—that commendable caution of his order—suggests his careful conduct? Cecil knows no more of Atlee than we do.’
‘Perhaps not so much,’ said Walpole, with an impertinent simper.
‘I know,’ said his lordship, ‘that he is a monstrous clever fellow. He can find you the passage you want or the authority you are seeking for at a moment; and when he writes, he can be rapid and concise too.’
‘He has many rare gifts, my lord,’ said Walpole, with the sly air of one who had said a covert impertinence. ‘I am very curious to know what you mean to do with him.’