"I have not sent for you.

Go hence." Not at all abashed by this reception, Luke Hatton maintained his place, and threw an inquiring glance at Lord Roos.
"My dear Countess," said the young nobleman, seating himself 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.