“One moment, if you please,” said Lady Marvlynn. “This man, the burglar, I have let go free, as under no circumstances whatever should I have charged him. I am sorry to have given you needless trouble—regret this very much, but as I did not intend to prosecute, well, you see, I let him go.”
“Umph! Well, you know best, my lady, but I think you will have reason to regret it.”
“I hope not, but we will talk this matter over presently. Come in and have some refreshment. James Jones will be able to give you all the particulars.”
“Who is James Jones?”
“My footman.”
“Oh, I see; but had I not better see if I can recapture the scoundrel?”
“No. Do as I bid you. Come into the house.”
Lady Marvlynn led the way, the officer of the law following. He was presently conducted into the servants’ hall, where he found a well-spread table.
He thought the circumstance a little singular, and could not very well account in anything like a satisfactory manner for the release of the culprit, but he was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself—to hear, see, and say nothing.