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The Master of the Ceremonies
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“No, no; not now. How much did you say?”
“I am giving them away at four hundred guineas, Lady Drelincourt.”
“Oh, but that’s a terrible price, Barclay!”
“They will be worth more in a year or two, Lady Drelincourt.”
“Oh, but I could not spare so much money.”
“Pooh! what of that! If your ladyship likes the diamonds – ”
“I do like them, Barclay.”
“I should be happy to give your ladyship what credit you require.”
“Really, this is very naughty of me, Barclay; it is, indeed, but I suppose I must have them. There, slip them into my hand. You can send me the case to-morrow.”
“I will, my lady. You’ll never regret the purchase, and I am delighted that they will be worn by the queen of Saltinville society.”
“Go away, flatterer, and tell Sir Matthew Bray to bring me my salts. I left them on the chimney-piece.”
“I fly,” said Barclay; and he went through the rooms to perform his commission, Sir Matthew hurrying to get to her ladyship’s side, while Barclay turned to meet his wife who was just returning with their host.
“Hallo!”
“Oh, I am so much better now, Jo-si-ah. I was so faint.”
“Ah, Denville, I want a word with you,” said Lord Carboro’, coming up box in hand.
“I say, old lady,” whispered Barclay, “got that bracelet safe?”
“Oh, yes, that’s all right; but you can’t have it.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s right down at the very bottom of my pocket, where there’s no getting at it at all. But you don’t want it now?”
“No. I’ve sold the diamond necklace.”
“No!”
“I have, to that old hag, Drelincourt.”
“Did she pay you?”
“No; but we’ve got deeds worth four times as much, and I shall charge her interest until she pays.”
“Then you’ve had a splendid night, Jo-si-ah.”
“Glorious!” he said, rubbing his hands.
“Then I want a rubber of whist, and I shall see if I can’t win a few guineas myself.”
“All right. I’ll get you to a table.”
“Denville, old fellow,” said Lord Carboro’, chatting with his host and taking snuff from the box given by the Prince, “I’ve a bad habit of seeing everything that goes on around me.”
“Your lordship is most observant.”
“I’m sorry to say I am; and whether we become relatives or not, Denville, I take an interest in you and your belongings.”
The Master of the Ceremonies looked up in alarm.
“Take a bit of good advice, Denville.”
“My lord!”
“And keep a tighter rein over your daughter.”
“Your lordship’s opinions seem to change easily,” said Denville bitterly. “The other day my daughter Claire – ”
“Pooh! Absurd, man! Stop. She is perfect. A princess could not have been a more charming hostess. I did not mean her. Look there!”
“Mrs Burnett with Sir Harry Payne?”
“Yes; the fellow’s a blackguard. The little woman married a fool – ”
“My lord!”
“Who neglects her for drink and play. Don’t be offended, Denville. I am your friend. You have had scandal enough in your family; you must have no more.”
Denville drew a long breath.
“Your lordship is right; but you must not misunderstand my dear child.”
“Pretty, sweet, young, and most impressionable, Denville. Constant dropping will wear a stone. Don’t let the water drop on it any more.”
“My lord, you may trust me.”
“Stop, Denville. Another thing in confidence. You must get it back, treating it all as an error.”
“My lord, you alarm me. Get it back?”
“I can’t help it, Denville. Do you know that sometimes dashing fellows, ruined by play, have gone on the road mounted and masked, and, pistol in hand, have robbed?”
“Yes, my lord. But we have no highwaymen here.”
“Don’t be too sure. Did you know that Barclay, at my wish, brought some jewellery?”
Другие электронные книги автора George Fenn
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