“Nor Alcibiades?”
“I tell you I won’t say a word about any one or anything,” said Crispin impatiently. “You can carry out your plan if you like. It does no harm to Roylands as far as I can see; but if I find you playing double, my friend, I’ll put an end to your games.”
“I always play fair when it is to my benefit to do so,” retorted the Greek, with an unpleasant smile.
“What a pity it is not always to your benefit to do so!” said the poet cruelly; “you would then be an honest man.”
“I am what I am,” answered Caliphronas sullenly; “had I created myself, I might have made an improvement.”
“Not in your appearance,” observed Crispin, looking at the splendid beauty of the man beside him. “I suppose you are as vain as ever?”
“Possibly; but I never let my vanity interfere with my business.”
“Ah, there is some sense in that splendid head of yours, but precious little.”
“Quite enough to accomplish my wishes.”
“I doubt it. However, here we are, and here is Mr. Roylands.”