"We will tell him the candid truth and see what he says," pursued the baronet "When he finds that we are determined not to tolerate him with us, and that we will quash the whole thing at once if he insists upon remaining, he must yield. There was that young Walter Sydney who seemed at first to have taken a fancy to Diana. I thought of making use of him too;--but he never called again after that drunken display of Mr. Talbot's. He was evidently disgusted with him for his conduct, and with us for associating with him." "Well," said Chichester, "let us resolve, then, to have an explanation with Talbot in the sense you have mentioned; and you must also speak seriously to Diana and get her to make use of young Markham." "And if she will not," added the baronet, "I shall get rid of her without delay. What is the use of having an expensive mistress, unless you can use her either as a _blind_ or a _plant_?" The delectable conversation terminated here, because those who had carried it on, were now arrived at their destination. The baronet's tiger knocked at the front door, and Mr. Whittingham speedily made his appearance. "Is your master at home?" demanded Chichester. "No sir; he has not domesticated himself in his own abode since he went out shortly after you yesterday. But a person of my acquaintance--a man of perfect credibleness--has just come to ensure me that my young master will be here again in the currency of the day." "Where did this person see your master?" enquired Chichester, struck by the absence of Markham the entire night. "His respondencies is evasive and dissatisfactory," said Whittingham. "This is very remarkable!" ejaculated Chichester: then, after a pause, he added, "But we will await Mr. Markham's return; and I will just see this man and interrogate him alone--_alone_, do you hear, Whittingham." "I hear, sir, because my accoustic propensities is good. I will send this person to you into the library." Mr. Chichester alighted from the vehicle and hastened to the library, while the baronet repaired to the stables to see that his horse (concerning which he was very particular) was properly cared for. Mr. Chichester walked up and down the library, reflecting upon the probable causes of Richard's absence. At the moment he fancied that he might have fallen into the hands of the police; but then he thought that, had this been the case, Markham would have sent for himself or the baronet. He did not imagine that the noble nature of the young man whom he was conducting headlong to his ruin, would scorn to take any steps calculated to compromise his friends. The door of the library opened, and a man entered. "What? John!" ejaculated Mr. Chichester, turning very pale and manifesting much confusion. "Mr. Winchester!" cried Snoggles--for it was he.