“You have both told me so, and I have nothing to do but to reply that you are very welcome — if mistaken!”
“That,” said the Viscount, “we shall see, Ger!”
Chapter 19
The Viscount was not the only person to look askance upon Martin’s new valet. Turvey, when he undressed his master that evening, informed him that the Castle had a fresh inmate. His tone contrived to convey the additional information that Mr. Leek was scarcely the type of man with whom he was in the habit of associating. “If I may venture to say so, my lord, a strange Individual for Mr. Martin to take into his service. Very different from Studley, who, although scarcely conforming to Our standards, I have always found to be a most respectable person. Besides having quite a Way with Mr. Martin’s boots,” he added, as one giving honour where it was due. “Of course, my lord, the same results as We achieve are not to be obtained, as I had occasion to tell him, through the use of mere blacking; but when one takes into account the very meagre means at his disposal he did very well — very well indeed! It is to be hoped Mr. Martin will not be disappointed in his new man. More I will not say.”
“Whatever else I may believe, that I do not!” said the Earl.
“I hope, my lord,” said Turvey, skilfully rolling the bandage he had removed from about the Earl’s chest and shoulder, “that I am not one to cast aspersions upon others; and if Studley’s sudden removal from the Castle strikes me as being a peculiar circumstance, I am sure I should prefer to keep my reflections to myself, were I not deeply concerned with your lordship’s welfare.”
“Thank you. I collect that Studley has gone to visit his father.”
“Yes, my lord — his ailing father,” said Turvey, dusting basilicum-powder over the healing wound. “Very proper, I am sure — though how he became aware that his parent was in poor health I do not know. I fancy, my lord, that Dr. Malpas cannot but be pleased with the condition of your wound. If your lordship would be so obliging as to raise your left arm a trifle, I will replace the bandages!”
The Earl complied with this request, but he said: “Out with it! What are you trying to tell me, Turvey? Do you suspect that Studley has no father?”
“On that head, my lord, I have no information, and shall keep an open mind. I was merely curious to know how the news of his parent’s indisposition reached Studley.”