For a long moment Calverley stared in
silence at his lordship, observing the costly elegance of his dress,
his air of calm assurance, and his cold, fastidious speech, all of
which savoured distinctly of the great world to which he belonged.
"And who the devil may you be?" he exploded at last.
Colder still and more distant than ever grew his lordship's voice.
"You're not very civil, sir, as I have already noticed. My name is
Wade - Lord Julian Wade. I am His Majesty's envoy to these barbarous
parts, and my Lord Sunderland's near kinsman. Colonel Bishop has
been notified of my coming."
The sudden change in Calverley's manner at Lord Julian's mention of
his name showed that the notification had been received, and that
he had knowledge of it.
"I... I believe that he has," said Calverley, between doubt and
suspicion. "That is: that he has been notified of the coming of
Lord Julian Wade. But... but... aboard this ship...?" The
officer made a gesture of helplessness, and, surrendering to his
bewilderment, fell abruptly silent.
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