"--Do not try to see me again," read Stanley; "it might arouse suspicion, and you know how necessary it is for me to play the rôle of the innocent. I am more afraid of Inez than anyone else. I am sure she suspects there is something between us. There is no danger in Little Diplomacy; he is young enough to believe he knows everything, and that is a great safeguard. I have found a trusty messenger for our affairs in Jack Kingsland. "As ever, "BELLE." The Secretary stopped reading; his throat was very dry. He took a glass of Apollinaris, and then said:-- "These letters are not incriminating--in the way _you_ mean." "No, perhaps not in so many words; but you must ask yourself two questions concerning them. Are they letters that an honourable or refined woman would write to or receive from a married man, at any time, and particularly when she herself was practically engaged?" "May I ask to what you imagine Darcy's expression, 'all I hold most dear,' refers?" "Oh, his heart, or his love, or some such sentimental rubbish." "So I supposed; it hasn't occurred to you to take it in a more literal sense?" "What do you mean?" "Well, say that all he holds most dear refers to the five chests of sovereigns." "You believe this?" "I know it to be so--and have known it all along--the fact that I tell you confidentially, that I'm acting under secret instructions in this matter, will, I'm sure, suffice not only to seal your lips, but to make you understand that, for the present, you must be contented not to know more." Kent-Lauriston nodded. "You'll see, then," continued the Secretary, "that what you supposed was an intrigue turns out to be--shall we say--a commercial transaction." Kent-Lauriston shrugged his shoulders, remarking:-- "I'd better return the letters to Madame Darcy at once then?" "No, leave that to me, I shall ask her to let me keep them, if she will; they may be useful--as evidence." "But, surely, any woman who could connect herself with so dishonourable an affair, as I imagine this to be, is no fit wife for you. Give me your word you'll break with her once and for all." "I've sources of information about Darcy which, as I have said before, I'm not at liberty to reveal, but forty-eight hours may loose my tongue. If I could tell Miss Fitzgerald what I know, she might throw him over even now, for I still hope she's only his dupe. Give me two days to prove her innocent; if I fail--I'll do what you please." Kent-Lauriston reluctantly acquiesced, and Stanley, putting the incriminating letters carefully in an inside pocket, bade him good-night, and left the smoking-room. In the hall he met Lady Isabelle. "I don't know what you'll think of me for coming to you, Mr. Stanley," she said, "after what has passed this evening."