"Yes. It was a _sottise_; but _I_'ve got over the likeness so completely that I forgot how it agitated you. But I ought to tell you they have no connexion with the family--none in the world. Pelter and Crowe, you know--devilish sharp dogs--my lawyers in town--they are regular detectives, by Jove! and know everything--and particularly have had for years a steady eye upon them and their movements; and I have had a most decided letter from them, assuring me that there has not been the slightest movement in that quarter, and therefore there is, absolutely, as I told you from the first, nothing in it." "And what Deverells are now living?" inquired the old lady, very pale. "Two first cousins, they tell me--old fellows now; and one of them has a son or two; but not one called Guy, and none answering this description, you see; and neither have a shadow of a claim, or ever pretended; and as for that unfortunate accident--" "Pray _spare_ me," said the old lady, grimly. "Well, they did not care a brass farthing about the poor fellow, so they would never move to give me trouble in that matter; and, in fact, people never do stir in law, and put themselves to serious expense, purely for a sentiment--even a bad one." "I remember some years ago you _were_ very _much_ alarmed, Jekyl." "No, I was not. Who the plague says that? There's nothing, thank Heaven, I need fear. One does not like to be worried with lawsuits--that's all--though there is and can be no real danger in them." "And was it from these cousins you apprehended lawsuits?" inquired Lady Alice. "No, not exactly--no, not at all. I believe that fellow Strangways--that fellow that used to live on poor Guy--I fancy he was the mover of it--indeed I know he was." "What did they proceed for?" asked the old lady. "You never told me--you are so secret, Jekyl." "They did not proceed at all--how could I? Their attorneys had cases before counsel affecting me--that's all I ever heard; and they say now it was all Strangways' doing--that is, Pelter and Crowe say so. I wish I _were_ secret." Old Lady Alice here heaved a deep groan, and said, not with asperity, but with a fatigued abhorrence-- "Go away; I wonder I can bear you near me." "Thank you very much," said the Baronet, rising, with one of his pleasant chuckles. "I can't tell you how glad I am to see you here, and I know you'll be very glad to see me in the morning, when you are a little rested." So he kissed the tips of his fingers and touched them playfully to the back of her thin hand, which she withdrew with a little frown, as if they chilled her. And by her direction he called in her maid, whom he asked very smilingly how she did, and welcomed to Marlowe; and she, though a little _passé_, having heard the fame of Sir Jekyl, and many stories of his brilliant adventures, was very modest and fluttered on the occasion. And with another little petting speech to Lady Alice, the radiant Baronet withdrew.