"He calls himself Mr. Stanley from Liverpool," I answered, "and you can bargain with him for Guest's life."
"He is one of them!" she exclaimed.
"He is," I answered grimly, for I had good reason to know it.
She got out of the carriage at once.
"I am going to meet him," she said. "No! please let me go alone," she added, as I prepared to accompany her. "Afterwards we may need you."
I sent her carriage round to the stables, and I stood upon my steps watching her. Slim and elegant, she walked with swift level footsteps towards the approaching figure. I saw him shade his eyes with his hand as she approached; when she was within a few yards of him he took his cigar from his mouth and raised his hat. They stood for a moment or two talking; then Lady Dennisford turned, and they both came slowly towards the house. As they drew near me, she came on rapidly ahead.
"He is willing," she declared. "He will make terms. Where can we talk alone, we three?"
I led the way to my study. Mr. Stanley greeted me affably and with a commendable assumption of bluff respect.
"Fine place of yours, Mr. Courage," he declared. "Very fine place indeed.
No wonder you prefer a country life. Finest thing in the world."
I made a pretence of answering him. But when we were in the study and the door was closed behind us, I felt that there was no longer any need to mince words.