Whatever the result of his meditation, he ate his breakfast with a keen relish, and a countenance of serene content, and then set off for a morning call upon Mr. Follingsbee.
He found that legal gentleman preparing to walk down to his office; and after an interchange of salutations, the two turned their faces townward together.
“Well, Stanhope,” said the lawyer, linking his arm in that of the detective with friendly familiarity, “how do you prosper?”
“Very well; but I must have an interview with Mrs. Warburton this morning.”
“Phew! and you want me to manage it?”
“Yes.”
The lawyer considered a moment.
“You know that the Warburtons are overwhelmed with calamity?” he said.
Stanhope glanced sharply from under his lashes, and then asked carelessly:
“Of what nature?”