Straightway Fitz began to fidget; and, also, to stammer.
'The plain truth is, sir, I mean, my lord, that the likeness is so striking that----'
'Well?'
For Fitz had stopped. When he continued he went off at a tangent----
'Of course I wasn't acquainted with what I've just now heard, or I should have known that your lordship couldn't possibly be the--the man I thought you were. But at the same time----'
'Well?'
For Fitz had stopped again.
'The fact is, my lord, I've become liable for Mr. Babbacombe in certain directions, and his disappearance puts me in a hole.'
'Well?'
'He went home to his wife the other day----'