A few moments later Captain Bingham appeared. There was a cordial greeting on both sides and then Captain Bingham leaned forward and whispered something close to Mortimer’s ear. “Yes, I know!” interrupted Mortimer, and arm in arm they strolled away in the direction of the military quarters. CHAPTER VII FROM BEHIND THE CURTAIN “So he has returned?” said Lady Brooke. “Yes,” replied Lord Ashley, “and is a prisoner. I hold him in my grasp.” “I don’t like that last,” said Lady Brooke. “It sounds vindictive. By the way, I may say frankly that it’s well he returned just when he did. I was beginning to grow suspicious.” “Suspicious, Milady? Of what, may I ask?” “Of you,” retorted Lady Brooke, with unabashed frankness. “I don’t forget that though we work together, yet your interests in this matter are somewhat different from mine. It would doubtless suit you well enough if he were put out of the way for good and all, but that’s no part of my plan. My compact was only for a temporary injury--one that it would be possible to repair readily.” “It seems to me, Milady, that you always were somewhat given to suspicion,” retorted Lord Ashley, with a slight sneer. Lady Brooke reddened and an angry light shone in her eyes. “It may be well,” she said slowly, “for you to remember, Milord, that I expect any compact you may make with me to be kept fully and fairly. Chancellors may be made,” she continued with emphasis, “and they may also be unmade, if history records aright. I have still some influence near the Throne, as those who care to question it may find.” “Royalty, it is said, is rarely grateful for past favors, but I will admit there are exceptions, Milady,” said Lord Ashley in honeyed accents. “Would you care to measure how much that influence is a matter of the past?” asked Lady Brooke, with concentrated anger. “Would it astonish you, perhaps, to discover that influence to be greater to-day than ever?” “Ah, a dual influence!” exclaimed Lord Ashley. “You have in mind, no doubt, your charming protégée, the beautiful Miss Cameron, lately presented by you at Court and incidentally to the attention of His Majesty.” “Enough!” exclaimed Lady Brooke, her anger flashing suddenly into flame; “since you dare----” “There, there!” interrupted Lord Ashley soothingly. “Don’t let us quarrel. I have no intention of questioning your power, past or present, Milady, nor do I seek to have that power turned against me. I have enemies enough already. Won’t you now listen to my plan?” “What is it?” asked Lady Brooke, still angry, but grown suddenly wary.