At the same time he realized the astounding fact that he had not even glanced at a newspaper during twenty-four hours.
"What in the world have the newspapers to say about me ?" he cried.
"It--it said--that Mr.Francis Berrold Theydon, the well-known author, lived in No.

18, the flat exactly opposite that which my unhappy niece occupied.

I--I have read some of your books, Mr.Theydon, and I pictured you quite a serious-looking person of my own age." He laughed.

Bates entered, and was almost shocked at finding his master in such lively mood.
"Oh, this lady has traveled from Oxford this morning; a cup of tea and some nice toast, please, Bates," said Theydon.

Then when the two were alone together again, he brushed aside the question of his age as irrelevant.
"I assure you that since this time yesterday I have lost some of the careless buoyancy of youth," he said.