"I think," replied Gammon, a little recovering from the sort of stupor into which the duke's words had apparently thrown him, "it is I who have a better title than your Grace to ask the question!—I tell Lord Dreddlington that Mr. Titmouse is a bastard! Why, I can hardly credit my ears! Does my Lord Dreddlington say that I have told him so?"
"He does, sir!" replied the duke, fiercely.
"And what else may his Lordship have said concerning me?" inquired Gammon, with a sort of hopeless smile.
"By Heaven, sir, you mustn't treat this matter lightly!" said the duke, impetuously, approaching him suddenly.
"May I ask your Grace whether this is the matter mentioned in your Grace's note, as of the"——
"It is, sir! it is!—and it's killed my Lord Dreddlington—and also the Lady Cecilia!"
"What!" cried Gammon, starting and exhibiting increasing amazement—"does her Ladyship, too, say that I have told her so?"
"Yes, sir; she does!"
"What, Lady Cecilia?" echoed Gammon, really confounded.
"Well, sir—I think she did"——