“For God's sake, Doctor, give her something to quiet her immediately. I--I cannot endure it. We should have waited. I had no idea it would be like this. Mrs. Carstairs hasn't left her for an instant. I can hear her moaning and--” “Is it this--ah--news about young Steele?” inquired the doctor blandly. He rubbed his hands. “Yes--yes! We thought it best to tell her before she got it from the servants, or the papers, or--” “Dreadful affair,--most shocking. I knew him very slightly, but he seemed a most delightful chap. By Jove, it is really distressing, the way the Germans have undermined our very--” “She is in a most deplorable condition, Doctor. Don't delay an instant, please,--and do not leave her until you are convinced there is no danger of--” He broke off abruptly. “Ahem! Yes, yes,--ah,--I'll remain as long as--ah,--I feel the least bit uneasy about her.” “All right, Doctor,--if there is the remotest danger of--” “Oh, I fancy there isn't any real danger of _that_, Mr. Carstairs. Compose yourself. We 'll have her sleeping like a baby in no time at all. Had you an inkling that Steele was that sort of a--” “And will you please send Mrs. Carstairs out of the room at once?” “Yes, yes,--immediately. Leave it to me, leave it to me,” and off he went, with a sprightliness that would have, surprised his dignity if he had had the slightest notion at that moment that he still possessed such a thing. But Mrs. Carstairs refused to be sent out of the room. She remained steadfast at the girl's side, holding and stroking her hand. “I cannot,--I will not leave her, Doctor Browne,” she said, compressing her lips. The butler apologetically stuck his head into Mr. Carstairs' study a few minutes after the doctor's arrival. “Sorry, sir, but there's two gentlemen asking to see you.” “I told you I was not at home to any one, Hollowell. Is it necessary for me to repeat your instructions?” “No, sir,--thank you, sir. But these gentlemen say they must see you, sir. They are outside, sir,--in the hall. I asked--” “Who are they? What is their business?” “I asked both those questions, sir,” said the butler, in evident distress. “Yes, yes,--well, and what did they say?” “They simply said 'Never mind,'” said Hollowell, with a great deal of feeling. Carstairs stopped suddenly in his tracks. “I thought you said they were gentlemen.” His brow darkened. He had sensed the truth. Secret service men. “My mistake, sir,--my mistake,” mumbled Hollowell. “Ahem! I can only add, Mr. Carstairs, that they seem to think you _are_ at home, and--ah--” “Conduct them to this room,” said Carstairs. A few minutes later: “Come in, gentlemen, and be seated. I suppose you are here to ascertain if I can throw any light on the Derrol Steele affair. It is no secret, of course, that he was my niece's fiance, and that he was a constant visitor here. I am afraid, however, that I can be of no assistance to you. Captain Steele--”