'There are children in the house,' I said to Gayer, as he was settling me at table.
'There are, my lord. They came yesterday. I hope they didn't annoy your lordship.'
'No; they didn't annoy me.' The idea of children annoying me made me smile. I never met a child yet with whom I wasn't on terms of friendship at first sight. 'Send down to Mr. Foster and tell him to come up to me at once.'
'Mr. Stephen Foster?'
'Mr. Stephen. I suppose he's alive.'
'Oh, yes, my lord, and very well. If your lordship will excuse my saying so, he'll be as much surprised to see your lordship as gratified. He told me with his own lips that he was present at your lordship's deathbed.'
'Was he? One day I may return the compliment. Perhaps I'll be present at his. Has he gone with my brother to Cressland?'
'Not that I'm aware of. In fact, I don't believe he knows Lord Reginald has gone.'
'Then fetch him along to me.'
They fetched him along in such fashion that he arrived as I was finishing lunch. I made a hasty meal, for I was aware that a curious interview was close ahead. I can do as much on an empty stomach as most men; but all the same when serious business is on hand, I like to have it comfortably filled. And I'd made up my mind from the very first that I'd have one meal in Twickenham House if I never had another.