much as a
game of ecarte possible, unless I stop and play with the postillion, the
postillion; and the whole country swarming with thieves and rascals and
highwaymen."

"I beg your lordship's pardon," put in the landlord, who now appeared in
the doorway to announce the chaise, "but this part of the North Road is
known for safety. There has not been a robbery, to call a robbery, this
five years' time. Further south, of course, it's nearer London, and
another story," he added.

"Well, then, if that's so," concluded my lord, "le' 's have t' other
bowl and a pack of cards."

"My lord, you forget," said Archer, "I might still gain; but it is
hardly possible for me to lose."

"Think I'm a sharper?" inquired the peer. "Gen'leman's parole's all I
ask."

But Mr. Archer was proof against these blandishments, and said farewell
gravely enough to Lord Windermoor, shaking his hand and at the same
time bowing very low. "You will never know," says he, "the service you
have done me." And with that, and before my lord had finally taken up
his meaning, he had slipped about the table, touched Nance lightly but
imperiously on the arm, and left the room. In face of the outbreak of
his lordship's lamentations she made haste to follow the truant.

CHAPTER II

IN WHICH MR. ARCHER IS INSTALLED

The chaise had been driven round to the front door; the courtyard lay
all deserted, and only lit by a lantern set upon a window-sill. Through
this Nance rapidly led the way, and began to ascend the swellings of the
moor with a heart that somewhat fluttered in her bosom. She was not
afraid, but in the course of these last passages with Lord Windermoor
Mr. Archer had ascended to that pedestal on which her fancy waited to
instal him. The reality, she felt, excelled her dreams, and this cold
night walk was the first romantic incident in her experience.

It was the rule in these days to see gentlemen unsteady after dinner,
yet Nance was both surprised and amused when her companion, who had
spoken so soberly, began to stumble and waver by her side with the most
airy divagations. Sometimes he would get so close to her that she must
edge away; and at others lurch clear out of the track and plough among
deep heather. His courtesy and gravity meanwhile remained unaltered. He
asked her how far they had to go; whether the way lay all upon the
moorland, and when he learned they had to pass a wood expressed his
pleasure. "For," said he, "I am passio