"We'll set you up in no time, never fear. But tell more about yourself. Jove! you are a fine chap, Stanny. Why, you'll die a general yet, if the Russians'll let you off a little longer, and you're not wanted for the House of Peers."
"What do you mean, uncle?"
"Why, of course, you haven't heard. There's trouble among your fine relations. Lord Essendine has lost all his sons."
"All?"
"Yes; all. Hugo was killed, as you know; Anastasius died at Scutari; and Lord Lydstone, two days later, was found dead in the streets of Stamboul."
"Dead? How? What did he die of, uncle?"
"A stab in the heart. He was murdered."
"And I—"
He understood now the cause of the foul blow struck at him, and the base attempt to get him also out of the way.
"You are now next heir to the peerage, in spite of all they may say. But you'll find my lord civil enough soon. He'll be wanting you to go straight home."