He tossed his head a little as he ended in amusement at having finished
his opponent at the same time as his speech.

"Perhaps that is well," returned Archdale quietly. "Then it is settled
that you stay a few days longer with us?" he added.

"Thank you. I shall be happy to do so. When you need me, I am at your
service; for you will find that I have proofs enough to be satisfactory.
I have not considered that my unsupported word would be taken as
sufficient guarantee in a case like this, where, you know, incredulity
is so desirable."

"Yes, Master Edmonson, I confess, where incredulity is so desirable.
Well, then, after breakfast I shall be obliged to trouble you."

"Thank you," answered Edmonson, marching off immediately. "I think Lady
Dacre is in need of my services. She is struggling with a rose that has
climbed up out of her reach, and her husband has disappeared altogether;
he is probably assisting Madam Archdale. These husbands are not in the
right place, you see." With which Parthian arrow he disappeared, and was
soon filling Lady Dacre's hands with her coveted treasures.

Archdale watched him a few moments noticing his easy movements and his
air of assurance.

"Impudent fellow," he muttered, setting his teeth, "to speak to an
Archdale in that style. I can't believe him. I shall have Allston
examine his proofs; he has a hawk's eye for flaws. But there's the
likeness. Yes, his story may be true; but the man has the making of a
knave in him, if the work is not done already."