“In other words,” said Duncan slowly, “you contend that Marjorie had the motive and the opportunity to steal that codicil,” Lawrence nodded affirmatively. “What did she hope to accomplish?” “To have Chichester Barnard inherit the hundred thousand dollars,” the Admiral rose heavily to his feet. “The other codicil remained unsigned, for my wife never regained her faculties before her death, having been first delirious and then unconscious until death mercifully released her.” “So Mr. Barnard will inherit the one hundred thousand dollars?” The Admiral paused. “Not without a legal fight. Get rid of Marjorie, Duncan, before the scandal is aired.” “You mean you are going to charge Miss Langdon with the theft of the codicil?” “I do. She thwarted my wife in her last conscious act, and by God, she shall pay for it!” Duncan rose to his feet. “Kindly notify me, Admiral, of whatever steps you propose taking,” he said, accompanying the older man to the entrance of the club-house. “Certainly, Duncan, certainly.” The Admiral walked to the curb with him. “I realize you will want to know in time to prevent your family from becoming involved in the scandal.” “You mistake my meaning, sir; I desire to know what legal steps you contemplate taking, because I propose to defend Miss Langdon in the courts. Good evening,” and lifting his hat, Duncan turned on his heel. How far he walked or where he walked he could never afterwards tell, but he finally became conscious that the park policeman in Lafayette Square was regarding him with open suspicion. “Where am I?” he asked, turning in bewilderment to the stalwart guardian of the peace. “Sure, I don’t wonder ye ask; ye’ve chased yourself around Jackson’s statue until ye’ve given me the blind staggers. What ails ye, sir?” “Nothing,” Duncan pulled himself together and finally got his bearings. “Where can I find a taxi?” “At the Shoreham, that way,” waving his arm, and Duncan walked in the direction indicated. He was about to cross H Street and enter the hotel when Small’s window display across Fifteenth Street caught his attention, and he remembered promising to send Janet a bunch of violets to wear to the British Embassy. Entering the florist’s shop, he hastily gave his directions; then paused, and selected a beautiful corsage bouquet of single violets. “I’ll take this also,” he said. “Send it to Miss Marjorie Langdon, care of Mr. Calderon Fordyce, same address as the other; and--eh--give me a blank card,” discovering he had none of his visiting cards with him. Taking the blank card which the attentive clerk brought him, he wrote: “With best wishes,” and signed his initials. Before placing the card in an envelope, he studied the message and his bold, distinctive writing in some doubt. “Lord!” he muttered. “Will she take the ‘D. F.’ for Duncan Fordyce--or--damn fool.” CHAPTER XIV THE PHILANDERER “SO it’s off with the old love?”