Redmain. He told extravagant stories
about himself and his doings, in particular various _ruses_
by which he had contrived to lay his hands on money. And whatever
he told, his guest capped, narrating trick upon trick to which on
different occasions he had had recourse. At all of them Mr.
Redmain laughed heartily, and applauded their cleverness
extravagantly, though some of them were downright swindling.
At last Mr. Redmain told how he had once got money out of a lady.
I do not believe there was a word of truth in it. But it was
capped by the other with a narrative that seemed specially
pleasing to the listener. In the midst of a burst of laughter, he
rose and rang the bell. Count Galofta thought it was to order
something more in the way of "refreshment," and was not a little
surprised when he heard his host desire the man to request the
favor of Miss Yolland's presence. But the Count had not studied
non-expression in vain, and had brought it to a degree of
perfection not easily disturbed. Casting a glance at him as he
gave the message, Mr. Redmain could read nothing; but this was in
itself suspicious to him--and justly, for the man ought to have
been surprised at such a close to the conversation they had been
having.
Sepia had been told that Galofta was in the study, and therefore
received the summons thither--a thing that had never happened
before--with the greater alarm.
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