"Nonsense which may mean money. See here, I know that you were kicked out of the Moat House. Ah! the gossip of menials."
"Pardon me, but I was not kicked out."
"You were. Young Thorold did it. He wants all the money, and he'll get it by marrying that girl--if I let him."
"If you let him? What do you mean?"
"Mean? Why, that I hate young Thorold, and that I want a few thousands!"
"Oh! and how do you intend to get them?"
"Never you mind. If we work together--but, then, we don't. Cedant arma togæ--which means, you're a soldier, I'm a lawyer--so that's all right. Goo'night."
And he staggered off, leaving Lestrange with much food for meditation.
The outcome of this was that next morning the Captain met Cicero halfway, and later in the day Sophy received a note from Lestrange asking to see her. If she would not consent, he added, Mr. Thorold would be placed in a position of great danger.
After some reflection Sophy sent for Mr. Phelps, and they decided to see the scamp. So on a Saturday morning Captain Lestrange was received in the library of the Rectory.