“Marjorie Langdon did not benefit by its disappearance.” “No, but a friend stands to do so--a man with whom, according to Admiral Lawrence, Miss Langdon was infatuated. The inheritance of one hundred thousand dollars would permit them to marry....” “Supposing she really is in love with him?” “Have you reason to doubt it?” Duncan did not answer immediately. “I cannot believe Marjorie is the type of girl to commit theft, or to center her affections on a man who is not worthy of her.” “Do you know anything against him?” “N--no; but Mrs. Lawrence found it necessary to disinherit Barnard.” “Did the Admiral give you the reason for his wife’s act?” “She said she was angry at some investments made for her by Barnard which had turned out disastrously.” “A lack of business sense is nothing against a man’s moral character.” “That’s true,” acknowledged Duncan. “I admit I’m prejudiced against Barnard.” “Do you see much of him?” “Quite a good deal; he comes frequently to the house, ostensibly to see Janet, but I suspect in reality to be near Marjorie Langdon.” “You don’t think he’s playing off the two girls against each other?” “He had better not,” Duncan’s teeth came together with a snap. “No, Janet’s whole thoughts seem to be turned to Captain Nichols; she accepts Barnard’s attentions, that is all.” “And how does Miss Langdon look on Barnard’s attentions to Janet?” “Her manner gives me no inkling of what she thinks.” “She must be a good actress,” commented Potter. “No woman, who commits a criminal act for a lover, will stand tamely by and see that lover devote himself to another woman unless she has marvelous self-control....” “Or no real affection for the supposed lover,” put in Duncan. “At dinner tonight you can study them for yourself; both Miss Langdon and Chichester Barnard will be there.” “Good.” Potter rose and placed his hand affectionately on Duncan’s shoulder. “I judge more by what you have left unsaid, Duncan, of how you feel about the girl. I would to heaven I could help you!” “Thanks,” Duncan’s tone was a trifle husky. “I’m afraid there’s nothing anyone can do for me. I must ‘dree my weird.’ But,” his clenched fist came down with a resounding whack on the broad ledge of his Morris-chair arm. “I firmly believe that if Marjorie did steal the codicil, the money, and the pearl necklace, she did it unknowingly, in response to a craze to steal which she could not govern.” “Perhaps you are right. It may be, Duncan, if Miss Langdon submits to a medical examination....” “I’ll ask mother to seat you next to Miss Langdon at dinner,” Duncan stood up. “Perhaps then you can decide what is best to be done. Come over early, Paul, I want you to see mother before the other guests arrive.” “I will.” Potter accompanied Duncan to the closed door and before opening it, added earnestly, “I have not meant to be unfeeling, Duncan, in my efforts to differentiate between stealing as a criminal act, and stealing as an insane impulse.”