"You are very kind, and I appreciate it very much; but I really couldn't—after what took place. I'll go to the Hare and Hounds and have some bread and cheese."
"Couldn't you, sir? I'm so sorry, and it's a long way to Lord Huntingford's."
"Yes, of course, that's out of the question."
"But you must have lunch somewhere, and you couldn't go to the Hare and Hounds."
"Oh yes, I could. I dare say Blacketter would give me some bread and cheese. That will be all I shall need."
The housekeeper began to rub her eyes. "It's just awful," she sobbed. "To think that you who were master here, and whom we all liked so much, should have to go to a place like that. But I know. Mr. Stanmore is at home; he'll be glad to welcome you there."
"Mr. Stanmore is at home, is he?"
"Yes, sir. He called here yesterday, and Miss Beatrice is at home too. They were both here. Mr. Stanmore brought Sir George Weston over to see the house."
"Sir George Weston?" and Dick felt a strange sinking at his heart as he heard the words. "I don't seem to remember the name."
"He's from the west, sir, from Devonshire, I think. It has been said that he came to see Miss Beatrice," and the housekeeper smiled significantly.