“I do think so. Was your son fond of low company when he lived at home?”
Poor Sir Thomas and his wife winced at this question, but it was put by the superintendent simply as a matter of business.
“Why, not exactly,” was the reply; “that is to say, he never frequented any gatherings of low people, as far as I know. But he was very much in the habit of making a companion of my under-groom, Juniper Graves.”
“Ah, exactly so! And this man drank?”
“Yes.”
“And they played cards together?”
“I fear so.”
“Then he’s most likely hooked in with a low set—that makes it easier.”
“Do you suppose that he is still in connection with any such set?” asked Lady Oldfield.
“Pretty certain, if he has let out, when he was tipsy, that his father is a gentleman of property. They’ll help him on a bit, if they think there’s a chance of bleeding him again.”