threw it wide we became aware of Sir Charles, posted on the hearth, his large face turned expectantly towards us. Its expression was severe, pompous, and non-committal, but it changed with startling rapidity as his eyes fell on Parslewe. He almost jumped, indeed—moved, recovered himself, gasped.
"God bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "My dear sir, surely we have met before?"
Parslewe laughed sardonically.
"Aye, surely!" he answered, in his most casual fashion. "Neither of us difficult to recognise, I should think, Sir Charles. And I understand you've met these young people before, too?"
Sir Charles hastened to acknowledge us—perfunctorily; it was evident that we were very unimportant factors in the situation compared to Parslewe, upon whom his eyes were fastened with strange interest.
"I have had that pleasure," he said. "But you, my dear sir—we met, one night, some—is it two, or is it three years ago?—at the Crown, in our neighbouring town, where, I believe, you are now staying? I
