three, I and my wife and the little girl. She shall
use the title if she likes, if not we'll leave it behind us. Ah, that
was my misfortune, you know. It oughtn't to have come to me."

He was seized with a hiccough, which in a few moments became so violent
that he had to abandon the attempt to converse. When it had lasted for
half an hour Gammon found his position intolerable. He rose, meaning to
leave the room and speak to the housekeeper, but just then the door
opened to admit Lord Polperro's medical attendant. This gentleman,
after a glance at the patient, who was not aware of his presence, put a
few questions to Gammon. The latter than withdrew quietly, went out
from the flat and down into the street where the doctor's carriage
stood waiting. He was bewildered with the novelty of experience, felt
thoroughly out of his element, and would have liked to have escaped
from these complications by simply taking a cab to Norton Folgate and
forgetting all he left behind. But his promise to Mrs. Clover (or Lady
Polperro) forbade this. He was very curious as to the proceedings of
that mysterious fellow Greenacre, who, as likely as not, had got Lord
Polperro into his power for rascally purposes. What was that half-heard
allusion to another wife, who might be alive or dead? Nothing to cause
astonishment assuredly, but the matter ought to be cleared up.

He crossed the street and walked up and down, keeping his eye on
Lowndes Mansions. Before long the doctor came out and drove away. After
much indecision Gammon again entered and knocked at the door of his
noble friend. The housekeeper said that Lord Polperro was asking for
him impatiently. But when he entered the sitting-room there lay his
lordship on the sofa fast asleep.

The sleep lasted for a couple of hours, during which Gammon sat in the
room, bearing tedium as best he could. He was afraid to go away, lest
an opportunity of learning something important should be lost; but
never had time passed so slowly. Some neglect of business was involved,
but fortunately he had no appointment that could not be postponed. As
he said to himself, it was better to "see the thing through," and to
make the most of Greenacre's absence.

When Lord Polperro at length awoke he had command of his intellect
(such as remained to him), but groaned in severe pain. His first
inquiry was whether any letter or telegram had arrived. Assured that
there was nothing he tottered about the room for a few m