第268章

There yet remained a slight scar upon his face, and whenever he was recognised, as he was almost every minute by people sauntering in and out, he made a restless effort to conceal it with his glove; showing how keenly he felt the disgrace he had undergone.

`Ah! Hawk,' said one very sprucely-dressed personage in a Newmarket coat, a choice neckerchief, and all other accessories of the most unexceptionable kind. `How d'ye do, old fellow?'

This was a rival trainer of young noblemen and gentlemen, and the person of all others whom Sir Mulberry most hated and dreaded to meet. They shook hands with excessive cordiality.

`And how are you now, old fellow, hey?'

`Quite well, quite well,' said Sir Mulberry.

`That's right,' said the other. `How d'ye do, Verisopht? He's a little pulled down, our friend here--rather out of condition still, hey?'

It should be observed that the gentleman had very white teeth, and that when there was no excuse for laughing, he generally finished with the same monosyllable, which he uttered so as to display them.

`He's in very good condition; there's nothing the matter with him,'

said the young man carelessly.

`Upon my soul I'm glad to hear it,' rejoined the other. `Have you just returned from Brussels?'

`We only reached town late last night,' said Lord Frederick. Sir Mulberry turned away to speak to one of his own party, and feigned not to hear.

`Now, upon my life,' said the friend, affecting to speak in a whisper, `it's an uncommonly bold and game thing in Hawk to show himself so soon.

I say it advisedly; there's a vast deal of courage in it. You see he has just rusticated long enough to excite curiosity, and not long enough for men to have forgotten that deuced unpleasant--by-the-bye--you know the rights of the affair, of course? Why did you never give those confounded papers the lie? I seldom read the papers, but I looked in the papers for that, and may I be--'

`Look in the papers,' interrupted Sir Mulberry, turning suddenly round, `tomorrow--no, next day, will you?'

`Upon my life, my dear fellow, I seldom or never read the papers,' said the other, shrugging his shoulders, `but I will, at your recommendation.

What shall I look for?'

`Good-day,' said Sir Mulberry, turning abruptly on his heel, and drawing his pupil with him. Falling, again, into the loitering, careless pace at which they had entered, they lounged out, arm-in-arm.

`I won't give him a case of murder to read,' muttered Sir Mulberry with an oath; `but it shall be something very near it if whip-cord cuts and bludgeons bruise.'

His companion said nothing, but there was something in his manner which galled Sir Mulberry to add, with nearly as much ferocity as if his friend had been Nicholas himself, `I sent Jenkins to old Nickleby before eight o'clock this morning. He's a staunch one; he was back with me before the messenger. I had it all from him in the first five minutes. I know where this hound is to be met with--time and place both. But there's no need to talk; tomorrow will soon be here.'

`And wha-at's to be done tomorrow?' inquired Lord Frederick.

Sir Mulberry Hawk honoured him with an angry glance, but condescended to return no verbal answer to this inquiry. Both walked sullenly on, as though their thoughts were busily occupied, until they were quite clear of the crowd, and almost alone, when Sir Mulberry wheeled round to return.

`Stop,' said his companion, `I want to speak to you--in earnest. Don't turn back. Let us walk here, a few minutes.'

`What have you to say to me, that you could not say yonder as well as here?' returned his Mentor, disengaging his arm.

`Hawk,' rejoined the other, `tell me; I must know--'

` Must know,' interrupted the other disdainfully. `Whew! Go on.

If you must know, of course there's no escape for me. Must know!'

`Must ask then,' returned Lord Frederick, `and must press you for a plain and straightforward answer--is what you have just said only a mere whim of the moment, occasioned by your being out of humour and irritated, or is it your serious intention, and one that you have actually contemplated?'

`Why, don't you remember what passed on the subject one night, when I was laid up with a broken limb?' said Sir Mulberry, with a sneer.

`Perfectly well.'

`Then take that for an answer, in the devil's name,' replied Sir Mulberry, `and ask me for no other.'

Such was the ascendancy he had acquired over his dupe, and such the latter's general habit of submission, that, for the moment, the young man seemed half afraid to pursue the subject. He soon overcame this feeling, however, if it had restrained him at all, and retorted angrily:

`If I remember what passed at the time you speak of, I expressed a strong opinion on this subject, and said that, with my knowledge or consent, you never should do what you threaten now.'

`Will you prevent me?' asked Sir Mulberry, with a laugh.

`Ye-es, if I can,' returned the other, promptly.

`A very proper saving clause, that last,' said Sir Mulberry; `and one you stand in need of. Oh! look to your own business, and leave me to look to mine.'

`This is mine,' retorted Lord Frederick. `I make it mine; I will make it mine. It's mine already. I am more compromised than I should be, as it is.'

`Do as you please, and what you please, for yourself,' said Sir Mulberry, affecting an easy good-humour. `Surely that must content you! Do nothing for me; that's all. I advise no man to interfere in proceedings that Ichoose to take. I am sure you know me better than to do so. The fact is, I see, you mean to offer me advice. It is well meant, I have no doubt, but I reject it. Now, if you please, we will return to the carriage. Ifind no entertainment here, but quite the reverse. If we prolong this conversation, we might quarrel, which would be no proof of wisdom in either you or me.'

With this rejoinder, and waiting for no further discussion, Sir Mulberry Hawk yawned, and very leisurely turned back.