"I have no more doubt of his guilt than Leonard has. Violante at least
shall not be the prize of that thin-lipped knave. What strange
fascination can he possess, that he should thus bind to him the two men I
value most,--Audley Egerton and Alphonso di Serrano? Both so wise too!--
one in books, one in action. And both suspicious men! While I, so
imprudently trustful and frank--Ah, that is the reason; our natures are
antipathetic; cunning, simulation, falsehood, I have no mercy, no pardon
for these. Woe to all hypocrites if I were a grand Inquisitor!"

"Mr. Richard Avenel," said the waiter, throwing open the door.

Harley caught at the arm of the chair on which he sat, and grasped it
nervously, while his eyes became fixed intently on the form of the
gentleman who now advanced into the room. He rose with an effort.

"Mr. Avenel!" he said falteringly. "Did I hear your name aright?
Avenel!"

"Richard Avenel, at your service, my Lord," answered Dick. "My family is
not unknown to you; and I am not ashamed of my family, though my parents
were small Lansmere tradesfolks, and I am--ahem!--a citizen of the world,
and well-to-do!" added Dick, dropping his kid gloves into his hat, and
then placing the hat on the table, with the air of an old acquaintance
who wishes to make himself at home. Lord L'Estrange bowed and said, as
be reseated himself (Dick being firmly seated already), "You are most
welcome, sir; and if there be anything I can do for one of your name--"

"Thank you, my Lord," interrupted Dick. "I want nothing of any man. A
bold word to say; but I say it. Nevertheless, I should not have presumed
to call on your Lordship, unless, indeed, you had done me the honour to