He gave his hand, and raised hers to his lips. In addition to his
respect for her as the lady of the manor, there was the admiration
of twenty years for twenty-eight or nine in such relations.

'I trust you,' she said. 'Now, beyond the above conditions, it was
specially necessary that my agent should have known Sir Blount
Constantine well by sight when he was at home. For the errand is
concerning my husband; I am much disturbed at what I have heard
about him.'

'I am indeed sorry to know it.'

'There are only two people in the parish who fulfil all the
conditions,--Mr. Torkingham, and yourself. I sent for Mr.
Torkingham, and he came. I could not tell him. I felt at the last
moment that he wouldn't do. I have come to you because I think you
will do. This is it: my husband has led me and all the world to
believe that he is in Africa, hunting lions. I have had a
mysterious letter informing me that he has been seen in London, in
very peculiar circumstances. The truth of this I want ascertained.
Will you go on the journey?'

'Personally, I would go to the end of the world for you, Lady
Constantine; but--'

'No buts!'

'How can I leave?'

'Why not?'