d in flannels! I am never in love when I am ill--who is? I am well
now, or nearly so; and I've had things to vex me--things to make this
place very disagreeable; I shall go to town, and before this day week,
perhaps, that charming face may enliven the solitude of Fernside. I
shall look to it myself now. I see you're going to say something. Spare
yourself the trouble! nothing ever goes wrong if I myself take it in
hand."

The next day Lord Lilburne, who, in truth, felt himself uncomfortable
and gene in the presence of Vaudemont; who had won as much as the guests
at Beaufort Court seemed inclined to lose; and who made it the rule of
his life to consult his own pleasure and amusement before anything
else, sent for his post-horses, and informed his brother-in-law of his
departure.

"And you leave me alone with this man just when I am convinced that he
is the person we suspected! My dear Lilburne, do stay till he goes."

"Impossible! I am between fifty and sixty--every moment is precious at
that time of life. Besides, I've said all I can say; rest quiet--act on
the defensive--entangle this cursed Vaudemont, or Morton, or whoever he
be, in the mesh of your daughter's charms, and then get rid of him, not
before. This can do no harm, let the matter turn out how it will.
Read the papers; and send for Blackwell if you want advice on any, new
advertisements. I don't see that anything more is to be done at present.
You can write to me; I shall be at Park Lane or Fernside. Take care of
yourself. You're a lucky fellow--you never have the gout! Good-bye."

And in half an hour Lord Lilburne was on the road to London.

The departure of Lilburne was a signal to many others, especially and
naturally to those he himself had invited. He had not announced to such
visitors his intention of going till his carriage was at the door. This
might be delicacy or carelessness, just as people chose to take it: and
how they did take it, Lord Lilburne, much too selfish to be well-bred,
did not care a rush. The next day half at least of the guests were
gone; and even Mr. Marsden, who had been specially invited on Arthur's
account, announced that he should go after dinner! he always travelled
by night--he slept well on the road--a day was not lost by it.

"And it is so long since you saw Arthur," said Mr. Beaufort, in
remonstrance, "and I expect him every day."

"Very sorry--best fellow in the world--but the fact is, that I am
not very well myself.