For if you will give yourself the trouble of reading it again--and more carefully--you will see that it makes acknowledgment of the offer of services you wrote his majesty a month or so ago." His lordship's eyes dropped to the letter again.

He caught his breath in sudden fear.
"Were I your lordship, I should leave the nearest justice to enjoy his dinner in peace," said Mr.Caryll, smiling.
His lordship laughed in a sickly manner.

He felt foolish--a rare condition in him, as in most fools.

"Well, well," said he gruffly.

"The matter needs reflection.