Lord Windermear then took me
aside, and I narrated what had happened. He recollected the story of
Fleta in my narrative of my life, and felt that I was right in trying to
find out who the lady was. The magistrate now apologised for the
detention, but explained to his lordship how I had before made my
appearance upon another charge, and with a low bow we were dismissed.

"My dear Mr Newland," said his lordship, "I trust that this will be a
warning to you, not to run after other people's noses and ear-rings; at
the same time, I will certainly keep a look-out for those very ear-rings
myself. Major, I wish you a good morning."

His lordship then shook us both by the hand, and saying that he should
be glad to see more of me than he latterly had done, stepped into his
carriage and drove off.

"What the devil did his lordship mean about ear-rings, Newland?"
inquired the Major.

"I told him that I was examining the lady's ear-rings, as very
remarkable," replied I.

"You appear to be able to deceive everybody but me, my good fellow. I
know that you were examining the lady herself." I left the Major in his
error, by making no reply.

Chapter XXIX

I borrow money upon my estate, and upon very favourable terms.

When I came down to breakfast the next morning, the Major said, "My dear
Newland, I have taken the liberty of requesting a very old friend of
mine to come and meet you this morning. I will not disguise from you
that it is Emmanuel, the money-lender. Money you must have until my
affairs are decided, one way or the other; and, in this instance, I will
most faithfully repay the sum borrowed, as soon as I receive the amount
of my bets, or am certain of succeeding to the title, which is one and
the same thing."

I bit my lips, for I was not a little annoyed; but what could be done? I
must have either confessed my real situation to the Major, or have
appeared to raise scruples, which, as the supposed heir to a large
fortune, would have appeared to him to be very frivolous. I thought it
better to let the affair take its chance. "Well," replied I, "if it must
be, it must be: but it shall be on my own terms."

"Nay," observed the Major, "there is no fear but that he will consent,
and without any trouble."

After a moment's reflection I went up stairs and rang for Timothy.
"Tim," said I, "hear me; I now make you a solemn promise, on my honour
as a gentleman, that I will never borrow money upon interest, an