, for the groom paused.

"Mr Norton turns round like a shot; and `one, two'--that's the blow;
and my lord goes over just like that sack--that's the cut, sir!"

As he spoke, the groom rushed at the sack, and with one of his vigorous
blows struck it right from the corn-bin to the ground.

"Gude, lad--gude, lad, and weel planted!" said McCray. "But noo, keep
yer ain counsel, and put on yer duds, and come wi' me." Then, slowly
making his way from the stable, McCray muttered: "And that accoonts for
the poother."

Book 2, Chapter XVI.

THE MEETING.

When, pale and thoughtful, Lord Maudlaine strode across the lawn, his
mind was agitated strangely by the feelings that oppressed him. He felt
that matters had arrived at a pitch when, if he did not make some
vigorous effort, he would lose even the partisanship of Sir Murray
Gernon. The baronet's language, and his dislike for the Norton family,
were sufficient to insure his protection and favour, let what might
befall; and with something of his old gamblers feelings, when about to
make some grand _coup_, or when he was backing largely some horse in a
desperate venture, he pressed on.

But his heart told him that never had he attempted so great a stroke as
he meditated now.

He was in no wise surprised when, half an hour after, he met Isa
returning from a ride, ready to answer his bow with a slight inclination
of her head; but he was not weak enough to imagine that, when he turned
and saw her looking back, it was for any other reason than to see the
direction he would take.

Old experience told him what to do, if he wished to encounter Brace
Norton; and taking a short cut, he found, as he expected, that the young
man was sauntering along the lane in front; so that the Viscount had but
to leap a gate, and wait a few minutes for his rival to come, slowly and
thoughtfully, up to where he stood; when Brace gave quite a start, and
then stopped short.

Lord Maudlaine said nothing, but stood, for a moment, deadly pale, and
hesitating. On one side there were ruin, exile, and bodily safety; on
the other, wealth, position, and a beautiful wife. But there were also
risk and treachery. He paused for awhile, and then nerved himself for
the desperate plunge.

Laying his hand upon his cheek, still slightly discoloured, he then
touched his pockets in a meaning way; one well understood by Brace, who
followed him without a word, until they had crossed a couple of fields,
and lea