Zoe, accustomed to believe this gentleman's lies, and not giving herself
time to think, said there was a great escape in the passage the night she
went there.
Then there was a laugh at her simplicity. She joined in it, but shook her
finger at Master Severne.
Vizard then informed Zoe that Lord Uxmoor had been staying some time at
Basildon Hall, about nine miles off; so he had asked him to come over for
a week, and he had accepted. "He will be here to dinner," said Vizard. He
then rang the bell, and sent for Harris, and ordered him to prepare the
blue chamber for Lord Uxmoor, and see the things aired himself. Harris
having retired, cat-like, Vizard explained, "My womankind shall not kill
Uxmoor. He is a good fellow, and his mania--we have all got a mania, my
young friends--is a respectable one. He wants to improve the condition of
the poor--against their will."
"His friend! that was so ill. I hope he has not lost him," said Zoe.
"He hasn't lost him in this letter, Miss Gush," said Vizard. "But you can
ask him when he comes."
"Of course I shall ask him," said Zoe.
Half an hour before dinner there was a grating of wheels on the gravel.
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