"The fat old fool" when he reached the house asked for his nephew
and endeavoured to persuade Lord Mistletoe to go with him to the
interview. But Lord Mistletoe was as firm in refusing as had been
Sir George Penwether. "You are quite wrong," said the young man
with well-informed sententious gravity. "I could do nothing to help
you. You are Arabella's father and no one can plead her cause but
yourself." Lord Augustus dropped his eyebrows over his eyes as this
was said. They who knew him well and had seen the same thing done
when his partner would not answer his call at whist or had led up
to his discard were aware that the motion was tantamount to a very
strong expression of disgust. He did not, however, argue the matter
any further, but allowed himself to be led away slowly by the same
solemn servant. Lord Rufford had taken up his hat preparatory to
his departure when Lord Augustus was announced just five minutes
after the half hour.
When the elder man entered the room the younger one put down his
hat and bowed. Lord Augustus also bowed and then stood for a few
moments silent with his fat hands extended on the round table in
the middle of the room. "This is a very disagreeable kind of thing,
my Lord," he said.
"Very disagreeable, and one that I lament above all things,"
answered Lord Rufford:
"That's all very well;--very well indeed;--but, damme, what's the
meaning of it all? That's what I want to ask.
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