"There—you shall have your own way then. But, by the by," added Chichester, a sudden thought appearing to strike him, "you are going into the City, and to your banker's?"
"Yes. And you?"
"I am anxious to get back to the West End as hastily as possible," answered Chichester. "You could do me a service, if you would?"
"Name it," said Richard.
"Get this note changed for me in the City," returned Chichester: and as he spoke he drew a Bank of England note for five hundred pounds from his pocket.
"Oh! certainly," cried Markham; and he took charge of the note accordingly.
He and Mr. Chichester then separated. Richard mounted his horse and rode towards the City, while his friend proceeded to the West End.
At seven o'clock Richard was ushered into Sir Rupert Harborough's drawing-room in Conduit-street, Hanover Square.
"There!" exclaimed Chichester, who was lounging upon the sofa; "I knew that my melancholy young gentleman would be punctual."
"Delighted to see you, Markham," said the baronet, pressing his hand with more than usual fervour.