He
had the chin and beard of a goat, and crisply-curled hair of a pale
yellow colour. With all this, there was something sordid in his looks as
well as his attire, which showed that to his other vices he added that
of avarice. A mock humility, belied by the changeless sneer upon his
countenance, distinguished his deportment. It could be seen at once
that, however cringing he might be, he despised the person he addressed.
Moreover, in spite of all his efforts to control it, there was something
sarcastic in his speech. His doublet and hose, both of which had endured
some service, and were well-nigh threadbare, were tawny-coloured; and he
wore a short yellow cloak, a great ruff of the same colour, and carried
a brown steeple-crowned hat in his hand.
"I await your ladyship's commands," said Luke Hatton, bowing
obsequiously.
"I have none to give you," Lady Exeter rejoined with irrepressible
disgust. "I have not sent for you. Go hence."
Not at all abashed by this reception, Luke Hatton maintained his place,
and threw an inquiring glance at Lord Roos.
"My dear Countess," said the young nobleman, seating himself negligently
upon a tabouret beside her, "I must pray you not to dismiss this worthy
man so hastily. You will find him eminently serviceable; and as to his
trustworthiness, I have the best reasons for feeling satisfied of it,
because I hold in my hand a noose, which, whenever I please, I can
tighten round his neck. Of this he is quite aware, and therefore he
will serve us faithfully, as well from fear as from gratitude.
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