Their eyes met for a moment, and from the dim eyes of the man, from the splendid eyes of the woman, there leapt forth a sudden look of mutual dread, of mutual anguish, and horrible suspense. That look spoke all, and they had no need of words to explain their feelings, so Judith sat down near the fire, and Marson resumed his chair at the desk in ominous silence. At last Marson spoke, low and timidly, as if he feared his words would be trumpeted forth to the four quarters of the world. "Is Florry better?" "No, I think she is worse to-night. Very excitable and restless." "Oh, Judith! Was it wise of you to leave her?" "She is in good hands. Dr. Japix is with her." "Japix!" repeated the old man, starting. "I'm sorry about that. On this night of all nights I wish no one in the house!" "It doesn't matter," replied Judith, feigning an indifference she was far from feeling; "what we know to-night all the world will know to-morrow." "Good heavens, I hope not!" "We can expect nothing else from such a man as Judas." "You mean Guinaud." "I mean Judas! The name suits such a traitor." "But why should he act as he is doing?" "I don't know." "It is against his own interests." "Heaven only knows what he considers to be his interests," said Judith, bitterly, "but anything is better than that he should marry Florry!" "Do you think he would consent to take money instead?" "I think it's too late to offer any terms. Remember, to-night we deal with the law." "But Fanks is a friend of Roger Axton." Judith shuddered, and covered her face with her hands. "Yes, I know he is," she said, in a low voice; "but Roger can do nothing to help us." "Are you sure?" "Quite sure. He told me so this afternoon." "You saw him?" "I did!" Marson was about to speak, but the sombre expression of her face forbade him to ask further questions, and he remained silent. The minutes seemed to fly by on wings of lightning to this unhappy man and woman, who waited with shuddering dread for the approach of that horror from which they could not escape. A knock at the door, and then Marks flung it wide open, announcing three visitors. "Mr. Fanks, Mr. Axton, Monsieur Guinaud." "Roger," said Judith to herself, with a sudden pang at her heart, as the servant retired. "Oh, the humiliation!" Marson greeted his three visitors with a grave bow, and they all sat down in silence. There was a sullen look on the face of Judas, for he felt that he had been undiplomatic in his dealings with the detective, and that all his well-laid schemes would come to naught now that his secret was made known. On the other hand, Fanks appeared serenely confident that things were going as he wished them, but an uneasy expression on his face as he glanced furtively at Judith, showed that he was by no means pleased with the unexpected discovery he had made. Roger said nothing, but sat looking at the carpet with downcast eyes, the very picture of misery and despair.