108
WYLDER'S HAJVD.
to say truth, I don't think the diamonds have much to say
to it."
The gracious attorney glanced at his guest with a
thoroughly business-like and searching eye.
"You don't think there's any really serious annoyance
— you don't know the party ?" said he.
"I? — oh, dear, no. Wylder has always been very
reserved with me. He told me nothing. If he had, of
course I should not have mentioned it. I only conjecture,
for he really did seem to have a great deal more on
his mind; and he kept me walking back and forward, near
the mill-road, a precious long time. And I really think
once or twice he was going to tell me."
"Oh! you think then, Mr. Lake, there may be some
serious — a — a — well, I should hope not — I do most
earnestly trust not." This was said with upturned eyes
and much unction. "But do you happen, Captain Lake,
to know of any of those unfortunate, those miserable con-
nections which young gentlemen of fashion — eh? It's
very sad. Still it often needs professional advice to solve
such difficulties — it is very sad — oh! is not it sad?"
"Pray, don't let it affect your spirits," said Lake, who
was leaning back in his chair, and looking on the carpet,
about a yard before his lacquered boots, in his usual sly
way. "I may be quite mistaken, you know, but I wished
you to understand — having some little experience of the
world, I'd be only too happy to be of any use, if you
thought my diplomancy could help poor Wylder out of his
trouble — that is, if there really is any. But you don't
know?"
"No," said Mr. Larkin, thoughtfully, with a sharp
glance now and then at the unreadable visage of the cav-
alry officer. It was evident his mind was working, and
nothing was heard in the room for a minute but the tap-
ping of his nails on the chair, like a death-watch.