The light and warmth and the Count's courteous welcome seemed to have cleared away all my doubts and fears. Once I had come back to normal, I discovered that I was almost dying of hunger. So making a hasty toilet, I went into the other room.

I found supper already laid out. My host, who stood on one side of the great fireplace, leaning against the stonework, made a graceful wave of his hand to the table. He said, "Please be seated and eat as much as you want. You will I trust, excuse me that I do not join you, but I have dined already, and I do not eat supper."

I handed to him the sealed letter which Mr. Hawkins had entrusted to me. He opened it and read it gravely. Then, with a charming smile, he handed it to me to read. One part of the letter made me feel particularly pleased.

"I must regret that I have an attack of gout, from which I suffer constantly. This prevents me from doing any any travelling for some time to come. But I am happy to say I can send a sufficient substitute. He is someone that I trust completely. He is a young man, full of energy and talent in his own way, and has a very trustworthy character. He is discreet and silent, and has grown into a man while working for me. He shall be ready to work for you whenever you need him, and shall take your instructions about everything."