 16 Dr. Horace intervenes. In the dead silence which followed Mona's enigmatic announcement, a pen could have been heard to drop. Freeless's head was whirling. Here at last was the explanation, and he would now know the true relationship between the girl he loved and Ned, who apparently cared nothing for her. Sheporth stood quietly beside Miss Chint with a perfectly calm face, but his eyes were fixed threateningly on Captain Jadby, who appeared to be much amazed at the calm way in which Mona received his news. Lady Sophia glanced from one man to the other, and having a shrewd idea of what was coming made up her mind to depart, so as to spare herself a scene and Sheporth an awkward explanation. Most interesting, she said, rising and shaking out her skirts, but I have so much to do that I really cannot wait. Mona, child, you must come and see me at Folkstone, the Piccadilly Hotel, you know, though why Piccadilly by the seaside I really don't know. Will you not wait and hear what I have to say? Asked Jadby, who seemed desirous of having as many listeners as possible, so as to cast shame upon Sheporth. No, my good man, rejoined Lady Sophia, with all the polished insolence of a grand aim. Other people's affairs do not interest me. You had better go back to the South Seas, where I am sure you will be much more at home. Prilis helped me on with my dust cloak. She pointed to a gray silk mantle, which her dutiful nephew duly adjusted on her shoulders. Now Mona, child, don't forget. Goodbye, Mr. Sheporth. Prilis, you had better come with me, she ended, sailing towards the door. The young man hesitated and looked at Mona doubtfully. She interpreted his look promptly. Lord Prilis will stay at my request. My dear Lady Sophia at the door sunk her voice so very awkward, if you really know what that creature, so she designed Jadby, is going to say. It has to be said sooner or later, whispered Mona, and I want Lord Prilis to hear. Oh, a new thought seemed to strike Lady Sophia. She glanced from her hostess to her nephew, and then pursed up her lips, guessing in a flash what was coming. You had better come with me, Prilis, she repeated, raising her voice, and at the sound of it Mona shrank away. But Prilis looked dogged and declined to come. I must stop and support Miss Chint, he said. Mr. Shepworth can do that, cried Captain Jadby, insolently. He can, said the barrister, taking a step forward, and he can support the cause of, with emphasis, any lady. The advocate of the Stone Age, standing at the open door, raised her launette and surveyed the group. Most interesting, she said with cooled impertence, quite a comedy. Let us hope that it will not merge into a tragedy. And biting her lip she departed with a glare at her obstinate nephew. Guessing that Lady Sophia was offended, and pretty certain of the reason, Mona did not dare to follow. The motor car of Lady Sophia was heard whirling down the avenue in the hot sunshine, and only when the sound died away did Miss Chint return to the three men. What more have you to say, Captain Jadby, she asked politely. It seems to me that there is little need of an explanation, he answered, with another shrug and compressing his lips. None at all that I can see rejoined Shepworth in a cool voice. I think Captain Jadby had better go. Not until I received Mona's answer from her own lips, he snarled, and looked a very ugly customer in his impotent wrath. Miss Chint, to you, said the girl, equably. Mona, Mona! Vosificated the Captain, I have a double right to call you by your Christian name. I did not even know that you had a single right, she retorted. I have, Sir Oliver wished us to marry. Quite so, and for that reason I became engaged to Mr. Shepworth. Prelus gave a gasp and turned to his friend. Ned nodded. It is true, Dory, said the barrister. When I was stopping here during the lifetime of Sir Oliver, this man, he indicated Captain Jadby, with contempt, pestered Miss Chint with his attentions. Sir Oliver was on his side, why I can't say. But I can tell you now, interrupted Jadby hoarsely, I am Sir Oliver's son, and Mona is my cousin. There was a second silence. I don't believe it, said Prelus decidedly, and his opinion was echoed by Miss Chint and Shepworth. Jadby threw back his handsome head scornfully. It matters little what you believe, he said violently, since what I say is the truth, and no denial can make it anything else. My mother was the daughter of a great chief of Tahiti. Oh, broke in Prelus impulsively. Then you are a half-caste. Yes, admitted the Captain, his nostrils working and his native origin becoming more and more apparent as he lost his temper. My father was married to my mother in native fashion, but that, I learn, does not entitle me to inherit my father's title and property, which it should do. However, my father made a will in my favor before leaving the South Seas. He never had much love for me, and therefore I dreaded lest he should change his mind and leave his property to someone else. I came to England to look after my interests, and then learned that a new will had been made leaving the money to Mona. My father, to give him his due, was ashamed of himself, and proposed that the affairs should be settled by marriage, so that both Mona and I should benefit. I loved her, and agreed to the arrangement, but she scorned me, and so her uncle died, ended preless, looking sharply at the Captain. Jedby whirled round furiously and stamped. My father's death has nothing whatsoever to do with my engagement to Mona. I never was engaged to you, she interposed swiftly. It was because you persecuted me that I asked Ned to stand between us. I have known Ned for years, and he is a loyal gentleman. Very loyal, sneered Jedby, with quivering lips, to love one woman and become engaged to another. Shepworth would have spoken, but Mona prevented him. There is no need for you to excuse yourself, Ned, she said coldly, and addressed herself to the fuming Captain. When I asked Mr. Shepworth to pretend to be engaged to me, so that your worrying might be stopped, he told me that he loved another woman. A woman who is— Shepworth threw up his hand. If you dare to say a word, he cried menacingly, I shall break your neck. There is no need, said Mona again, while preless, keenly observant, held his peace. I can explain to Captain Jedby, and then he can go. I have heard enough, said the sailor, harshly and glared. To fool your uncle, my father, he added with emphasis, and to fool me, you pretended to engage yourself to this man. You have stated the position accurately, said Mona with great calmness. Mr. Shepworth and I have paid you out. We have played a comedy by which you, for your insolence, have been deceived. Mona! the man took a step forward, imploringly. Ms. Chint receded. I am not afraid of you now, she declared in a clear voice, although you did your best to frighten me, and I do not allow anyone to call me Mona, save those I love. You may be my cousin for all I know, but I don't like you, and I shall have nothing to do with you. My fictitious engagement with Mr. Shepworth is at an end. She concluded, slipping off a ring and passing it to Ned, who put it in his pocket. And you, I understand, have the property, since the will in my favour has been destroyed. There is no more to be said. There is this to be said, shouted Jedby, the veins on his forehead swelling dangerously, but this house is mine, and you shall leave it. Mona faced him coolly. Mr. Mordabon looks after my interest, she declared, quite composed. As soon as he tells me to leave, I shall do so. But until then, I am mistress here, and I order you to go. Jedby would have disobeyed, as he was furious at the failure of his two thunderbolts. He had hoped to overwhelm Mona by stating that he was her cousin, and he had hoped to separate her from Shepworth by telling of the latter's infatuation for Mrs. Dolly Rover. Having failed, he looked like a fool and would have tried to recover his ground by insisting upon remaining, but that preless rose to his feet and Shepworth took a step forward. Jedby was no coward, for the drop of white blood in him came from a brave old stock. But the odds were too great. Moreover, he really and truly loved his cousin, and his soul was torn within him at the thought of losing her. With a sudden revulsion of feeling, the tears sprang to his dark eyes, although he was by no means a tearful individual. Taking out his hands blindly, he groped his way to the door. Mona's generous heart smote her when she saw the man brought thus low, and she sprang forward to lay her hand on his arm. Do not go in anger, Felix, she pleaded, using his Christian name, as Sir Oliver had often done. If you are my cousin, and I believe that you have spoken the truth, let us part in peace. Take hands. Jedby dashed the tears from his eyes and her hand from his arm. Her appeal brought back the original devil to his semi-civilized heart, fiercer than ever. Will you be my wife? He demanded savagely. No, I cannot. Do you love anyone else? Mona drew herself up, quivering. You have no right to ask that. Let's not, raged the captain, with contempt. Because you love a man who is in love with a married woman, and— Shepworth ran forward, his face white, and his eyes bright. Silence! he exclaimed, and took Jedby by the shoulders. I shall not be silent, shrieked the half-caste, becoming feminine and abusive in his towering passion. You and your Mrs. Rover, who—what else could he have said? Either Mona nor Prilis knew, for the barrister, becoming suddenly silent after the manner of the angered white man, ran Jedby swiftly out of the room. The semi-pollination kicked and shrieked and swore, and even tried to bite. But Shepworth, with set teeth and grim eyes, forced him along the hall and out of the front door. The next moment Jedby was lying on his back some distance away, with Shepworth blocking the door of the house, he claimed. You devil! yelled the half-caste, and he leaped up to slip his hand behind him. The barrister flung himself down, while three shots rang out from the captain's derringer, then sprang to his feet on hearing no more. Apparently only three chambers had been loaded, for Shepworth, filled with wrath at this treachery, dared the worst and ran blindly down the steps. Suddenly flung away the still-smoking weapon, with an oath, and sped down the avenue, as though the fiend himself was after him. For some little distance Shepworth followed, until he lost him on the wide downs, and then returned to the Grange to meet Prilis coming down the avenue at top speed. "'Are you hurt, Ned?' shouted his friend. "'One of the bullets ripped my arm, but it's nothing to speak of,' was Shepworth's reply. "'Mona!' "'She ran upstairs to see Mrs. Blexley. I'll send up and let her know that you are all right.' "'I say, Ned, you have made a dangerous enemy.' "'Oh, damn the danger,' growled Shepworth, who was furious. The low-means-sulking hound. He insulted me before on account of Constance. And that was why we fought. He hadn't a revolver then, and I gave him a black eye, the brute. "'And are you really in love with Constance?' asked Prilis doubtfully. "'Yes,' said Ned gruffly, and not seemingly inclined to talk about the matter just then. "'I'll tell you all about it some day. Meanwhile, let us reassure Mona and get my arm bathed. It's only a scratch.' "'But one moment, Ned,' said Prilis, holding him back from entering the house. "'You are not actually engaged to Mona? I mean Ms. Chint?' "'No, I only agreed so as to save her from Jedby's insolence and Sir Oliver's persecution.' "'Then Ms. Chint is heart whole?' "'Entirely, so far as I know,' replied Shepworth dryly. And then, wheeling to face his friend, why do you ask these questions?' "'I'll tell you all about it some day,' said Prilis, echoing the former speech of the barrister. "'Hello, there's Mona—that is, Ms. Chint herself. It was indeed Mona, who appeared at the top of the steps with Mrs. Blexley and two footmen behind her. She looked pale and hurried forward. "'Are you hurt, Ned?' she asked anxiously. "'I heard the shots.' "'It's only a flea-bite,' said Ned quickly. "'Don't bother about it. I'll go to my room and bathe it.' "'Let me do that, sir,' said Mrs. Blexley, and Shepworth, nodding afaint ascent, for he had lost some blood, went into the house, and up the wide-oken stairs. Prilis lingered behind with Mona. "'I am so glad,' he said meaningly. "'That Ned has been shot? How cruel of you! "'No, no, no, you must be aware that I am glad because—' "'I have it time to listen now,' said Mona, her face crimson and her eyes very bright. "'I have to send a telegram.' "'To whom?' demanded Prilis as she disappeared through the hall. "'To Dr. Horace,' came back the reply, and then the young man, in addition to his other puzzled thoughts, had this new one concerning his former fellow-traveller. "'I wonder what she wants with Horace?' he asked himself. The answer came at dinner, when Mona was in the safe presence of Ned, and Prilis could make no demonstration of the feelings he had for her—feelings which she had guessed long since existed. Shepworth's wound, which was worse than he admitted, had been bound up, and he was in very good spirits. Mona, startled by the events of the afternoon, looked pale, and was rather restless. But Prilis said nothing. In the first place he could not in the presence of a third party, even though that party was his school chum, and in the second he was too happy to speak much. All he could do, and did do, was to fill his eyes and heart with the pale beauty of Mona chant. After all, the gods had been very good to him by removing an apparently impassable barrier. It was Shepworth who asked why Mona had sent the wire to Dr. Horace, and Prilis listened with great interest to her reply. After the case, explained the girl, more to Martabon than to the young man, Dr. Horace sent and congratulated me on the verdict. Although he wrote a note saying that if Jadby proved dangerous, those were his words, that I was to wire to him, and he would draw Jadby's teeth. His own words again, Mr. Martabon. Do you know, Dr. Horace? asked the solicitor, looking puzzled. No, I never set eyes on him until he stepped into the witness box to give evidence about the herb. When I heard the shots, I knew then that Captain Jadby was becoming dangerous, so I sent off a telegram to Dr. Horace. Just before dinner a reply came. And the reply, asked Shepworth, also puzzled, Dr. Horace will be here by ten o'clock tonight. Prilis stared. It must be something very important to bring Horace down so promptly. Do you any idea of what he means? No, replied Mona quietly. All I know I have told you, but if this Dr. Horace can stop Felix from shooting people, it will be as wise to have him down. Felix, muttered Prilis discontentedly, Mona shot a smiling glance at him, not ill pleased to see how openly jealous he was, even though he had no official right to be so. He is my cousin, you know, she said sweetly. I don't believe it, said Shepworth sharply. I do, and if you will look at Uncle Oliver's portrait up there, she turned to point at the wall. You will see that there is a likeness between him and Felix. Only Felix is darker, finished Mona. Prilis did not argue, but sat restlessly in his seat. When Mona left the three men over their wine they had a long discussion concerning the present aspect of things, and formed a committee of three to decide what was best to be done. Lord Prilis insisted upon going up to London for an interview with Madame Marie, while Shepworth was equally certain that the trail of Jadby ought to be followed. As to Mr. Mordabon, he openly bewailed the loss of the wheel, which would have placed Mona in possession of the land-wind property. As the dinner was late, the three men lingered for a considerable time, talking of what was best to be done, and the stable clock struck ten before they were aware of the passing of time. At once Prilis jumped up and walked into the drawing-room. Prior to his surprise he found Dr. Horace more shaggy and uncouth than ever, sitting comfortably beside Mona Chint. The two looked like Tatania and bottom the weaver. How on earth did you come here? asked Prilis, amazed. Walked, retorted Horace gruffly. I caught an earlier train, and so got here before the time mentioned in my wire. Good evening, Shepworth, so you've been killed, eh? Oh, I'm alive yet, laughed the barrister. And then Dr. Horace was introduced to Mr. Mordabon, to whom he immediately addressed himself. I'm glad that you are here, he said, in his usual growling tones. I mean you, sir, the Land Shark. I've some business for you. Is this the time to talk business? said Mordabon, somewhat annoyed, as after a good dinner he did not feel able to give advice. Judge for yourself, said Horace, fishing a blue envelope, fool's cap size, out of the breast pocket of his shabby coat. Look at that! Mordabon did so, and so did Prilis and Shepworth. Peering over the shoulder of his dress coat, Mordabon uttered a cry of amazement. Why, it's the missing wheel! He almost shouted. CHAPTER XVII. On hearing Mordabon's surprised cry, everyone stood still and silent out of sheer amazement. The unexpected had happened with a vengeance. Dr. Horace, quite delighted with the sensation that he had produced, rubbed his hairy hands with a grim chuckle. Quite dramatic, isn't it? said Horace. Mordabon drew a long breath and clutched the document, as though he feared that it would vanish into thin air like Macbeth's witches. I am surprised, he confessed, staring at the doctor. How did you become possessed of this, sir? And in asking that very pertinent question, he anticipated the speech of the others. Horace did not answer immediately. Without requesting permission, he produced his immense German pipe, already stuffed as full as it would hold with strong tobacco, and lighted it calmly. Prilis looked annoyed at this breach of good manners, and would have stepped forward to remind Horace that he was not in his native wilds, but that Mona, guessing his intention, made a little gesture to stop him. Seeing what Dr. Horace had done, she was prepared to forgive him everything. Besides, the great traveler was such an eccentric person that no one could be angry when he behaved like a bear. It seemed natural that he should. Meanwhile the lawyer, becoming impatient, repeated his query. How did I become possessed of it? Said Horace, lying back luxuriously and puffing out white clouds of smoke. Well, I might say that I murdered Lenwin, mightn't I? Yes, you might, remarked Mona, smiling, but you did not. No, sighed Horace, with an odd expression on his large face, it would be an anti-climax. Oh, hang your dramatic instincts, said Prilis crossly. Why can't you answer the question? I am about to, if you will hold your tongue and sit down. You always did have too much chin music, Prilis. Well, he looked round with a grin, like a somewhat malicious monkey. If you must know, I got that will from Agstone. Mona dropped back into the seat, once she had risen, and her example was followed by the three men. Horace's calm announcement took their several breaths away, and their individual legs could support them no longer. It seems to me, cried Prilis, much annoyed, that you are presuming on our credulity. No, I am telling you the truth. But did you know Agstone? Demanded Sheporth staring. Oh yes, he was my brother. What, what, what? Quacked Mortibond like an excited duck. Go slow, old son of a gun, said the doctor, smoking calmly. I told Lord Prilis yonder of my relationship, and there is no need for me to explain the same to you, beyond stating the fact that Steve Agstone was my brother. He knew of my address in London, and came to see me on the day after the murder. Why didn't you give him in charge? Asked the lawyer. Horace surveyed the red face turned towards him in an aggravatingly calm way. For two reasons, he grunted. Firstly, Agstone was my brother, and dog doesn't eat dog. Secondly, I had no reason to believe that he had anything to do with the death. But the knife which he brought to Mr. Sheporth's flat. Oh yes, Horace glanced at the two young men and chuckled. But you see there was no mention of the knife when Steve came to see me. Still, I must admit that he feared lest he should be accused of the crime. Oh, cried Mona, sitting bolt upright. Then he did not accuse me again. Not to me, answered the doctor promptly. In fact, Steve seemed to be rather friendly and inclined towards you. No, no, no, cried Mona earnestly. He never liked me. He was jealous because my uncle loved me. Well, Horace looked at his pipe rather than at the speaker. I should not say that if I were you. In my opinion, Steve was not so very devoted to Lannwyn as was made out. But I thought, never mind what you thought, said Horace rudely, and rose to walk up and down the room. I am here to tell you facts. When I have explained, as much as is possible for me to explain, I'm going. Won't you stop here for the night? Asked Mona, surprised. No, retorted Horace abruptly. I won't. Now listen, as my time is valuable, and I can't remain here chattering nonsense and behaving rudely. Finished preless with sarcasm. Oh, you're there, my son, with your monkey brand manners. There, there. He went on teasingly as preless jumped up, flushing. Don't get out your little gun. There's a lady present. I wish you would remember that. Oh, so I do. There's a lady present who wishes to hear how I became possessed of a document which gives her 10,000 a year. Very good. Don't interrupt, or Horace broke off with a gruff laugh. What bad manners you civilized people have. Preless looked despairingly at Shepworth. It seemed impossible to bring this uncouth person to the point. But Mona was laughing at the bear-like antics of the traveler, although Mr. Martabon's indignant face showed how his feelings were outraged. This, cried the lawyer, is quite intolerable. Cock-a-doodle-doo, wrote Horace derisively. Then unexpectedly whirled a chair round between his stumpy legs and sat down, leaning his arms over the back, to address his audience as if it were from an imaginary pulpit. Listen, said Horace gravely, and the smiles gave place to watchfulness on every face. My brother came to see me on the day after the murder. I had already read of Landwin's death in the papers and asked Steve how his master came by his end. Steve swore that he did not know, but stated that he quite expected to be accused. He then lugged that blue envelope which Mr. Martabon is holding out of his pocket and passed it along to me. Before I could open the envelope, he was out of the house, and I never heard of him again, until Preless Yonder brought me the report of his death in Shepworth's flat, when alone I opened the envelope and found the wheel. Why didn't you bring it forward at once? Fumed the lawyer, because I thought that its production might implicate Steve, and I didn't wish to have Steve hanged for a crime which he did not commit. Are you sure that he did not? Asked Shepworth meaningly. One is sure of nothing in this old ran shackle world, said Horace philosophically, but what I want you all to understand is that Steve told me nothing. Why, he should bring me the wheel I can't say, and he did not wait to tell me how he became possessed of it. I should have brought it forward at the trial, but that the papers hinted at the burning of this wheel being a point in Ms. Chint's favor. I therefore waited until Ms. Chint was acquitted, and resolved only to use the wheel when Jadby, whom I don't like, tried to secure this property. Ms. Chint sent me the wire tonight, saying that Jadby was making himself disagreeable, so I came down with the wheel. You have it, Mr. Landshark, he added, looking at Mordabon. So that is a present for you, Ms. Chint. He pulled out a small white paper packet from his breast pocket and flung it dexterously across the room. You will find that useful should Captain Jadby prove to be troublesome, as he will now that he has lost the money. That is all my mission here. He jumped away from his chair unexpectedly and trotted to the door, where he turned to survey the company. Good night. Stop, stop, cried Mona, running to the door through which he had so promptly vanished, and the others following echoed her urgent cry. But by the time they reached the hall, the door was wide open and Horace had disappeared as completely as though the earth had swallowed him up. Beyond was the darkness which veiled him. Is he mad? Asked Mona, turning an amazed face to the three men. Mad or not, he has done you a service, said Mordabon, looking down at the wheel which he still held. This is undoubtedly your uncle's last testament, which was not burnt. It is signed by Sir Oliver in the presence of Stephen Agstone and Emma Blexley. What a facer this will be for our South Sea friend, ended the lawyer, actually becoming slangy in his delight. ought we follow Horace? Shepworth asked. No, replied Preilis, who was frowning at Horace's manners, even if we caught up with him, he would say nothing. We must wait to see if he will again intervene in the case. He seems to have washed his hands of it, said Ned, saundering back to the drawing room. He did so before, yet when Ms. Chint wired, he came down. I wonder, Preilis paused and bit his fingers. You wonder what? If Horace killed Sir Oliver and Agstone. Shepworth stared. That's a rotten bad shot, Dory. Why should he? Oh, I can assign no reason, but my dear old chap, it is absurd. I know you're a thinking of the will being brought here by Horace, but why should not his story be a true one, since Agstone is his brother? Well, Preilis threw out his hands with a despairing gesture. I can't understand the whole business. It passes my powers of comprehension. Before Ned could reply, Mona summoned both the young men. Along with Mardabon, she had been opening the parcel which Horace had thrown across the room and was now exclaiming at its contents. Ned, Lord Preilis, here is the sacred herb. They hurried over to have a look and there sure enough was the yellowish stalk of the herb from Easter Island, bearing seven or more purple leaves. In addition, there was a written paper which Mona read aloud. Use the enclosed when Jed becomes to close quarters and makes himself unpleasant. She read in a bewildered manner. Also, it will be as well for you to use your power over, Lord Preilis, to prevent his searching further in this case. If he meddles with what does not concern him, it means sorrow and perhaps a public scandal. There was a dead silence. Now, what does that mean? asked Mona. No one knew, no one dared to suggest an explanation. Preilis was the first to speak. I advise you, Miss Chint, to obey Horace and keep this herb constantly in your pocket. He is not the man to give a warning without some grave reason. He has saved you once from Jedby and this herb, as he plainly says, intimates that it will save you again. But why should, oh, Preilis shrugged his shoulders. I can explain nothing and with your leave I shall go back to hide. Ned, I remain here for the night, replied the barrister. All right, I shall see you in the morning. And Preilis sauntered to the door after bowing to Miss Chint. He did not dare to take her hand, for fear he should never let go of it again. But she hurried after him and spoke anxiously in the hall as he put on his light summer overcoat. This hasty departure annoyed her as she showed plainly. Why will you not remain and talk over this strange matter? She asked. No, no, answered the young man, averting his eyes and quickly opening the door himself, since no footman was at hand. But if you will permit me, I shall come here at five in the morning. At five? Why at five? Then is the breaking of a new day, whispered Preilis in a somewhat tremulous voice and in the gardens, in the light of the dawn, you can then say, you can then say. He repeated the phrase, raised his eyes to meet hers and left with a hurried good night. Mona stood where she was, amazed and confused. What did he mean? She asked herself and immediately her heart explained. A light broke over her lovely face and she whispered to herself, at five in the gardens, in the light of the dawn. Meanwhile, Preilis rushed downward to hide through the darkness of the night. There was no moon, but the purple sky scintillated gloriously with stars. A warm wind laden with the fragrance of wildflowers was blowing with strange murmurings over the bare spaces of the downs and the young man's spirits thrilled to the beauty and peace of the night. He should have thought of the case of Horace's queer warning repeated for the third time and of the behavior of Captain Jadby now converted from a secret foe into an open enemy. But he considered nothing of these pressing matters which had to do with the everyday world. Rather did he think of Mona and her starry beauty. Rather did he recall with joy the great truth which he could scarcely realize that he was free to woo her without being disloyal to his bosom friend. Mona was not engaged to Ned. Her heart was free to receive a loving occupant and Preilis striding through the leafy lanes swore inly that he would be that occupant. Lady Sophia would be hostile. He knew that from the way in which she had taken leave of the girl. But what did that matter so long as Mona received him at dawn in the enchanted gardens of the secluded Grange? All that night Preilis slept soundly. As a lover the terminal of his heart should have kept him wide awake but the transcendental heights to which his thoughts raised him so drew him away from earthly matters that he lost consciousness of physical surroundings. Lying on his bed, the sound of the breaking waves on the rugged beach below the hotel lulled him to sleep. And then his spirit soared to a higher world, spiritual and pure, in which there was no pain or sorrow or weary misunderstandings. When he awoke with the rosy lights of sunrise streaming through the curtainless window, his spirit told him little of what it had seen in the super physical world. But Preilis was conscious that somewhere in the vast spaces of the unknown he had met with Mona and had talked with her for endless periods of time. True, according to the clock, he had slept but a few hours. But living in eternity as a true lover should, he took no count of earthly time. Man's measure of the eternal. He had lived for thousands of years during the dark hours kneeling at the feet of Mona, crowned queen of dreams, of kisses, and now he was to see her again in the flesh gracious and lovely. And as he knew she would be truly kind. The spirit of the man having bathed in the fountain of sleep rose there from pure and undefiled. It seemed meat to Preilis, although he was not usually so imaginative, that he should wear a suit of pure white as symbolic of the coming interview. And as he passed uphill, clothed in spotless flannels with the purity of the dawn stealing into his soul, he felt as though he had been reborn into a fair and more perfect world. Passing swiftly over the grassy uplands, his eager feet bore him down into the hollow through the ancient woods and onto the bird-haunted lawn. And there in the cold, searching, chased light of the dawn hours, he beheld his lady standing amidst the dewy grass, waiting for his coming, and she also was clothed in white. As Preilis came across the lawns, his eyes far off met those of Mona, which shone like twin stars in the rosy fleshing of her face. According to the precedent, he should have raised his hat. He should have greeted her with a handshake. He should have explained his desire for this unconventional meeting. But he did none of these things. Neither did she desire that he should do them. Without a word, without a pause, he came to her swiftly and clasped her in his arms. Their lips met in one long kiss and the awakened bird sang joyfully in the rustling trees. So might Adam have greeted Eve in paradise when God presented him with the helpmate who was to be the mother of all mankind. And you knew, you knew all the time, murmured, Mona on his breast. No, I did not know, more shame to me. I really thought that you were engaged to Ned. I don't mean that, but surely you knew, you guessed that I loved you and you only. No, how could I win? I showed my love in a hundred ways, she said with a playful laugh. Oh, Lord Prilis, how very little you know of women. I know more than is good for me, he murmured, smiling. What? That is, Lord Prilis does, he protested, hedging, but George is an innocent boy who knows nothing. Who is George? I am, and he kissed her again victoriously. Mona laughed happily. I am afraid that George is not so innocent as he makes himself out to be. Teach him to be good, my darling. A hard task you set me, George. She lingered lovingly over the name and oh, what you must think of me. Who takes so much for granted? I think that you are an angel, he cried fervently. Dear, I loved you from the moment I saw you in that cruel court. And I loved you, she whispered. I thought that it was merely friendship until we met again. And then, then I knew. She gave him a delighted little crow of laughter which stirred the young man's heart to his steps. Impulsively, he dropped on his knees and kissed her hands alternately, scarcely able to speak. I am not worthy of you, he muttered. Dear, she stooped and raised him to her breast. Let me find out your imperfections by myself. I have many, he said humbly. And I love you for them. I marry a man in the world of men and not an orc angel. In the same way as you take a faulty woman and not a spirit of light. But we are spirits, although clothed in coats of skin. She ended gently. And when the hour strikes, we shall know each other. Do we not know each other now? No, that is, Mona Chint knows George Preilis. The young man jumped gaily to his feet. Enough for the day is the delight, therefore, he cried. I am quite content to know Mona Chint until she becomes Mona Preilis. When will you marry me? So like a man, laughed the girl. You wish to settle an important future in five minutes. We must wait. Wait, oh no, no, why should we? Because Mona laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. Your wife must be like Caesars above suspicion. You wish me then to go on looking into the case? I do, unless you accept the warning of Dr. Horace. Preilis threw his Panama over the hedge. I accept no warning, since you make me strong to dare it. I shall go on with the case, tomorrow. Why tomorrow? Oh, Mona, let me enjoy paradise for 24 hours. No, you must act, and at once, lest we lose our paradise altogether. I don't understand what Dr. Horace means, but in spite of his hints, I wish you to look into matters in order to find out who murdered poor Uncle Oliver, and in order to clear my name. You must go up to London today and begin your search. It is a sacrifice I ask of you, no doubt, but then love, true love means sacrifice. Very good, said Preilis, sedatedly. I shall go up by the midday train and interview Madame Marie Eppengrave. Why her particularly? She gave the herb to your uncle. Mrs. Blexley mistrusts her. Now, he closed her mouth with a kiss. Not a word more, the gates of paradise will close in a few hours. Until then, yes, yes, until then, let us play at being Adam and Eve in a garden. And they did. End of chapter 17. Chapter 18 of the Sacred Herb by Fergus Hume. This lever locks recording is in the public domain. The power of the herb. It had been Preilis's intention to ask Ned about his love for Constance Rover before leaving the Grange. But on second thought, he resolved to wait until he learned more concerning the murders before putting Sheppworth in the witness box. Nevertheless, he was somewhat upset to think that his best friend was entangling himself with a married woman. Preilis was no prude and had not been a Ser Galahad himself. All the same, he did not think that Ned was acting rightly. Of course, the case was a hard one, since the two truly loved one another. Constance had been sacrificed on the family altar and to a man who took advantage of her sacrifice to play the tyrant as much as he dared. The poor woman was very unhappy and it was to be presumed that the man who loved her was unhappy also. It set a great deal for Sheppworth and Mrs. Rover that they had not long ago defied, conventionality, and eloped. Since they had not gone this length, Preilis argued that they were trying to bear their several burdens as honorably as possible. But how long would such endurance last? According to Sheppworth himself, Mona knew of his love for Constance since he had explained the same when the pretended engagement was made to save the girl from Jadby's wooing and Sir Oliver's persecution. But Preilis, in the first flush of his love, shrank from questioning her about so distasteful a subject, and on her side, Mona was loyally silent until Ned chose to speak. Thus it came about that, although Preilis met his friend at breakfast, he made no remark about this very private business and Sheppworth did not volunteer an explanation. Rather did the conversation turn on the unexpected appearance of the lost will. And Martibon explained his future actions. These included an immediate journey to London with Mrs. Blexley, who had to make an affidavit as to the authenticity of the document. Under these circumstances, as Sheppworth could scarcely remain at the Grange when both Martibon and the housekeeper were absent, he arranged to go to London with them by the 10 o'clock train. Preilis would feign have lingered in those delicious gardens with Mona, but as he knew her views, he kept to his determination. However, when the trio drove away to hide, Preilis had a golden hour or so all to himself and very wisely made the most of it. It was with great regret that he took his way to the station at hide and to the train, which was to bear him miles away from his goddess. But the memory of the last kiss, which she gave him, cheered his somewhat despondent mood all the way to Charing Cross. And on stepping on to the platform of the Metropolitan Station, Preilis shook off his dreams and addressed himself to the task in hand. As the day was fine and Preilis, as usual, felt the need of exercise to tame his exuberant spirits, which had quite recovered during the journey. He walked to New Bond Street and somewhere about three o'clock found himself reading a brass plate inscribed Madame Marie Eppengrave. And afterwards, he entered a narrow and dark passage to mount a steep flight of stairs and finally came to the second floor of the building where the fortune teller received clients. A dark, complexed lad of 14 dressed in white robes with a blue scarf around his waist received the newcomer and informed him that Madame Marie was engaged for 10 minutes or so. Preilis therefore sat down and glanced over some papers lying on a round table. These mostly dealt with occult matters up to date. And he speedily grew tired of reading much which he could not understand. The room was small and commonplace and even ugly in its adornments. The table, a foreseed, a few cane chairs and an old, harsh hair sofa completed the furnishings and two dingy, uncurtained windows overlooked Bond Street. There was nothing of the mystical about this very ordinary apartment. And Preilis concluded that Madame Marie certainly did not spend her earnings on magical ripery in order to impress those who called upon her. After a glance round, he spoke to the lad who was seated cross-legged at the door and asked him if he was a Hindu. No, answered the boy in very good English and with a flash of snow white teeth, I come from the South Seas. Indeed, answered Preilis in his turn and somewhat astonished. Has your mistress been in the South Seas? Yes, sir, she brought me from Tahiti, but I want to go back again. Preilis reflected. Tahiti was the home of Captain Jadby and the former haunt of Sir Oliver Landwin. He wondered if Madame Marie had met the Baronette there, but the lad was not likely to know that. So he asked him another question. Does your mistress know Captain Felix Jadby? The effect on the boy was somewhat strange. He leaped to his feet and muttered some words in his native tongue, which apparently were not complimentary to the captain, judging from the savage expression of his face. Madam does know him, he said at length, and he comes to see her here very often. I don't like him. He kicked me. I would kill him if I were into Tahiti, but here the boy shrugged his shoulders to show that the English law was much too particular. Madame loves the captain and wants to marry him, went on the boy, apparently so carried away by his hate that he said more than was wise, considering his dependent position, but he loves another, and here the sound of the inner door opening made the lad aware of his folly in speaking secrets to a stranger. He cringed and caught Prilis's hand. You will say nothing to her, he implored. No, no, Prilis assured him and slipped half a crown into his hand, but later you must tell me more. I also dislike Captain Jadby. I'll tell you what I can to harm him, said the boy viciously. He kicked me and struck me, me, the son of a chief, but don't tell her, he added, pointing with a trembling hand to the inner door. Oh, my soul, don't tell her, for she can send the spirits to torment me. The young man promised again, thinking that the lad in a way was somewhat like Caliban in his fear of spirits, and looked upon Madame Marie as a sort of female prosperity, who could have him pinched black and blue, but he had little time to think about this new ally, who might be of assistance in undermining Jadby's schemes. For a lady, fashionably dressed and holding a handkerchief to her face, emerged from the inner room. The lad showed her out, and Prilis waited for his reception. A silver bell sounded within, and the boy returned to point meaningly at the door, laying his finger on his lips in token of silence. Prilis nodded reassuringly and stepped into the shrine. If the approach to this holy of holies was commonplace, the shrine itself certainly was not. Prilis beheld a room of no great size, furnished very oddly, that is to say, it was not furnished in the ordinary acceptation of the word. The ceiling was painted a dull red, and a plain carpet of the same hue was spread over the floor. Two windows looking on to Bond Street were filled in with painted glass, representing various mystical signs, and the four walls were hung with lusterless black stuff, which made the place look like a chapel during a funeral service. But the odd thing was that the red carpet was strewn with perfectly white cushions, and there was neither table nor chair. Tall pillars of black marble stood in the four corners, each bearing a glass ball on its summit, and between the windows was placed a bronze tripod in which smoked a perfumed fire. What with the dim religious light, the black walls, the red carpet, and the snowy cushions of silk, Prilis felt somewhat dizzy. All this theatrical parade was evidently designed to produce a confusing effect, and unseat as much as possible the reason and judgment of Madame's dupes. Annoyed that he should give way so easily, the young man pulled his wits together, and looked at the priestess who had conceived this artful mise-en-scene. Madame Marie clothed in a long white silk robe made perfectly plain, nilt, Japanese fashion on a cushion in front of the tripod, and with her back to the painted windows. She was a stout, heavy-looking woman of apparently no great height, with a colorless face, very large and smooth, and with masses of snowy, silvery hair, which tummeled down her back in waves of white. What her figure might be, Prilis could not judge because of the robe, but he noted that her hands were slender and beautiful and also ringless. Indeed, she did not wear a single ornament of any description, and kneeling perfectly motionless with closed eyes looked like an idol carved out of alabaster. It was cleverly done, and Prilis, the skeptical, could quite understand how the majority of people yielded to the carefully prepared spells of this managing woman. But it was when Madame Marie opened her eyes that Prilis became aware of the true secret of her power over weaker minds. These were large and blue and clear, looking from under white eyebrows in a penetrating way. Fathomless as the sea and as mysterious. Prilis met this mystical gaze calmly but felt his skin prickling and his willpower growing weak. Aware that the cirrus was trying to hypnotize him, as she doubtless hypnotized her other clients, the young man concentrated his will to meet and baffle hers. For some time they stared at one another, Prilis looking down from his height and Madame Marie gazing upward from her cushion. Then the woman closed her eyes again with a somewhat annoyed expression. You are not a weak man, she said in a deep, melodious voice like the sound of a mellow bell. No, answered Prilis calmly, I am not. And he sat down cross-legged on a cushion directly in front of the cybil. Then why do you come to me, she asked, looking at him steadily. Only weak persons wish to know the future. The man who is strong and self-willed and skeptical as you are need learn nothing of the future which lies in his own hands. In the hands of God, rather, corrected Prilis, do you know who I am? You are Lord Prilis, how do you know? I might say by magic, but you would not believe that. I always suit myself to the nature of those I meet, therefore I shall give a commonplace explanation. I saw you in court when you gave evidence during the trial of Miss Chint for murder. Prilis nodded, I might have guessed that. Do you know why I have come? Madame Marie folded her hands calmly before her and replied equally calmly. You have come to solve the secret of the murders. That is a very clever guess, and I rather think that you can solve the secret, Madame. Why should you think so? She asked with absolute calmness. You gave the sacred herb to Sir Oliver. I did, the sacred herb of Easter Island, but I need not explain to you, since you heard what Dr. Horace said in court. The herb induces trances, and Sir Oliver wished to go into a trance by its aid. I therefore gave him a few twigs. Why did Sir Oliver wish to go into a trance? He desired to explore the astral plane, if you understand that. I quite understand. I have studied theosophy. Well, there is nothing more to be said, rejoined Madame Marie, with a little shrug which hinted at French blood. He went into a trance, and while his spirit was absent from his body, he was murdered. Who buy? I can't tell you. Even with my powers, and they are great, I am not permitted to know who killed Sir Oliver Lanwin. It was his karma, and he had to bear it, since he reaped only as he sowed. The karma of his murderer has nothing to do with me. Therefore my sight is veiled, and I cannot read the truth. And if I could, added the woman with emphasis, you must be aware, if you have studied the occult, that I would not be permitted to tell without permission from those who rule. The lords of karma asked Prilis, wondering if she was talking in earnest, or merely wiggling out of an awkward position. Madame Marie bowed solemnly. I see you understand somewhat, but may I ask you to be more open with me regarding the purpose of your visit? You could hardly have come to accuse me of these crimes. No, said Prilis, studying her face carefully. I think that you are innocent. Let us leave the murders alone for the moment. I want you to help me. He paused to add effect to his next words, with Captain Felix Jadby. The woman's hands moved restlessly, and she began to lose her calmness when the name was pronounced. I know nothing about Captain Jadby, beyond the fact that I met him at Lanwin Grange. But he is not guilty of Sir Oliver's death, if that is what you mean. Oh, dear me, that is not what I mean at all, rejoined Prilis in his most airy manner, and resolving to be very plain. But the fact is that Captain Jadby is my rival. Madame Marie rose as though moved by a spring, and he then saw that she was little, but tremendously dignified. Your rival, she repeated, and her marble white face became crimson with angry blood. At length he had managed to break through her calculated calm. I understood that Miss Chint was engaged to Mr. Shepworth. Oh, the whole world knows that, replied Prilis, still airy in his manner, but that was merely an official engagement to prevent Jadby from worrying Miss Chint. Sir Oliver was in favor of the engagement with Jadby, for reasons. I know those reasons. I know that Felix, she let slip the name, forgetting that she had disclaimed intimacy, that Felix is his son. His illegitimate son, said Prilis with emphasis. Yes, by the daughter of a chief to whom he was married in native fashion, Lord Prilis. Of course, Captain Jadby, she had the name stiffly by this time. Remembering her slip, came home to look after his interests and wished to marry another woman, forgetting, cried Madame Marie, beginning to pace the room, that he was engaged to marry another woman, myself, Lord Prilis, myself. Remembering what the native boy had said, Prilis expressed no surprise, but rapidly resolved to work on her jealousy. I congratulate Captain Jadby more than I do you, he remarked gravely. Oh, I know he is not a good man, she cried, now quite the woman, and kicking several cushions out of the way. But I loved him, I have always loved him, and he owes much to me. He promised, when we met in South Seas, that he would make me his wife. Not that I am young or beautiful, but because he found in me, so he said, a good comrade. I gave him the money to come home and see his father and secure his inheritance, if possible, but he saw that girl and loved her. Oh, how I hate that girl who stole his heart. You need not, said Prilis, very dryly. Miss Chint dislikes Jadby immensely and pretended to be engaged to Shepworth so as to escape his clutches. Otherwise, Sir Oliver might have worried her into consenting to a marriage which she hated, but Jadby came down the other evening to Lannwyn Grange and knows now that the engagement was a false one. What he does not know, ended Prilis emphatically, is that Miss Chint is now engaged to me. To you, Madam Marie stopped in sheer surprise, then went on pacing the room, talking half to herself. But why should I be astonished? I saw her look at you in court. I noted how you glanced in her direction. I told Jadby that you loved her and that she loved you. Oh, you couldn't be certain, cried Prilis, blushing. I have occult powers which enable me to read hearts, said Madam Marie coldly. Believe or disbelieve as you like. I shall believe if you will read my heart now. There is no need of my exercising occult powers for that, she replied, waving her beautiful hands. You wish to learn the truth about the murders so that Miss Chint's name may be cleared and Felix thwarted. Yes, said Prilis coolly, you are right. And you can help me to clear Miss Chint's name, to discover the truth as I can help you to marry Jadby. How can you do that? By marrying Miss Chint myself. Madam Marie nodded and thought, pressing her hands to her head. I can help you by the power of the herb, she said rapidly. Listen, I shall go into a trance induced by the herb, do whatever I say, but do not attempt to awaken me. Simply listen to what I say and then leave the room. I shall send my spirit to seek out the truth, but first, she said, slipping down on the cushion again, tell me how much you know. Prilis saw no objection in being thus clear, even if Madam Marie wished to work against him and seeing that her love for Jadby was at stake, he did not think that she would. All that he told her would do little to harm his own schemes. He therefore made no demure. But detailed everything from the time Lady Sophia had first drawn him into the case by sending him to the new Bailey. Madam Marie listened intently, nodding at intervals. It is useless for Felix to strive. She said when he ended, and with an air of triumph, the fate of yourself is mingled with that of the girl. You love so speedily now because you loved before in previous incarnations. Her karma is your karma. Felix can never marry her, nor can Mr. Shepworth marry her, even if he did not love Mrs. Rover. Pardon me, cried Prilis quickly. I made no mention of Mrs. Rover beyond the fact that she wore the green domino and the scarlet embroidered dress. And she, as I explained, is innocent. You have no right to talk of Mr. Shepworth's love for a married woman. Lord Prilis, said Madam Marie quietly and moved towards the wall, my knowledge of these affairs is greater than you imagine. Mrs. Rover has consulted me and Felix learned how it matters not that she loved Mr. Shepworth. However, we can talk of these things another time. I will go into a trance and search the Alexander mansions for what I can find. Only, as I said, after I have spoken and have become silent, leave this room at once. In due time I shall come out of the trance when the power of the herb is exhausted. Prilis nodded in silence and Madam Marie, drawing aside a portion of the black hangings, revealed a small recess. From this she took some purple leaves and moving towards the tripod threw them on the perfumed fire. Lie down on your face, she commended. Else the fumes will send you into a trance. Quick, the smoke rises. It certainly did in a thick white cloud. Madam Marie stood over it, letting the odor flow into her nostrils, not wishing to experience the power of the herb as he had witnessed its results before, Prilis lay full length on the red carpet. The smoke was circling so high up that he could not breathe it. Although a sickly whiff of two bros perfume came to his nostrils, perhaps the draft sweeping under the door neutralized the power sent at this lower level. But be this as it may, Prilis lay perfectly flat and as in a dream, heard Madam Marie speak after the manner of the tranced in an unemotional voice and very distinctly. I leave this room, she said in her mellow tones. I rise high, I pass across London. The streets are under me, I see the park. And now I poise above Alexander mentions. I sink, I pass through the roof. I am in Mrs. Rover's flat. Search for the dress, commanded Prilis softly. There was a pause and then the convoy sounded again. I search in Mrs. Rover's room. The dress she wore is there in a wardrobe together with a green domino. Search for another dress, said Prilis, risking the chance, another dress of the same style. Again there came a pause. I am searching, said the voice, and a silence ensued. For quite two minutes it endured. Then Madam spoke again, still with the same awful calmness. A man's dressing room, in the flat, across the landing. I see a cupboard in which many clothes are hanging up. Men's clothes they are. Behind them is a green domino, with a scarlet embroidered dress sewn to it. Who wore it? asked Prilis, his heart beating. I cannot tell. It is not permitted by the powers. Then came a long silence. End of chapter 18. Chapter 19 of The Sacred Herb by Fergus Hume. This Levervox recording is in the public domain. Circumstantial evidence. It was with extraordinary feelings that Lord Prilis emerged from that mystic room into the everyday world of Bond Street. After the refusal to declare the name of the person who had worn the dress, Madam Marie had become silent and Prilis raised his head to see her standing rigid and white between the painted windows. The white smoke had disappeared into thin air and saved that the strong two-brows scent still lingered behind. There was nothing to show what had placed her in the trance. Obedient to instructions, the young man left the still figure in the lonely room and passed through the outer apartment on his way down the stairs. The boy, cross-legged in the corner, looked up anxiously as he went out. You have said nothing? He breathed apprehensively. Nothing, answered Prilis softly and descended the stairs. When he stood in the street again, he removed his hat and drew a long breath of the smoky London air. Impure as it was, it dispelled the slight dizziness which the odor of the Sacred Herb had produced. Then the young man chartered a handsome to reach his rooms in Half Moon Street. But not until he was in his very own den and seated in an armchair with a brandy and soda within reach did he find time to reflect. His reflections were considerably aided by a first-class cigar. A queer adventure, thought Prilis meditatively. What am I to do next? I should like to know. Of course the answer to this was obvious. He should go at once to Alexander Mansions and learn if what Madame Marie said was correct. A very difficult errand to go upon, Prilis thought. As it would be hard to induce Mrs. Rover to explore her husband's dressing room in search of evidence which might bring him into trouble. And what excuse could he make without telling the whole truth? Then again Mrs. Rover might scoff at Madame Marie's astounding statement made under such astounding conditions. Yet, on reflection, Prilis did not think that she would scoff, considering that she had consulted the fortune teller herself and believed in the occult. There was a considerable vein of what the vulgar call superstition in Constance Rover. That the dress was there, Prilis had not the least doubt. Of course, on the face of it, an ordinary mortal would laugh at the idea of evidence being procured in such a way. But Prilis had traveled too widely and he had seen too much to make him a skeptic. In Cairo, in the West Indies, in South America and in the South Seas, he had witnessed occult ceremonies and doings which proved clearly the existence of that unseen world at which many people laugh and of which all people are afraid. Drink, drugs, music, rapid movement and even absolute stillness are all aids to open the psychic senses as Prilis knew very well. Madame Marie had used the fumes of the sacred herb to rend the spirit from the body and he quite believed that she had gone to Alexander Mansions to make the strange discovery. When she woke from the trance she would be, according to psychic laws, quite unconscious of what she had said. But here, Lord Prilis began to doubt. Madame Marie had admitted that she knew more than Prilis imagined. Seeing that she had been at the Grange during the tragedy and was closely connected with Chadby, it seemed very probable that she was aware of much which was necessary to learn before the actual truth could be made manifest. So far as Prilis could judge and he was a shrewd reader of character, the fortune teller was entirely honest in her dealings with him. If she wished to gain Chadby as her husband, it was necessary that she should be so since only by the marriage of Lord Prilis could the girl whom the buccaneer loved be removed from her path. It was not worth her while to play Prilis false since his aims and hers were identical. Prilis desired to marry Mona and Madame Marie wished this also. She was anxious to make the sailor her husband and Prilis was quite willing that this should be so since it would put an end to Chadby's troubling and might perhaps take him out of England. Therefore, Prilis believed in Madame Marie Eppengrave. He credited her powers also for she had the true eyes of one who can see into the astral world but he could not be certain if she had used her occult powers on this occasion. She may have known beforehand of the dress and might merely have used the trance as a means of communicating it without arousing Chadby's wrath. If the dress was found and evidence therefrom was forthcoming likely to solve the mystery of Agstone's death, the captain wishing to keep Mona in uneasy terror for her reputation would be much annoyed. But then Madame Marie could explain that she had only gone into a trance for Prilis as an ordinary client and was unaware of what she said. Under these circumstances the buccaneer could say nothing. Well, said Prilis, stretching himself and talking aloud, a habit which he had contracted when traveling in silent places. It's rum business altogether. If the dress is in Dolly Rover's wardrobe, what then? I can't accuse him as he certainly had no reason to kill Agstone. Huh, I wonder if this is what Horace meant when he said that I would be sorry if I searched further into the case. I certainly don't want Dolly to be hanged but if he were I am quite sure that Ned would console the widow, Ugg. Prilis shivered, what a horrible thought. Rover is a bounder and a bliter and a cad but I honestly don't think that he is a criminal of this sort. I don't believe that he has the plunk for one thing and for another. He had no motive, hmm, he reflected. I best get along and see Constance. On glancing at his watch, Prilis learned that it was half past five and concluded that probably Mrs. Rover would be at home sipping tea after the manner of women worn out with shopping. He decided to give her half an hour and then catch the seven train from Charing Cross to hide. Come what might, the young man intended to get back to hide that night in order to walk over and see Mona. He assured himself that she would be anxious and would wish to learn how he had sped. But he might as well have confessed the truth to himself, namely that he pined hungrily for the sight of her face and that every moment passed away from her side was spent in the outer darkness. Where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth, said Prilis to himself, quite ready to wail and gnash if he'd missed his train. As fate would have it, Mrs. Rover was at home and came forward to greet her friend in a wonderful tea gown which suited her queenly figure. The rose-yewed blinds were down and the room looked like the grotto of the Venusburg. But in spite of these softening aids, Mrs. Rover appeared somewhat haggard. Nor was her greeting of Prilis very friendly. Indeed it was so harsh that he congratulated himself on finding her alone. But then had anyone else been present, she would have been all smiles and gentle words. How dare you come and see me after leaving as you did last time? Was Mrs. Rover's polite salutation? And I know why you went too. Yes, you may look and look, Lord Prilis, but I know. I explained your conduct to Ned and he told me how he had described the dress to you. Which means, asked Prilis calmly and unflinchingly, means, she cried in stormy tones, it means that you believed me to be the woman who came in and waved the bronze cup under Ned's nose. I did believe it for one minute, confessed her friend, making a clean breast of it in view of what was coming. But of course, on reflection, I saw how ridiculous it was to suspect you. It was, it was, it was, retorted Mrs. Rover, sitting down and tapping her foot. I have not many friends, Lord Prilis, but I did think that Dory was one of them. Dory is, he assured her. A fair weather friend, poo, to suspect me. She went on angrily, me of all people, as if I would have hurt Ned. Had it been that chint girl, you might have had some cause. Speak gently about Miss Chint, said Prilis quietly. I shant not, why should I? Because I am engaged to her. You, Mrs. Rover started to her feet in delighted amazement, but Ned, Ned's engagement was merely an official one to prevent Jedby. Oh yes, yes, I know all about that, but I didn't believe that Ned was speaking the truth. I thought that he was throwing me over for that horrid girl. No, no, don't look at me like that. She isn't a horrid girl now that she is engaged to you. I shall love Lady Prilis much more than I loved Mona Chint. Engaged, engaged. Mrs. Rover made a ball of her handkerchief and tossed it in the air. What a rage Lady Sophia will be in. She is in it already, said Prilis dryly. I don't care. Of course you don't, you're a man, a man. Oh how I love a man. Not that my married life gives me any experience. She ended bitterly. Constance, said Prilis seriously, sit down and let us talk quietly about your married life. I don't wish to talk of it, she retorted, but nevertheless took the seat he pointed to. You must, I am your friend. As you very truly say, I admit it now that you are engaged to Mona. But I say Dory, yes I'll call you Dory now. I say, isn't it rather sudden? You have only known her a week or two. It was a case of love at first sight, said the young man very earnestly. Poo, poo, I don't believe in such a thing. I didn't either until I experienced the sensation, but I really did love Mona from the moment I saw her in the dock and it was only honor which held me back from speaking even earlier. Honor, what honor? Asked Mrs. Rover contemptuously. She was supposed to be engaged to Ned, you know, only when I learned that the engagement meant nothing was I able to speak out. You have very many scruples, said Mrs. Rover with a shrug and evidently forgot that all is fair in love and war. That's a purely feminine view, Constance. Had Ned really been in love with Mona and really engaged to her, I should have left England without saying a word. So like a man, retorted Constance scornfully, why if a dozen women loved Ned, I shouldn't give him up. Constance, you forget that you are married. I don't. Dolly never gives me a chance of forgetting. Constance, Prelis spoke sharply. You are a foolish, headstrong woman. Do you want to be disgraced? There is no chance of that, cried Mrs. Rover in a fury. How dare you talk to me like that? Because I see you going headlong to ruin. You see nothing of the sort. I am a loyal wife to Dolly. Ned knows that I love him now as I loved him before my marriage. And you know Dory as he does, how my marriage came about. I know, but you ought to make the best of it. I am making the best of it, cried Constance, rising to stamp her foot in a royal rage. There is not a breath of scandal against my name. No one can couple my name and Ned's together. We scarcely ever meet, but we can't prevent our feelings. Still, urged Prelis, in a rather futile manner, since you have elected to become Mrs. Rover, you must consider your husband. Let him consider me first. I made a bargain with him, and he accepted knowing that I love Ned and not him. He has broken that bargain in the meanest manner, and my father died of sheer worry through the breaking of it. Now I have to stifle my deep love for Ned and act the part of a loving wife. I feel like a hypocrite. I don't think you need, Constance. People say that you treat Rover badly. It is as well that you should know. I do know, I have heard that before, but Dolly himself put that story about. I don't love him and I don't pretend to, but I am as obedient and kind as I can be. I told you that I treated him like a dog. So I do, like a pet dog. A dog that is fed up and smoothed and costed it, and given cream and meat and all the things poodle dogs like. But Dolly goes about posing as a husband that is badly treated. He does not dare to say that I have deceived him, however, she added, drawing a deep breath. He would suffer for it if he did. Miserable as I am, I abide by the bargain which he broke. But what is to be the end of it? I don't know. I don't know, wailed Mrs. Rover, pacing the room and holding her hands to her head. I really believe that Dolly wants to see me disgraced. He took these flats above Ned's in spite of my protestations. I want him to go away, but he won't. Oh, said Preilis thoughtfully. So Mr. Rover took these flats above Ned's, did he? Purposely? I don't know. Constance paused, looking startled. Why do you ask? Lord Preilis considered. Constance, I want you to do me a favor. Yes, Mrs. Rover spoke softly and with an effort. Do you think that your husband wishes to get Ned into trouble? Constance put her hand to her head. He hates Ned, she said at last in a strained voice, because he knows that Ned loves me and I do Ned. But for all his jealous watching, he cannot find anything wrong between Ned and myself. Because, she added, drawing herself up to her full height, there is nothing wrong and never will be. You have not answered my question, repeated Preilis quietly. Do you think that Rover wishes to get Ned into trouble? Yes, I believe that he would be glad to see him dead. Well then, Constance, answer me another question. Would you like to see your husband get into trouble? No, she said with a startled air. Dolly is a fool and cruel and I can scarcely endure him, all the same I don't wish him any harm. That is all right, said Preilis, rising, then I can trust you to hold your tongue. About what? Why are you so mysterious? My poor girl, I would rather hold my peace than tell you what I am about to tell, but it is necessary that you should know. If I do not move in the matter, someone else less friendly to you and Rover may do so. And then only God knows what would happen. Dory, Constance caught his hand and passed her tongue over her dry lips slowly. What do you mean? I have gone through so much that I'm quite able to face the worst. You won't scream? No, I'm not a fool. Oh, what is it? She blazed out with a stamp, clenching her hands and clenching her teeth also. Preilis raised his hand. I must tell you as best I can. He said in a peremptory tone, which quietened her. After all, I may be mistaken. Is that dress you wore at the ball in your room? For answer, Constance pressed the bell button and when the footman appeared gave an order. Tell my maid to bring me the frock and domino I wore at the ball, at the mast ball, she said. Then faced Preilis when the man went out. Are you about to accuse me? No, don't ask questions, Constance. I am sorry to keep you in suspense, but I can't help it. The whole thing is so extraordinary. What thing? What thing? But Preilis perhaps mistakenly would not tell her. The maid entered with the domino and dress, which Preilis at once recognized as the mast ball costume. He simply cast one glance at it and then, you can tell her to take it away again, he remarked. Mrs. Rover did so wonderingly and waited to hear what he had to say next. Take me to your husband's dressing room in the other flat. What far, she asked, and how do you know that Dolly's dressing room is in the other flat? Never mind, take me there, said Preilis impatiently. He wished to get the things over as speedily as possible. As he saw how strung up she was, and yet until he was certain, how could he accuse Rover? In his heart of hearts, Lord Preilis wished that he might be spared the disagreeable task of accusing Rover at all. But if he did not do so, it was not improbable that Jadby, to further his own ends, might intervene. And it was much better that Jadby, at all costs, should be kept out of the business since he was not likely to spare either Constance or her husband. Come, come, cried Preilis impatiently and seeing that she did not move, take me to your husband's dressing room. And Constance led him thither like a woman in a dream. They left one flat and crossed the landing to the other, when in the dressing room, which was luxuriously furnished, Mrs. Rover remained silent and observant at the door while her friend examined the sanctum of her husband. So mysterious were his words and movements that she began to wish that she had not admitted him since she did not desire to harm Dolly, objectable as she found him. But if she could not trust Dolly in all ways, who could she trust? Meanwhile, Preilis peered into a wardrobe and shook out the many suits it contained. He searched a large wooden press where in shirts and under linen and handkerchiefs and collars were neatly laid out. But in each case he failed to find that for which he hunted and drew a long breath of relief. Perhaps after all, Madame Marie was wrong in spite of the magical powers to which she had laid claim. When at his wit's end, Preilis turned to Constance. Isn't there a cupboard? He asked. Over there, she said, pointing to the hither side of the fireplace. You must be blind not to see it. Oh, it is unlocked, she added, noting that he hesitated. Dolly has no secrets. There is nothing in it but old clothes and rubbish, which tremor, this was Mr. Rover's valet, stows there, looking to the cupboard by all means. The young man made no reply to the sarcasm, but opened the cupboard of Bluebeard. It was deep and wide, with many pegs at the back and round the sides, upon which hung many clothes out of date and slightly worn. On the floor was a headier genius pile of shabby slippers, discarded boots, sundry medicine bottles, tin boxes of polish, and many odds and ends, showing that this was a bag of rags, receptacle for sheer rubbish. Preilis speedily pulled out all the clothes and threw them on the floor, while Mrs. Rover shrugged and stared at his zeal. Suddenly he came upon a green silk domino, inside which was sewn the front of a white dress, streaked with thin lines of red velvet. The hole made one garment, easy to slip on and off, which, when worn, would look both like a dress and a domino. This very ingenious garb was hidden behind the discarded clothes, which apparently had not been disturbed for some considerable time, and only by removing all, as Preilis had done, could the domino and its clever fixings have been discovered. "'There,' said the young man, holding it up for Mrs. Rover's inspection. With staring eyes, Mrs. Rover drew near and handled the fabric. An imitation of the frock and domino I wore at my ball, she gasped, then added after a pause, a woman never wore this. Ned said that the person who waved the bronze cup under his nose to make him insensible was a woman, said Preilis significantly. Oh, gasped Constance, taking his meaning at once. Dolly, it's a lie. End of chapter 19