The Earl drew up a chair for himself and stretched his foot to the fire.

“Six years, eh? I protest ’tis prodigious good to see your face again, Mr. Warburton.⁠ ⁠… And I’m the Earl? Earl and High Toby, by Gad!” He laughed softly.

“I have here the documents, my lord.⁠ ⁠…”

Carstares eyed the roll through his quizzing glass.

“I perceive them. Pray return them to your pocket, Mr. Warburton.”

“But there are certain legal formalities, my lord⁠—”

“Exactly. Pray do not let us mention them!”

“But, sir!”