“I have wished Lieutenant O’Loughlin,” said Mr. Stanmore, addressing Sir Godfrey, “to be present at the opening of this casket,” directing the baronet’s attention to that article lying on the table, “because Lord Hood mentioned in his letter to me that, considering the youth of Mr. Thornton, he had better be accompanied to London by his friend Lieutenant O’Loughlin, who would have, conjointly with Master Thornton, the care of the casket. Acquainted with this proceeding on the part of Lord Hood, I considered it my duty to secure the presence of Mr. O’Loughlin on the occasion of this meeting.”
“I can see no objection,” said Sir Godfrey; “but I think Lord Hood might have dispensed with the services of so young a lad as Master Thornton altogether.”
This was said in an ungracious tone, and O’Loughlin’s cheek flushed as he retorted rather sharply—
“Faith! Sir Godfrey, perhaps his services in saving mother and daughter’s life might equally be dispensed with. As I find——”
The lawyer coughed, fidgeted about, and, seeing a dark frown on Sir Godfrey’s brow, interrupted the worthy lieutenant by saying—
“Excuse me, gentlemen, but business is business; we will at once open the casket, and see to its contents.”
Approaching the table, he took it up, remarking that it was heavy.
The casket was evidently of Indian workmanship, beautifully put together; the sides and edges inlaid with silver, richly engraved with various curious hieroglyphics. A large massive wax seal, bearing the arms of the Duchesse de Coulancourt, covered the key-hole.
“You may perceive, Sir Godfrey,” remarked the solicitor, “that this seal is perfect in all its parts?”
“Undoubtedly,” returned the baronet; “it could not be otherwise in honourable hands.”