Under what circumstances did you become acquainted with Mr.Caryll ?" "I have known him these twelve years," answered Collis promptly; "so has Stapleton, so has Gascoigne, so have a dozen other gentlemen who could be produced, and who, like ourselves, were at Oxford with him.

For myself and Stapleton, I can say that our acquaintance--indeed, I should say our friendship--with Mr.Caryll has been continuous since then, and that we have visited him on several occasions at his estate of Maligny in Normandy.

That he habitually inhabits the country of his birth is the reason why Mr.Caryll has not hitherto had the advantage of your grace's acquaintance.

Need I say more to efface the false statement made by my Lord Rotherby ?" "False?
Do you dare give me the lie, sir ?" roared Rotherby.
But the duke soothed him.

Under his profligate exterior his Grace of Wharton concealed--indeed, wasted--a deal of shrewdness, ability and inherent strength.