"But Lord Neville did not go to America. Oh, no, sir! That is an impossible thought." "Well, then, there is this alternative: the merchant who paid him the money died a few days afterwards of smallpox. Was there infection in the money? Did Lord Neville take the smallpox and die?" "But if he had been sick he would have known the danger, and written some letter and provided for the safety of the property in his charge. He knew many people in The Hague. This supposition is very unlikely." "Why did he insist on the gold? This is the thing that troubles me." "Who says he insisted on gold?" "The widow of the man who paid it." "She may have been mistaken. She may herself be dishonest. The money may never have been paid at all. I do not believe it has been paid. Did your trusty man see Lord Neville’s quittance?" "I have not thought of that, Jane. I was troubled at the story, and accepted it as it was given. It was too painful and suspicious to examine." "For that reason it must be sifted to the very bottom. That Dutch widow has the money, doubtless. Did your messenger ask her to describe Lord Neville? Did he ask her any particulars of the interview? It is easy to say the thousand pounds were paid. I do not believe her." "Well, my little mistress, your faith infects me. I will send again to The Hague." "Yes, sir, and let your messenger ask to see Lord Neville’s quittance. Cluny did not receive from any one a thousand pounds without an acknowledgment of the payment. Let the woman show it." "You are right. I will make further inquiries at once." "To-day, sir? Please, to-day, sir." "I will send a man to The Hague to-day." "Thank you, Sir Thomas. Can I now see Lady Jevery and Lady Matilda?" "My dear, they are both at de Wick. A week ago my niece received a letter from the man who bought the estate. He urged them to come and see him. He said he had not long to live, and that before he went away he had some most important intelligence, vitally affecting the de Wicks, to communicate. My niece thought it prudent, even necessary, to make the visit; and Lady Jevery went with her. In a couple of weeks I shall go for them." "But before you go——" "I have said ’to-day,’ Mistress Jane. I will keep my promise. Why do you not see the Protector? He was fond of the young man; he believed in him." She only answered, "Yes, sir," and then adding, "Good-morning, sir," she turned to go. Her face was so white and so full of hopeless disappointment, he could not endure to keep its memory a moment. Hastening after her, he said, "My dear little mistress, I am certain of one thing—if there is any wrong about this matter it is not Lord Neville’s fault, it is his misfortune."