— XV —THE MAN IN GREY
Mr. Smithers journeyed down to Birchester to view that “handsome residential property” known as Dene Park. On the way down he read a newspaper. This paper contained an item of news in which he seemed to take considerable interest. It was an account of the christening of the Marquis of Skye’s infant son and heir – Lord Alec Bruce of Gairloch. An imposing ceremony it seemed to have been, with a royal godfather and a brave show of friends. The paper observed that the baptismal rite had been postponed beyond the usual time owing to the delicate health of both the child and its mother. Mr. Smithers knit his brow when he saw this.
“Sarah used to be as strong as a horse. She ought to be, considering the constitution with which she was endowed and the training she received;
