“With regard to Rispani and that unscrupulous uncle of his, I suppose it is not your intention to take proceedings against them?”
“It would only be treating them after their deserts were I to do so. But the affair will be productive of talk and scandal enough without that.”
At this juncture there came a tap at the door which was followed by the entrance of Everard Lisle.
“Mr. Luigi Rispani has just left the house, sir,” he said. “I thought it right that you should be told as soon as possible. This note, which he sent me by one of the servants, explains his reason for the step.”
Sir Gilbert took the note, and having adjusted his glasses, he read aloud as follows:
“DEAR LISLE—After what has come to light this morning I find I have not enough courage left to face Sir Gilbert a second time; consequently think it best to take my departure and so save all further bother.
“As I don’t suppose anybody will think it worth while to confiscate my few traps, will you be good enough at your convenience to have them forwarded by rail to the address given below.
“With reference to what passed this morning, it seems to me that my wisest plan is to say nothing. Qui s’excuse , they say, but, in my case, it would be hopeless to attempt the first, and I have surely done enough of the latter to satisfy anybody. At any rate, ‘them’s my sentiments.”
“Yours truly
“L. R.”
“What shocking flippancy in one so young!” said Lady Pell.