"If you will allow me, I will show you the way." Dominey, when he descended about an hour later, found his guest awaiting him in the smaller dining-room, which looked out eastwards towards the sea, a lofty apartment with great windows and with an air of faded splendour which came from the ill-cared-for tapestries, hanging in places from the wall.

Mr.Mangan had, contrary to his expectations, slept well and was in excellent spirits.

The row of silver dishes upon the sideboard inspired him with an added cheerfulness.
"So there were no ghosts walking last night ?" he remarked, as he took his place at the table.

"Wonderful thing this absolute quiet is after London.

Give you my word, I never heard a sound from the moment my head touched the pillow until I woke a short while ago." Dominey returned from the sideboard, carrying also a well-filled plate.
"I had a pretty useful night's rest myself," he observed.
Mangan raised his eyeglass and gazed at his host's throat.
"Cut yourself ?" he queried.
"Razor slipped," Dominey told him.