“Oh, yes, sir! I saw him at Mr. Tankard's house, and was very much pleased with his appearance. The livery suited him extremely well.”
“Yes, sir. I wished to see how it fitted, and it _did_ fit him to admiration. I never saw such a fine-looking footman in my life.”
“At once, sir. I thought him a great catch.”
“Something prevented him. Either his father died quite suddenly, and left him a large fortune, or else he married; I don't recollect which.”
“Be serious, if you please, Higgins. Have you ever seen him since?”
“Should you know him again if you saw him?”
“I don't think I should, sir. I only saw him in livery, and a handsome livery like ours sets a man off to advantage. Are these all the questions you propose to ask me, sir?”
“One more, and I have done; and I beg you will answer it distinctly. Do you see him now?”
“You are a very cautious fellow, Higgins, but it won't do,” said Scrope.
“Speak out, Higgins,” said Chetwynd. “I have no wish for concealment.”
“Now I look again,” remarked the butler to Scrope, “I should say there is a very strong resemblance between Walter Liddel and Mr. Chetwynd Calverley.”
“Enough!” cried Scrope. “You may retire.” Higgins bowed, and left the room.
“And now,” said Chetwynd, “may I ask the meaning of this inquiry?”
“My object is merely to establish a fact,” replied Scrope. “Lady Thicknesse and myself have just learnt, to our great surprise and annoyance, that our charming relative, Emmeline Barfleur, has had the imprudence to form an engagement with you.”
“I might use a stronger term, but that will suffice. It cannot be very agreeable to those connected with her, that the daughter of the proud Sir Leycester Barfleur, who might marry any one she pleases, should throw herself away upon a--footman!”
Chetwynd absolutely started, but controlled himself by a great effort.
“I now understand your anxiety to secure Lady Thicknesses presence at our interview,” he said. “You have aimed a cowardly blow at me, but it has failed in effect. I treat your observation with scorn!” Then, turning to Lady Thicknesse, he added, “Since your nephew refuses to give me credit for acting like a gentleman, I must inform your ladyship that Emmeline is acquainted with the ridiculous circumstance of which so much has been made, and it merely excited her laughter. I have confessed all my follies and faults to her--_all!_--and she has forgiven me, because she believes in my promises of amendment.”