"Yes, m' lord," said the valet, and he went out with his tongue in his cheek. "I heered him say as he'd hold the string, that day he went away from us in town, and it strikes me as he's come to pull it now. Step this way, sir, if you please," he continued, entering the breakfast-room, where he found Mr Braham making himself perfectly at home with some coffee and "devilled" chicken, breakfast being a meal that strangers at the Castle took at their pleasure. The meal was prepared, and allowed to remain in the breakfast-room for a couple of hours, ready for those who liked to partake thereof. Hence, Mr Braham, being hungry from his early ride, judged himself to be one who would like to partake, and acted accordingly. "I'll have another cup of coffee first, my man," he said, coolly. "Lordship quite well?" "Well, no, sir," said the valet; "but if you'll step up, he'll see you in his bed-room." And, for his own sake, having his lord's future somewhat at heart, the servant could not refrain from displaying his eagerness to get the inopportune visitor away from the breakfast-room, lest Sir Murray or some guest should encounter him. "It's all right, my man--never mind me. I'm hungry, and if Sir Murray Gernon does come, I'm only his lordship's confidential man of business, d'yer see?" The valet nodded, and stood staring while the early visitor displayed his vigorous appetite. "That the young lady I met in the hall?" said Mr Braham, coolly. "Young lady, sir?" said the valet, inquiringly. "Now, look here, my fine fellow," said the money-lender: "take my advice. Keep friends with me, and, I think, it will be better for you in the long run. I might find it necessary to write and ask you a few questions, and I should expect satisfactory answers. I dare say you have a pencil--haven't you?" The valet nodded, while the visitor busied himself with his pocket-book. "Look here, then! here's a scrap of paper for you to make memorandums on, ready to tell me anything I want, specially keeping in mind any movements his lordship may make. You see, he's forgetful, and don't write to me, and a long journey like this, to find him gone, would be rather a nuisance, do you see? Ah! I see you understand; and, I dare say, when you've fairly worn out that piece of paper, I can find you another." Now, as the said piece of paper was a five-pound note, Mr Willis, his lordship's valet, had no difficulty at all in promising to make the necessary memoranda. It was strange, too, how very much Mr Braham appeared to change in his sight. It would be a queer thing, thought the valet, if his lordship's confidential man of business couldn't have a bit of breakfast after his journey; so, requesting the visitor to ring when he was ready to go up to his lordship's room, he prepared to leave. "No, don't go, my man," said Braham, "I've just done. That was the young lady, I suppose?" "Yes, sir; that's her," said Willis.