tep rather more subdued than usual, as
if he came upon some secret mission.

"Here's that stranger come again, sir," he began, in low tones; and it
may as well be remarked that in moments of forgetfulness he often did
address his master as he used to address him in the past. "He asked if--"

"What stranger?" rather testily interposed Lord Hartledon. "I am at
dinner, and can't see any stranger now. What are you thinking about,
Hedges?"

"It is what I said," returned Hedges; "but he would not take the answer.
He said he had come a long way to see your lordship, and he would see
you; his business was very important. My lady asked him--"

"Has Lady Hartledon returned?"

"She came in now, my lord, while I was denying you to him. Her ladyship
heard him say he would see you, and she inquired what his business was;
but he did not tell her. It was private business, he remarked, and could
only be entered into with your lordship."

"Who is it, Hedges? Do you know him?"

Lord Hartledon had dropped his voice to confidential tones. Hedges was
faithful, and had been privy to some of his embarrassments in the old
days. The man looked at the barrister, and seemed to hesitate.

"Speak out. You can say anything before Mr. Carr."

"I don't know him," answered Hedges. "It is the gentleman who came to
Hartledon the week after your lordship's marriage, asking five hundred
questions, and wanting--"

"He, is it?" interrupted Val. "You told me about him when I came home,
I remember. Go on, Hedges."

"That's all, my lord. Except that he is here now"--and Hedges nodded his
head towards the room-door. "He seems very inquisitive. When my lady went
upstairs, he asked whether that was the countess, and followed her to the
foot of the stairs to look after her. I never saw any gentleman stare
so."

Val played with his wine-glass, and pondered. "I don't believe I owe a
shilling in the world," quoth he--betraying the bent of his thoughts, and
speaking to no one in particular. "I have squared-up every debt, as far
as I know."

"He does not look like a creditor," observed Hedges, with a fatherly air.
"Quite superior to that: more like a parson. It's his manner that makes
one doubt. There was a mystery about it at Hartledon that I didn't like;
and he refused to give his name. His insisting on seeing your lordship
now, at dinner or not at dinner, is odd too; his voice is quiet, just as
if he possessed the right to do this. I didn't know what t