“I wish he would either live or die; for, in the first case, I could marry this brave and wealthy wench of the baronet’s, which I can’t do now, and he in such a state of health.  If I could once touch the Gourlay cash, I were satisfied.  The Gourlay estates will come to me, too, because there is no heir, and they go with this wench, who is a brave wench, for that reason.”

“So she has consented to have you at last?”

“Do you think, Tom, she ever had any serious intention of declining the coronet?  No, no; she wouldn’t be her father’s daughter if she had.”

“Yes; but your lordship suspected that the fellow who shot you had made an impression in that quarter.”

“I did for a time—­that is, I was fool enough to think so; she is, however, a true woman, and only played him off against me.”

“But why does she refuse to see you?”

“She hasn’t refused, man; her health, they tell me, is not good of late; of course, she is only waiting to gain strength for the interview, that is all.  Ah, Tom, my dear fellow, I understand women a devilish deal better than you do.”

“So you ought; you have had greater experience, and paid more for it.  What will you do with the fair blonde, though.  I suppose the matrimonial compact will send her adrift.”

“Suppose no such thing, then.  I had her before matrimony, and I will have her after it.  No, Tom, I am not ungrateful; fore or aft, she shall be retained.  She shall never say that I acted unhandsomely by her, especially as she has become a good girl and repented.  I know I did her injustice about the player-man.  On that point she has thoroughly satisfied me, and I was wrong.”

Norton gave him a peculiar look, one of those looks which an adept in the ways of life, in its crooked paths and unprincipled impostures, not unfrequently bestows upon the poor aristocratic dolt whom he is plundering to his face.  The look we speak of might be mistaken for surprise—­it might be mistaken for pity—­but it was meant for contempt.

“Of course,” said he, “you are too well versed in the ways of the world, my lord, and especially in those of the fair sex, to be imposed upon.  If ever I met an individual who can read a man’s thoughts by looking into his face, your lordship is the man.  By the way, when did you see your father-in-law that is to be?”

“A couple of days ago.  He, too, has been ill, and looks somewhat shaken.  It is true, I don’t like the man, and I believe nobody does; but I like very well to hear him talk of deeds, settlements, and marriage articles.  He begged of me, however, not to insist on seeing his daughter until she is fully recovered, which he expects will be very soon; and the moment she is prepared for an interview, he is to let me know.  But, harkee, Tom, what can the old earl want with me this morning, think you?”

“I cannot even guess,” replied the other, “unless it be to prepare you for—­”