CHAPTER VI.
At eleven o'clock the next morning Richard presented himself at the door of a house in Avenue Road, St.John's Wood, and expressed a desire to see Mr.Westlake.That gentleman was at home; he received the visitor in his study--a spacious room luxuriously furnished, with a large window looking upon a lawn.

The day was sunny and warm, but a clear fire equalised the temperature of the room.

There was an odour of good tobacco, always most delightful when it blends with the scent of rich bindings.
It was Richard's first visit to this house.

A few days ago he would, in spite of himself, have been somewhat awed by the man-servant at the door, the furniture of the hall, the air of refinement in the room he entered.

At present he smiled on everything.