"And recognised it?"

"As sure as anything's sure, though a good many years have gone by since I saw it last."

"Was his name Temple?"

"Not by a long way."

"Tell me his name again, Charlie."

"Ned Chester his name was, and is," added Charlie positively.

At the mention of the name a shudder passed through the Duchess's frame.

"What character did he bear when you knew him?"

"A precious bad one; not to put too fine a point upon it, he was a thief."

"That will do, Charlie. Good night; good night, Lizzie."