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"What think I of what?"
"Why, the letter, of course! What ails the man? 'Something of greatimport to impart to us,' forsooth! What means he?"
"Yes, I noticed 'twas very badly worded," commented Tracy. "I have notthe vaguest notion as to his meaning."
"But what do you make of it? Lord, Tracy, don't be such a fish! Dick issummoning quite a party!"
"You appear to be in his confidence, my dear Andrew. Allow me tocongratulate you. No doubt we shall know more--ah--on Friday week, atthree o'clock."
"Oh, you'll go, then?"
"Quite possibly." He went on writing unconcernedly.
"And you've no idea of what 'tis about? Dick is very strange. He hardlylistens to what one has to say, and fidget--Lord!"
"Ah!"
"I think he looks ill, an' 'pon my soul, so does Lavvy! Do you supposethere is aught amiss?"
"I really have no idea. Pray do not let me detain you."
Andrew hoisted himself out of his chair.
"Oh, I'm not staying, never fear! ... I suppose you cannot oblige mewith--say--fifty guineas?"
"I should be loth to upset your suppositions," replied his Gracesweetly.
"You will not? Well, I didn't think you would somehow! But I wish youmight contrive to let me have it, Tracy. I've had prodigious ill-luck oflate, and the Lord knows 'tis not much I get from you! I don't want toask Dick again."
"I should not let the performance grow monotonous, certainly," agreedthe other. "Fifty, you said?"
"Forty-five would suffice."
"Oh, you may have it!" shrugged his Grace. "At once?"
"Blister me, but that's devilish good of you, Tracy! At once would beconvenient to _me_!"
His Grace produced a key from his vest pocket and unlocked a drawer inthe desk. From it he took a small box. He counted out fifty guineas, andadded another to the pile. Andrew stared at it.
"What's that for?" he inquired.
"The stockings," replied Tracy, with a ghost of a smile. Andrew burstout laughing.
"That's good! Gad! but you're devilish amusing, 'pon rep. you are!" Hethanked his Grace profusely and gathering up the money, left the room.
Outside he gave vent to a low whistle of astonishment. "Tare an' ouns!he must be monstrous well-pleased over something!" he marvelled. "Ishall awaken soon, I doubt not." He chuckled a little as he descendedthe staircase, but his face was full of wonderment.
* * * * *
Lovelace called nearly every day at Wyncham House, but was alwaysrefused admittance, as Lady Lavinia deemed it prudent not to see him.There came a day, however, when he would not be gainsaid, and wasushered into her drawing-room. He kissed her hands lingeringly, holdingthem for a long while in his.
"Lavinia! Cruel fair one!"
She drew her hands away, not too well pleased at his intrusion.
"How silly, Harold! I cannot have you tease me every day!"
She allowed him to sit by her on the window seat, and he again possessedhimself of her hands. Did she love him? She hoped he was not going to befoolish. Of course not. He did not believe her, and started to plead hissuit, imploring her to come away with him. In vain Lady Lavinia beggedhim to be quiet; she had stirred up a blaze, and it threatened toconsume her. He was so insistent that, expecting Richard at any moment,and terrified lest there should be a disturbance, she promised to givehim an answer next evening, at the theatre. She managed to be rid of himin this way, and, with a relieved sigh, watched him walk down thesquare. She was very fond of dear Harry, but really, he was dreadfullytiresome at times.
