photographs and keepsakes known to belong to him. In what possible way
could it benefit me to mislead you?"

The telephone on Brooks' table rang, and for a moment or two he found
himself, with mechanical self-possession, attending to some unimportant
question. When he replaced the receiver Lord Arranmore had resumed his
seat, but was drawing on his gloves.

"Come," he said, "let us resume our business talk. I have made you an
offer. What have you to say?"

Brooks pointed to the waste-paper basket.

"I did a mean action," he said. "I am ashamed of it. Do you mean that
your offer remains open?"

"Certainly," Lord Arranmore answered. "That little affair is not worth
mentioning. I should probably have done the same."

"Well, I am not altogether a madman," Brooks declared, smiling, "so I
will only say that I accept your offer gratefully--and I will do my very
best to deserve your confidence."

Lord Arranmore rose and stood with his hands behind him, looking out of
the window.

"Very good," he said. "I will send for Ascough to come down from town,
and we must meet one day next week at Morrisons' office, and go into
matters thoroughly. That reminds me. Busher, my head bailiff, will be
in to see you this afternoon. There are half-a-dozen leases to be seen
to at once, and everything had better come here until the arrangements
are concluded."

"I shall be in all the afternoon," Brooks answered, still a little
dazed.

"And Thursday," Lord Arranmore concluded, "you dine and sleep at Enton.
I hope we shall have a good day's sport. The carriage will fetch you at
6:30. Good-morning."

Lord Arranmore walked out with a little nod, but on the threshold he
paused and looked back.

"By the bye, Brooks," he said, "do you remember my meeting you in a
little tea-shop almost the day after I first called upon you?"

"Quite well," Brooks answered.

"You had a young lady with you."

"Yes. I was with Miss Scott."

Lord Arranmore's hand fell from the handle. His eyes seemed suddenly
full of fierce questioning. He moved a step forward into the room.

"Miss Scott? Who is she?"

Brooks was hopelessly bewildered, and showed it.

"She lives with her uncle in Medchester. He is a builder and timber
merchant."

Lord Arranmore was silent for a moment.

"Her father, then, is dead?" he asked.

"He died abroad, I think," Brooks answered, "but I really am not sure.
I know very little of any of them."

Lord Arranmore turned away.