companion.

“Shall we go to my hotel? I have a great deal to talk over — business which concerns — ahem — ahem — your lordship, on behalf of your mother, having come expressly — ” he turned again to David. “Ah, now don’t be at all alarmed, I beg of you. I see I have disturbed you. She is quite well, or was a week or more ago. Doctor Hoyle, you’ll accompany us? At my request. Undoubtedly you are interested in your young friend.”

Mechanically David walked with the two older men, filled with a strange sinking of the heart, and at the same time with a vague elation. Was he called home by his mother to help her sustain a new calamity? Had the impossible happened? Mr. Stretton’s manner continued to be mysteriously