“Er⁠—yes⁠—” Mr. Hedges bowed. “Pray pardon my importuning you with our⁠—”

“Not at all,” said my lord.

“No⁠—quite so⁠—The fact is, these⁠—er⁠—gentlemen have had the⁠—er⁠—misfortune to be waylaid on their journey here.”

Sir Anthony’s glass was again levelled at the group. His expression betokened mild surprise.

“ All these gentlemen?” he inquired blandly. “Dear, dear!”

“Oh, no, no, no, sir! Not all⁠—Only Mr. ⁠—er⁠—”