"As you wish, of course," he said. "But my it don't seem possible!
Lord Arranmore's son—the Marquis of Arranmore! Gee whiz!"
"Some day, of course," Brooks said, "it must come out. But I don't want it to be yet awhile. If that clock is right hadn't I better be going up-stairs?"
Mr. Bullsom nodded.
"If you'll come with me," he said, "I'll show you your room."
CHAPTER IX
GHOSTS
Brooks, relieved that his explanation with Mr. Bullsom was over, was sufficiently entertaining at dinner-time. He sat between Selina and Louise, and made himself agreeable to both. Mr. Bullsom for half the time was curiously abstracted, and for the remainder almost boisterous. Every now and then he found himself staring at Brooks as though at some natural curiosity. His behaviour was so singular that Selina commented upon it.
"One would think, papa, that you and Mr. Brooks had been quarrelling," she remarked, tartly. "You seem quite odd to-night."
Mr. Bullsom raised his glass. He had lately improved his cellar.
"Drink your health, Brooks," he said, looking towards him. "We had an interesting chat, but we didn't get quarrelling, did we?"