"Hush," said Jabez, who, at the sound of wheels in the courtyard, had gone to one of the tall windows; "here come Hale and his heiress. Go into the next room with Walker, Lord Charvington. When I require you I shall summon you."
"But why do you bring me here at all?" demanded Charvington brusquely.
Jabez looked straight at him and his long fingers played a tune on the table. "I have an idea," he said gravely; "you may be able to tell me if that idea is correct."
"What is the idea?"
"I cannot tell it to you, until I see this heiress."
"Very good." Charvington sat down again. "Introduce her and Hale."
"No! No!" said Jabez anxiously, "that would never do. Wait until I hear Hale's story and then----"
"Hale will only tell you a pack of lies," interrupted Charvington violently. "And besides he stole the cross and----"
Jabez put his hand against the breast of the angry speaker and pushed him gently towards a side door. "Go in there and wait," he said insistently. "You also, Walker."
"No," cried Charvington, "I shan't."