CHAPTER I.POT-VALIANCE.
Then drink it thus, cried the rash young fool, and splashed the contents of his cup full into the face of Mr.Wilding even as that gentleman, on his feet, was proposing to drink to the eyes of the young fool's sister.
The moments that followed were full of interest.

A stillness, a brooding, expectant stillness, fell upon the company--and it numbered a round dozen--about Lord Gervase's richly appointed board.

In the soft candlelight the oval table shone like a deep brown pool, in which were reflected the gleaming silver and sparkling crystal that seemed to float upon it.
Blake sucked in his nether-lip, his florid face a thought less florid than its wont, his prominent blue eyes a thought more prominent.

Under its golden periwig old Nick Trenchard's wizened countenance was darkened by a scowl, and his fingers, long, swarthy, and gnarled, drummed fretfully upon the table.

Portly Lord Gervase Scoresby--their host, a benign and placid man of peace, detesting turbulence--turned crimson now in wordless rage.