Poor fellow, how was he to guess
who was to be his judge? You will, of course, institute proceedings
against him, or send the picture back?"
"Impossible," said Lord Merivale, with a rueful smile; "I wrote the
cheque last night; by this time it will have been cashed, and so the
swindle is complete."
"Dear! dear!" ejaculated Mr. Vermont, in tones of the deepest
commiseration, though he smiled as he added: "There's only one thing to
be said, my lord. If that picture is clever enough to deceive such great
experts, surely it has achieved its object. It certainly looks old
enough to satisfy the most exacting of second-hand furniture shops."
He turned to Lady Merivale.
"Before I forget," he said, "let me discharge the object of my visit.
Melba sings to-morrow at the Duke of Southville's party."
Her ladyship's face lighted up with real gratitude. Music was her one
sincere passion; and, as she had been unable to hear that divine
songstress during the season owing to various engagements, this news was
welcome.
"Thank you," she said warmly. "How good of you to find out for me. It
was kept such a secret. How did you discover it?"
"Ah!" said Mr.
Pages:
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190