I went to him in all my scrapes and troubles.

He is the most honourable, upright, straightforward man I know; and, as such, possesses a talent for serving--" "Hartledon! Is it _you_ ?" The interruption came from the dowager.

She and the butler came in together, both looking equally astonished at the appearance of Lord Hartledon.

The former said dinner was served.
"Will you let me sit down in this coat ?" asked Val.
The countess-dowager would willingly have allowed him to sit down without any.

Her welcome was demonstrative; her display of affection quite warm, and she called him "Val," tenderly.