Page:Barr--Stranleighs millions.djvu/137

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RESPECT THE LAW
125

London guide directs. Avoid accidents, and bring your party home in safety."

The chauffeur cast a contemptuous glance at the delegation. A good chauffeur is an employee of pride and in the realms of service the lines of caste are much more marked than in what is commonly called good society. Lord Stranleigh knew what was passing in the chauffeur's mind, and even suspected him of considering himself socially superior to the dignified Ponderby, valet to his lordship. Stranleigh made no attempt to argue or to command. Apparently not seeing the frown on the chauffeur's brow, nor noticing his hesitation, Stranleigh indolently drew from his pocket-book two crisp Bank of England notes for five pounds each, and allowed them to rustle carelessly between his finger and thumb.

"If for any reason it should be inconvenient for you to take out the car this morning," said Lord Stranleigh in his sweetest tones, "be so good as to telephone to the garage, and ask them to oblige me by sending their best chauffeur."

The crinkle of the bank-note paper made itself audible to Henri, and his eyes removed from the delegation and fell upon the ten pounds.

"Oh, it's not inconvenient at all, my lord," Henri assured him with great eagerness.

Lord Stranleigh, folding the bank-notes, handed them to the chauffeur, murmuring inaudibly a