'The first time on the Isthmus; but I know these sort of places. Pray go in, my Lord.'
The title and the accent startled Louis, and he exclaimed, 'You must be from the Northwold country?'
He drew back, and said bluntly, 'Never mind me, only keep out of this pestiferous air.'
But the abrupt surliness completed the recognition, and, seizing his hand, Louis cried, 'Tom! how are you?' You have turned into a thorough Spaniard, and taken me in entirely.'
'Only come in, my Lord; I would never have spoken to you, but that I could not see you catching your death.'
'I am coming: but what's the matter? Why avoid me, when you are the very man I most wished to see?'
'I'm done for,' said Tom. 'The fellows up there have saddled their rogueries on me, and I'm off to the States. I—'
'What do you say? There, I am coming in. Be satisfied, Tom; I am come out with a commission from Mr. Dynevor, to see what can be arranged.'
'That's right,' cried Tom, 'now poor Miss Ponsonby will have one friend.'
'Your letter to Charlotte brought me out—' began Louis; but Madison broke in with an expression of dismay and self-reproach at seeing him walking somewhat lame.