"Money is not my object."
"Oh, it ain't, eh? Well, I'm not afraid for you to know as it's mine—very much so." And Mr. Drayton gave vent to another grim laugh.
Mrs. Drayton entered the room at this moment, and set down the brandy, two glasses, and a water-bottle on the deal table.
"Let me offer you a little refreshment," and Hugh took up the brandy and poured out half a tumbler.
"Thankee, thankee!"
"Water? Say when."
But Mr. Drayton stopped the dilution by snatching up his tumbler. His manner had undergone a change. The watchfulness of a ferocious creature dogged and all but trapped gave way to reckless abandonment, bravado and audacity.
"What's the lay?" he said, with a chuckle.
"To accompany a lady to Kentish Town Junction, and see her safe into the midnight train—that's all."
Drayton laughed outright.