Jack rang the bell as soon as they came into the smoking-room, and Frank sat down in a deep chair. Then the butler came. He cast one long look at the astonishing figure in the chair.
"Oh!—er—Jackson, this is Mr. Frank Guiseley. He's going to stay here. He'll want some clothes and things. I rather think there are some suits of mine that might do. I wish you'd look them out."
"I beg your pardon, sir?
"This is Mr. Frank Guiseley—of Merefield.... It is, really! But we don't want more people talking than are necessary. You understand? Please don't say anything about it, except that he's come on a walking-tour. And please tell the housekeeper to get the Blue Room ready, and let somebody turn on the hot water in the bath-room until further notice. That's all, Jackson ... and the clothes. You understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"And get the eau de lubin from my dressing-room and put it in the bath-room. Oh, yes; and the wooden bowl of soap."
"These clothes of mine are not to be thrown away, please, Jackson," said Frank gravely from the chair. "I shall want them again."
"Yes, sir."
"That's all, then," said Jack.
Mr. Jackson turned stiffly and left the room.