“I thank you, my Lord; I am perfectly well,” said he, with a most repelling coldness.
“You are surprised to see me in Florence, for certain,” said the other, with a forced laugh.
“Very much surprised to see you here, my Lord,” was the abrupt reply.
“Ha! ha! ha! I thought so!” cried Norwood, laughing, and pretending not to feel the point of the remark. “But, nowadays, one flits about the world in slippers and dressing-gown, and travelling inflicts no fatigue. I only left England ten days ago.”
“The post comes in seven, my Lord,” said Sir Stafford. “I have had letters this morning, written this day week, and which give the last events in Town Life up to the very hour.”
“Indeed! and what's the news, then?” said he, negligently.
“If your Lordship will favor me with your company for a few minutes, I may be able to enlighten you,” said Sir Stafford, moving towards the door.
“With the greatest pleasure. Good-bye, Lady Hester,” said he, rising. “You said seven o'clock dinner, I think?”
“Yes,” replied she, but in a voice almost inarticulate from shame and terror.
“Now, Sir Stafford, I 'm at your orders,” said the Viscount, gayly, as he left the room, followed by the old man, whose crimson cheek and flashing eye bespoke the passion which was struggling within him.