Hedges hesitated. He was privately asking himself whether the law would allow the stranger, if he had come after any debt of Lord Hartledon's, to refuse to leave the house, once he got into it.
"I could ask Lady Kirton, sir, if you particularly wished it."
"Lady Kirton? You have some one in the house, then!"
"The Dowager Lady Kirton's here, sir. One of her sons also—Captain Kirton; but he is confined to his room."
"Then I would rather not go in," said the stranger quickly. "I'm very disappointed to have come all this way and not find Lord Hartledon."
"Can I forward any letter for you, sir? If you'd like to intrust one to me, I'll send it as soon as we know of any certain address."
"No—no, I think not," said the stranger, musingly. "There might be danger," he muttered to himself, but Hedges caught the words.
He stood swaying the umbrella-handle about, looking down at it, as if that would assist his decision. Then he looked at Hedges.
"My business with Lord Hartledon is quite private, and I would rather not write. I'll wait until he is back in England: and see him then."
"What name, sir?" asked Hedges, as the stranger turned away.