What Alfred said had prepared him for something out of the common, but for nothing like what he now saw. He was prepared to meet a beautiful woman in need of his help--he found a regal woman who might perhaps condescend to give him orders. Her face was absolutely without colour, save the full red lips, the dark impenetrable eyes, and the black eyebrows. But the modelling of the face was superb, and the carriage of the head magnificent. And yet he was conscious of something that detracted from, or contradicted the imperial grandeur of the head. There was no splendour in the pose of the figure. In the arms, and figure, and gait, there was an air of patient, suppliant dutifulness, that seemed to plead for love and protection. "Mrs. Paulton has explained to me," she said, in a low, soft voice, "that it is better I should have some one to advise me in the present circumstances, and that you have been good enough, Mr. Pringle, to allow me to look to you for the help I need." She spoke with great precision and delicacy of tone. It was a flattery to hear her utter one's name. He answered in a low voice. His voice never before seemed so harsh in his own ears. "It is well for you to have advice. You may rely upon my doing all I can for you." It was simply monstrous to associate this woman with the idea of crime. Attorney and man of the world though he was, he could not be persuaded into such a ridiculous belief. O'Brien must be a fool. Or no, it wasn't O'Brien--it was Paulton's doctor who had the honour of broaching that absurdity. "I am quite sure of that. And the first thing I want to ask you about is, when I shall need your advice?--for I know absolutely nothing about such things. Mr. Davenport has a brother living; I suppose he had better be telegraphed for?" "Yes. He must be telegraphed for at once." "Then I suppose the--funeral must be arranged for immediately?" "Yes. Then, as you are aware, a few legal formalities have to be gone through before that." "What are they?" "Have you not been told?" "No. Pray tell me." "Well, the sad event took place so suddenly that a certain form has to be observed. In this case it will be the merest form." "Some sort of certificate has to be got, I dare say?" "Well, yes; if you put it in that way." "And what must I do?" "You say you know nothing of such matters as we are now talking about. The first advice I have to give you is, that you must repose full confidence in me. Remember, I am bound by a rule of my profession to respect any confidence you may place in me. I shall have to ask you questions which would be impertinent from any one but your legal adviser. Mind, all this is merely to save you annoyance hereafter. Will you trust me with the history of last night?" "I will--as far as I may," faintly.