[Simon Dale by Anthony Hope]@TWC D-Link book
Simon Dale

CHAPTER VIII
15/23

"Is it a bargain?
Whither shall we fly from the turmoil ?" "We!" he exclaimed with a start.
"Aren't you sick of the same disease?
Isn't the same medicine best for you?
Come, shall we both go to-morrow to Hatchstead--a pretty village, Mr Darrell--and let the great folk go alone to Dover ?" "You know I cannot.

I serve my Lord Arlington." "And I the Duke of Monmouth." "But my Lord is the King's servant." "And his Grace the King's son." "Oh, if you're obstinate----" he began, frowning.
"As fate, as prophecy, as witch, as Ranter, as devil, or as yourself!" I said, laughing and throwing myself into a chair as he rose and moved towards the door.
"No good will come of it to you," he said, passing me on his way.
"What loyal servant looks to make a profit of his service ?" I asked, smiling.
"I wish you could be warned." "I'm warned, but not turned, Darrell.

Come, we part friends ?" "Why, yes, we are friends," he answered, but with a touch of hesitation.
"Saving our duty to the King ?" "If need should come for that reservation, yes," said he gravely.
"And saving," said I, "the liberties of the Kingdom and the safety of the Reformed Religion--if need should come for these reservations, Mr Darrell," and I laughed to see the frown gather again on his brow.

But he made no reply, being unable to trust his self-control or answer my light banter in its own kind.

He left me with no more than a shake of his head and a wave of his hand; and although we parted thus in amity and with no feelings save of kindness for one another, I knew that henceforth there must be a difference in our relations; the days of confidence were gone.
The recognition of my loss weighed little with me.


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