"But surely," Mrs. Bolstreath's voice sank to a horrified whisper, "surely you don't think that Lord Curberry has anything to do with these horrible people you have been telling me about?" "I say nothing--because I know nothing--for certain, that is. I only suspect--er--well--that Curberry may be in the swim. Now don't go and give away the show by changing your manner toward the man," continued Halliday hastily; "act as you have always acted and, indeed, I want you to make yourself as agreeable as possible. Take him away if you can, and leave me alone with Lillian." "But for what reason?" "Well, if Curberry is mixed up in this shady business he will not leave Lillian alone. He may wonder, and probably does, at her unexpected presence here, on this day of all days; therefore he may suspect a confession by his secretary and will keep his eyes open." "Oh, you go too far," cried Mrs. Bolstreath, fanning herself with her handkerchief. "Perhaps I do," assented Dan in a very dry tone, "but in a case like this it is just as well to take all necessary precautions. And in any case Curberry will haunt Lillian's footsteps until she is out of the house, if only to find out why she paid this unnecessary visit." "He can ask her," said the chaperon curtly. "He won't, if he is what I suspect him to be. But there, I may be accusing the man wrongfully." "I'm sure you are. Lord Curberry is a perfect gentleman." "Perfect gentlemen have been discovered doing shady things before now. However, you know what comedy we have arranged. You have come to fetch Lillian back, and I came to escort you. Then get Curberry away on some pretext and let me have ten minutes talk with Lillian. Understand?" "Yes," gasped Mrs. Bolstreath, "but I don't like these things." "One can't touch pitch without being defiled," quoted Dan cynically, as they arrived at the open hall door, "we wish to see Lord Curberry." This last question was addressed to a footman, who came to meet them. He recognized Mrs. Bolstreath as having been in the house before with Miss Moon, so readily explained that the young lady was with his master in the drawing-room. Everything was so upset with the inquest, that he never thought of asking for a card, so conducted the visitors to where Lord Curberry was entertaining the girl. Having announced the names and fairly pushed them into the room, the footman departed in a hurry, as there was much excitement amongst the servants and he wished to hear all that was being said. Had not Curberry been attending to Lillian, he would have kept better order, as he was a severe master, and expected decency under all circumstances. But no doubt he also was disturbed by the unusual invasion of his house. "My--dear--Lillian," cried Mrs. Bolstreath in large capitals, and advancing toward the end of the room, where Lillian was seated, looking uncomfortable, "my dear Lillian!" She glared at Lord Curberry.