“I am afraid you must allow me to take my own way. I have contracted an unfortunate habit in that respect,” said the stranger, with a quiet smile. “Give my compliments to his Lordship, and say that at twelve to-morrow I am at his orders; and tell Baron Glumthal that I expect him now.” Lanfranchi withdrew; and having whispered the message to the Baron, proceeded to make his communication to the Viscount. “Very well, sir,” said Lord Lackington, haughtily interrupting; “something like an apology. Men of this sort have a business-like standard even for their politeness, and there is no necessity for me to teach them something better;” and then, turning to Twining, he added, “That was Dunn's arrival we heard awhile ago.” “Oh, indeed! Very glad,--quite rejoiced on your account more than my own. Dunn--Dunn; remarkable man--very,” said Twining, hurriedly. “Thank Heaven! we may be able to get away from this place to-morrow or next day,” said Lord Lackington, sighing drearily. “Yes, of course; very slow for your Lordship--no society--nothing to do.” “And the weather beginning to break?” said Lord Lackington, peevishly. “Just so, as your Lordship most justly observes,--the weather beginning to break.” “Look at that troop of horses,” said the Viscount, as the postilions passed beneath the window in a long file with the cattle just released from the travelling-carriages. “There goes ten--no, but twelve posters. He travels right royally, doesn't he?” “Very handsomely, indeed; quite a pleasure to see it,” said Twining, gleefully. “These fellows have little tact, with all their worldly shrewdness, or they 'd not make such ostentatious display of their wealth.” “Quite true, my Lord. It _is_ indiscreet of them.” “It is so like saying, 'This is _our_ day! '“ said the Viscount. “So it is, my Lord; and a very pleasant day they have of it, I must say; clever men--shrewd men--know the world thoroughly.” “I 'm not so very sure of that, Twining,” said his Lordship, smiling half superciliously. “If they really had all the worldly knowledge you attribute to them, they 'd scarcely venture to shock the feelings of society by assumptions of this sort They would have more patience, Twining,--more patience.” “So they would, my Lord. Capital thing,--excellent thing, patience; always rewarded in the end; great fun.” And he rubbed his hands and laughed away pleasantly. “And they'll defeat themselves, that's what will come of it, sir,” said Lord Lackington, not heeding the other's remark. “I quite agree with your Lordship,” chimed in Twining. “And shall I tell you why they 'll defeat themselves, sir?” “Like it of all things; take it as a great favor on your Lordship's part.”