“Well, well, my dear fellow,” said Lord Caterham, “that’s all over and done with now. I’ll send down to the _Cricketers_ for your bag.” “It’s very kind of you, Lord Caterham, but——” “Nonsense, of course you must come to Chimneys. Horrible place, the _Cricketers_—to stay in, I mean.” “Of course you must come, Mr. Cade,” said Virginia softly. Anthony realized the altered tone of his surroundings. Already Virginia had done much for him. He was no longer an ambiguous stranger. Her position was so assured and unassailable that anyone for whom she vouched was accepted as a matter of course. He thought of the pistol in the tree at Burnham Beeches, and smiled inwardly. “I’ll send for your traps,” said Lord Caterham to Anthony. “I suppose, in the circumstances, we can’t have any shooting. A pity. But there it is. And I don’t know what the devil to do with Isaacstein. It’s all very unfortunate.” The depressed peer sighed heavily. “That’s settled, then,” said Virginia. “You can begin to be useful right away, Mr. Cade, and take me out on the lake. It’s very peaceful there and far from crime and all that sort of thing. Isn’t it awful for poor Lord Caterham having a murder done in his house? But it’s George’s fault really. This is George’s party, you know.” “Ah!” said Lord Caterham. “But I should never have listened to him!” He assumed the air of a strong man betrayed by a single weakness. “One can’t help listening to George,” said Virginia. “He always holds you so that you can’t get away. I’m thinking of patenting a detachable lapel.” “I wish you would,” chuckled her host. “I’m glad you’re coming to us, Cade. I need support.” “I appreciate your kindness very much, Lord Caterham,” said Anthony. “Especially,” he added, “when I’m such a suspicious character. But my staying here makes it easier for Battle.” “In what way, sir?” asked the superintendent. “It won’t be so difficult to keep an eye on me,” explained Anthony gently. And by the momentary flicker of the superintendent’s eyelids he knew that his shot had gone home. 14 Mainly Political and Financial Except for that involuntary twitch of the eyelids, Superintendent Battle’s impassivity was unimpaired. If he had been surprised at Virginia’s recognition of Anthony, he did not show it. He and Lord Caterham stood together and watched those two go out through the garden door. Mr. Fish also watched them. “Nice young fellow, that,” said Lord Caterham. “Vurry nice for Mrs. Revel to meet an old friend,” murmured the American. “They have been acquainted some time, presoomably?” “Seems so,” said Lord Caterham. “But I’ve never heard her mention him before. Oh, by the way, Battle, Mr. Lomax has been asking for you. He’s in the Blue morning-room.” “Very good, Lord Caterham. I’ll go there at once.” Battle found his way to the Blue morning-room without difficulty. He was already familiar with the geography of the house. “Ah, there you are, Battle,” said Lomax.