“Not I,” said Cleek, with an airy laugh.  “Like the fellow who was born with a third leg, ‘I have no use for it,’ Captain.  But if you really want to give any part of it away, bank a thousand to the credit of my boy Dollops to be turned over to him when he’s twenty-one.  And you might make Mr. Narkom, and, if she will accept the post, Miss Lorne, his trustees.”

Miss Lorne faced round and looked at him; and even from that distance he could see that her mouth was moving tremulously and there was something shining in the corner of her eye.

“I accept that position with pleasure, Mr. Cleek,” she said.  “It is the act of a man and—­a gentleman.  Thank you!  Thank you.”  And came down the long length of the room with her hand outstretched to take his.

CHAPTER XXIV

He took it with that grave courtesy, that gentle dignity of bearing which at times distinguished his deportment and was, indeed, as puzzling to her as it was to Mr. Maverick Narkom.  It came but rarely, that peculiar air, but it was very noticeable when it did come, although the man himself seemed totally oblivious of it.  Miss Lorne noticed it now, just as she had noticed it that day in the train when she had said banteringly:  “I am not used to Court manners.  Where, if you please, did you acquire yours?”

“I can’t say how deeply indebted I feel—­you must imagine that, Miss Lorne,” he said, bending over the hand that lay in his, with an air that made Lady Chepstow lift her eyebrows and look at him narrowly.  “It is one of the kindest things you could do for the boy and—­for me.  I thank you very, very much indeed.  My thanks are due to you, too, Captain; for I feel that you will gladly do the favour I have asked.”

“Do it?  Yes, like a shot, old chap.  What a ripping fellow you are!”

“I’m a tired one at all events,” replied Cleek.  “So, if you—­and the ladies”—­bowing to them—­“will kindly excuse me, I’ll be off home for a needed rest.  Lady Chepstow, my very best respects.  I feel sure that his little lordship will be quite all right in a day or two, although I shall, of course, be glad to learn how he progresses.  May I?  Perhaps Miss Lorne might be persuaded to send me a word or two through—­Mr. Narkom.”

Lady Chepstow was still looking at him as she had been from the moment he had taken Ailsa’s hand.  Now she put out her own to him.

“Why wait for written reports, Mr. Cleek?  Why not call in person and see?” she asked.  “It will be more satisfactory than writing; and you will be welcome always.”

“I thank your ladyship,” he said gravely—­though all the soul of him rioted and laughed and longed to shout out for sheer joy.  “It is a privilege I shall be happy to enjoy.”

But afterward, when he came to take his leave, a dearer one was granted him; for Ailsa herself accompanied him to the door.