"Sir, pray be serious!"
"I generally am."
"But why have a poacher for your valet?"
"That he might poach no more; and because I understand that he is the best valet in the world."
Here she glanced up at Barnabas and shook her head: "I fear I shall never understand you, Mr. Beverley."
"That time will show; and my name is Barnabas."
"But how did—this poacher—know?"
"He was the man who brought you the letter from Mr. Chichester."
"It was written by my—brother, sir."
"He was the man who gave you your brother's letter in Annersley Wood."