Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/96

 "Then you will not be at the ceremony?"

"Oh, I intend to be there, certainly, but incog. I am slightly interested in hearing Mr. Barnacle's speech, and feverishly eager to learn what books have done for Bill Perkins. I shall slip into the new building and take a seat at the back, so shabbily clothed that if anyone recognises me, he will not acknowledge the acquaintanceship."

This announcement was evidently not so welcome as his refusal of the invitation to lunch. It was plain that Mrs. Wilson was in an agony of apprehension, and Stranleigh, noticing this, went on in his most nonchalant fashion.

"You will tell Mr. Wilson that I called, but add that it was about nothing in particular. I merely wished to let him know I should be here for a week or two; please make it perfectly clear that his absence is of no consequence whatever. Beg him not to neglect his distinguished guest merely because I am here, and tell him that if there is anything I can do to further the festivities, he must let me know. Good-night, Mrs. Wilson. I fear I am keeping my dinner waiting up at the Manor, and thus causing my good housekeeper unnecessary anxiety. Good-night."

She gave him a limp hand, and the young man