"It makes no difference."
"No difference? 'Twas not for his sake? 'Twas not because you knew howhe loved Master Dick?"
"No."
"Then 'tis Lady Lavinia--"
"No."
"But--"
My lord smiled sadly.
"Ah, Warburton! And you averred you knew us through and through! Forwhose sake should it be but his own?"
"I feared it!" The lawyer made a hopeless gesture with his hands. "Youwill not come back?"
"No, Warburton, I will not; Dick may manage my estates. I remain on theroad."
Warburton made one last effort.
"My lord!" he cried despairingly, "Will you not at least think of thedisgrace to the name an you be caught?"
The shadows vanished from my lord's eyes.
"Mr. Warburton, I protest you are of a morbid turn of mind! Do you know,I had not thought of so unpleasant a contingency? I swear I was not bornto be hanged!"
The lawyer would have said more, had not the entrance of a servant,carrying a loaded tray, put an end to all private conversation. The manplaced dishes upon the table, lighted candles, and arranged two chairs.
"Dinner is served, sir," he said.
My lord nodded, and made a slight gesture toward the windows. Instantlythe man went over to them and drew the heavy curtains across.
My lord turned to Mr. Warburton.
"What say you, sir? Shall it be burgundy or claret, or do you prefersack?"
Warburton decided in favour of claret.
"Claret, Jim," ordered Carstares, and rose to his feet.
"I trust the drive has whetted your appetite, Warburton, for honestChadber will be monstrous hurt an you do not justice to his capons."
"I shall endeavour to spare his feelings," replied the lawyer with atwinkle, and seated himself at the table.
Whatever might be Mr. Chadber's failings, he possessed an excellentcook. Mr. Warburton dined very well, beginning on a fat duck, andcontinuing through the many courses that constituted the meal.
When the table was cleared, the servant gone, and the port before them,he endeavoured to guide the conversation back into the previouschannels. But he reckoned without my lord, and presently found himselfdiscussing the Pretender's late rebellion. He sat up suddenly.
"There were rumours that you were with the Prince, sir."
Carstares set down his glass in genuine amazement.
"I?"
"Indeed, yes. I do not know whence the rumour came, but it reachedWyncham. My lord said nought, but I think Mr. Richard hardly creditedit."
"I should hope not! Why should they think me turned rebel, pray?"