"I can easily understand," he said, seriously, "how you ladies might have looked upon the course Miss Payne has taken, as an objectionable, even an improper, one. The position in which she has placed herself is, certainly, an unusual, a startling one for a woman of refinement and delicacy. But we must consider that the occasion is also an unusual one, and ordinary measures will not apply successfully to extraordinary cases. As to the impropriety, no one need fear to trust his or her honor in the keeping of a woman as brave and noble as Madeline Payne is proving herself." "Then you do not censure Madeline for refusing to trust the matter in the hands of a detective?" questioned Olive. "The matter _is_ in the hands of a detective, Mrs. Girard; in the hands of the shrewdest and ablest little detective that could, by any possibility, have been found. Why, Madeline has accomplished, in a short time, what the best detectives on our regular force might have labored at for a year, and then failed of achieving!" Claire threw a look of triumph at her sister. "Oh, how glad I am to hear you say all this, and how glad Madeline would be." Then she checked herself suddenly. "I can suggest but one improvement upon the present state of things," said Clarence, after a moment's reflection. "That is, if we can persuade Madeline to permit it, and I think we can, we should set two men at work, neither one to be aware of the employment of the other. One to trace out as much of the past of this man Percy, as may be. The other to perform the same office for Davlin. Of course, they would not be advised of the actual reason for these researches, and so their investigations would in no way interfere with Madeline's pursuit of the game at Oakley. I don't think we could improve upon the present arrangement there." "And how do you propose to bring this about?" questioned Olive. "By going down to Bellair, as soon as I can get the necessary permission from our little _generalissimo_, and talking the matter over with her. I think she will see the propriety of the move, don't you?" appealing to Claire. "I think she will follow your advice," gravely. "I hope she will," said Olive. "I _know_ she will do exactly right," asserted Claire, so positively that they both smiled. "I think I may venture to agree with you, Miss Keith," said Dr. Vaughan. "You had better, both of you, where Madeline is concerned," looking ferocious. "I begin to think that valor is infectious," laughed Olive, and Clarence joined in the laugh. Altogether the result of their council was pleasing to each of the three. Olive was hopeful; Clarence was full of enthusiasm, and more deeply in love than ever with generous Claire; and she was pleased with his frank admiration of Madeline's courage, and full of hope for Madeline's future. "He admires her now. He will love her by and by," she assured herself. CHAPTER XXI. HAGAR AND CORA.