The Black Moth

"I--It gives me great satisfaction, my lord, I confess," stammered thelawyer, and found nothing more to say. After a long pause he againproduced the bulky roll of parchment and laid it down before the Earlwith the apologetic murmur of:

"Business, my lord!"

Carstares descended from the clouds and eyed the packet with evidentdistaste. He proceeded to fill his and his companion's glass veryleisurely. That done, he heaved a lugubrious sigh, caught Mr.Warburton's eye, laughed in answer to its quizzical gleam, and broke theseal.

"Since you _will_ have it, sir--business!"

* * * * *

Mr. Warburton stayed the night at the Chequers and travelled back toWyncham next day by the two o'clock coach. He played piquet and ecartewith my lord all the evening, and then retired to bed, not having foundan opportunity to argue his mission as he had hoped to do. Whenever hehad tried to turn the conversation that way he had been gently butfirmly led into safer channels, and somehow had found it impossible toget back. My lord was the gayest and most charming of companions, buttalk "business" he would not. He regaled the lawyer with spicy anecdotesand tales of abroad, but never once allowed Mr. Warburton to speak ofhis home or of his brother.

The lawyer retired to rest in a measure reassured by the other's goodspirits, but at the same time dispirited by his failure to induceCarstares to return to Wyncham.

Next morning, although he was not up until twelve, he was before mylord, who only appeared in time for lunch, which was served as before inthe oak parlour.

He entered the room in his usual leisurely yet decided fashion and madeMr. Warburton a marvellous leg. Then he bore him off to inspect hismare, Jenny, of whom he was inordinately proud. By the time theyreturned to the parlour luncheon was served, and Mr. Warburton realisedthat he had scarcely any time left in which to plead his cause.

My lord's servant hovered continually about the room, waiting on them,until his master bade him go to attend to the lawyer's valise. When thedoor had closed on his retreating form, Carstares leaned back in hischair, and, with a rather dreary little smile, turned to hi

s companion.

"You want to reason with me, I know, Mr. Warburton, and, indeed, I willlisten an I must. But I would so much rather that you left the subjectalone, believe me."

Warburton sensed the finality in his voice, and wisely threw away hislast chance.

"I understand 'tis painful, my lord, and I will say no more. Onlyremember--and think on it, I beg!"

The concern in his face touched my lord.

"You are too good to me, Mr. Warburton, I vow. I can only say that Iappreciate your kindness--and your forbearance. And I trust that youwill forgive my seeming churlishness and believe that I am indeedgrateful to you."

"I wish I might do more for you, Master Jack!" stammered Warburton, mademiserable by the wistful note in his favourite's voice. There was notime for more; the coach already awaited him, and his valise had beenhoisted up. As they stood together in the porch, he could only grip mylord's hand tightly and say good-bye. Then he got hurriedly into thecoach, and the door was slammed behind him.

My lord made his leg, and watched the heavy vehicle move forward androll away down the street. Then with a stifled sigh he turned and walkedtowards the stables. His servant saw him coming and went at once to meethim.

"The mare, sir?"

"As you say, Jim--the mare. In an hour."

He turned and would have strolled back.

"Sir--your honour!"

He paused, looking over his shoulder.

"Well?"

"They're on the look-out, sir. Best be careful."

"They always are, Jim. But thanks."

"Ye--ye wouldn't take me with ye, sir?" pleadingly.

"Take you? Faith, no! I've no mind to lead you into danger. And youserve me best by remaining to carry out my orders."

The man fell back.

"Ay, sir; but--but--"