“I let him drive me down to the wood, and then: ‘Is it about Ray?’ I asked. But it wasn’t about Ray at all that he wanted to speak. He was so incoherent, so strange, that I really did get nervous. And then, when he had begun to compose himself and had even made a few connected remarks, you came along in Mr. Elk’s car. He was terrified and was shaking from head to foot! He begged me to go away, and almost went on his knees to implore me not to say that I had seen him.” “Phew!” John Bennett pushed back his chair. “And you learnt nothing?” She shook her head. “He came again last night,” she said, “but this time I did not go out, and he refused to come in. He struck me as a man who was expecting to be trapped.” “Did he give you any idea of what he wanted to say?” “No, but it was something which was vitally important to him, I think. I couldn’t understand half that he said. He spoke in loud whispers, and I’ve told you how harsh his voice is.” Bennett relit his pipe, and sat for a while with downcast eyes, revolving the matter in his mind. “The next time he comes you’d better let me see him,” he said. “I don’t think so, daddy,” she answered quietly. “If he has anything very important to say, I think I ought to know what it is. I have a feeling that he is asking for help.” John Bennett looked up. “A millionaire asking for help? Ella, that sounds queer to me.” “And it _is_ queer,” she insisted. “He didn’t seem half so terrible as he appeared when I first saw him. There was something tragic about him, something very sad. He will come to-night, and I’ve promised to see him. May I?” Her father considered. “Yes, you may see him, provided you do not go outside this garden. I promise that I will not appear, but I shall be on hand. Do you think it is about Ray—that Ray has committed some act of folly that he wants to tell you about?” he asked with a note of anxiety. “I don’t think so, daddy. Maitland was quite indifferent to Ray or what becomes of him. I’ve been wondering whether I ought to tell somebody.” “Captain Gordon or Mr. Elk,” suggested her father dryly, and the girl flushed. “You like that young man, Ella? No, I’m not referring to Elk, who is anything but young; I mean Dick Gordon.” “Yes,” she said after a pause, “I like him very much.” “I hope you aren’t going to like him too much, darling,” said John Bennett, and their eyes met. “Why not, daddy?” It almost hurt her to ask. “Because”—he seemed at a loss as to how he should proceed—“because it’s not desirable. He occupies a different position from ourselves, but that isn’t the only reason. I don’t want you to have a heartache, and I say this, knowing that, if that heartache comes, I shall be the cause.” He saw her face change, and then: “What do you wish me to do?” she asked. He rose slowly, and, walking to her, put his arm about her shoulder.