"Then, sir, have the goodness to walk into the next," said the duke, somewhat imperiously, "and I will come to you presently." Mr. Gammon bowed and withdrew.
"Oh God! how atrocious is the conduct of that man!" said the earl, when they were left alone.
"Really, Dreddlington, you must get rid of these—these—absurd notions."
"Let me never see his face again!" replied the earl, feebly. "I have but a short time to live, and that time the sight of him, I feel, makes still shorter!" The duke looked both vexed and embarrassed.
"Come—come—now he's here," continued his Grace, "and on a very important errand—let us have done with the fellow—let us have him back, and I'll tell him you withdraw"——
"Withdraw? He is withdrawn," replied the earl, confusedly.
"What d'ye mean, my dear Dreddlington? I say—let me tell him"——
"I mean, it was at his chambers, in Holborn—I pledge my honor, I recollect as if it were yester"——
"Pho, pho!" cried the duke, rather impatiently—"it must be done! He's come on matters of the very last importance—the thing's been put off to the very latest moment on your account—that cursed Company!" The earl looked up at his companion, and a faint smile flitted over his wasted features.