Grey went to the "Warfinger Hotel," saw the landlord, told him Sir William was expected home; and requested him to send instantly to the Bank word of the baronet's arrival. He felt queer to-day. That old sensation of everything being far away and of little interest to him had come back upon him fourfold. He went through the routine business of the Bank with as little interest as a copying-clerk. He signed papers without reading them, and did not understand those he read. And now day after day the banker lived without change or adventure. All his life he had been a man of action, a leader, and now he was wearily waiting, waiting in weak hope haunted by fierce terrors. He felt his physical health declining under the ordeal, but he had no alternative. At last one afternoon, as he was sitting alone in his private office a messenger came from the "Warfinger Hotel" announcing the return of Sir William. The baronet had just arrived and ordered luncheon, so that in all likelihood he would be at the hotel for an hour or two. Grey rose heavily and walked to the hotel with a misgiving heart. He carried in his hand his small black bag. What reason had he to think this young man would take a merciful view of the case? All his pride was gone now, except the pride in a good name he did not deserve. He would crawl on his knees in private to this young man, rather than lower his front a jot before the public. If he could win over this young man he might save his name. It was not the hangman he dreaded most. It was not death. It was the groans and execrations of people over whom he once held imperial sway, and by whom he had been regarded as the high-priest of humanity and justice. When he arrived at the hotel, he sent in his card and was instantly admitted. The young man fixed his dark dreamy eyes upon the other as he entered, rose slowly from his chair, and held out his hand freely, saying: "I am very much obliged to you for calling. I wanted to see you particularly." This was unexpected. Grey thought Sir William would refuse to meet him until after a visit to the Castle. What did the young man know? Grey said: "I have to speak to you on a very important matter indeed, and I would wish to speak to you about it at once." "I am quite at your service for an hour. Sit down. You are not looking as well as I should like to see so good a friend." "Friend!" sighed Grey. "Don't use that word again until I have finished." A quick look of present interest came into the dreamy eyes. The baronet said: "I am ready to hear." "I have been told by Mrs. Grant that you have come home to consult with Miss Midharst about some important matter--I do not know what, and I do not seek to know. Before you see Miss Midharst, I want to say to you some words of the deepest importance, and I want you to permit me to--lock the door." He was grave and collected in manner, and as he said the last words he waved his hand softly towards the door.