Do you remember the Mary Janes which Manylodes brought for you in his pocket to the hotel at Tavistock ?' Here Alaric turned as pale as a spectre.

'Don't talk of bribes, my dear fellow.

We are all of us giving and taking bribes from our cradles to our graves; but men of the world generally call them by some prettier names.

Now, if you are not desirous to throw your cards up altogether, get these shares for Val, and let him or me have them to-morrow morning.' And so saying Undy disappeared into the House, through the side door out of the hall, which is appropriated to the use of honourable members.
And then Alaric was left alone.

He had never hitherto realized the true facts of the position in which he had placed himself; but now he did so.