“I think “--Miss Alicia was even gently firm in her reply--“that you are a little mistaken in believing Mr. Temple Barholm has proved Mr. Strangeways to be anybody. When he has proof, he will no doubt think proper to tell me about it. Until then I should prefer--” Palliser laughed as he finished her sentence. “Not to know. I was not going to betray him, Miss Alicia. He evidently has one of his excellent reasons for keeping things to himself. I may mention, however, that it is not so much he who has proof as I myself.” “You!” How could she help quite starting in her seat when his gray eyes fixed themselves on her with such a touch of finely amused malice? “I offered him the proof last night, and it rather upset him,” he said. “He thought no one knew but himself, and he was not inclined to tell the world. He was upset because I said I had seen the man and could swear to his identity. That was why he went away so hurriedly. He no doubt went to see Strangeways and talk it over.” “See Mr. Strangeways? But Mr. Strangeways--” Miss Alicia rose and rang the bell. “Tell Pearson I wish to see him at once,” she said to the footman. Palliser took in her mood without comment. He had no objection to being present when she made inquiries of Pearson. “I hear the wheels of the dog-cart,” he remarked. “You see, I must catch my train.” Pearson stood at the door. “Is not Mr. Strangeways in his room, Pearson?” Miss Alicia asked. “Mr. Temple Barholm took him to London when he last went, ma'am,” answered Pearson. “You remember he went at night. The doctor thought it best.” “He did not tell you that, either?” said Palliser, casually. “The dog-cart is at the door, sir,” announced Pearson. Miss Alicia's hand was unsteady when the departing guest took it. “Don't be disturbed,” he said considerately, “but a most singular thing has happened. When I asked so many questions about Temple Barholm's Man with the Iron Mask I asked them for curious reasons. That must be my apology. You will hear all about it later, probably from Palford & Grimby.” When he had left the room Miss Alicia stood upon the hearth-rug as the dog-cart drove away, and she was pale. Her simple and easily disturbed brain was in a whirl. She could scarcely remember what she had heard, and could not in the least comprehend what it had seemed intended to imply, except that there had been concealed in the suggestions some disparagement of her best beloved. Singular as it was that Pearson should return without being summoned, when she turned and found that he mysteriously stood inside the threshold again, as if she had called him, she felt a great sense of relief. “Pearson,” she faltered, “I am rather upset by certain things which Captain Palliser has said. I am afraid I do not understand.” She looked at him helplessly, not knowing what more to say. She wished extremely that she could think of something definite.