The man looking like a scholar at once came forward and shook hands with Larose. "Very pleased to see you Mr. Larose!" he exclaimed smilingly. "You're quite a stranger!" He turned to his companion. "My lord, this is Mr. Gilbert Larose! I expect you've heard of him, the one-time Inspector Larose of Scotland Yard and now the master of Carmel Abbey. Mr. Larose, this is Lord Hunkin, the First Lord of the Admiralty."
Lord Hunkin inclined his head gravely. He had stayed at Carmel Abbey in the lifetime of Sir Charles Ardane and knew that, upon the baronet's decease, Larose had married his very wealthy widow. So now he was very astonished to see Larose dressed so roughly, and with a decidedly dirty face.
Larose took in his thoughts and laughed lightly. "Pardon my general appearance, Mr. Grant,"
