"I agree. But we didn’t then realise how easy was the game. Now we know—a few preliminary inquiries, a plausible tongue—which, thanks to Heaven, you’ve got, Ena—a few smart dresses, and a knowledge of all the devious ways of insurance and assignments—and the thing is easy." "Well, as far as we’ve gone in this matter all goes well—thanks to Bernie’s previous inquiries regarding the good lady of Carsphairn." "She’s a bit of a skinflint, I believe. Can’t keep servants. She has a factor who is a very close Scot, and things at Carsphairn are usually in a perturbed condition," Lilla said. "Bernie has gone back to Bridge Place. What an awful life the poor dear leads! Fancy having to live with that deaf old woman Felmore!" "Yes. But isn’t it part of the game? By living in Hammersmith, and being such a hard-working, respectable man, he acquires a lot of very useful knowledge." "Quite so; but it must be very miserable there for him." "He doesn’t mind it, he says," was the reply. "It brings money." "It certainly does that," said Lilla. "When shall you go north? Will you wait till the policy is issued?" "I think not. The sooner I meet Mrs. Morrison the better. Don’t you agree?" "Certainly. What does Bernie say?" "That’s his view," answered Ena. "So I shall go to Scotland at the end of the week. I shall stay at the Central, in Glasgow, for a night or two, and then on to Loch Lomond." "Bernie has heard from one of his secret sources of information that the widow is leaving Carsphairn three days earlier than she intended. She goes to visit a niece who lives in Crieff, and then on to Ardlui." "I’ve been to Ardlui before—on a day trip from Glasgow up the Loch," Ena said. "A quiet, remote little place, with an excellent hotel right at the extreme end of the Loch, beyond Inversnaid." "Then you’ll go north without waiting for the policy?" "Yes. Letters will come to me addressed care of myself, and Bernie will send them on. As soon as I have notice that the company will accept me, I’ll pay the premium. I’ve already opened a little account in the name of Augusta Morrison, so that I can send them a cheque. In the meanwhile, we need lose no time." "And yet I don’t think we ought to rush it unduly, do you?" asked Lilla. "Oh! we shan’t do that, my dear Lilla. There’s a lot to be done in the matter of inspiring confidence. Perhaps dear Augusta will not take to me. What then?" "You always know how to make yourself pleasant, Ena. She’ll take to you, never fear!" "According to the reports we’ve had about her, she’s rather discriminating in her friendships," said the handsome woman, smiling grimly. "Well, I rather wish I were coming with you for a fortnight on Loch Lomond," said Lilla. "No, my dear, you have no place in the picture at present. Much as I would like your companionship, you are far better here at home."