"My funds are rather low just now," said Conway, "to hazard fifty guineas on a bet."
"I thought you would not back him but in words," said Lord Strathern, in a contemptuous tone.
"Nay," said Conway, stung by his manner, "I know that where duty is concerned, L'Isle is a punctilious man. To obey every order to the letter and the second, is a point of honor with him, and I will risk my money upon him."
"Done," said Lord Strathern; "and now, Mabel, use your wits to keep the fellow here, and make a fool of him; and I will expose and laugh at him, as he deserves, at Alcantara."
"But this is a regular plot against poor L'Isle," objected Conway.
"Plot or no plot, it is understood that you give him no hint," said Lord Strathern.
"Certainly not," exclaimed Bradshawe, rubbing his hands together. "Conway, you must not blab."
"I suppose I must not," said Conway, with a very grave face, chiefly for L'Isle, but partly for his fifty guineas. "But this is a serious matter. It may be of vital importance for Sir Rowland to know at once if the Andalusian reserve"—
"The Andalusian reserve," said Lord Strathern, interrupting him, "will never let themselves be food for powder."
Lady Mabel now slipped out of the room, to hide her confusion and anxiety; and Major Conway, finding my lord not in a mood to please or be pleased, soon took leave, followed by Bradshawe in high glee, though he suppressed the outward signs of it until he had turned his back upon the hospitable mansion.