Transcriber's Notes: 1. Page scan source: Google Books (Library of Congress) 2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe]. A TRAITOR IN LONDON BY FERGUS HUME Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "Hagar of the Pawn Shop," Etc., Etc. F. M. BUCKLES & COMPANY 9 AND 11 EAST SIXTEENTH STREET, NEW YORK LONDON--JOHN LONG COPYRIGHT, 1900 BY F. M. BUCKLES & COMPANY _A Traitor in London_ A Traitor in London. CHAPTER I. CUPID IN LEADING STRINGS. "It's an infernal shame!" "I call it common sense!" "Call it what you please, Malet. I deny your right to keep back my money." "Right? Your father's will gives me every right. If I approve of your marriage, the money will be paid down on your wedding day." "But you don't approve, confound you!" "Certainly not. Brenda Scarse is not the wife for you, Harold." "That's my business." "Mine also--under the will. Come, come now; don't lose your temper." The elder speaker smiled as he proffered this advice, knowing well that he was provoking his cousin beyond all bounds. Harold Burton was young, fiery-tempered, and in love. To be thwarted in his love was something more than exasperating to this impetuous lover. The irritating request that he should keep his temper caused him to lose it promptly; and for the next five minutes Mr. Gilbert Malet was witness of a fine exhibition of unrestrained rage. He trembled for the furniture, almost for his own personal safety, though he managed to preserve a duly dignified outward calm. While Harold stamped about the room, his burly cousin posed before a fireless grate and trimmed his nails, and waited until the young man should have exhausted this wholly unnecessary display of violence. They were in the library of Holt Manor. It was a sombre, monkish room; almost ascetic in its severity. Bookcases and furniture were of black oak, carpet and curtains of a deep red color; and windows of stained glass subdued the light suitably for study and meditation. But on this occasion the windows were open to the brilliant daylight of an August afternoon, and shafts of golden sunshine poured into the room. From the terrace stretching before the house, vast woods sloped toward Chippingholt village, where red-roofed houses clustered round a brawling stream, and rose again on the further side to sweep to the distant hills in unbroken masses of green. Manor and village took their Teutonic names from these forests, and buried in greenery, might have passed as the domain of the Sleeping Beauty. Her palace was undoubtedly girdled by just such a wood.