"That evening the detectives arrived from London, and the next day several visitors came to the house. Everything went on with outward smoothness, and the subject of the diamonds was by mutual consent never alluded to. Lady Violet grew worse, and the gay house party dispersed sooner than was intended. Captain Ponsonby stayed on, however. I met him occasionally, but we scarcely exchanged a word. I could see that he was anxious and haggard, but I set this down to his fears with regard to Lady Violet, who steadily refused to see him, and never left her bedroom and boudoir. I spent almost all my time with her, but as the days wore on I could not but feel the horror of my position more and more. I saw plainly that the suspicion which Captain Ponsonby harboured was shared by the two detectives, and also, in process of time, the poisonous thought was communicated to Lord and Lady Erstfield. Lady Erstfield's manner to me completely altered. Instead of treating me with almost the affection of a mother, she was cold and distant; she avoided meeting my eyes, and never spoke to me on any subject except what related to Violet's health. That is the position of affairs to-day, Dr. Halifax. I am suspected of the most horrible theft, and have not a chance of clearing myself. Lady Violet alone loves me as of old. She is my dear sister, and for her sake I----" Here the poor girl completely broke down, and, covering her face with her hands, sobbed aloud. "Take courage," I said to her. "I have, at least, one bit of comfort for you: I also fully believe in you. You no more stole the diamonds than I did." "Oh, thank you--that is like you," she said. "God bless you for those words." "I am glad I have come here, for every reason," I continued. "My presence here is necessary not only on account of Lady Violet, but also on your account. I introduced you to this house, and am responsible for your conduct; I shall therefore not leave a stone unturned to clear you, and now you must go back to your work with as brave a heart as you can." She rose at once, wiping her eyes and trying to look cheerful. "One word before you return to Lady Violet," I said. "Is it true that she has broken off her engagement?" "Yes." "Lady Erstfield told me that she gave you her confidence in this matter." "Yes, she spoke to me this morning." "Do you mind telling me what she said?" "She was very weak and had a difficulty in using her voice, but she whispered to me. Her words were something like these:-- "'Tell my father and mother that I do not love Captain Ponsonby, and will never marry him. From the first he never attracted me, and now there is no inducement--not even the diamonds!'" "Did she really say 'not even the diamonds'?" [Illustration: "I BEG OF YOU NOT TO GO."] "Yes, she certainly did. I thought it strange at the time."