Mr. Macgregor, rising, advanced with great respect to this personage. “I scarcely ventured to hope you would coom, Lord Lilburne, the night is so cold.” “You did not allow sufficiently, then, for the dulness of my solitary inn and the attractions of your circle. Aha! whist, I see.” “You play sometimes?” “Very seldom, now; I have sown all my wild oats, and even the ace of spades can scarcely dig them out again.” “Ha! ha! vara gude.” “I will look on;” and Lord Lilburne drew his chair to the table, exactly opposite to Mr. Gawtrey. The old gentleman turned to Philip. “An extraordinary man, Lord Lilburne; you have heard of him, of course?” “No, indeed; what of him?” asked the young man, rousing himself. “What of him?” said the old gentleman, with a smile; “why the newspapers, if you ever read them, will tell you enough of the elegant, the witty Lord Lilburne; a man of eminent talent, though indolent. He was wild in his youth, as clever men often are; but, on attaining his title and fortune, and marrying into the family of the then premier, he became more sedate. They say he might make a great figure in politics if he would. He has a very high reputation--very. People do say that he is still fond of pleasure; but that is a common failing amongst the aristocracy. Morality is only found in the middle classes, young gentleman. It is a lucky family, that of Lilburne; his sister, Mrs. Beaufort--” “Beaufort!” exclaimed Morton, and then muttered to himself, “Ah, true--true; I have heard the name of Lilburne before.” “Do you know the Beauforts? Well, you remember how luckily Robert, Lilburne’s brother-in-law, came into that fine property just as his predecessor was about to marry a--” Morton scowled at his garrulous acquaintance, and stalked abruptly to the card table. Ever since Lord Lilburne had seated himself opposite to Mr. Gawtrey, that gentleman had evinced a perturbation of manner that became obvious to the company. He grew deadly pale, his hands trembled, he moved uneasily in his seat, he missed deal, he trumped his partner’s best diamond; finally he revoked, threw down his money, and said, with a forced smile, “that the heat of the room overcame him.” As he rose Lord Lilburne rose also, and the eyes of both met. Those of Lilburne were calm, but penetrating and inquisitive in their gaze; those of Gawtrey were like balls of fire. He seemed gradually to dilate in his height, his broad chest expanded, he breathed hard. “Ah, Doctor,” said Mr. Macgregor, “let me introduce you to Lord Lilburne.” The peer bowed haughtily; Mr. Gawtrey did not return the salutation, but with a sort of gulp, as if he were swallowing some burst of passion, strode to the fire, and then, turning round, again fixed his gaze upon the new guest. Lilburne, however, who had never lost his self-composure at this strange rudeness, was now quietly talking with their host.