“Oh, I dare say I shall not engage him after all,” replied Shield, and made haste to change the subject.
The Beau did not linger. Excusing himself on the score of being obliged to go home to ascertain what losses, if any, he had sustained, he very soon took his leave of the party, and drove away in the direction of Warninglid.
No sooner had he left the inn than Eustacie cast herself upon Miss Thane’s bosom, announcing that she forgave her for her unfeeling conduct of the night before. “You did it so very well, Sarah! He was bouleversé, and I think frightened.”
“He was certainly frightened,” agreed Miss Thane. “He forgot to smile. What do you suppose he will do, Sir Tristram?”
“I hope he may make an attempt to find Cleghorn and buy his silence. If he does he will have delivered himself into our hands. But don’t let Ludovic stir from the house! I’ll warn Nye to be careful whom he lets into the inn.”
“I can feel my flesh creeping already,” said Miss Thane, with a shudder. “It has suddenly occurred to me that that very unpleasant person thinks Ludovic is occupying the back bedchamber.”
Eustacie gave a gasp. “Oh, Sarah, you do not think he will come to murder Ludovic, do you?”
“I shouldn’t be at all surprised,” said Miss Thane. “And I am occupying the back bedchamber! I just mention it, you know.”
“So you are!” Eustacie’s face cleared. “But it is of all things the most fortunate! It could not be better, enfin! ”
“That,” said Miss Thane, with strong feeling, “is a matter of opinion! I can see where it could be much better.”