he had leave his cheeks. For a moment he
was quite speechless.

"I scarcely know how to answer, or to thank you, Lord Arranmore," he
said at last. "This is such a surprising offer. I scarcely see how you
can be in earnest. You know so little of me."

Lord Arranmore shrugged his shoulders.

"Really," he said, "I don't see anything very surprising in it.
Morrisons have a large practice, and without the old man I scarcely see
how they could continue to give my affairs the attention they require.
You, on the other hand, are only just starting, and you would be able to
watch over my interests more closely. Then--although I cannot pretend
that I am much influenced by sentimental reasons--still, I knew your
father, and the strangeness of our few years of life as neighbours
inclines me to be of service to you provided I myself am not the
sufferer. As to that I am prepared to take the risk. You see mine is
only the usual sort of generosity--the sort which provides for an
adequate quid pro quo. Of course, if you think that the undertaking of
my affairs would block you in other directions do not hesitate to say
so. This is a matter of business between us, pure and simple."

Brooks had recovered himself. The length of Lord Arranmore's speech and
his slow drawl had given him an opportunity to do so. He glanced for a
moment at the letter which lay upon his desk, and hated it.

"In an ordinary way, Lord Arranmore," he answered, "there could be only
one possible reply to such an offer as you have made me--an immediate
and prompt acceptance. If I seem to hesitate, it is because, first--I
must tell you something. I must make something--in the nature of a
confession."

Lord Arranmore raised his eyebrows, but his face remained as the face of
a Sphinx. He sat still, and waited.

"On the occasion of my visit to you," Brooks continued, "you may
remember the presence of a certain Mr. Lacroix? He is the author, I
believe, of several books of travel in Western Canada, and has the
reputation of knowing that part of the country exceedingly well."

Brooks paused, but his visitor helped him in no way. His face wore
still its passive expression of languid inquiry.

"He spoke of his visit to you," Brooks went on "in Canada, and he twice
reiterated the fact that there was no other dwelling within fifty miles
of you. He said this upon his own authority, and upon the authority of
his Indian guide. Now it is only a few days ago since you spoke