WYLDER'S HAjYD.
391
"Because he is quite sure to advise against it,': answer-
en Stanley, sharply. "He is one of those Quixotic fellows
who get on very well in fair weather, while living with a
duke or duchess, but are sure to run you into mischief when
they come to the inns and highways of common life. I
know perfectly, he would protest against a compromise.
Discharge Larkin — fight him — and see us valiantly
stript of our property by some cursed law-quibble; and
think we ought to be much more comfortable so, than in
this house, on the terms of a compromise with a traitor
like Larkin. But / don't think so, nor any man of sense,
nor anyone but a hare-brained, conceited knight-errant."
"I think Chelford one of the most sensible as well as
honorable men I know; and I will take no step in selling
a part of our estate to that odious Mr. Larkin, without
consulting him, and at least hearing what he thinks of
it."
Stanley's eyes were cast down — and he was nipping
the straggling hairs of his light moustache between his lips
— but he made no answer. Only suddenly he looked up,
and said quietly,
"Very well. Good-bye for a little, Dorkie," and he
leaned over and kissed her cheek, and then passed into the
hall, where he took his hat and cane.
Larcom presented him with a note, in a sealed envelope.
As he took it from the salver he recognized Larkin's clear
and large hand. I suspect that grave Mr. Larcom had
been making his observations and conjectures thereupon.
The Captain took it with a little nod, and a peevish
side-glance. It said —
"My Dear Captain Brandon lake,—Imperative
business calls me to London by the early train to-morrow.
Will you therefore favor me, if convenient, by the bearer,