Colonel Archdale, another one besides, which I am most ready to make,
for having presumed to search out the painting when I found by accident
that there was one behind here. No time is so good as the present. Then,
too, I have aroused the curiosity of these ladies and gentlemen, and I
am afraid they will owe me a grudge if I don't gratify it by telling the
whole story."

"Indeed we shall," cried Katie Archdale.

Bulchester had entered behind the others unseen in the concentration of
attention upon the portrait and its exhibitor, and had spent his moment
of amazement in silence. He now glided up to Edmonson and said something
to him in an undertone too low to be caught by anyone else. The other
replied by a look of scorn, and a muttered something that sounded very
like, "You always were a fool." Then he stood silent, glancing first at
Stephen, and then at the Colonel. The young man faced him in haughty
defiance of his manner which made his words almost insulting. The elder
stood with his suavity a little disturbed, it is true; but no one except
Edmonson found fear in his face, or interpreted what he said as a desire
of postponement when he suggested that if there were anything
interesting to be heard they should wait until all the stragglers had
come up, and then adjourn to the drawing-room where they would be more
comfortable.

Edmonson bowed slightly in answer, smiled, thanked him, but observed
that it was most flattering to an orator to find his audience increase
as he went on, and began:

"I am to tell you who this gentleman of the portrait is, and why I
resemble him."