"Well--I will speak plain. Did you hear me tell Suggett the story about my old master, last night at the _Servants' Arms_?" "No--I was engaged in a colloquial discourse at the time." "Then I will tell you the adventur' over agin;"--and Mr. Snoggles related the incident accordingly. Mr. Whittingham was quite astounded; and he delivered himself of many impressive observations upon the affair, but which we shall not be cruel enough to inflict upon our readers. It was about half-past twelve o'clock when Richard returned home. His countenance was pale and anxious; and he vainly endeavoured to smile as he encountered his faithful old dependant. "Ah! Master Richard, I was sadly afraid that you had fallen into some trepidation!" "A very unpleasant adventure, Whittingham--which I will relate to you another time--kept me away from home. I was with Sir Rupert Harborough and Mr. Chichester----" "Mr. Chichester ain't no good, sir," interrupted the butler emphatically. "What do you mean, Whittingham?" "I mean exactly what I say, Master Richard,--and nothing more nor less. Both the baronet and Mr. Chichester have been here this morning." Then, with a considerable amount of circumlocution and elaborate comment, the butler related the conduct of Chichester towards Snoggles, and their accidental meeting that morning. "This is very extraordinary," said Richard, musing. "I can't say I ever regularly admired this Mr. Chichester," observed Whittingham. "He seems too dashing, too out-and-out, and too--too--circumwenting in his discourse, to be anythink exceeding and excessive good. Now I like the baronet much better; he isn't so formiliar in his manners. Whenever he speaks to me he always says '_Mr. Whittingham_;' but Mr. Chichester calls me plain '_Whittingham_.' As for that wulgar fellow Talbot, who has called here once or twice, he slaps me on the shoulder, and bawls out, '_Well, Whittingham, my tulip, how are you?_' Now, you know, Master Richard, it's not conformant to perceived notions to call a butler a tulip." "I have been deceived in my acquaintances--no doubt I have been deceived," said Richard, musing audibly, and pacing the library, with agitated steps. "There is something suspicious in the connexion of that man Talbot--however rich he may be--with so elegant a gentleman as the baronet;--then this conduct of Chichester's towards his servant--their taking me to a common gambling-house--their deserting me in the moment of need,--yes, I have been deceived! And then, Diana--I ought never more to see her: her influence, her fascination are too dangerous!" "A gambling-house!" ejaculated Whittingham, whose ears caught fragments of these reflections.