sense. A little oldish--I meant that, my lord.'

'I may be an old man in one sense or in another sense in your mind; but
let me tell you there are men older than I--'

'Yes, so there are, my lord.'

'People may call me what they please, and you may be impertinent enough
to repeat to me what they say, but let me tell you I am not a very old
man after all. I am not an old man.'

'Old in knowledge of the world I meant, my lord, not in years.'

'Well, yes. Experience of course I cannot be without. And I like what
is beautiful. Tipman, you must go to Knollsea; don't send, but go
yourself, as I wish nobody else to be concerned in this. Go to Knollsea,
and find out when the steamboat for Cherbourg starts; and when you have
done that, I shall want you to send Taylor to me. I wish Captain Strong
to bring the Fawn round into Knollsea Bay. Next week I may want you to
go to Cherbourg in the yacht with me--if the Channel is pretty calm--and
then perhaps to Rouen and Paris. But I will speak of that to-morrow.'

'Very good, my lord.'

'Meanwhile I recommend that you and Mrs. Menlove repeat nothing you may
have heard concerning the lady you just now spoke of. Here is a slight
present for Mrs. Menlove; and accept this for yourself.' He handed
money.

'Your lordship may be sure we will not,' the valet replied.