“Her brothers, belike. And so much for your mischief-making, Mrs. Davis.” He said it with a sneer; but his eyes glowed. “Then that’s all right and settled,” replied the girl. “And so now you can be at peace.” “Wasn’t it?” “You say so.” “What do _you_ say?” “O! I mustn’t mention Kit, I suppose.” “Kit!” He uttered a blazing oath under his breath. “So my suspicions are confirmed about that reptile! By God, if you and my lady are a pair and in collusion, after all!” “Fiddle-de-dee!” she said, putting out the tip of her tongue at him. “What do you mean by collusion? That I’m abetting her in carrying on with my own particular friend? Not likely!” He stamped in impotent exasperation. “Why do you tell me, then? But I see what it is. She has robbed you of this creature, and you want to be revenged on her for it. And by God you shall! Tell me, when was this?” “This very afternoon.” “And how long was he with her?” “Who?” “O, you know!” “I thought you might mean the other.” “The other? There was another, then?” He positively squeaked in his fury. “Who was it? Curse it, I _will_ know!” “Sure, you’re so hot, I’m afraid to tell you,” she said. He broke away, positively dancing, took a rageful turn or two, and came back relatively reasonable. “Now, Mrs. Davis,” he said; “will you be so good as to acquaint me all--all about this visit? Come, let us kiss and be friends.” He advanced towards her, with hands extended and a twisted smile, meant to be ingratiatory, on his lips; but she backed before him. “No, sure,” she said. “That would be friendship at too high a price. What does it matter to you who visited her? Aren’t you ready to throw her over, stock and block, for me?” “Yes, yes. Only--h’m!--’tis a question of justification, don’t you see--of proof--damn it!--of her guilt.” “You won’t want to kiss me, now?” “No; on my word.” “And you won’t call the gentlemen out to answer for their misbehaviour?” “Curse me, no!” “Then, I’ll tell you. It was---- You are sure you won’t kiss me?” “Not for a thousand pound.” “What, not for a thousand? Was ever woman so insulted!” “Then I’ll kiss you for nothing.” “You will? So, then, my mouth’s shut.” “O!” He threw up his hands and eyes, giving vent to the remarkable utterance, “The foul fiend grant me virtue!” Then he waxed dangerous. “Mrs. Moll, if it’s to be kissing after all, I’ll pay you, and with interest, here and now.” She gave a little scream. “O, mussey! I’ll tell you. It was the Duke.” He stood looking at her, grinning like a dog. “The Duke? What Duke?” “How should I know?” “You saw him?” “Sure.” “How?” “O, I just looked through the keyhole.” Still he stared, the grin, or snarl, fixed on his face. “And what did you see?” “Only the two gentlemen and my lady.” “What! They were there together?” “Why not?” “Why not, why not! Now, what does it all mean? And which was the favoured one with her?” “It was his Highness stayed longest.” “His Highness!”