"DEAR SIR--A fellow of the name you mention came from Russia with me
as my valet. I discharged him with dishonesty; after he left, Lady
Scrope's attendant, who it appeared was, unknown to us, married to
him, left also, and then I discovered the peculations to have been so
extensive that had we known where to have laid hold of him, I should
certainly have brought them before you. Now the affair is forgotten;
but a greater scoundrel never existed;--Yours, SCROPE."
"Now, sir, what have you to say for yourself?" continued the magistrate
in a severe tone. M. Tagliabue fell on his knees and begged for mercy
from the magistrate, from Lord Scrope, and lastly, from Mr Turnbull, to
whom he proffered the draft for 200 pounds. The magistrate, seeing that
Mr Turnbull did not take it, said to him, "Make no ceremony of taking
your money back again, Mr Turnbull; the very offer of it proves that he
has gained it dishonestly; and 600 pounds is quite enough to have lost."
Mr Turnbull then took the cheque and tore it in pieces, and the
magistrate ordered M. Tagliabue to be taken to the alien office, and he
was sent to the other side of the Channel, in company with his wife, to
play _ecarte_ with whomsoever he pleased. Thus ended the episode of
Monsieur Tagliabue.