Contempt for the
outburst of miserly gratitude of which he was the object; triumph in the
sense of successful conspiracy against a man who had rated the offer
of his protection at five pounds; regret at the lost opportunity
of effecting a fine stroke of moral agriculture, which his dread of
involving himself in coming consequences had forced him to let slip--all
these varied emotions agitated the captain's mind; all strove together
to find their way to the surface through the outlets of his face or his
tongue. He allowed Noel Vanstone to keep possession of his hand, and to
heap one series of shrill protestations and promises on another, until
he had regained his usual mastery over himself. That result achieved,
he put the little man back in his chair, and returned forthwith to the
subject of Mrs. Lecount.
"Suppose we now revert to the difficulty which we have not conquered
yet," said the captain. "Let us say that I do violence to my own habits
and feelings; that I allow the considerations I have already mentioned
to weigh with me; and that I sanction your wish to be united to my niece
without the knowledge of Mrs. Lecount. Allow me to inquire in that case
what means you can suggest for the accomplishment of your end?"
"I can't suggest anything," replied Noel Vanstone, helplessly.
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