“I don’t say I fear anything,” replied the Viscount unconvincingly. “All I say is that there’s something devilish queer afoot! First we have Martin coming back to Stanyon with just the sort of bamming story I warned you he would tell! Now, didn’t I, Ger? You can’t deny it, and you need not try to fob me off with your story about a man in homespuns! Lord, what a hum! I don’t say I blame you: no one wants a scandal in his family! but don’t try to bamboozle me, dear old boy! Then you don’t die after all, and the next thing we know is that there’s a villainous-looking fellow prowling about your damned draughty ancestral halls, saying he’s your brother’s new valet! I tell you to your face, Ger, it won’t fudge!”
“But surely Martin would not — ” began Miss Morville, and broke off short, looking from Ulverston to St. Erth, in mute question.
“No telling what a young fool like Martin would do!” said the Viscount. “Might not have thought anything of it, if I hadn’t seen this Leek earwigging that groom today! As it is — did see it! Made me think, Ger! Made me add two and two together!”
“But, Lucy, you know you cannot add two and two together!” expostulated Gervase. “Whenever you have computed your debts, you have always reached a false total! Why don’t you ask Martin why he has taken this strange individual into his service?”
“Martin and I don’t exchange any more words than we need!” replied the Viscount grimly. “Daresay he knows what I think! Don’t mind if he does!”
“What a happy party must assemble for dinner each evening!” remarked Gervase, watching the play of the candlelight on his emerald signet-ring.
“You may well say so! And when your cousin has left us, we shall have no one but that prosy parson to keep our conversation alive!” said the Viscount.
“Does Theo mean to leave Stanyon?” asked Miss Morville quickly.
“Why, yes!” answered the Earl. “My affairs, you know, cannot be for ever left at a stand! He returns to Evesleigh tomorrow. Now, if only I could prevail upon Lucy to go to London — not that I wish to appear inhospitable — ”
“Spare your breath!” recommended Ulverston. “If he were not assured that I have no intention of leaving Stanyon at this present, your cousin would not stir from here, let me tell you!”