"Mr. Greenwood," said Vernon, speaking thickly between his set teeth, "you shall have a noble reward, if you religiously keep my secret."
"Such is the understanding at which I was desirous to arrive," observed Greenwood.
Gilbert Vernon then took his leave, in no very enviable state of mind under the conviction that his crimes had placed him so entirely in the power of such an extortioner as the Member for Rottenborough.
We must observe, ere we conclude the chapter, that Filippo, the Italian valet, had listened at the door of the drawing-room where this interview took place; and that not a syllable of the whole conversation was lost upon him.
In the evening Filippo obtained leave of absence for a few hours; and he availed himself of this license to repair to the villa in which Eliza Sydney dwelt.
CHAPTER CCXXXII.
SCENES AT RAVENSWORTH HALL.
It was about five o'clock in the afternoon of the same day on which the interview between George Montague Greenwood and the Honourable Gilbert Vernon took place, that a post-chaise advanced rapidly through Ravensworth Park, towards the Hall.
In a few minutes it stopped at the principal entrance of the mansion; and the Honourable Mr. Vernon alighted.
Quentin, who received him, made some inquiry in a respectful tone concerning his baggage.
"My valet will be here in the evening with my trunks," replied Vernon, abruptly.