“That is the luckiest fellow in Europe,” said one of his late antagonists; “as usual he rises the only winner.”
“You can scarcely call it luck,” said another; “he is a first-rate player, and always so cool.”
Meanwhile, Linton, mounting his horse, rode slowly along the streets till he arrived at Bilton's Hotel, where a handsome britzska was standing, whose large up-standing horses and richly-mounted harnessing gave token of London rather than of Dublin taste.
“Is her Ladyship going out, Halpin?” said he to the footman.
“Her Ladyship ordered the carriage for four precisely, sir.”
Linton mused for a second or two, and then asked if Lord Kilgoff were at home, and not waiting for a reply, passed on.
No sooner, however, had he reached the landing-place, and was beyond the observation of the servant, than he halted and appeared to reflect At last, as if having made his resolve, he turned to descend the stairs, when the drawing-room door opened and Lord Kilgoff appeared.
“The very man I wanted. Linton, come here,” cried he, re-entering the room.
“I was just on my way to you, my Lord,” said Linton, with well-affected eagerness.
“Are they out, Linton, are they 'out'?” said he, in breathless impatience.