Sir Ross concealed his delight with difficulty.
"But why choose me? There are other men of the world whose names, I should have thought, would have suggested themselves more naturally."
"I had one primary object in venturing to come to you first," Mr. Tracy answered. "Sir Ross, I am speaking as if in the confessional?" Sir Ross bowed. "Well, then, I want you to tell me what you know of Mr. Melville Ashley."
The slowly dawning look of cordiality died again from the little baronet's face, and his dignity was icy.
"I know—and I desire to know—practically nothing at all about Mr. Melville Ashley."
Mr. Tracy hastened to explain.
"As I said just now, I throw myself upon your mercy. My visit may seem an impertinent intrusion, but it is not prompted in any degree by love or regard for Mr. Melville Ashley." He proceeded to explain how he had been led to make some enquiries into that individual's mode of life, and with what result. "You know everybody, Sir Ross. Is it common knowledge that Mr. Ashley plays high?"
"The first time I ever saw him was at Monte Carlo," Sir Ross replied, "and on that occasion he took advantage of the viaticum to get home, so he played, at any rate, until he had nothing left to play with. Over here I don't know much about him personally, but I could not afford the points which his set affect."
Mr. Tracy shrugged his shoulders.
"Thanks; that is quite enough for my purpose. The fact is, I was at a loss to account for various sums of money which have passed through his hands, and the cards seemed the only possible explanation. I don't think he drinks or has other vices."