The conversation then became general. "I didn't know that you were in town, Talbot," said Mr. Chichester. "And I forgot to mention it," observed the baronet. "Or rather," said the lady, "you meditated a little surprise for your friend Mr. Chichester." "I hope you've been well, ma'am, since I saw you last--that is the day before yesterday," said Mr. Talbot. "You was complaining then of a slight cold, and I recommended a treacle-posset and a stocking tied round the throat." "My dear Talbot, take some liqueur," cried the baronet, rising hastily, and purposely knocking down his chair to drown the remainder of Mr. Talbot's observation. "But I dare say you didn't follow my advice, ma'am," pursued Mr. Talbot, with the most imperturbable gravity. "For my part I am suffering dreadful with a bad foot. I'll tell you how it were, ma'am. I've got a nasty soft corn on my little toe; and so what must I do, but yesterday morning I takes my razor, sharpens it upon the paytent strap, and goes for to cut off master corn. But instead of cutting the corn, I nearly sliced my toe off; and----" "By the way, Diana, has the young gentleman called yet, whom we met the other evening at the Opera?" said the baronet, abruptly interrupting this vulgar tirade. "Do you mean the effeminate youth whom we dubbed the _Handsome Unknown_?" said the Enchantress. "Yes: he who was so very mysterious, but who seemed so excessively anxious to form our acquaintance." "He promised to call some evening this week," answered Diana, "and play a game of _écarté_. He told me that he was invincible at _écarté_." "Talking of _écarté_, let us play a game," ejaculated Mr. Chichester, who was sitting upon thorns lest Mr. Talbot should commence his vulgarities again. "Well, I'll take a hand with pleasure," said this individual: then turning towards Diana, he added, "I will tell you the rest of the adventure about the soft corn another time, ma'am." "What a nuisance this is!" whispered Chichester to the baronet. "The young fellow does stare so." "You must give him some explanation or another," hastily replied the baronet; "or I'll tell Diana to say something presently that will smooth down matters." The cards were produced, and Mr. Talbot and the Honourable Mr. Chichester sat down to play. Sir Rupert backed the former, and considerable sums in gold and notes were placed upon the table. Presently the lady turned towards Richard, and said with a smile, "Are you fond of _écarté_?" "I must venture a guinea upon Mr. Chichester. Sir Rupert is betting against him; and I love to oppose Sir Rupert at cards. You will see how I shall tease him presently." With these words the Enchantress rose and seated herself near Mr. Chichester. Of course Markham did the same; and in a very short time he was induced by the lady to follow her example, and back the same side which she supported.