‘Mean to do with him? Why, what should I mean to do with him?’
‘The very point I wish to learn. A protégé, my lord, is a parasitic plant, and you cannot deprive it of its double instincts—to cling and to climb.’
‘How witty my cousin has become since his sojourn in Ireland,’ said Maude.
Walpole flushed deeply, and for a moment he seemed about to reply angrily; but, with an effort, he controlled himself, and turning towards the timepiece on the chimney, said, ‘How late! I could not have believed it was past one! I hope, my lord, I have made your despatch intelligible?’
‘Yes, yes; I think so. Besides, he will be here in a day or two to explain.’
‘I shall, then, say good-night, my lord. Good-night, Cousin Maude.’ But Lady Maude had already left the room unnoticed.
CHAPTER LXVII
WALPOLE ALONE
Once more in his own room, Walpole returned to the task of that letter to Nina Kostalergi, of which he had made nigh fifty drafts, and not one with which he was satisfied.