"That will do, my dear Dreddlington!--That's the way such nonsense _should_ be put an end to," said the duke, and, ringing the bell, ordered the servant to request Mr. Gammon to return. After a brief interval, that gentleman re-entered the library, but with some sternness and reluctance of manner.
"Mr. Gammon," replied the duke, a little quickly, "my Lord Dreddlington owns he was mistaken--he, of course, withdraws the expression--so we had better at once to business"----
"Ay--certainly!--certainly! Have you the papers with you, Mr. Gammon?" inquired the earl, while his trembling fingers held his gold spectacles. Mr. Gammon bowed rather haughtily, and resuming the chair he had quitted, drew it to the table, and opened a little packet.
"It was a ridiculous affair, I am afraid, sir," said the earl, addressing Mr. Gammon, who felt a little surprised at the altered look and tone of the earl.
"I fear it was extremely _unfortunate_, my Lord, in its issue," he replied gravely, arranging his papers.
"The thing did not look so absurd _at first_, Tantallan, I assure you!" said the earl, addressing the duke, who was eying Mr. Gammon's movements with much anxiety; for he had come prepared to state the final result of long negotiations between the creditors and the directors and shareholders of the "Artificial Rain Company."
"These things never do--at first," his Grace replied with a sort of sigh.
"Just show us, Mr. Gammon," said the earl, "if you please, the diagrams and the sections of the strata"-----
"The _what_?" inquired the duke, turning surprisedly to the earl--so did Mr. Gammon, and for a moment ceased arranging his papers. Both the duke and he turned pale, and gazed in silent dismay at their companion. Gammon felt momentarily sick at heart. It was evident that Lord Dreddlington's mind had gently given way!--There was a smile of indescribable weakness flickering about the mouth; the eyes were unsteady; all sternness had vanished from his brow; and his manner was calm, with even an approach towards cheerfulness. Gammon's face was suddenly blanched, and he glanced with horror at the duke, who, without removing his eyes from Lord Dreddlington, unconsciously exclaimed, "Oh my God!"