"Your narrative has interested me very much, Mr. Van Duren," said Miriam. "It will be something for me to think about when I am sitting alone at my work. I shall think of you far oftener than I should have done had you never told me the story of the _Albatross_." "Then I am indeed repaid," said Van Duren, with fervour. "To live in your thoughts is my highest ambition." "How papa is sleeping," cried Miriam, suddenly. "He will be awake half the night if I don't rouse him." The waiter came in with lights, and Miriam shook her father by the shoulder. He awoke querulous and shivering with cold: so, after a hurried cup of tea, they started at once for home, Van Duren sat for a great part of the way with one of Miriam's hands pressed tightly in his. Miriam's soul shrank within her at his touch, but she was obliged to submit. She consoled herself with the thought that only for a very short time longer would the necessity for submitting to his hateful attentions exist. She had wormed out of him the great secret that he had hidden so carefully for twenty long years. The next question was whether any practical use could be made of the knowledge. "Did you hear what passed this afternoon?" asked Miriam of her father as soon as they were alone together in their own room. "Every syllable of it, my dear, and very cleverly you managed it." "And now that you have got all this information, what step do you intend to take next?" "The next step I intend to take is to advertise in the second column of the _Times_." CHAPTER X. GERALD'S CONFESSION. Gerald was away from Stammars for several days, and it was during his absence that Mr. Pod Piper's interview with Eleanor took place. Gerald, metaphorically speaking, flew back on the wings of love. It seemed months ago since he spoke those few memorable words to Eleanor, and he was burning to see her again: burning to speak of the love that filled his heart, firm in his determination, when once he should see her again, not to leave her till he had won from her a promise to become his wife. He got back to Stammers on a certain day in time for luncheon, and found Sir Thomas somewhat better in health. Lady Dudgeon and Miss Lloyd were out visiting, and were not expected home much before dinner-time. Gerald was in a restless and anxious mood, and could not settle down to anything. To wait quietly indoors was intolerable. For more than an hour he wandered aimlessly up and down the grounds, but was at last driven by a shower to take shelter in the conservatory. There he found Sanderson, the old gardener, plodding away as usual. He was rather a favourite with the old fellow, simply because he never took the liberty of plucking a flower without first asking Sanderson's permission to do so. "Eh, sir! but I heard some queer news about you t'other day," he said, as he hobbled up to Gerald. "News about me, Sanderson! I should very much like to know what it was."