Lord Ragnall asked me for both my English and my African addresses, which he noted in his pocket-book.

Then he said, "Really, Quatermain, I feel as though I had known you for years instead of three days; if you will allow me I will add that I should like to know a great deal more of you." (He was destined to do so, poor fellow, though neither of us knew it at the time.) "If ever you come to England again I hope you will make this house your headquarters." "And if ever you come to South Africa, Lord Ragnall, I hope you will make my four-roomed shanty on the Berea at Durban your headquarters.

You will get a hearty welcome there and something to eat, but little more." "There is nothing I should like better, Quatermain.

Circumstances have put me in a certain position in this country, still to tell you the truth there is a great deal about the life of which I grow very tired.
But you see I am going to be married, and that I fear means an end of travelling, since naturally my wife will wish to take her place in society and the rest." "Of course," I replied, "for it is not every young lady who has the luck to become an English peeress with all the etceteras, is it?
Still I am not so sure but that Miss Holmes will take to travelling some day, although I _am_ sure that she would do better to stay at home." He looked at me curiously, then asked, "You don't think there is anything really serious in all this business, do you ?" "I don't know what to think," I answered, "except that you will do well to keep a good eye upon your wife.

What those Easterns tried to do last night and, I think, years ago, they may try again soon, or years hence, for evidently they are patient and determined men with much to win.
Also it is a curious coincidence that she should have that mark upon her which appeals so strongly to Messrs.