"Because he spoke the truth before you."
"I hope, Lord Stansford, you don't mean to imply that I am in any way responsible for your ruffianism?"
"You are, and in more than one sense of the word. That young fellow threatened me when I came here to-night, knowing that I was his father's hired guest; I did not wish exposure, and so I avoided you. You spoke to me, and asked me to bring you out here. I came, knowing that if Heckle saw me he would carry out his threat. He has carried it out, and I have had the pleasure of knocking him down."
Miss Linderham sank upon the seat, and once more motioned with her fan for him to take the place beside her.
"Then you receive five guineas a night for appearing at the different places where I have met you?"
"As a matter of fact," said Stansford, "I get only two guineas. I suppose the other three, if such is the price paid, goes to my employers."
"I thought Mr. Heckle was your employer tonight?"
"I mean to the company who let me out, if I make myself clear; Spink and Company. Telephone 100,803. If you should ever want an eligible guest for any entertainment you give, and men are scarce, you have only to telephone them, and they will send me to you."
"Oh, I see," said Miss Linderham, tapping her knee with the fan.
"It is only justice to my fellow employés," continued Lord Stansford, "to say that I believe they are all eligible young men, but many of them may be had for a guinea. The charge in my case is higher as I have a title. I have tried to flatter myself that it was my polished, dignified manner that won me the extra remuneration; but after your exclamation on my brutality to-night, I am afraid I must fall back on my title. We members of the aristocracy come high, you know."