Page 453 of 490

Then he wrote a note to Lord Henry, telling him that he was going

up to town to consult his doctor and asking him to entertain his

guests in his absence. As he was putting it into the envelope, a

knock came to the door, and his valet informed him that the

head-keeper wished to see him. He frowned and bit his lip. "Send

him in," he muttered, after some moments' hesitation.

As soon as the man entered, Dorian pulled his chequebook out of a

drawer and spread it out before him.

"I suppose you have come about the unfortunate accident of this

morning, Thornton?" he said, taking up a pen.

"Yes, sir," answered the gamekeeper.

"Was the poor fellow married? Had he any people dependent on

him?" asked Dorian, looking bored. "If so, I should not like them

to be left in want, and will send them any sum of money you may

think necessary."

"We don't know who he is, sir. That is what I took the liberty of

coming to you about."