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Mr. Fudby rose.
"I doubt I shall never see my money again," he said pettishly. "If you,Chilter had not been so--"
"Allow me to offer you some snuff, Mr. Chilter," interposed my lordgently, extending his jewelled box. "Doubtless, sir, you would wish tosee my mare?"
"I know nought of horses," snorted Mr. Fudby. "'Tis my clerk who appearsto have remarked all the details." He sneered terrifically.
"Then pray, do me the honour of walking as far as the stables, Mr.Chilter. 'Twere as well to be certain about the mare. Mr.-ah--Fudby,your servant."
* * * * *
"And now, Mr. Chilter, I have a grudge against you," said Carstares, asthey walked across the little garden.
"Me, sir? Oh--er--have you, Sir Anthony?"
He looked up and perceived that the gentleman was laughing.
"Yes, Mr. Chilter, a very serious grudge: you have described me as fat!"
Chilter nearly fainted.
"_You_, sir," he gasped, and stared in amazement.
"Also that I swear dreadfully in my speech, and that I have a scarrunning from my mouth to my chin."
Mr. Chilter stood stock-still in the middle of the path.
"It was you, sir, all the time? _You_ held us up? Were _you_ the man whowrenched open the door?"
"I was that infamous scoundrel. I beg leave once more to apologise formy carelessness in opening that same door. Now tell me, why did youtake such pains to throw dust in their sleepy eyes?"
They resumed their walk slowly. The little clerk flushed.
"I scarce know, sir, save that I--that I liked you, and--and--"
"I see. 'Twas prodigious good of you, Mr. Chilter. I wonder if there isanything that I can do to show my gratitude?"
Again the clerk flushed and lifted his head proudly.
"I thank you, sir, but there is nought."
By now they had reached the stable. Carstares opened the door and theyentered.
"Then will you accept this in token of my regard, sir?"
Mr. Chilter gazed at the emerald ring that glowed and winked at him fromthe palm of my lord's hand. He looked up into the blue eyes andstammered a little.
"Indeed, sir--I--I--"
"'Tis honestly come by!" pleadingly. "Come, Mr. Chilter, you'll not hurtmy feelings by refusing? You will keep it in remembrance of a man--a fatman, Mr. Chilter--who rudely jerked you on to the road?"
The clerk took it with unsteady fingers.
"I thank you most--"
"Nay, I beg of you. 'Tis I thank you for aiding me so kindly.... Comeand see my Jenny! Well, lass?" For the mare at the first sound of hisvoice had turned in her loose-box, and was whinnying and pawing theground eagerly.
"I do not understand, sir, anything: how it is that you are ahighwayman, or why you have honoured me with your confidence--why youshould trust me. But--thank you."
