'Isn't it nice reading?'
'If I were your lordship I should pay no attention to what appears in the public prints.'
'Not when they leave me without a shred of character?'
'Your lordship's return is still a novelty. They may continue to make copy of it for a time. Presently they will cease to speak of you at all.'
'You have a pleasant way of putting things! Then, until they do choose to treat me with silent contempt, I'm to allow them to say that I cheat at cards, that I don't pay my debts, that I'm an evil liver of the lowest type, and, in fact, an all-round beast and blackguard.'
Foster eyed me with a curiosity which was distinctly the reverse of flattering.
'Your lordship will permit me to speak with that frankness which alone can be of service?'
'My good man, be as frank as you choose.'
'Your lordship has surely not forgotten that there were incidents in your youthful career which did not redound to the credit of your character.'
'But when it comes to stating that I was kicked--literally kicked!--down the steps of a club for cheating at cards!'