“I really don’t know. I’m not advising you to run away. I think it would be wiser for you to stay here and marry Miss Blow without any further resistance. If you act contrary to my advice, you mustn’t expect me to make your plans for you.” Mr. Goddard and Wilkins left the room together. Lord Manton lit a fresh cigarette and tried to make up his mind whether he would like to see Miss Blow before she left the house. He felt sure that the interview, if he ventured on it, would be an interesting one, and that Miss Blow would say very amusing things. On the other hand, he had a vivid recollection of the masterful way in which she compelled him to write a note to Sergeant Farrelly. It seemed likely that she would attempt something of the same sort again. He was most unwilling to get further entangled in the mystery of Dr. O’Grady’s disappearance. He was still turning the question over in his mind when Mr. Goddard burst noisily into the room. CHAPTER XVII “Hullo!” said Lord Manton. “Back again. What have you forgotten? It’s rather rash of you to venture, I think. If it’s only your cigar-case or something of that sort that you’ve left behind, I should have had it posted after you as soon as you sent me your address. I can’t keep Miss Blow here permanently, you know. In dealing with a lady like her you ought not to take these risks.” “The others are coming,” said Mr. Goddard breathlessly. “Oh, indeed! What others?” “I met them in the deer park. They are coming up here. They had Jimmy O’Loughlin’s boy with them to show them the way.” “What others?” “I turned at once and ran back,” said Mr. Goddard. “I don’t think they saw me; in fact, I’m sure they didn’t. But what are we to do now?” “I’d stand a better chance of answering that question,” said Lord Manton, “if I knew who you were talking about.” “The other women, Mrs. Dick and----” “Oh, the wives of the lost Members of Parliament.” “Yes. What shall we do?” “Don’t say, what shall _we_ do,” said Lord Manton. “I’m not going to do anything except sit here and watch the progress of events. I think that’s as much as can be expected of me. Many men wouldn’t do even that. I know lots of people who’d object to your way of filling up their houses with strange women; but I’m giving you every latitude. If you choose to interview your lady friends in my drawing-room, I make no objection. But I won’t be dragged into any complications myself. That’s the reason I don’t like your saying ‘we.’ The question is not what shall we do, but what will you do.” “What shall I do, then?” said Mr. Goddard.