"I have always heard that Sir Norman Kingsley was a chivalrous
knight," he said; "but I scarcely dreamed his gallantry would
have carried him go far as to brave death by the pestilence for
the sake of an unknown lady - however beautiful. I wonder you,
did not carry her to the pest-house."
"No doubt! Those who could desert her at such a time would
probably be capable of that or any other baseness!"
"My good friend," said the stranger, calmly, "your insinuation is
not over-courteous, but I can forgive it, more for the sake of
what you've done for her to-night than for myself."
Sir Norman's lip curled.
"I'm obliged to you! And now, sir, as you have seen fit to
question me in this free and easy manner, will you pardon me if I
take the liberty of returning the compliment, and ask you a few
in return?"
"Certainly; pray proceed, Sir Norman," said the stranger,
blandly; "you are at liberty to ask as many questions as you
please - so am I to answer them."
"I answered all yours unhesitatingly, and you owe it to me to do
the same," said Sir Norman, somewhat haughtily. "In the first
place, you have an advantage of me which I neither understand,
nor relish; so, to place us on equal terms, will you have the
goodness to tell me your name?"
"Most assuredly! My name," said the stranger, with glib
airiness, "is Count L'Estrange.
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