The fact that you are well-known to Lady Cranston is, of course, an entirely satisfactory explanation of your presence here.
At the same time, there is certain information concerning strangers of which we keep a record, and in your case there is a line or two which we have not been able to fill up." "If I can be of any service," Lessingham murmured.
"Precisely," the other interrupted.

"I knew you would feel like that.
Now your arrival here--we have the date, I think--October 6th.

As you have just remarked, you didn't come by train.

How did you come ?" Lessingham's surprise was apparently quite genuine.
"Is that a question which you ask me to answer--officially ?" he enquired.
His interlocutor shrugged his shoulders.
"I am not putting official questions to you at all," he replied, "nor am I cross-examining you, as might be my duty, under the circumstances, simply because your friendship with the Cranstons is, of course, a guarantee as to your position.

But on the other hand, I think it would be reasonable if you were to answer my question." Lessingham nodded.
"Perhaps you are right," he admitted.