Luncheon at 94 Grosvenor Square was an exceedingly simple meal. FRONTISPIECE. See page 92.
THE WICKED MARQUIS
BY
E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY
WILL GREFÉ
MCCLELLAND & STEWART PUBLISHERS
TORONTO
Copyright, 1919,
BY LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY
All rights reserved
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Luncheon at Grosvenor Square was an exceedinglysimple meal . . . Frontispiece
"Richard Vont was head-keeper at Mandeleys when Isucceeded to the title and estates"
"You're very hard, father," she said simply
THE WICKED MARQUIS
CHAPTER I
Reginald Philip Graham Thursford, Baron Travers, Marquis of Mandeleys,issued, one May morning, from the gloomy precincts of the Law Courtswithout haste, yet with certain evidences of a definite desire to leavethe place behind him. He crossed first the pavement and then thestreet, piloted here and there by his somewhat obsequious companion,and turned along the Strand, westwards. Then, in that democraticthoroughfare, for the first time since the calamity had happened, hislips were unlocked in somewhat singular fashion.
"Well, I'm damned!" he exclaimed, with slow and significant emphasis.
His companion glanced up furtively in his direction. The Marquis, asMarquises should be, was very tall and slim, with high well-shapednose, very little flesh upon his face, a mouth of uncertain shape andeyes of uncertain colour. His companion, as solicitors to thearistocracy should be, was of a smaller, more rotund and insignificantshape. He had the healthy complexion, however, of the week-end golfer,and he affected a certain unlegal rakishness of attire, much in vogueamongst members of his profession having connections in high circles.In his heart he very much admired the ease and naturalness with whichhis patron, in the heart of professional London, strode along by hisside in a well-worn tweed suit, a collar of somewhat ancient design,and a tie which had seen better days.
"The judge's decision was, without doubt, calamitous," he confessedgloomily.
The Marquis turned in at the Savoy courtyard with the air of an habitué.
"I am in need of a brief rest and some refre