It was to you I first mentioned certain
suspicions I myself had with regard to him. I treated you with
every confidence. Why do you now withhold yours from me?"
"It is quite true, Mr. Ledsam," Shopland admitted, "that it was
you who first pointed out Sir Timothy as an interesting study for
my profession, but that was a matter of months ago. If you will
forgive my saying so, your relations with Sir Timothy have
altered since then. You have been his guest at The Sanctuary,
and there is a rumour, sir--you will pardon me if I seem to be
taking a liberty--that you are engaged to be married to his
daughter, Oliver Hilditch's widow."
"You seem to be tolerably well informed as to my affairs,
Shopland," Francis remarked.
"Only so far as regards your associations with Sir Timothy," was
the deprecating reply. "If you will excuse me, sir, this is
where I should like to descend."
"You have no message for Mr. Wilmore, then?" Francis asked.
"Nothing definite, sir, but you can assure him of this. His
brother is not likely to come to any particular harm. I have no
absolute information to offer, but it is my impression that Mr.
Reginald Wilmore will be home before a week is past. Good
afternoon, sir."
Shopland stepped out of the taxicab and, raising his hat, walked
quickly away.
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