13207 'No, a woman's; and a woman of rare character.
13208 You see, at the commencement of an investigation, it is something to know that your client is in close contact with someone who for good or evil has an exceptional nature.
13209 My interest is already awakened in the case.
13210 If you are ready, we will start at once for Woking and see this diplomatist who is in such evil case, and the lady to whom he dictates his letters.'
13211 We were fortunate enough to catch an early train at Waterloo, and in a little under an hour we found ourselves among the fir-woods and the heather of Woking.
13212 Briarbrae proved to be a large detached house standing in extensive grounds, within a few minutes' walk of the station.
13213 On sending in our cards we were shown into an elegantly appointed drawing-room, where we were joined in a few minutes by a rather stout man, who received us with much hospitality.
13214 His age may have been nearer forty than thirty, but his cheeks were so ruddy and his eyes so merry, that he still conveyed the impression of a plump and mischievous boy.
13215 'I am so glad that you have come,' said he, shaking our hands with effusion.
13216 'Percy has been inquiring for you all the morning.
13217 Ah, poor old chap, he clings to any straw.
13218 His father and mother asked me to see you, for the mere mention of the subject is very painful to them.'