“Why should it be? He seemed to like you; and I venture to say he'd be very glad to shake hands.”
“So he might, but I shouldn't,” said Richard imperiously. “No, no, there's nothing in that. It would take too long to tell; but I should rather go over the precipice than hold by that stay. I don't know how long my uncle may keep me. Would you mind waiting for me at my lodgings? Thompson will give you cigars and brandy and water; and I'll come back and tell you what my uncle intends.”
This appointment made, they parted, and he knocked at his uncle's door. The sound seemed to echo threateningly at his heart, which sank with a sudden misgiving.
CHAPTER XL.
AN INTERVIEW IN THE STUDY.
“Is my uncle at home?”
“No, Sir; I expect him at five. It wants about five minutes; but he desired me to show you, Sir, into the study.”