"Yes, Dick."
"Well, I begin to think that in spite of—er—me, and hum—all the rest of 'em, in spite of everything—herself included, if need be, —you'll win her yet."
"And shall I tell you what I begin to think, Dick?"
"Yes."
"I begin to think that you have never—loved her at all."
"Eh?" cried the Viscount, starting up very suddenly, "what?—never lov—oh, Gad, Beverley! what the deuce should make you think that?"
"Clemency!" said Barnabas.
The Viscount stared, opened his mouth, shut it, ran his fingers through his hair, and fell flat upon his pillows again.
"So now," said Barnabas the persistent, "now you know why I am so anxious to meet Jasper Gaunt."
"Gaunt!" said the Viscount dreamily, "Gaunt!"