“Yes. Well, you have no objection to my placing the matter in his hands?”

“None in the least.”

“So that matter is settled. I shall send him to you, and you will have to give him all the information you can.”

“Certainly, my lord.”

“And now there is another matter to which I have to make reference. My man tells me that your daughter is somewhat better.”

“She be far better than she has.”

“Is more herself?”

“She’s not quite herself at present—​that none ov us can expect—​but she be better—​a deal better.”

“Change of scene is requisite for her. She’ll never get well without a change; there are too many things in Stoke Ferry to remind her of a dear brother who is gone. I think it would materially hasten her recovery if she paid a visit to the hall.”

“To where?” inquired Jamblin, who hardly dared trust his ears.