Left to himself, Gaston looked round on a large, severe room.

Its use dawned on him.

This was part of the life: Sir William was a Justice of the Peace.
But why had he been brought here?
Why not to the library as himself had suggested?
There would be some awkward hours for Falby in the future.
Gaston had as winning a smile, as sweet a manner, as any one in the world, so long as a straight game was on; but to cross his will with the other--he had been too long a power in that wild country where his father had also been a power! He did not quite know how long he waited, for he was busy with plans as to his career at Ridley Court.

He was roused at last by Falby's entrance.

A keen, cold look shot from under his straight brows.
"Well ?" he asked.
"Will you step into the library, sir?
Sir William will see you there." Falby tried to avoid his look, but his eyes were compelled, and Gaston said: "Falby, you will always hate to enter this room." Falby was agitated.
"I hope not, sir." "But you will, Falby, unless--" "Yessir ?" "Unless you are both the serpent and the dove, Falby." "Yessir." As they entered the hall, Brillon with the saddle-bags was being taken in charge, and Gaston saw what a strange figure he looked beside the other servants and in these fine surroundings.