CHAPTER IX.
As soon as Pomander had drawn his breath and realized this discovery, he darted upstairs, and with all the demure calmness he could assume, told Mr.Vane, whom he met descending, that he was happy to find his engagements permitted him to join the party in Bloomsbury Square.

He then flung himself upon his servant's horse.
Like Iago, he saw the indistinct outline of a glorious and a most malicious plot; it lay crude in his head and heart at present; thus much he saw clearly, that, if he could time Mrs.Vane's arrival so that she should pounce upon the Woffington at her husband's table, he might be present at and enjoy the public discomfiture of a man and woman who had wounded his vanity.

Bidding his servant make the best of his way to Bloomsbury Square, Sir Charles galloped in that direction himself, intending first to inquire whether Mrs.Vane was arrived, and, if not, to ride toward Islington and meet her.

His plan was frustrated by an accident; galloping round a corner, his horse did not change his leg cleverly, and, the pavement being also loose, slipped and fell on his side, throwing his rider upon the _trottoir._ The horse got up and trembled violently, but was unhurt.

The rider lay motionless, except that his legs quivered on the pavement.