"Very good," went on the lady sharply, "if you don't catch this Spider and close his mouth and regain those jewels which he got from the pawnshop you don't marry Lucy. In any case you are not a good match." "I am now, Lady Corsoon. My uncle has been reconciled to me and has made me his heir. Soon I shall be Sir Arthur Vernon, with a good income." "Oh, my dear man," Lady Corsoon waved a jewelled hand impatiently, "there are plenty of baronets and knights with moderate incomes who would be glad to marry Lucy for herself, let alone her expectations from her father. My conditions are that you should get me out of this trouble. Can you?" "I shall try; I can say no more." "Then listen to me," said the lady firmly. "A few days ago I received a letter from The Spider." "Ah!" Vernon nursed his chin and swung his leg. "So that is why you have changed your mind with regard to my wooing of Lucy?" "Who told you that I had changed my mind, sir?" she asked abruptly. "Lucy hinted something, and then I saw that you separated us in----" "There, there! I understand." Lady Corsoon waved her hand again. "You are right. I have changed my mind, as The Spider has given me another chance; but, of course, if you can catch him and make him hold his peace and can recover the family jewels I pawned, I am willing to keep to my agreement with you and support you in marrying my daughter." "The Spider has given you another chance," repeated Vernon sitting up. "And what may that be? Have you the letter?" "It's locked away. As I did not expect you to-day I did not put it in my pocket. But I can tell you what he says." "The Spider?" "Yes, of course," said Lady Corsoon quickly. "He tells me that if I will pay him ten thousand pounds in twelve months he will place me in receipt of that amount a year by proving that I am entitled to my late brother's money. Strange, is it not, since my niece Ida is Martin's daughter?" "Very strange," replied Vernon mechanically. This news proved to him more conclusively than ever that Diabella was connected with The Spider, and, if not the blackmailer herself, worked in concert with him. But until he could lay hands on the woman he determined to say nothing to Lady Corsoon about the matter. "How long does he give you to answer this new demand?" "Two months," said Lady Corsoon, triumphantly; "so at least I have gained time, and much may happen." "As you say, much may happen. How does he propose to place you in possession of this income. Does he say?" "No." Lady Corsoon wrinkled her brows. "He simply makes the offer. Certainly Ida inherits as next-of-kin, but it may be that this Spider--who seems to know everything--has found a will giving the income to me. Then," she hesitated, "there is another condition." "What is it?" "One you won't like. If I get this money I am to consent to the marriage of Lucy with--with----" "With whom?" asked Vernon jumping up. "Don't keep me in suspense."