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I understood. “You should not have answered a gentleman back,” said I severely. “What did you say to him, Baines?”

He grew perceptibly hotter, but answered honestly.

“Well, my lord, I didn’t expect ever to see the gentleman again, and he was very outrageous about the papers. I only said that you came of an obliging family, my lord, and if he meant to wait all that time in America, your lordship was just the man to do as much in England. He didn’t make any answer, my lord, but just bit at his knuckles, and went away dancing.”

Gerry walked to the window and looked gravely into the night. I assumed a sphinxlike expression, answering with sedateness.

“It was an unpardonable reply, Baines,” said I sadly, “but it cannot be helped now. I must write and apologize to M. Lessaution for it. I think that will do for the present. Of course I shall continue to pay your wages till affairs are settled, and shall probably want to see you again more than once. Lodge as near as you can. My man will give you a glass of wine,” and I rang the bell and delivered him into Barker’s hands, the latter’s usual impassivity being marred by a bubbling excitement as he received this travelled confrère, who might be expected to entertain him with astounding histories of adventure by flood and field.