“Oh! and who is the lady?”
“I'm not at liberty to tell.”
“Quite right; I ought not to have asked,” says Mr. Longcluse; and looks down, slapping at intervals the side of his trousers lightly with his whip. He raises his eyes to Mr. Blount's face, and looks on the point of asking another question, but he does not.
“It is my opinion,” said Mr. Blount, “the kindness would involve absolutely no risk whatever.”
There was a little pause. Mr. Longcluse looks rather dark and anxious; perhaps his mind has wandered quite from the business before them. But it returns, and he says,—
“Risk or no risk, Mr. Blount, I don't mean to do him that kindness; and for how long will Mr. David Arden be absent?”
“Unless he should take a sudden thought to return, he'll be away at least two months.”
“Where is he?—in Scotland?”
“I really don't know.”
“Couldn't one see him for a few minutes before he starts? Where does he take the steamer?”