Part 55 (1/2)

”Well, you might have been to the Crimea and back!” said Sir Humphrey, impatiently.

”Matters of such moment are not to be disposed of out of hand. Haste is certain to produce dangerous confusion, and it has been my unvaried experience during five-and-thirty years--”

”Which it has taken you to find the shortest way next door. But there!

let us get on with our work. Now, about this expedition to Kertch?”

And Sir Humphrey proceeded to discuss and dispose of great questions of supply in a prompt, off-hand way that both silenced and terrified Mr. Faulks.

CHAPTER V.

MR. FAULKS TALKS.

Mr. Faulks was rather fond of good living, and, as a rule, he never allowed official cares to interfere with his lunch, a meal brought in on a tray from an eating-house in the Strand. To make a proper selection from the bill of fare sent in every morning was a weighty matter, taking precedence over any other work, however pressing.

But to-day he scarcely enjoyed the haricot of lamb with new potatoes and young peas that he found waiting, and slightly cold, when he went downstairs to his own room.

”For two pins I'd take my retirement; I can claim it; where would they be then?”

This estimable personage shared with thousands the strange superst.i.tion that the world cannot do without them.

”This cook is falling off most terribly. The lamb is uneatable, the potatoes are waxy, and the peas like pills. Ugh! I never made a worse lunch!”

A large cigar and the perusal of the long-neglected _Times_ did not pacify him much, and he was still fretting and fuming when his messenger brought in a three-cornered note and asked if there was any reply.

”The lady, sir--a real lady, I should think--'ave brought it in her own bruffam, and was most particular, sir, as you should 'ave it at once.”

Mr. Faulks took the letter and examined it carefully.

”From that charming woman, Mrs. Wilders, my cousin, or rather Stanny's cousin; but his relations are mine. I am his uncle; some day, if he lives, I shall be uncle to an earl. They will treat me better perhaps when I have all the Essendine interest at my back. Whippersnappers like this Fothergill will scarcely dare to snub me then. A good lad Stanislas; I always liked him. I wish he was back amongst us, and not at that horrid war.”

”The lady, sir, is most anxious, sir, to have a answer,” put in the messenger, recalling Mr. Faulks's attention to the letter.

”Ah! to be sure. One moment,” and he read the note:--

”Cannot I see you?” it said. ”I am oppressed with fears for our dear Stanislas. Do please spare me a few minutes of your valuable time.

”CYPRIENNE W.”

”I will go down to her at once, say.” And, seizing his hat, Mr. Faulks followed the messenger into the street, where he found Mrs. Wilders in her tiny brougham, at the door of the office.

”Oh, how good of you!” she said, putting out a little hand in a perfectly-fitting grey glove. ”I would not disturb you for worlds, but I was so anxious.”

”What has happened? Nothing serious, I trust?”

”I do not know. I cannot say. I am terribly upset.”

”Do tell me all about it.”

”Of course; that is why I came. But it will take some time. Will you get into the carriage? Are you going anywhere? I can take you, and tell you upon the road.”