Gammon could convey him into a cab and extort from him
Mr. Cuthbertson's address.

"Greenacre," his lordship kept repeating, "I trust you implicitly. I am
convinced you have my interests at heart. When all is settled I shall
show myself grateful--believe me."

Between seven and eight o'clock they drove up to a house on Streatham
Hill, and without consulting Lord Polperro, Gammon went to parley at
the door. Ill luck pursued them. Mr. Cuthbertson was dining in town,
and could not be home till late. When made to understand this Lord
Polperro passed from lethargy to violent agitation.

"We must go back at once!" he exclaimed. "To Lowndes Mansions at once
Greenacre, tell him to drive straight to Sloane Street. You don't know
what depends upon it. We must lose not a moment."

The cabman consented, and the return journey began at a good speed.
When Gammon, out of regard for the invalid's condition, insisted on
having the window of the hansom dropped, Lord Polperro grumbled and
lamented. The cool air did him good; he was beginning to breathe more
easily than he had done for a long time.

"You are too imperious with me, Greenacre. I have noticed it in you
before. You take too much upon yourself."

"I suppose it's no use telling you once more," said his companion,
"that my name isn't Greenacre."

"Dear me! dear me! I beg your pardon a thousand times. I meant to say
Gammon. I can't tell you, Gammon, how much I feel your kindness. But
for you I should never have managed all this in my state of health. You
don't mind coming home with me?"

"Of course not. What are you going to do when you get there?"

"I told you, my dear Gammon, it shall be done this very night, whether
I have news or not. I shall see Cuthbertson the first thing to-morrow,
and get him to draw the deed of gift. That settles everything; no
gossip, no scandal, if anything should happen. Life is so uncertain,
and as you see I am in anything but robust health. Yes, it shall be
done this very night."

Tired of futile questioning Gammon resolved to wait and see what was
done, though it seemed to him more than likely that nothing at all
would come of these vehement expressions. At all events Lord Polperro
was now wide awake, and seemed in no danger of relapsing into the
semi-comatose or semi-delirious condition. He no longer addressed his
companion by the name of Greenacre; his talk was marked with a rational
reserve; he watched the course of their drive along