"Well, I leave it in your hands. Fancy my being obliged to leave Uplands! Fortunately, Gray, who is the most harum-scarum host in the world, let the name escape only the day he was expected. Of course, I could not stay and meet him; I told him we had had some discussion, and that the contact would be unpleasant to both. The fellow has _nouse_ enough to keep a still tongue. No one seems acquainted with former facts; he is only known as a rising artist, of good family, they think;--well, so he is on one side. I hinted no relationship, and begged Gray to insinuate _from himself_, to the dozen assembled there, that we had been on unfriendly terms, and thus prevent my name being mentioned."
"Oh! that was best; it may be as well he should hear little of you, if he could be persuaded somehow to take her there. Lady Dora might arrange that, if she so pleased----"
"My dear fellow, the oddest thing is, no one knows he is married! Lady Ripley drew me aside, and asked as a personal favour, that I would say nothing about the scandalous marriage of her niece--this before his coming was known; how they got on, all of them, I know not."
"Whew!" ejaculated Dalby, as if a thought struck him; "a bachelor, eh! Then what do they suppose _her_ to be?"
"Her existence is unknown to his mere acquaintances, for I sifted Gray; he is like a sieve of wheat. I got all the corn, and threw the dust in his own eyes. My amount of information is this--This Miles is a capital fellow, not caring for any woman, else he were dangerous let loose amongst them; so deucedly good-looking, even Lady Dora might notice that; up to any thing--the best shot, horseman--all; so he's always welcome at Uplands--every fellow likes him."
"That is," said Burton, "as every man _likes_ the best shot, etc., who cuts him out in all ways. So with these qualities, and the friends they create for a man, get to work, Dalby, and let's hunt this impostor out of the country."
"We'll see," said the other, rubbing his hands. "I have an idea--crude, 'tis true; give me time. As your professional friend, I deem myself called upon to meet your natural wishes, and get rid of a nuisance. Poor fellow! we will award him Italy; why couldn't he go there?" and he laughed contemptuously.