"When I entered your room, sir, that document caught my eye accidentally; and on seeing upon the outside of it--for no farther have I looked--the name of my own son-in-law, it was but natural that I should suppose there could be no objection to my continuing to examine the outside. That _was_ my opinion, sir--that _is_ my opinion; your presumptuous expressions, sir, cannot change that opinion, nor make me forget our relative positions," he added loftily; "and I once more demand, sir, what is the meaning of that extraordinary document?"
Mr. Gammon was taken quite by surprise by this calmness and resolution on the part of the earl; and while his Lordship spoke, and for some moments afterwards, gazed at him sternly, yet irresolutely, his faculties strained to their utmost, to determine upon the course he should take, in so totally unexpected an emergency. He was not long, however, in deciding.
"Since your Lordship desires information from me, let me request you to be seated," said he, in a tone and with an air of profound courtesy, such as, in its turn, took his noble companion by surprise; and he slowly resumed his seat, Gammon also sitting down nearly opposite to him. "May I, in the first place, venture to inquire to what circumstance I am indebted, my Lord, for the honor of this visit?" he inquired.
"Oh, sir--sir--by the way--indeed you may well ask--you must have heard"--suddenly and vehemently interrupted the earl, whose mind could hold but one important matter at a time.
"To what does your Lordship allude?" inquired Gammon, who knew perfectly well all the while. Having had a hint that matters were going wrong with the Artificial Rain Company, he had contrived to creep out of it, by selling such shares as he held, at a little loss certainly--and he would have done the same for the earl had it been practicable; but his Lordship's sudden journey into Hertfordshire had prevented his communicating with his Lordship, till the time for acting had passed. Now, therefore, he resolved to be taken by surprise.
"To what do I allude, sir!" echoed the earl, with much agitation, taking the newspaper from his pocket--"The Artificial Rain Company, sir"----
"Well, my Lord!"--exclaimed Gammon, impatiently.