"And what did Miss Browne say?" "Oh, she just pooh-poohed the affair, and pretended to laugh at me, though she was crying all the time." "A nice kettle of fish you have made of it," growled the barrister. "You help your sister in her folly of silence and then proceed to give effect to it by ruining your own happiness and that of your affianced wife. Have you seen Miss Browne since?" "No." His visitor was so utterly disconsolate that Bruce was at a loss to know how to deal with him. He felt that if Mensmore would but speak regarding Mrs. Hillmer's strange delusion, and the cause of it, all these difficulties and disasters would disappear. He resolved to try a direct attack. "Have you ever heard of a Colonel Montgomery?" he said suddenly, bending his searching gaze on the other's downcast face. The effect was electrical. Mensmore was so taken back that he was spellbound. He looked at Claude, the picture of astonishment, before he stammered: "I--you--who told you about him?" "He was your sister's friend, adviser, and confidant," was the stern reply. "He it is who, in some mysterious way, is bound up with Lady Dyke's disappearance." Mensmore rose excitedly. "I cannot discuss the matter with you," he cried. "I have given my sacred promise, and no matter what the cost may be I will not break my word." "I do not press you. But may I see Mrs. Hillmer again? When she is calmer I might reason with her." The other placed his hand on Bruce's shoulder, and his voice was very impressive, though shaken by strong emotion: "Believe me," he said, "it is better that you should not see her. It will be useless. She is leaving London, not to avoid consequences, but to get away from painful memories. Her departure will be quite open, and her place of residence known to any one who cares to inquire. One thing she is immovable in. She will never reveal to a living soul what she knows of Lady Dyke's death. She would rather suffer any punishment at the hands of the law." "Don't you understand that this man, Montgomery, is now known to the police. Sooner or later he will be found and asked to explain any connection he may have had with the crime. Why not accomplish quietly that which will perforce be done through the uncompromising channels of Scotland Yard?" "Your reasoning appears to be good, but--" "But folly must prevail?" "Put it that way if you like." "So this wretched imbroglio may cost you the love of a charming and devoted girl?" "Heaven help me, it may--probably will." "I swear to you," cried the barrister, who was unusually excited, "that I will tear the heart out of this mystery before the week expires."