"Gentlemen," he said quickly, "I claim that right! If I am to abdicate
in favour of another, let me have at any rate the privilege of first
greeting the new sovereign! Besides, as I have already said to you--"
Mr. Carless interrupted him by pointing toward Viner's house, of which
they were now in sight.
"I dare say our friend Viner, who has, as he says, been strangely mixed
up in this strange affair, can manage matters," he said dryly. "And as
things are, nothing could be better!"
Viner took his companions back into his library, and opening a door,
showed Lord Ellingham a small study which lay beyond.
"I'll bring Miss Wickham to you at once," he said. Then, with a glance at
the two lawyers, which went round again to Lord Ellingham, he added
quietly, "When you have told her, you'll let us know what she says?"
"Aye, aye!" muttered Mr. Pawle. "Good--we must know that!"
Viner went away to the drawing-room and presently brought Miss Wickham
back with him. She looked from one solicitor to the other with something
of a smile.
"More mystery?" she asked.
Mr. Carless, with a courtly bow, took the girl's hand.
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