Aveline gazed at him with wonder and terror, and would have sought for some further explanation; but perceiving from the inflexible expression of his countenance that any appeal would be useless, she quitted the room with her companion.
"I would give half I possess to make that maiden mine," cried Sir Francis, intoxicated with admiration of her beauty.
"Humph!" exclaimed Sir Giles. "More difficult matters have been accomplished. Half your possessions, say you? She is not worth so much. Assign to me your share of the Mounchensey estates and she shall be yours."
"I will do it, Sir Giles—I will do it," cried the old usurer, eagerly; "but you must prove to me first that you can make good your words."
"Pshaw! Have I ever deceived you, man? But rest easy. You shall be fully satisfied."
"Then call in Lupo Vulp, and let him prepare the assignment at once," cried Sir Francis. "I shall have a rare prize; and shall effectually revenge myself on this detested Mounchensey."
CHAPTER VI. Of the Wager between the Conde de Gondomar and the Marquis of
Buckingham.