So the Baron interviewed Mr. Simon Stone—the notorious solicitor, who was engaged in every case where dirty work was required to be done skillfully, and gave him full instructions. But as he walked back to his hotel, de Croiseuil was not altogether satisfied with what he had done, for he knew that his case was a weak one, and that the arrest of John Gaunt would cause a great outcry. But it was not his wish to proceed to that extremity, and as he strolled along Piccadilly, he saw approaching a gentleman, at the sight of whom he uttered an exclamation of satisfaction.
“It is really a pleasure to see you. I did not know you were in London,” he began effusively.
Lord Lynton, for it was he, did not at first recognize the Baron, for it was some time since they had met, but recollection came at last.
“You are looking very fit,” he remarked politely.
“Will you not come as far as the Ritz with me? It is just time for déjeuner, and you are the very man I wanted to see.”
The Earl hesitated, and the Baron continued quickly.
“It concerns your brother-in-law, Mr. Gaunt. For the sake of your family, I ask you to come,” he wound up earnestly.
Lord Lynton no longer hesitated, and the two men hastened along in silence, but as soon as they had entered the sitting-room, the Baron’s face grew very grave.
“It was fortunate that we met, as your lordship may prevent something very like a tragedy from taking place. But we will not talk till we have eaten,” he said, and ringing the bell, ordered that lunch should be served immediately.
The meal was short but excellent and the Baron did justice to it, but the Earl was evidently occupied with his thoughts, which were the reverse of pleasant. To do him justice, he had ceased to consider himself, although it was very unpleasant to read each day the attacks upon the man who was his brother-in-law. But Lady Mildred must be protected and he remembered that Gaunt had been confident that the Baron was responsible for the articles appearing against him in the newspapers.