“Three years, eh?” said Caliphronas quickly; “of course, that is just about the time you came here. Oh, I heard all about you in London; and Justinian will have heard also by this time, for I wrote and told him all.” “I trust he is pleased,” said Crispin grimly. “As to that, I don’t know. True, his goose has turned out a swan, and now, unlike a swan, sings songs the world listens to; but such glory can hardly compensate him for the ungrateful manner in which you treated him.” “Enough!” cried Crispin hotly, his dark face flushing with anger; “I can justify my conduct amply, but I do not choose to do so to you. Leave Justinian, and Melnos, and all the old life alone. I want to know the reason of your presence in Roylands.” “Well, you shall know. But do not get furious over nothing,” said Caliphronas mockingly. “I am afraid you have lost all your old Hellenic calm, and now resemble one of these bad-tempered Englishmen, devoured with the spleen, and greedy of money.” “I am not greedy of money.” “Eh? oh, I see! you sing your songs for the smiles of women, not for the gold of their husbands, fathers, and brothers. Well, I agree with you; the smiles of women are very delightful, but one cannot live on them, so I would like to know how you exist.” “Would you, indeed?” “Yes; and so would Justinian.” “Well, you will neither of you be told. Come, now, it is growing late, and I wait for your confession.” “No one will hear us?” “Of course not; besides, we speak in Greek, which is not so common in England as in Hellas.” Caliphronas let the smile die away from his lips, and looked keenly at Crispin. “You will not reveal what I have now to tell you?” “Not unless it is some villany.” “It is no villany. It is an act of justice. Listen.” The story, which did not take long to tell, drew forth many exclamations of surprise from Crispin, who for once in his life was astonished at the revelations of Caliphronas, and believed he was speaking the truth. Indeed, he could hardly help believing it, as many points of the story coincided with what he himself knew in connection with the Roylands family. When Caliphronas finished his recital, he flung himself back on the turf, and waited for Crispin to speak, which the young man did after a long pause. “What you have stated astonishes me very much,” he said deliberately; “but, as far as I can see, there does not seem to be any harm intended to my friend.” “None in the least,” said the Count eagerly. “You do not like Justinian now, for some mysterious reason, but I think you know enough about him to trust him.” “I know enough about him not to trust him overmuch,” replied Crispin coolly; “but with regard to your scheme and his scheme”— “Yes?” cried the Count breathlessly. “I will remain neutral.” Caliphronas drew a long breath of relief, and sprang to his feet. “That is better than nothing; but I wish you would help me.” “No; I will remain neutral.”