The two men turned towards each other. As their eyes met Jabez winced, and a puzzled expression came across the Major's face.
"Surely," he said, "I can't help thinking we have met before, Mr. Maxwell, I seem to know your face, I——"
"If so, you have the advantage of me, sir; I cannot say yours is familiar to me. It's quite possible, though, we may have come across each other at the Cape."
"I was never at the Cape," replied Major Dundas bluntly.
"Then I fear our acquaintance must date from to-day, Major, for I've been out there for about fifteen years, and have only just got back. I'm sorry." Then he turned towards Miriam. "Good-bye, Mrs. Arkel," he said, "I'm afraid I must be going now. I have to lunch with some people a little way out, and I have not much more than time to get there. I'll wish you good-day, Major Dundas."
"I must let you out, Mr. Maxwell; my maid-of-all-work is hardly presentable, I——"
"Oh, please don't trouble——"
In the passage she whispered hurriedly in his ear,
"Do you know him?"
"No, not to my knowledge—seems to know me though!"