Dominey watched them, fascinated.

Neither betrayed himself by even the fall of an eyelid.

Yet Dominey, his perceptive powers at their very keenest in this moment which instinct told him was one of crisis, felt the unspoken, unbetokened recognition which passed between them.

Some commonplace remark was uttered and responded to.

Dominey read the few lines which seemed to take him back for a moment to another world: "Honoured and Honourable Sir, "I send you my heartiest and most respectful greeting.