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"Is not that the word, sir?"
"I confess it strikes me as inapt. Doubtless I am dull ofcomprehension."
"You were not wont to be, my lord."
"No? But six years changes a man, Warburton. Pray, is Mr. Carstareswell?"
"I believe so, sir," replied the lawyer, frowning at the deft change ofsubject.
"And Lady Lavinia?"
"Ay." Mr. Warburton looked searchingly across at him, seeing which, mylord's eyes danced afresh, brim full with mischief.
"I am delighted to hear it. Pray present my compliments to Mr. Carstaresand beg him to use Wyncham as he wills."
"Sir! Master Jack! I implore you!" burst from the lawyer, and he sprangup, moving excitedly away, his hands twitching, his face haggard.
My lord stiffened in his chair. He watched the other's jerky movementsanxiously, but his voice when he spoke was even and cold.
"Well, sir?"
Mr. Warburton wheeled and came back to the fireplace, looking hungrilydown at my lord's impassive countenance. With an effort he seemed tocontrol himself.
"Master Jack, I had better tell you what you have already guessed. Iknow."
Up went one haughty eyebrow.
"You know what, Mr. Warburton?"
"That you are innocent!"
"Of what, Mr. Warburton?"
"Of cheating at cards, sir!"
My lord relaxed, and flicked a speck of dust from his great cuff.
"I regret the necessity of having to disillusion you, Mr. Warburton."
"My lord, do not fence with me, I beg! You can trust me, surely?"
"Certainly, sir."
"Then do not keep up this pretence with me; no, nor look so hardneither! I've watched you grow up right from the cradle, and Master Dicktoo, and I know you both through and through. I _know_ you never cheatedat Colonel Dare's nor anywhe
re else! I could have sworn it at thetime--ay, when I saw Master Dick's face, I knew at once that he it waswho had played foul, and you had but taken the blame!"
"No!"
"I know better! Can you, Master Jack, look me in the face and truthfullydeny what I have said? Can you? Can you?" My lord sat silent.
With a sigh, Warburton sank on to the settle once more. He was flushed,and his eyes shone, but he spoke calmly again.
"Of course you cannot. I have never known you lie. You need not fear Ishall betray you. I kept silence all these years for my lord's sake, andI will not speak now until you give me leave."
"Which I never shall."
"Master Jack, think better of it, I beg of you! Now that my lord isdead--"
