The Argosy — page 275: what you’re looking at

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258 In the Dead of Night. “1 had that honour.” “My name is Dering—Richard Dering. It is probable that you never heard of me before, seeing that I have only lately returned from India. I am cousin to Mr. Kester St. George.” The Frenchman bowed. “I have no recollection of having heard monsieur’s name mentioned by my late employer.” “IT suppose not. But my brother’s name—Lionel Dering—must be well known to you.” Janvard could not repress a slight start. So that was the relation- ship, was it ? ‘“‘ Ah, yes,” he said. “I have seen Mr. Lionel Dering many times, and done several little services for him at one time or another.” “You were one of the chief witnesses on the trial, if I recollect rightly ?” ' Janvard coughed, to gain a moment’s time. ‘The conversation was taking a turn that he did not approve of. ‘I certainly was one of the “witnesses on the trial,” he said with an air of deprecation. ‘“ But monsieur will understand that it was a misfortune which I had no means of avoiding. I could not help seeing what I did see, and they made me tell all about it.” . “Oh, we quite understand that!” said Mr. Dering. ‘‘ You were not to blame in any way. You could not do otherwise than as you did.” Janvard smiled faintly, and bowed his gratification. “‘ My friend here, Mr. Bristow, and myself, have come down to stay a week or two in your charming city. ‘The doctors tell me there is -something the matter with my spleen, and have recommended me to -drink the Bath waters. Hearing casually that you were the proprietor of one of the most comfortable hotels in the place, and looking upon you somewhat in the light of a connection of the family, we thought that we could not do better than take up our quarters with you.” Again Janvard smiled and bowed his gratification. “ Monsieur may ‘depend upon my using my utmost endeavours to make himself and his friend as comfortable as possible. Pardon my presumption, but may I venture to ask whether Mr. St. George was quite well when monsieur saw or heard from him last ?” “My cousin was a little queer a short time ago, but I believe him to be well again by this time.” Mr. Dering turned to go. “We have given your waiter instructions as to dinner,” he said. | ‘“T hope my chef will succeed in pleasing you,” said Janvard with a smile. ‘‘ He has the reputation of being second to none in the city.” With the same smile on his face he followed them to the door and bowed them out, and, still smiling, watched them till they turned the corner of the street. ‘‘No danger there, I think,” he said to himself. ‘‘ None whatever. Still I must keep on the watch—always Gomicbooks.co