You didn’t know the fellow, did you?” Aaron asked curiously.

You didn’t know the fellow, did you?” Aaron asked curiously

“Not I,” he replied, “but, as I have told you many times, I am a born adventurer. I am equal to any situation. Have I ever mentioned that I am also something of a snob?”

“I don’t seem to remember the confession.”

“Well, I am. I have an aunt who is the wife of a baronet. I make use of her occasionally. In the days of my more abject poverty, I used to go there for a free meal when I had a black coat. She is, by way of being a patroness of the arts, entertaining all sorts of jumbled-up parties. In all probability, Mr. Lovejoy has either been asked to one of them or wishes he had. Hence, my self-introduction. ‘Mr. Lovejoy,’ I say in my best manner, ‘I believe I had the pleasure of meeting you at my aunt’s, Lady Sittingley’s?’ He hesitates, and I can see that I have him fixed. He hasn’t the least intention of ever denying that he was there, although he doesn’t know me from Adam. And there you are, you know. It’s the natural spirit of the adventurer.”

“What was that about going on there tonight?” Aaron enquired.

“We are both going, my boy,” was the cheerful reply. “Miss Pamela Keane is entertaining a few friends to chemin de fer at her flat in Buckingham Gate. I have explained that I do not play, but we are going to look in for a glass of wine and a chat. I want to cast my eye over Lovejoy’s friends, do you see?”