"Do you know a Mr Smithson, Gwen?" Sir Charles Thorold asked his wife abruptly as he stood astride before the big fire in the hall. "Smithson?" Lady Thorold answered as she poured out the tea. "No. Who is he?" "I have no idea. Never heard of him." Then, addressing the butler, Sir Charles asked anxiously- "Did he leave a card, James?" "No, Sir Charles. He asked to see you-or her ladyship." "Or me?" Lady Thorold exclaimed. "Why, how very mysterious. What was he like?" "A tall, powerfully-built man, m'lady." "A gentleman?"