“My darling,” said the Earl, “I used to spar with the great Jem himself!”
“Oh?” said Miss Taverner. “And was he a good boxer?”
“He was the greatest of them all,” replied the Earl.
“Oh no!” said Miss Taverner, glad to be able to display her knowledge. “Belcher was the greatest of them all. I have often heard my father say so.”
“There is nothing for it,” said the Earl, “I shall have to kiss you again, Clorinda. Jem Belcher was the man I meant.”
“Good God!” cried Miss Taverner, struck by a sudden thought. “I had no notion—Oh, I do hope you did not kill my cousin!”
“Not quite,” said the Earl.
“And I was afraid you might be hurt! You must have thought me ridiculous!”
“I thought you enchanting,” said the Earl.
Ten minutes later Peregrine came running up the stairs, and entered the drawing-room in his usual tempestuous fashion. “Oh, sir, can you come and speak with Evans?” he asked, addressing himself to his guardian. “He thinks I should make a bid for that yacht at once if I want her.”