The general paused.
"Mr Sinclair's leave of absence," I answered, "will soon expire."
"A gentle-spirited man, Mr Wilson. He does you credit."
"He owes me little, general," I answered. "Providence has been bountiful to him."
"Strange! And his father, they say, is as great a brute."
"Lord Railton," I said, "is not so amiable as his son."
"Proud and overbearing! But a magnificent rent-roll though! His son does not appear a man of the world. Vastly good-natured, but he wants fire and character."
"Mr Sinclair does not do himself justice," I replied. "There is more in him than meets the eye."
"You are a scholar, Mr Wilson," suddenly exclaimed the general, "and can appreciate a literary curiosity. Do me the favour to accompany me to my study. I have a Greek manuscript which I picked up in Samaria, and which they tell me is invaluable."
Before I could reply, the general was on his legs, and conducting me to his room. The dance was still proceeding.