Part 43 (1/2)
Over her shoulder Diana shot an order: ”One of you nac!”
”At once, madam!” responded Andrew promptly, and hurried out
She bent onceanxiously into his face
”He will live? Youare sure? Hehe ht her breath on a sob, pressing one lifeless hand to her lips
”For you, madam?” Richard looked an inquiry
She blushed
”YesheweI-”
”I see,” said Richard gravely
She nodded
”Yes, andand the Dukecaught htin from thestirred the ruffles of my lord's shi+rt, and blew a strand of her dark hair across Diana's face She caught it back and stared at Richard with a puzzled air
”Pardon me, sirbut you are so like him!”
”I arew round with surprise
”His brother, sir? I never knew Mr Carr had a brother!”
”Mr-who?” asked Richard
”Carr It is not his name, is it? I heard the Duke call him Carstaresandmy lord”
”He is the Earl of Wyncha out a hand to relieve Andrew of the jug of water he was proffering
”Goodgracious!” gasped Diana ”B-but he said he was a highwayman!”
”Quite true, madam”
”True? But ho ridiculousand how like him!”
She soaked a handkerchief in the water, and bathedto in the least,” she said nervously ”You are sure 'tis notnot-”
”Quite He'll come round presently You said he had ridden far?”
”Hewith the O'Hara's at Maltby”
”What? The O'Haras?”
”Yesand he ain she kissed the limp hand
Over by thehis Grace, his breath recovered, was eyeing Andrew through his quizzing-glass
”May I inquire what brings you here?” he asked sweetly ”And why you saw fit to bring the saintly Richard?”
”I came because it suited me to do so I never dreamed you were here- 'Pon my soul, I did not!”
”Where then did you think I was?”
”Never thought about you at all, my dear fellow I'm not your squire”
”Why is Richard here?”
”Lord, what a catechisht me with him on his way to Wynchaged Tracy ”Have I killed that young fool?”
Andrew looked hiust
”No, you have not You have barely touched him, thanks be”
”Dear me! Why this sudden affection for Carstares?”
Andreung round on his heel, re over his shoulder: ”He may be a cheat, but he's a damned fine fellow By Gad! he nearly pinked you as I entered!” He chuckled at the lorious moment
”He nearly pinkedhis arhts like ten devils But he was fatigued”
He followed Andrew across the roo down at his unconscious foe
Diana's eyes challenged him
”Stand back, your Grace! You have no more to do here!”
He drew out his snuff-box and took a pinch
”So that is how the matter lies, my dear I did not know that”
”You pretend that it would have made a difference in your treathtest, child,” he replied, shutting the box with a snap ”It has ht surprise to ain as another great bell-peal sounded through the house
Andrew, pouring cognac into a glass, paused with bottle held in mid-air
”Thunder and turf! We are like to be a party! Who now?” He set the glass down and lounged out of the rooive an astonished cry and a loud laugh, and the next moment O'Hara strode into the room, booted and spurred and enveloped in a heavy surcoat He caroup about my lord and went down on one knee beside hilance