The solicitor received him almost with effusion. He was a little bustling man, and had a large business, and a rising barrister was always a person of consideration to him. He had not seen Webster since Kathleen Weir's diamond case had been in court, and he quickly proceeded to compliment Webster on the way he had conducted the cross-examination of the maid. "Ah, very good, very good indeed, Mr. Webster," he said rubbing his hands together to express his satisfaction. "You tackled her splendidly, and it was a somewhat awkward affair for the handsome actress unless it had been cleared up. Very good-looking woman Miss Kathleen Weir, though of course, that isn't her real name." "Is it not?" answered Webster, trying not to show his eager interest. "No, no, no; there's a bit of romance connected with Miss Weir's life that, strange to say, I've been connected with for some years. She's a married woman in fact; married to a certain Mr. John Temple, who is a client of ours; but they are separated by mutual consent, and Mr. Temple allows her a fair income to live on, but, of course, she does not need it; I am told she commands high prices on the stage, but still it is only right that Mr. John Temple should allow her something." "Mr. John Temple," repeated Webster, quietly; "is that the man who became heir to a large fortune not long ago, by the death of his young cousin during a game of football?" Mr. Harrison nodded his head. "The very man, Mr. Webster! Yes, Mr. John Temple has been born under a lucky star I think. He is now heir to his uncle Mr. Temple of Woodlea Hall, a large land-owner, and a rich man to boot. But I have not told Miss Kathleen Weir of this windfall; you see she might be setting up claims that would annoy Mr. John Temple; asking for a larger allowance perhaps, or even to take his name." "To which I suppose she has a legal right?" "Yes, unfortunately I fear so; nay it is so. In his hot young days you see he was led away to hang a millstone round his neck, just like many young men, and now, no doubt, he bitterly repents it. Ah, it's a great mistake--a great mistake when a young fellow marries beneath him." "No doubt, but, Mr. Harrison, I am keeping you from your work and must no longer detain you. Thank you for answering my question, and now I must say good-morning." "Good-morning, Mr. Webster; very pleased to have seen you," and the little man bustled about saying many pleasant things. But Webster soon cut him short and went away. He had learned all that Mr. Harrison could tell him. CHAPTER XXVIII. A DISCOVERY. Women in general have a strong interest in jewels, and in stories connected with them, and Mrs. Temple of Woodlea was no exception to this rule. Thus the day after Kathleen Weir's diamond case had been decided she was reading it in the morning papers, when her husband's nephew John Temple entered the breakfast-room.