I feel it my duty to be so; it is a
most unfortunate necessity; and cost me a bitter struggle.--Will you try
this box? If you don't object to a trifling infusion of a very chaste
scent, you'll find its flavour exquisite.'
'I ask your pardon, Sir John,' said Mr Haredale, declining the proffer
with a motion of his hand, 'for having ranked you among the humble
instruments who are obvious and in all men's sight. I should have done
more justice to your genius. Men of your capacity plot in secrecy and
safety, and leave exposed posts to the duller wits.'
'Don't apologise, for the world,' replied Sir John sweetly; 'old friends
like you and I, may be allowed some freedoms, or the deuce is in it.'
Gashford, who had been very restless all this time, but had not once
looked up, now turned to Sir John, and ventured to mutter something to
the effect that he must go, or my lord would perhaps be waiting.
'Don't distress yourself, good sir,' said Mr Haredale, 'I'll take my
leave, and put you at your ease--' which he was about to do without
ceremony, when he was stayed by a buzz and murmur at the upper end of
the hall, and, looking in that direction, saw Lord George Gordon coming
in, with a crowd of people round him.
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