negligently
upon a tabouret beside her, "I must pray you not to dismiss this worthy
man so hastily. You will find him eminently serviceable; and as to his
trustworthiness, I have the best reasons for feeling satisfied of it,
because I hold in my hand a noose, which, whenever I please, I can
tighten round his neck. Of this he is quite aware, and therefore he
will serve us faithfully, as well from fear as from gratitude."

"Her ladyship may place entire confidence in me," remarked Luke Hatton,
with a grin. "This is not the first affair of the kind in which I have
been engaged. I have prepared potions and powders which Mistress Turner
(with whose reputation your ladyship must needs be acquainted) used to
vend to her customers. My draughts have removed many a troublesome
husband, and silenced many a jealous wife. I have helped many an heir to
the speedy enjoyment of an inheritance, which, but for my assistance,
would not have come to him for years. The lover with a rival in his way,
who has come to me, has soon been freed from all anxiety on that score.
The courtier, eager for a post which a superior held, has gained it by
my aid. Yet none of those whom I have thus benefited have been
suspected. Your ladyship, I repeat, need have no fears of me--and no
scruples with me. State your wishes, and they shall be implicitly
obeyed."

"I have no wish, except to be relieved of a presence which is
disagreeable to me," replied the Countess.

Again Luke Hatton consulted Lord Roos with a regard.

"I find I must act for her ladyship," said the young nobleman. "You will
take, therefore, the instructions I shall give you, as proceeding from
her. What two names do you find upon that paper?"

"Those of your lordship's wife and mother-in-law," returned Luke Hatton.

"You comprehend what her ladyship would have done with those persons?"
said Lord Roos, looking at him steadfastly.

"Perfectly," replied Luke Hatton.

"O, do not give this fatal order, my Lord!" cried Lady Exeter,
trembling.

"How many days do you require to effect their removal?" demanded Lord
Roos, without appearing to notice her remark.

"I do not require many hours," replied Luke Hatton; "but it will be well
not to be too precipitate. Neither must they die at the same time. All
precaution shall be taken. The names are placed in a particular order.
Is it so the Countess would have them taken? In that case I must
commence with Lady Roos."

"Wretch! dost thou dare t