CHAPTER IVH
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left Aix-les-Bains the next day by the morning train, having despatched a note to Lady Alicia, regretting the suddenness of his departure. Urgency of affairs summoned him to London. He had to thank her for pleasant hours. A matter of courtesy; nothing more. On the following evening he appeared before an astonished Cudby, and vouchsafed little explanation of his unexpected return. He was sick of the place, said he; pined for the comforting routine of work. Yes, he was cured of his gout. Incidentally he mentioned his meeting with Lady Alicia, and in the same breath discussed Judge Blenkinson the Chicago millionaire. The lady’s name gave Cudby the key of the situation, and he smiled ironically at the diplomatic airiness of his patron.
Jasper took up the threads of affairs som
