Sydney laughed,—­but I could see he did not altogether relish the suggestion.

‘Three in a hansom?’

’There is such a thing as a four-wheeled cab,—­or I could order a carriage if you’d like one.’

Sydney looked at me out of the corners of his eyes; then began to walk up and down the room, with his hands in his trouser pockets.  Presently he began to talk nonsense.

’I need not say with what a sensation of joy I should anticipate the delights of a drive with you,—­even in a four-wheeled cab; but, were I in your place, I fancy that I should allow Holt and your humble servant to go hunting out this house of his alone.  It may prove a more tedious business than you imagine.  I promise that, after the hunt is over, I will describe the proceedings to you with the most literal accuracy.’

’I daresay.—­Do you think I don’t know you’ve been deceiving me all the time?’

‘Deceiving you?—­I!’

‘Yes,—­you!  Do you think I’m quite an idiot?’

‘My dear Marjorie!’

’Do you think I can’t see that you know all about what Mr Holt has been telling us,—­perhaps more about it than he knows himself?’

‘On my word!—­With what an amount of knowledge you do credit me.’

’Yes, I do,—­or discredit you, rather.  If I were to trust you, you would tell me just as much as you chose,—­which would be nothing.  I’m coming with you,—­so there’s an end.’

’Very well.—­Do you happen to know if there are any revolvers in the house?’

‘Revolvers?—­whatever for?’

’Because I should like to borrow one.  I will not conceal from you —­since you press me—­that this is a case in which a revolver is quite likely to be required.’

‘You are trying to frighten me.’

’I am doing nothing of the kind, only, under the circumstances, I am bound to point out to you what it is you may expect.’

’Oh, you think that you’re bound to point that out, do you,—­then now your bounden duty’s done.  As for there being any revolvers in the house, papa has a perfect arsenal,—­would you like to take them all?’

’Thanks, but I daresay I shall be able to manage with one,—­unless you would like one too.  You may find yourself in need of it.’

’I am obliged to you, but, on this occasion, I don’t think I’ll trouble.  I’ll run the risk.—­Oh, Sydney, what a hypocrite you are!’

’It’s for your sake, if I seem to be.  I tell you most seriously, that I earnestly advise you to allow Mr Holt and I to manage this affair alone.  I don’t mind going so far as to say that this is a matter with which, in days to come, you will wish that you had not allowed yourself to be associated.’

’What do you mean by that?  Do you dare to insinuate anything against—­Paul?’

’I insinuate nothing.  What I mean, I say right out; and, my dear Marjorie, what I actually do mean is this,—­that if, in spite of my urgent solicitations, you will persist in accompanying us, the expedition, so far as I am concerned, will be postponed.’