Of the people most nearly concerned in the matter, it was Lady Kelsey who had first news of it. The morning papers were brought into her _boudoir_ with her breakfast, and as she poured out her coffee, she ran her eyes lazily down the paragraphs of the _Morning Post_ in which are announced the comings and goings of society. Then she turned to the _Daily Mail_. Her attention was suddenly arrested. Staring at her, in the most prominent part of the page, was a column of printed matter headed: _The Death of Mr. George Allerton_. It was a letter, a column long, signed by Fergus Macinnery. Lady Kelsey read it with amazement and dismay. At first she could not follow it, and she read it again; now its sense was clear to her, and she was overcome with horror. In set words, mincing no terms, it accused Alec MacKenzie of sending George Allerton to his death in order to save himself. The words treachery and cowardice were used boldly. The dates were given, and the testimony of natives was adduced. The letter adverted with scathing sarcasm to the rewards and congratulations which had fallen to MacKenzie as a result of his labours; and ended with a challenge to him to bring an action for criminal libel against the writer. At first the whole thing seemed monstrous to Lady Kelsey, it was shameful, shameful; but in a moment she found there was a leading article on the subject, and then she did not know what to believe. It referred to the letter in no measured terms: the writer observed that _prima facie_ the case was very strong and called upon Alec to reply without delay. Big words were used, and there was much talk of a national scandal. An instant refutation was demanded. Lady Kelsey did not know what on earth to do, and her thoughts flew to the dance, the success of which would certainly be imperilled by these revelations. She must have help at once. This business, if it concerned the world in general, certainly concerned Lucy more than anyone. Ringing for her maid, she told her to get Dick Lomas on the telephone and ask him to come at once. While she was waiting, she heard Lucy come downstairs and knew that she meant to wish her good-morning. She hid the paper hurriedly. When Lucy came in and kissed her, she said: 'What is the news this morning?' 'I don't think there is any,' said Lady Kelsey, uneasily. 'Only the _Post_ has come; we shall really have to change our newsagent.'