"I know it is not prudent; but there is no fear. I have none but honest and faithful servants about me. I will take the numbers and send the notes to the bank to-morrow."
"Yes," said Miss Hastings, quietly, "it is better to keep temptation from servants."
"There is no fear," he returned. "I always put the box away, and I sleep with my keys under my pillow."
Sir Oswald gave Captain Langton a few directions about the diamond, and then the ladies withdrew.
"Sir Oswald," said Captain Langton, "let me have a cigar with you to-night. I must not thank you, but if you knew how grateful I feel——"
"I will put away the box first, and then we will have a glass of wine, Aubrey."
The baronet went to his study, and the captain to his room; but in a few minutes they met again, and Sir Oswald ordered a bottle of his choicest Madeira. They sat talking for some time, and Sir Oswald told Aubrey all his plans—all that he intended to do. The young man listened, with envy and dissatisfaction burning in his heart. All these plans, these hopes, these prospects, might have been his but for that girl's cruel caprice.
They talked for more than an hour; and then Sir Oswald complained of feeling sleepy.
"The wine does not seem to have its usual flavor to-night," he said; "there is something wrong with this bottle."
"I thought the same thing," observed Aubrey Langton; "but I did not like to say so. I will bid you good-night, as you are tired. I shall ride over to Audleigh Royal early in the morning, so I may not be here for breakfast."