"Wise or not, it's an infernal nuisance to be disturbed by a stranger."

"Just as you please. I don't wish to interfere. I only wish to say--in
case you are thinking of my convenience as your guest--that it will be
no nuisance to _me._"

The servant impenetrably waited. Mr. Vanborough impatiently gave way.

"Very well. Let her in. Mind, if she comes here, she's only to look into
the room, and go out again. If she wants to ask questions, she must go
to the agent."

Mr. Delamayn interfered once more, in the interests, this time, of the
lady of the house.

"Might it not be desirable," he suggested, "to consult Mrs. Vanborough
before you quite decide?"

"Where's your mistress?"

"In the garden, or the paddock, Sir--I am not sure which."

"We can't send all over the grounds in search of her. Tell the
house-maid, and show the lady in."

The servant withdrew. Mr. Delamayn helped himself to a second glass of
wine.

"Excellent claret," he said. "Do you get it direct from Bordeaux?"