Moreover, Clarice began to feel piqued by Zara. That this woman should set herself to intrigue in this manner annoyed her. Zara apparently thought that she could get everything her own way. Clarice was determined that she should not be triumphant all along the line, and looked forward with pleasure to thwarting the dancer. Also, in the accusation of Clarke by Miss Dumps, Clarice saw that much larger issues than Ferdy's future were involved. Zara evidently quite expected that Clarice would refuse Ferdy's allowance, and thus would compel him to rely on her. Miss Baird at once resolved to countercheck the dancer by acting in a contrary way. As she had done with Ferdy, so would she do with Zara--that is, she intended to give the dancer rope enough to hang herself. Clarice wished to find out what string Zara was pulling, and time was required to look into matters. Time could be gained by checkmating her in this manner, so having made up her mind, Clarice called Ferdy away from the piano. "My dear boy," she said gently. "I don't want you to be unhappy. I know, as I said before, that Prudence has treated you badly, so it is not to be wondered at that you should go to a woman who loves you." "Zara does--oh, she does," said Ferdy, promptly. "Well, then," said Clarice, in a caressing tone, "I shall continue your allowance, as I don't want you to go on the stage. But if I do this, you must make me a promise." "Anything," cried Ferdy, delighted at having secured his end. "Promise me that you will not contract a secret marriage with this dancer," said Miss Baird, earnestly. "I promise, with all my heart," replied Ferdy; and so the agreement was made, and Clarice thus gained time to fathom the schemes of Miss Dumps, which had to do with greater things than Ferdy imagined. It was at this moment, or a little later, that Anthony appeared in full mess kit. He looked excited when he burst into the room, which he did more noisily than usual. "I apologise for my dress," he said, coming forward to kiss Clarice, "but I was in such a hurry to see you that I came over without changing, in another fellow's motor-car. It's waiting outside, and I can't stop more than a few minutes." "And I expect you want to speak to Clarry," said Ferdy, quickly; "I'll go out and have a look at the car." Anthony seemed pleased when the boy left the room, and at once brought out a letter. "I came to see you about this," he said, handing it to the girl; "it came by to-night's post, and I lost no time in bringing it to you. What does it mean?" Clarice opened the letter, which was written in a delicate hand, and very neatly, on fine thick paper. The few lines ran as follows:-- "If Captain Anthony Ackworth marries Miss Clarice Baird, his future brother-in-law will be placed in the dock, as guilty of the murder of his guardian, Mr. Henry Horran. From a Friend." CHAPTER XVII THE RECALL OF DR. JERCE