Olive had been informed of all that Madeline herself knew, of the doings at Bellair, at the time when the girl went down, disguised as Celine Leroque. Now, therefore, Madeline lost no time in making Olive acquainted with, at least a part of, the events that had transpired during her sojourn in the Oakley mansion, in the capacity of maid. Of Edward Percy she said not a word, for reasons of her own, wishing to keep all knowledge of him from Olive for the present. "You see, I was just in time, Olive," she supplemented, when Mrs. Girard had expressed her astonishment at the startling revelations of the past four weeks. "I had not an hour to lose in setting my snare for these plotters. They little dream what is in store for them. Poor Kitty! I feel like a wretch when I think of the advantage I took of her, by making her poor dead body a weapon, as one might say, against a villain whom she would never have lifted a finger to injure in her life. But I could see no other way. Do you know, Olive, they are going to erect a stone over her, bearing my name?" Olive looked up in surprise. "No! is it possible?" "Yes, quite. I fancy John Arthur thinks he will feel more thoroughly assured of my demise, when he can see my name on a marble slab." "Now, tell me what especial purpose brought you up to town to-day." Madeline moved restlessly in her chair. "A medley," she said, laughing uneasily. "A woman's reason; things being quiet, I wanted recreation, and to tell you of my success thus far. Then, a detective's reason; to get from you some information bearing upon your own affairs, as connected with Lucian Davlin. Then I want to see Dr. Vaughan, in his professional capacity. But mind, Olive, not a word to him of my discoveries just yet." "Certainly not, if you do not wish it." And this was all the mention made by either of Clarence Vaughan. "You see," began Madeline, after a brief silence, "Mrs. John Arthur and her quondam brother, hold occasional private interviews. As they generally prove interesting, I make it a point to be present whenever possible. Now, from some chance words dropped at different times, I have been led to think that if I were more fully informed in regard to this Percy, I might find the missing link. Indeed, I may tell you I have found a clue, just the shadow of something that, if I could develop it, might prove of wonderful value to both of us." "Oh! if you could find out anything that would throw light upon this dark wrong they have done Philip, these men--" "Well, Olive, I think we may hope. Now, may I begin to cross-question you?" Olive smiled sadly. "Go on, my little lawyer." "First, then, were you personally acquainted with this Percy?" "No." "You have seen him?" "At the trial; yes." "Describe him." "A blonde man, handsome, some would call him, with a soft, languid voice. I did not observe further." "Would you know him if you saw him again?" "Certainly. His was a rather uncommon face, and then the association--"