Drake went up the stairs slowly, trying to brace himself to go through the ordeal like a man--and a gentleman. He was going to congratulate Mr. Falconer on his good fortune in winning the woman he himself loved. It was a hard, a bitterly hard thing to have to do, but it had to be done. "Here's Lord Angleford, old man," said Dick, introducing him. "I don't know whether visitors are permitted yet, but you can lay the blame on me; and you needn't palaver long, Drake." "I will take care not to tire Mr. Falconer," said Drake, as he went to the bedside and held out his hand. Falconer took it in his thin one, and looked up at the handsome face with an expression which somewhat puzzled Drake. "I'm glad to hear you're better," he said. "I suppose I ought not to refer to the subject, but I can't help saying, Falconer, how much we--I mean Lady Angleford--and all of us--are indebted to you. But for you the fellow would have got off, and her diamonds would have been lost." Falconer noticed the friendly "Falconer," and though his heart was aching, he could not help admiring the man who stood beside him with all the grace of health and high birth in his bearing; and he sighed involuntarily as he drew a contrast between himself and "my lord the earl." "All the same," Drake went on, "the countess would rather have lost her diamonds than you should be hurt." "Her ladyship is very kind," said Falconer. His eyes, unnaturally bright, were fixed on Drake's face, his voice was low but steady. "I am glad I was of some little use in saving them. The man has been committed for trial, I hear?" Drake nodded indifferently. "Yes," he said. "I wish he had dropped the jewel cases and got off. It would have saved a lot of bother. But don't be afraid that you will be wanted as a witness," he added quickly. "I and one or two of the men who were present when he was captured will be sufficient. There will be no need to worry you--or Miss Lorton." Falconer nodded. "I hope you will be able to get out soon," said Drake. "I told Miss Lorton that I would send a carriage for you--something bulky and comfortable. Perhaps you'll let me drive you?" Falconer nodded again, and Drake began to feel vaguely uncomfortable under his fixed gaze and taciturnity; and being uncomfortable, he blundered on to the subject that tortured him. "But Miss Lorton can drive you well enough; she is a perfect whip. And--and now I am mentioning her, I will take the opportunity of congratulating you upon your engagement, Falconer." Falconer's lips twitched, but his eyes did not leave Drake's face, which had suddenly become stern and grim. "You knew Miss Lorton before she came here, Lord Angleford?" said Falconer. Drake colored, and set his lips tightly. "Yes," he said, trying to speak casually. "We met----" He stopped, overwhelmed by a thousand memories. His eyes fell, but Falconer's did not waver. "Then it is as an old friend of hers that you congratulate me, Lord Angleford?" he said.