sneered as it muttered, "Insolent! But does he love her? If so, I am
avenged already."




CHAPTER VII.

Harley went straight to Peschiera's hotel. He was told that the count
had walked out with Mr. Frank Hazeldean and some other gentlemen who had
breakfasted with him. He had left word, in case any one called, that he
had gone to Tattersall's to look at some horses that were for sale. To
Tattersall's went Harley. The count was in the yard leaning against a
pillar, and surrounded by fashionable friends. Lord L'Estrange paused,
and, with an heroic effort at self-mastery, repressed his rage. "I may
lose all if I show that I suspect him; and yet I must insult and fight
him rather than leave his movements free. Ah, is that young Hazeldean?
A thought strikes me!" Frank was standing apart from the group round the
count, and looking very absent and very sad. Harley touched him on the
shoulder, and drew him aside unobserved by the count.

"Mr. Hazeldean, your uncle Egerton is my dearest friend. Will you be a
friend to me? I want you."

"My Lord--"

"Follow me. Do not let Count Peschiera see us talking together."

Harley quitted the yard, and entered St. James's Park by the little gate
close by. In a very few words he informed Frank of Violante's