On the wall were rough charcoal sketches, some of them executed with real talent. The company was extremely mixed. There were portly foreigners, opulent Jewesses, a sprinkling of the really smart, and several ladies belonging to the oldest profession in the world.

Soon Bill led Bundle upstairs. There the weak-faced man was on guard, watching all those admitted to the gambling room with a lynx eye. Suddenly recognition came to Bundle.

“Of course,” she said. “How stupid of me. It’s Alfred, who used to be second footman at Chimneys. How are you, Alfred?”

“Nicely, thank you, your ladyship.”

“When did you leave Chimneys, Alfred? Was it long before we got back?”

“It was about a month ago, m’lady. I got a chance of bettering myself, and it seemed a pity not to take it.”