Some steps lead down a little to the left of the garden on to the course, and presently he noticed at the bottom of these steps Lord Arthur Skelmerton and Charles Lavender standing talking together.

He knew both gentlemen by sight, but he could not see them very well as they were both partly hidden by the hedge.

He was quite sure that the gentlemen had not seen him, and he could not help overhearing some of their conversation.
"'That's my last word, Lavender,' Lord Arthur was saying very quietly.
'I haven't got the money and I can't pay you now.

You'll have to wait.' "'Wait?
I can't wait,' said old Lavender in reply.

'I've got my engagements to meet, same as you.