“No, your Grace. Just one or two little matters!” replied Moffat, preparing to expound at length.
The Duke resigned himself, and bent his mind to the problems laid before him. They seemed none of them to be very pressing, and he was obliged to stifle several yawns before Moffat jerked him out of his boredom by saying, with a little hesitation: “The only other thing, your Grace, is young Mudgley’s affair, and I own I should be very glad if you would condescend to—”
“ What? ” exclaimed the Duke, starting up in his chair.
The bailiff was slightly alarmed. “I’m sure I beg your Grace’s pardon, if I’ve done wrong to bring the matter up!” he faltered.
“Did you say Mudgley? ”demanded the Duke sharply.
“Why, yes, your Grace, but indeed I would never—”
“Don’t tell me the man is one of my tenants!”
“Well, your Grace, he is, and then again he isn’t!” said Moffat, looking at him in considerable perturbation.
The Duke dropped his head in his hands. “And I have been hunting high and low for the confounded fellow! Of course, if he lives near Cheyney, his letters must all go to Bristol, not here! No wonder I could discover no trace of him! Good God, and I very nearly said I would not see you!”
“Hunting high and low for young Mudgley, your Grace?” said Moffat, in a stupefied voice. “But—but does your Grace wish to see him?”