Lecount. She had served him faithfully, however interested her motives
might be--she had lived since he was a lad in the full possession of his
father's confidence--she was living now under the protection of his own
roof. Could be fail to remember this; and, remembering it, could he lend
his aid without hesitation to the scheme which was now proposed to him?
Captain Wragge unconsciously retained belief enough in human nature to
doubt it. To his surprise, and, it must be added, to his relief, also,
his apprehensions proved to be groundless. The only emotions aroused in
Noel Vanstone's mind by a perusal of the letter were a hearty admiration
of his friend's idea, and a vainglorious anxiety to claim the credit to
himself of being the person who carried it out. Examples may be found
every day of a fool who is no coward; examples may be found occasionally
of a fool who is not cunning; but it may reasonably be doubted whether
there is a producible instance anywhere of a fool who is not cruel.
"Perfect!" cried Noel Vanstone, clapping his hands. "Mr. Bygrave, you
are as good as Figaro in the French comedy. Talking of French, there is
one serious mistake in this clever letter of yours--it is written in the
wrong language.
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