"I merely want to know the exact and real truth of Miss Fitzgerald's connection with this bribery and corruption business." "I told your friend, the Secretary." "I know what you _told_ him, he's just retailed it to me; but you will pardon me, if I state that, as an observer, of human nature, I don't believe it." "I've said what I've said," replied the Colonel, surlily. "Let us see if we can't arrive at a mutual understanding," continued Kent-Lauriston, suavely. "You wish to injure the girl and make her marriage with my friend impossible, because you think she's betrayed you. I wish to render the marriage impossible, because I don't care to see this young man make a fool of himself by marrying a girl who's after his money, and who has nothing to offer in return. Our ends are identical, our motives only are different. Do you follow me?" The Colonel nodded. "Now," resumed Kent-Lauriston, "you've told a very clever circumstantial story, which has ruined her in Stanley's eyes, and has stopped the match, as we both wished. Its only flaw lies in the fact that it is not true. If he finds this out, he'll marry her in spite of us; but he is much less likely to find it out if I know the real state of the case, and, as a corollary, the weak points of your narrative, and so am able to prevent the discovery. Do you believe me?" "I never knew you to tell a lie--it's not in your line." "Quite so. Therefore, will you tell _me_ the truth?" "The truth, then, is that Belle didn't instigate the plot. I got her out of a scrape some years ago, and she was grateful, and lent me a hand with this, purely out of friendship. She doesn't expect to get a penny in reward. It was her idea, however, of using Kingsland to forward the stuff." "Kingsland knew nothing about it?" "Nothing at all. He thought the chests contained stereopticon slides." "That's the real truth then?" "Yes, but if you blow it to Stanley, I'll tell him your share in this little arrangement." Kent-Lauriston looked at him, coldly. "You said you were in a hurry, Colonel Darcy," he remarked. "Don't let me detain you." * * * * * "I consider it providential," said the Marchioness. Mrs. Roberts said nothing. It was this trait that rendered her so admirable as a hostess and a friend. "Of course," continued her Ladyship, "I had long known that there was some sentiment between my dear Isabelle and Lieutenant Kingsland, and if I had supposed there was anything serious, they would at once have had my blessing, and--er--a wedding in St. George's, and--everything that religion requires. Their secret marriage was childish and ridiculous--because it was not opposed." Mrs. Roberts still held her peace. "I say," continued the Dowager, "that it was not opposed; of course Mr. Stanley----" "Ah," said her hostess, seeing that she was expected to intervene: "Mr. Stanley--what of him?"