"'Perhaps you are interested in them already?' he continued.
"'Very much indeed,' I replied.
"'Then, in that case, I may not be considered presumptuous if I offer to assist you. I am an old South-Sea merchant myself, and I have amassed a large collection of beautiful objects from the islands. If you would allow me the pleasure I should be delighted to show them to you.'
"'I should like to see them very much indeed,' I answered, thinking it extremely civil of him.
"'If you have time we might perhaps go and over-haul them now. My house is but a short distance from the Domain, and my carriage is waiting at the gates.'
"'I shall be delighted,' I said, thinking there could be no possible harm in my accepting his invitation.
"'But before we go, may I be allowed to introduce myself?' the old gentleman said, taking a card-case from his pocket and withdrawing a card. This he handed to me, and on it I read—
'Mr. Mathew Draper.'
"'I am afraid I have no card to offer you in return,' I said; 'but I am the Marquis of Beckenham.'
"'Indeed! Then I am doubly honoured,' the old gentleman said, with a low bow. 'Now shall we wend our way up towards my carriage?'