"What was your motive in doing me this favour?" demanded Sir Francis, his red-brown eyes darkening.
"I do not care to endeavour to understand you," said Rose Lyndwood, frowning. "I do not know what you have against me, nor is it worth while to inquire." He yawned and his lids drooped. "The time is inconvenient—and the place—for these discussions," he added.
"I have not studied your convenience or my own in coming here," answered Sir Francis haughtily. "I am not fond of taverns. But the matter I have in hand is imperative. Has your lordship seen the Gazette to-day?"
"It seems to have been an interesting sheet," said the Earl languidly but with watchful eyes. "Ye are the second has asked me that. Well, what of it?"
Sir Francis threw back his mantle and drew from the pocket of it a copy of the paper.
"Will you read this?" he said. "Afterwards I shall have to ask your lordship two questions."
Rose Lyndwood took the small, closely printed sheet and sat up, leaning heavily on the table, to read it. Sir Francis stood erect, his hand on his hip, observing him. There was not the slightest change in the even pallor of my lord's weary face—not the least alteration in his indifferent attitude. He laid down the Gazette and looked up.
"What are the two questions?" he asked.
Sir Francis drew his breath sharply.