"I thank your Grace," replied Gammon, determinedly--"but I require an explicit retractation. I entertain a deep deference towards your Grace, but am also aware of what is due to myself. My Lord," he added, as if at a sudden impulse, addressing the earl, "do permit me to request your Lordship to withdraw and apologize for"----But the earl turned his face aside; and extending his hand towards Gammon, feebly motioned him away; on which, with a low bow to the Duke of Tantallan, Gammon took his hat and moved towards the door.
"Sir--Mr. Gammon--you _must_ not go," said the duke, in an earnest and commanding manner--"you are here on business, of pressing importance--all _this_ must pass away and be forgotten."
"_Your Grace_ I shall be most happy to attend at any time, and anywhere; but this room I quit instantly."
"Then, sir, have the goodness to walk into the next," said the duke, somewhat imperiously, "and I will come to you presently." Mr. Gammon bowed and withdrew.
"Oh God! how atrocious is the conduct of that man!" said the earl, when they were left alone.
"Really, Dreddlington, you must get rid of these--these--absurd notions."
"Let me never see his face again!" replied the earl, feebly. "I have but a short time to live, and that time the sight of _him_, I feel, makes still shorter!" The duke looked both vexed and embarrassed.
"Come--come--now he's here," continued his Grace, "and on a very important errand--let us have done with the fellow--let us have him back, and I'll tell him you withdraw"----
"Withdraw? He _is_ withdrawn," replied the earl, confusedly.
"What d'ye mean, my dear Dreddlington? I say--let me tell him"----
"I mean, it was at his chambers, in Holborn--I pledge my honor, I recollect as if it were yester"----
"Pho, pho!" cried the duke, rather impatiently--"it must be done! He's come on matters of the very last importance--the thing's been put off to the very latest moment on your account--that cursed Company!" The earl looked up at his companion, and a faint smile flitted over his wasted features.
"Ah--I'm now satisfied," said he, shaking his head--"that they must dig a very great depth, indeed, before they come to the copper." The duke looked puzzled, but said hastily, "That's right!--I'll have him back, and you'll allow me to say it's all a mistake?"