"Is he going for good?" Lacey asked me. "Yes, to-morrow." He seemed to consider something within himself. "Then I don't know that I really need trouble you. It's a delicate matter and--" He beat his leg with his crop, frowning thoughtfully. "I wonder, Austin, whether you're aware how matters stand between Miss Driver and my father?" His use of "my father" instead of "the governor" was a significant mark of his seriousness. "Yes, she told me." "My father told me. To-morrow is the day for the announcement. Austin, the last two or three days my father has been very worried and upset. Aunt Sarah's been at him about something. I'm sure it's about--about Miss Driver. I can tell it is by the way they both look when her name's mentioned. And I--I tried an experiment. At lunch to-day I began to talk about that fellow Powers. I tried it on by saying I thought he was a scoundrel and that I hoped Miss Driver would give him the sack. I never saw a man look up with such a start as my father did. Aunt Sarah was ready to be on to me, but he was too quick. 'Why do you say that?' he snapped out--eagerly, you know--as if he was uncommonly anxious to hear my reasons. Well, of course, I'd none to give, only my impressions of the chap. Aunt Sarah looked triumphant and read me a lecture on envy, malice, and all uncharitableness. My father sat staring at the tablecloth, but listening hard to every word. Why the devil should my father be so interested in Powers? Can you tell me that, Austin?" "No, I can't tell you," I said, "but I'm much obliged to you for this--information." "I thought there would be--well, just no harm in mentioning it to you," he said. "Of course it's probably all right really. And if everything is settled, and announced, and all that, to-morrow--and--" He broke off, not adding in words what there was no need to add--"Octon gone to-morrow!" But to-day was not to-morrow. Lady Sarah was at work, and Fillingford much interested in Mr. Powers! Worried, upset, and very much interested in Powers! Lacey gathered his reins and prepared to be off. "Sorry if I've meddled in what's not my business," he said. "But I'm ready to take the responsibility." That was permission to me to use his information, and to vouch his authority to Jenny. He nodded to me. "See you to-morrow, perhaps, and we'll drink the health of the engaged couple!" He smiled, but he looked puzzled and not very happy, rather as though he were hoping for the best, and staving off anticipation of some hitch or misfortune. As soon as he was gone, I went up to the Priory. My task was not an easy one, but I had an overwhelming feeling--a feeling which refused all counter-argument--that it was necessary. There was still this one evening--an opportunity for a last bit of recklessness, and Heaven alone knew how great a temptation.