“Yes; but it was only out of curi-curi-curi—”
“Curiosity, sir, like other luxuries, must be paid for; and, as you seem a glutton, your appetite may be expensive to you.”
“The mystery remains unsolved as to young Onslow, Colonel?” said Mrs. Ricketts, half in question.
“I believe not, madam. The explanation is very simple. The gallant guardsman, having heard of Guilmard's skill, preferred being reported 'missing' to 'killed,' having previously arranged with Norwood to take his place. The price was, I fancy, a smart one,—some say five thousand, some call it ten. Whatever the amount, it has not been paid, and Norwood is furious.”
“But the accident?”
“As for that, madam, nothing more natural than to crack your skull when you lose your head.” And Haggerstone drew himself up with the proud consciousness of his own smartness.
“Then of course the poor young man is ruined?” observed Martha.
“I should say so, madam,—utterly ruined. He may figure on the committee of a Polish ball, but any other society would of course reject him.” This was said to obtain a sneer at Petrolaffsky, without his being able to guess why. “I believe I may say, without much fear of contradiction, that these Onslows were all humbugs! The old banker's wealth, my lady's refinement, the guardsman's spirit, were all in the same category,—downright humbugs!”
“How he hates us,—how he detests the aristocracy!” said Mrs. Ricketts, in a whisper to the Pole.
“And de Dalton——what of her?——is she millionnaire?” asked Petrolaffsky.