Joseph's letter was locked away in the top drawer of his writing-table.

“Yes, I had rather a bad time—a serious illness. My man nursed me through it, however, with marked success; and—the Gordons, with whom I was staying, were very kind.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Gordon.”

Jack's face was steady—suavely impenetrable.

Sir John moved a little, and set his empty cup upon the table.

“A charming girl,” he added.

“Yes.”

There was a little pause.

“You are fortunate in that man of yours,” Sir John said. “A first-class man.”

“Yes—he saved my life.”