** I am not without expectation," the Marquis com-
menced by explaining to his agent, '^ that at the end of
the next two months I may find myself in possession of
a large sum of money. Under those circumstances, it
will not be a purposeless proceeding to work out what
is really required in the way of repairs on the various
farms. It will be a great pleasure for me to meet my
tenants in any way possible. On the whole, I consider
that they have been very reasonable and loyal."

Mr. Merridrew agreed with his lordship, agreed with
him fervently.
" Some of them," he confessed, ** have been very
troublesome. A few of them have been driven to make
some slight repairs themselves, but on the whole, your
lordship, it would be a great relief if one were able to
assist them so far as regards positive dilapidations."

The Marquis dipped his pen in the ink and settled
down to his task. At that moment, however, Gossett
knocked at the door, opened it and advanced towards
his master with a card upon a salver.
" The gentleman is staying at Fakenham, I believe,
sir, and has motored over."

The Marguis lifted the card. " Mr. 3 wiafe^'ftQrt^^^'^



236 THE WICKED MARQUIS

at first conveyed nothing to him. Then he felt a sudden
stab of memory.
^* The gentleman wishes to see me? " he enquired.
** He begs to be allowed a short interview with yaur
lordship," Gossett replied.
" You can show him into the library," was the brief
direction. ** Mr. Merridrew," he added, turning to the
agent, ** you can proceed with the abstract without me.
