'
'I wish,' said Mr Haredale, moving to and fro, and stopping, and moving
on again, like one who was ill at ease, 'that this could have been
foreseen or prevented. But as it has gone so far, and it is necessary
for us to act, it is of no use shrinking or regretting. Well! I shall
second your endeavours to the utmost of my power. There is one topic in
the whole wide range of human thoughts on which we both agree. We shall
act in concert, but apart. There will be no need, I hope, for us to meet
again.'
'Are you going?' said Mr Chester, rising with a graceful indolence. 'Let
me light you down the stairs.'
'Pray keep your seat,' returned the other drily, 'I know the way. So,
waving his hand slightly, and putting on his hat as he turned upon his
heel, he went clanking out as he had come, shut the door behind him, and
tramped down the echoing stairs.
'Pah! A very coarse animal, indeed!' said Mr Chester, composing himself
in the easy-chair again. 'A rough brute. Quite a human badger!'
John Willet and his friends, who had been listening intently for the
clash of swords, or firing of pistols in the great room, and had indeed
settled the order in which they should rush in when summoned--in which
procession old John had carefully arranged that he should bring up the
rear--were very much astonished to see Mr Haredale come down without a
scratch, call for his horse, and ride away thoughtfully at a footpace.
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