"Indeed, I begin to think he is, my Lord," answered Barnabas, "and I shall expect you all, at six o'clock, on Friday next." So, having shaken hands again, Captain Slingsby took the arm of the Marquis, and limped off.
Now, when they were alone, the Viscount gazed at Barnabas, chin in hand, and with twinkling eyes.
"My dear Bev," said he, "you can hang me if I know what to make of you. Egad, you're the most incomprehensible fellow alive; you are, upon my soul! If I may ask, what the deuce did it all mean—about this house of yours?"
"Simply that until this moment I wasn't sure if I had one yet."
"But—your fellow—"
"Yes. I sent him out this morning to buy me one."
"To buy you—a house?"
"Yes; also horses and carriages, and many other things, chief among them—a tailor."
The Viscount gasped.
"But—my dear fellow—to leave all that to your—servant! Oh, Gad!"