'You are coming to see me, Howel, I am so glad,' said Rowland, as they shook hands.
'Not to-day; I am here on a little business, and in a great hurry.'
Howel walked on, but Rowland accompanied him.
'You were all out when I called yesterday,' said Rowland, 'and I particularly wanted to see you, Howel. When will you be at home?'
'It is impossible to say.'
'It is on your own account; it is about Sir Samuel Spendall that I wish to speak.'
Howel turned pale, and stood still for a moment, looking round him as he did so to see that no one was listening.
'What of him?'
'Sir Philip told me that he had been heard to say he would dispute your right to his property, for you had acquired it by unfair means.'
'The scoundrel!' cried Howel, turning pale. 'You have always something agreeable to communicate when we do meet. It is well it is so seldom, Mr Rowland Prothero.'