And that," he added deprecatingly, "is saying a good deal for a man who doesn't want to spoil sport, and for the matter of that is willing to stand by and see fair play done at Santa Inez any time to-morrow before breakfast." "Then I can count on you," said Clarence, with a sudden impulse extending his hand.
The man hesitated a moment and then grasped it.
"Well, I wasn't expecting that," he said slowly; "but you look as if you meant business, and if you ain't got anybody else to see you through, I'm thar! I suppose this gentleman will have his friends." "I shall be there at six with my seconds," said Pinckney curtly.

"Lead on." The gate closed behind them.

Clarence stood looking around the empty patio and the silent house, from which it was now plain that the servants had been withdrawn to insure the secrecy of the conspiracy.
Cool and collected as he knew he was, he remained for a moment in hesitation.

Then the sound of voices came to his ear from the garden room, the light frivolity of Susy's laugh and Hooker's huskier accents.
He had forgotten they were there--he had forgotten their existence! Trusting still to his calmness, he called to Hooker in his usual voice.

That gentleman appeared with a face which his attempts to make unconcerned and impassive had, however, only deepened into funereal gravity.
"I have something to attend to," said Clarence, with a faint smile, "and I must ask you and Susy to excuse me for a little while.