"I followed your lordship," answered Sir Francis Boyle.
"Followed me?" queried the Earl.
"I called at your house, my lord, and was advised that you were at Carlisle House. I waited there an hour or more, when one told me he had seen you here."
"Is your business with me of such importance?"
"Yes."
The Earl leant back in his chair and idly fingered the stem of his glass. His eyes were not idle, but excited and bright, though his attitude was slack and his chin rested on his tumbled cravat.
"I have to thank your lordship for the promotion I was gazetted with to-day, have I not?" said Sir Francis in a low voice.
"I used my influence on your behalf," answered Rose Lyndwood. "I think you know it, Sir Francis."
"I wished to be confirmed, sir. I could not flatter myself it was my own merits. I decline the place, my lord. I can be under no obligation to your lordship."
"And your motive in this?" asked the Earl slowly. He roused himself with an indolent air and looked up at the other.