The Pipe of Peace.
Sir Jekyl marched Mr. Pelter down the great stair again, intending to make the long journey rearward. As they reached the foot of the stairs, Monsieur Varbarriere, candle in hand, was approaching it on the way to his room. He was walking leisurely, as large men do after dinner, and was still some way off.
"By Jove! Why did not you tell me?" exclaimed the attorney, stopping short. "By the law! you've got him here."
"Monsieur Varbarriere?" said the Baronet.
"Mr. Strangways, sir—that's he."
"That Strangways!" echoed the Baronet.
"Herbert Strangways," whispered Mr. Pelter, and by this time M. Varbarriere was under the rich oak archway, and stopped, smiling darkly, and bowing a little to the Baronet, who was for a moment surprised into silence.
"How do you do, Mr. Strangways, sir?" said the attorney, advancing with a shrewd resolute smile, and extending his hand.
M. Varbarriere, without the slightest embarrassment, took it, bowing with a courtly gravity.
"Ah, Monsieur Pelter?—yes, indeed—very happy to meet you again."