So saying, he rose, with his peculiar smile, and extended his hand to
signify that the conference was at an end.

'And I suppose,' he said, 'we are to regard this little conversation, for
the present, as confidential?'

'Certainly, Captain Lake, and permit me to say that I fully appreciate
the just and liberal construction which you have placed upon my
conduct--a construction which a party less candid and honourably-minded
than yourself might have failed to favour me with.'

And with this pretty speech Larkin took his hat, and gracefully withdrew.




CHAPTER XLVIII.

IN WHICH I GO TO BRANDON, AND SEE AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE IN THE TAPESTRY
ROOM.


To my surprise, a large letter, bearing the Gylingden postmark, and with
a seal as large as a florin, showing, had I examined the heraldry, the
Brandon arms with the Lake bearings quartered thereon, and proving to be
a very earnest invitation from Stanley Lake, found me in London just
about this time.

I paused, I was doubtful about accepting it, for the business of the
season was just about to commence in earnest, and the country had not yet