or a house in Park Lane.  Your six weeks every season in London lodgings was always inexplicable to me.

“Or shall I not sell the Rajah’s present, but offer myself in marriage to some fair princess, with my heart in one hand and the G.H.D. in the other?  Madder things than that are recorded in history.  In any case, don’t forget to pray for the safe arrival of your son, and (if such a petition is allowable) that he may not fail to bring with him the G.H.D.

“C.C.”

“I never could understand before to-day what the letters G.H.D. were meant for,” said Lady Chillington, as Janet gave her back the letter.  “It is now quite evident that they were intended for Great Hara Diamond; all of which, as I said before, is confirmatory of the story you have just told me.  Of course, after the lapse of so many years, there is not the remotest possibility of recovering the diamond; but my obligation to you, Sergeant Nicholas, is in no wise lessened by that fact.  What are your engagements?  Are you obliged to leave here immediately, or can you remain a short time in the neighbourhood?”

“I can give your ladyship a week, or even a fortnight, if you wish it.”

“I am greatly obliged to you.  I do wish it—­I wish to talk to you respecting my son, and you are the only one now living who can tell me about him.  You shall find that I am not ungrateful for what you have done for me.  In the meantime, you will stop at the King’s Arms, in Eastbury.  Miss Hope will give you a note to the landlord.  Come up here to-morrow at eleven.  And now I must say good-morning.  I am not very strong, and your news has shaken me a little.  Will you do me the honour of shaking hands with me?  It was your hands that closed my poor boy’s eyes—­that touched him last on earth; let those hands now be touched by his mother.”

Lady Chillington stood up and extended both her withered hands.  The old soldier came forward with a blush and took them respectfully, tenderly.  He bent his head and touched each of them in turn with his lips.  Tears stood in his eyes.

“God bless you, Sergeant Nicholas!  You are a good man and a true gentleman,” said Lady Chillington.  Then she turned and slowly left the room.

CHAPTER XXI.

COUNSEL TAKEN WITH MR. MADGIN.

After her interview with Sergeant Nicholas, Lady Chillington dismissed Janet for the day, and retired to her own rooms, nor was she seen out of them till the following morning.  No one was admitted to see her save Dance.  Janet, after sitting with Sister Agnes all the afternoon, went down at dusk to the housekeeper’s room.