"Yes, sir. I want you to grant me a favour; and I hope you'll pardon my boldness in asking it."
Hedges did not know what to make of this. It was the first time he had enjoyed the honour of a personal interview with Mr. Pike; and the contrast between that gentleman's popular reputation and his present tone and manner struck the butler as exceedingly singular. But that the butler was in a very softened mood, feeling full of subdued charity towards all the world, he might not have condescended to parley with the man.
"What is the favour?" he inquired.
"I want you to let me in to see the poor young earl—what's left of him."
"Let you in to see the earl!" echoed Hedges in surprise. "I never heard such a bold request."
"It is bold. I've already said so, and asked you to pardon it."
"What can you want that for? It can't be for nothing but curiosity; and—"
"It's not curiosity," interrupted Pike, with an emphasis that told upon his hearer. "I have a different motive, sir; and a good motive. If I were at liberty to tell it—which I'm not—you'd let me in without another word. Lots of people have been seeing him, I suppose."
"Indeed they have not. Why should they? It is a bold thing for you to come and ask it."
"Did he come by his death fairly?" whispered the man.