“Look here,” Wolfenden said persuasively “I must find out who wrote that letter, and can only do so with your help. You need only be there, I will come up directly I have marked the man who comes to your table. Your presence is all that is required; and I shall take it as a favour if you will allow me to make you a present of a fifty-pound note.”
Mr. Blatherwick flushed a little and hesitated. He had brothers and sisters, whose bringing up was a terrible strain upon the slim purse of his father, a country clergyman, and a great deal could be done with fifty pounds. It was against his conscience as well as his inclinations to remain in a post where his duties were a farce, but this was different.
He sighed.
“You are very generous, Lord Wolfenden,” he said. “I will stay until after Thursday.”
“There’s a good fellow,” Wolfenden said, much relieved. “Have another cigar?”
Mr. Blatherwick rose hastily, and shook his head. “You must excuse me, if you please,” he said. “I will not smoke any more. I think if you will not mind——”
Wolfenden turned to the window and held up his hand.
“Listen!” he said. “Is that a carriage at this time of night?”
A carriage it certainly was, passing by the window. In a moment they heard it draw up at the front door, and some one alighted.
“Odd time for callers,” Wolfenden remarked.