host to you out of the contents of your own cellar."

His lordship's eye brightened at the suggestion, which confirmed the
impression Mr. Caryll had formed that all was far from well with his
lordship. Leduc brimmed a glass, and handed it to my lord, who emptied
it at a draught. Mr. Caryll waved an impatient hand. "Away with you,
Leduc. Go watch the goldfish in the pond. I'll call you if I need you."

After Leduc had departed a silence fell between them, and endured some
moments. His lordship was leaning forward, elbows on knees, his face in
shadow. At length he sat back, and looked at his companion across the
little intervening space.

"I have hesitated to speak to you before, Mr. Caryll, upon the matter
that you know of, lest your recovery should not be so far advanced that
you might bear the strain and fatigue of conversing upon serious topics.
I trust that that cause is now so far removed that I may put aside my
scruples."

"Assuredly--I am glad to say--thanks to the great care you have had of
me here at Stretton House."

"There is no debt between us on that score," answered his lordship
shortly, brusquely almost. "Well, then--" He checked, and looked about
him. "We might be approached without hearing any one," he said.

Mr. Caryll smiled, and shook his head. "I am not wont to neglect such
details," he observed. "The eyes of Argus were not so vigilant as my
Leduc's; and he understands that we are private. He will give us
warning should any attempt to approach. Be assured of that, and believe,
therefore, that we are more snug here than we should be even in your
lordship's closet."

"That being so, sir--hem! You are receiving letters daily. Do they
concern the business of King James?"

"In a measure; or, rather, they are from one concerned in it."

Ostermore's eyes were on the ground again. There fell a pause, Mr.
Caryll frowning slightly and full of curiosity as to what might be
coming.

"How soon, think you," asked his lordship presently, "you will be in
case to travel?"

"In a week, I hope," was the reply.

"Good." The earl nodded thoughtfully. "That may be in time. I pray it
may be. 'Tis now the best that we can do. You'll bear a letter for me to
the king?"

Mr. Caryll passed a hand across his chin, his face very grave. "Your
answer to the letter that I brought you?"

"My answer. My acceptance of his majesty's proposals."

"Ha!" Mr. Caryll seemed to be breathing hard.

"Your letters, sir--the