You talk to him!' 'Thank you, I'm too busy,' said Sir Henry sharply, his face stiffening.

'Where can you see me, Mannering?
I'm rather pressed for time.

Is the smoking-room free ?' And with a marked avoidance of any concern with the gentleman on the floor, who had by now risen to his feet, Sir Henry made an impatient movement towards a door at the further end of the library which stood ajar.
Levasseur looked amused.

He was a strongly-built, smooth-shaven fellow, with rather long hair, and the sallow look of the cigarette-smoker.

His eyes were sleepy, his expression indolent or good-natured.
'Oh, I'll make myself scarce with the greatest pleasure,' he said civilly.