After which remark he raised his hat, and drove off smiling. Dora did not think that his remark about the clock was worthy of consideration, for she had set her watch by it before retiring to bed on the night of the second of August. It was right then, and no one could possibly have put it wrong in the meantime. Joad had proved his alibi clearly enough, and there was no possible suspicion that he was guilty of the crime, especially as its committal had not been to his advantage. Curiously enough, Joad knew nothing of Pallant's visit, nor did Dora intend to inform him of it. He had been in the library all the morning, reading ancient books, and sipping brandy out of the flask he carried constantly in the tail pocket of his dingy coat. Not wishing to disturb him in the midst of his pleasures, Dora returned to her own sitting-room, and sat down to think. While thus employed, Mrs. Tice entered the room with a letter in her hand. She looked distressed. "My dear young lady," she said hastily, "I am afraid I must return to Mr. Allen. He is ill." "Ill!" cried Dora, jumping up. "What is the matter with him?" "I fancy he has fretted himself into a kind of fever," said Mrs. Tice, glancing at the letter. "This has just been sent over. Emma wrote it." Emma was a servant in Scott's house. "Mr. Allen did not want me to be told, but Emma thought it best I should know. I must really return and nurse my dear Mr. Allen," concluded Mrs. Tice, smoothing down her apron with trembling hands. "You shall go this afternoon," cried Dora. "I'll send Meg to the hotel for a trap, and we will go over together." Mrs. Tice smiled and looked grateful. "I hope you won't think me unkind, Miss Carew?" "Oh dear no! Meg will protect me against Joad," said Dora. And, after a pause, she added abruptly: "You do not ask me what I was doing in London yesterday." "I did not think you wished to let me know, miss. You refused to tell me last night." "I know I did; but I'll tell you now, because you may be able to help me. Mrs. Tice," said Dora solemnly, "I have seen Lady Burville." "Yes, miss; and what of that?" asked Mrs. Tice cheerfully. "Do you know who Lady Burville is?" "I know nothing about her, miss, save she's a patient of Mr. Allen's." "Then I'll tell you, Mrs. Tice: she is my mother." The housekeeper's ruddy face paled, and she sat down on the nearest chair. "Your mother, Miss Carew! Are you sure?" "I am certain. Lady Burville informed me of the relationship, and told me her story." "In that case," said Mrs. Tice with emphasis, "you know now why a marriage between you and Mr. Allen is impossible." "That is just what I do not know," was Dora's reply. "My mother did not tell me all her story. Now, I want you to relate what she kept hidden." "Tell me what you have heard, miss, and I'll see," said Mrs. Tice, after a pause. "Very good," said Dora, taking a seat near the old dame. "I'll tell my story, you will tell yours, and between us we may save Allen's life."