"Conway," said Lord Strathern, with a sneer, "this punctilious friend
of yours is very exacting--toward other people. But I will bet you
fifty guineas that he keeps Sir Rowland waiting for news of a batch of
ragamuffins not worth hearing about."

"My funds are rather low just now," said Conway, "to hazard fifty
guineas on a bet."

"I thought you would not back him but in words," said Lord Strathern,
in a contemptuous tone.

"Nay," said Conway, stung by his manner, "I know that where duty is
concerned, L'Isle is a punctilious man. To obey every order to the
letter and the second, is a point of honor with him, and I will risk
my money upon him."

"Done," said Lord Strathern; "and now, Mabel, use your wits to keep
the fellow here, and make a fool of him; and I will expose and laugh
at him, as he deserves, at Alcantara."

"But this is a regular plot against poor L'Isle," objected Conway.

"Plot or no plot, it is understood that you give him no hint," said
Lord Strathern.

"Certainly not," exclaimed Bradshawe, rubbing his hands together.
"Conway, you must not blab."

"I suppose I must not," said Conway, with a very grave face, chiefly
for L'Isle, but partly for his fifty guineas. "But this is a serious