They had met now and again during the past nine years; but as such a meeting had always resulted in some severe wound to the Baronet's dignity, he shunned his nephew like the pest, and abused him from a distance.

At the same table sat a charming, peach-complexioned English girl.

After a careful scrutiny of her, Sir Tancred decided that she must be his cousin Claire, Sir Everard's eldest child, and admitted with a very grudging reluctance that even the rule that thorns do not produce grapes is proved by exceptions.

The third person at their table was a handsome young man, with glossy black hair, a high-coloured, florid face, and a roving black eye.

Sir Tancred's gaze rested on him with a malicious satisfaction; he knew all about Mr.Arthur Courtnay.
Presently Lord Crosland's eye fell on that table.