Chapter Forty.
A Cautious Baronet.
The baronet looked a little blank, as the open parlour door discovered inside a “party” he had no intention of calling upon.
Accustomed to such surprises, however, he was not disconcerted. He had some knowledge of the ex-guardsman’s character. He knew he was in ill-luck; and that under such circumstances he would not be exactingly inquisitive.
“Aw, Swinton, my dear fellaw,” he exclaimed, holding out his kid-gloved hand. “Delighted to see you again. Madam told me she expected you home. I just dropped in, hoping to find you returned. Been to Paris, I hear?”
“I have,” said Swinton, taking the hand with a show of cordiality.
“Terrible times over there. Wonder you came off with a whole skin?”
“By Jove, it’s about all I brought off with me.”
“Aw, indeed! What mean you by that?”
“Well; I went over to get some money that’s been long owing me. Instead of getting it, I lost what little I carried across.”