"Yes, he does," began Alice, then checked herself. "I'll tell you later, my dear," she added in a lower tone to Bernard. "I have much to say I don't want my aunt to overhear." But that lady was too much occupied with Mrs. Moon to listen. "Well, Moon, how are you?" she said grimly, surveying the giantess. "No younger, I see, and not in good health, I should say." "What can you expect from damp marshes, my lady?" whimpered Mrs. Moon, who, for some unexplained reason, gave Miss Berengaria this title. "Rheumatism and ague," said the old dame promptly. "And you look as though you were getting ready for a fever." "Oh, my lady!" "Oh, fiddlesticks!" said Miss Berengaria, stalking into the castle. "Have you a good meal ready? If you have, send it up. I'm as hungry as a mosquito after my drive." "Victoria is laying the table, my lady." "Who is she? Oh yes. The brat of a girl that urchin of mine talks about. He wants to come over and see her, but I won't let him." "Why not, my lady? I should like to see my own flesh and blood." "Well, then, you won't," snapped Miss Berengaria. "And don't you tell Victoria the boy is with me, or I'll discharge him." "So Mr. Grant said, my lady. He having told me as Jerry was page to your ladyship." "Hum! It's none of Mr. Grant's business. I can manage my own affairs without his assistance. Come along and show me to a room where I can put my hair tidy; it's blown about by the wind. And see that the coachman feeds the horses. He's a fool." "I'll see to it, my lady. And Victoria----?" "Hold your tongue about Victoria." "I will, my lady. Come this way, my lady," and Mrs. Moon plunged along the corridor with little Miss Berengaria trotting briskly at her heels. She looked like a cock-boat following in the wake of a three-decker. And all the time she scolded the meek giantess. While Mrs. Moon was thus suffering, the lovers were talking eagerly in the sitting-room, where the table was already laid for luncheon. Victoria had departed, so they had the apartment to themselves, and for the moment, in spite of the depressing surrounding circumstances, they were absolutely happy. "Dearest," said Bernard, taking the girl's hand, "I have hungered for this moment. Alice, you are more beautiful than ever." "Darling! But, Bernard, I have a confession to make. I really thought for a moment that you were guilty." "Alice, how could you?" Her eyes filled with tears. "I was mad to doubt you, dearest, but I did. I thought you might have lost your temper with----" "Ah!" groaned Gore, "my terrible temper. But when did you come to think me innocent, Alice?" "Almost immediately. My aunt laughed at the idea that you had killed Sir Simon. She always stood up for you, and scolded me." "I think you deserved it," said Gore, playfully. "However, I forgive you. The evidence against me is so strong that I don't wonder you believed I was----"