the cause of
it. And thus, as the temptation to avoid all risk of losing the estate grew and
grew till scruples looked minute by the side of it, the difficulty of bringing
himself to make a compact with Jermyn seemed more and more insurmountable.
    But we have seen that the attorney was much too confident in his
calculations. And while Harold was being galled by his subjection to Jermyn's
knowledge, independent information was on its way to him. The messenger was
Christian, who, after as complete a survey of probabilities as he was capable
of, had come to the conclusion that the most profitable investment he could make
of his peculiar experience and testimony in relation to Bycliffe and Bycliffe's
daughter, was to place them at the disposal of Harold Transome. He was afraid of
Jermyn; he utterly distrusted Johnson; but he thought he was secure in relying
on Harold Transome's care for his own interest; and he preferred above all
issues the prospect of forthwith leaving the country with a sum that at least
for a good while would put him at his ease.
    When, only three mornings after the interview with Jermyn, Dominic opened
the door of Harold's sitting-room, and said that »Meester Chreestian«, Mr Philip
Debarry's courier and an acquaintance of his own at Naples, requested to be
admitted on business of importance, Harold's immediate thought was that the
business referred to the so-called political affairs which were just now his
chief association with the name of Debarry, though it seemed an oddness
requiring explanation that a servant should be personally an intermediary. He
assented, expecting something rather disagreeable than otherwise.
    Christian wore this morning those perfect manners of a subordinate who is
not servile, which he always adopted towards his unquestionable superiors. Mr
Debarry, who preferred having some one about him with as little resemblance as
possible to a regular servant, had a singular liking for the adroit,
quiet-mannered Christian, and would have been amazed to see the insolent
assumption he was capable of in the presence of people like Lyon, who were of no
account in society. Christian had that sort of cleverness which is said to know
the world - that is to say, he knew the price-current of most things.
    Aware that he was looked at as a messenger while he remained standing near
the door with his hat in his hand, he said, with respectful ease -
    »You will probably be surprised, sir, at my coming to speak to you on my own
account; and, in fact, I could not have thought of doing so