"No! No one. You can close the door of that dressing-closet if you choose. But there is no one there."
Algernon adopted the suggestion at once, and then sat down opposite to Lord Seely's chair. His whole manner of proceeding was so unusual and unexpected that it produced a very painful impression on Lord Seely. Algernon rather enjoyed this. He began to speak with only one distinct purpose in his mind: namely, to frighten his wife's uncle into making a strong effort to help him out of Whitford. How much pressure would be necessary to achieve that purpose he could not yet tell. And he began to speak with a sort of reckless abandonment of himself to the guidance of the moment, a mood of mind which had become very frequent with him of late.
"Did your lordship receive a letter from Castalia begging you to obtain a post abroad for me?"
"Certainly. My wife answered it. I—I was unable to write myself. But I intended to reply more at length so soon as I should be better."
"Castalia showed me Lady Seely's reply. That was the first intimation I had of Castalia's having made such an application. I mention this because I know your lordship suspected me of being the prime mover in all her applications to you for assistance."
Lord Seely coloured a little as he replied, "It was natural to suppose that you influenced your wife, Ancram."
"Your lordship must not judge all cases by your own," returned the young man, with a candid raising of his brows; and the colour on Lord Seely's face deepened to a dark red flush, which faded, leaving him paler than before. "As I said," continued Algernon, "I did not know what it was that Castalia had asked you to do for us. But, now that I do know it, I may say at once that I heartily concur with her as to its desirability."
"I cannot agree with you there; but, even if it were so, I assure you it is out of my power——"
"Allow me, my lord! I must tax your patience to listen to what I have to say before you give me any positive answer."
Lord Seely leaned back in his chair, and motioned with his head for Algernon to proceed. The latter went on: