He was affecting the excessively obsequious when he came back bearing his metal soap-case.  The performance was checked by another look solid as shot, and as quick.  Woodseer, who would have done for Sir Meeson Corby or Lazarus what had been done for him, thought little of the service, but so intense a peremptoriness in the look of an eye made him uncomfortable in his own sense of independence.  The humblest citizen of a free nation has that warning at some notable exhibition of tyranny in a neighbouring State:  it acts like a concussion of the air.

Lord Fleetwood led an easy dialogue with him and Sir Meeson, on their different themes immediately, which was not less impressive to an observer.  He listened to Sir Meeson’s entreaties that he should start at once for Baden, and appeared to pity the poor gentleman, condemned by his office to hang about him in terror of his liege lady’s displeasure.  Presently, near the close of the meal, drawing a ring from his finger, he handed it to the baronet, and said, ’Give her that.  She knows I shall follow that.’  He added to himself:—­I shall have ill-luck till I have it back! and he asked Woodseer whether he put faith in the virtue of talismans.

‘I have never possessed one,’ said Woodseer, with his natural frankness.  ‘It would have gone long before this for a night’s lodging.’

Sir Meeson heard him, and instantly urged Lord Fleetwood not to think of dismissing his man Francis.  ’I beg it, Fleetwood!  I beg you to take the man.  Her ladyship will receive me badly, ring or no ring, if she hears of your being left alone.  I really can’t present myself.  I shall not go, not go.  I say no.’

‘Stay, then,’ said Fleetwood.

He turned to Woodseer with an air of deference, and requested the privilege of glancing at his notebook again, and scanned it closely at one of the pages.  ‘I believe it true,’ he cried; ’I had a half recollection of it—­I have had some such thought, but never could put it in words.  You have thought deeply.’

‘That is only a surface thought, or common reflection,’ said Woodseer.

Sir Meeson stared at them in turn.  Judging by their talk and the effect produced on the earl, he took Woodseer for a sort of conjuror.

It was his duty to utter a warning.

He drew Fleetwood aside.  A word was whispered, and they broke asunder with a snap.  Francis was called.  His master gave him his keys, and despatched him into the town to purchase a knapsack or bag for the outfit of a jolly beggar.  The prospect delighted Lord Fleetwood.  He sang notes from the deep chest, flaunting like an opera brigand, and contemplating his wretched satellite’s indecision with brimming amusement.

‘Remember, we fight for our money.  I carry mine,’ he said to Woodseer.

‘Wouldn’t it be expedient, Fleetwood . . .’  Sir Meeson suggested a treasurer in the person of himself.

‘Not a florin, Corby!  I should find it all gambled away at Baden.’