"Have you an idea yourself, sir, that he might----" "No, no!" interrupted Fane hurriedly; "it's simply an idea. But I have learned from Mr. Calvert that Tracey--that's his name, isn't it?--has taken the Hampstead house." "I wonder what's that for?" asked Derrick, startled. "I want to find out. And I'll ask Mr. Calvert this very day." "Are you seeing him to-day, sir?" "Yes; I am going there now. He wrote asking me to call this afternoon. When I leave you I'll take a cab to his lodgings." Derrick mused. "I'd like to come along with you," he said. "No," replied Fane decisively, "better not just now. I am sure of nothing. I only fancy Tracey may have had something to do with the matter. Should I learn anything I shall let you know." "Thank you, sir. I fancy the case is finished myself; but of course something unexpected may turn up. Good-day." "Good-day," replied Fane, and hailed a cab. Owing to his long conversation with Derrick, there was not much time to be lost if he wished to be punctual. Wondering if Arnold desired to see him about Laura, Fane told the cabman to drive as fast as possible to Bloomsbury. "I expect now that he has the money, Calvert will want to marry Laura at once," thought Fane, leaning back in the cab. "I'm sure Julia ought to be satisfied with such a match. But she is an impossible woman to deal with. I wish I hadn't married her. I shall never be my own master now." It was lucky that things were as they were, for Fane was the last man in the world to take the initiative. He always required to be governed and guided, scolded and petted. The slack character of the man could be seen from his mouth, which was constantly half-open. A pleasant, handsome, kindhearted man was Fane, but his very good qualities added to his weakness. His languid good-nature was always getting him into trouble, and he was kindly not so much from a genuine feeling of the sort as from a desire not to be troubled. It is much easier to be yielding in this world than to hold one's own. But those who thus give way, always have constant troubles. The only way in this best of possible worlds to keep peace, is to be prepared for war. Human beings invariably take advantage of one another, and a kind heart is looked upon as a sign of weakness. On arriving at the Bloomsbury lodgings, Fane saw Arnold looking out of the window, evidently on the watch for his arrival. After dismissing the cab Fane went up stairs, and on entering Calvert's sitting-room was greeted by its occupant with signs of restraint. Behind Arnold stood Tracey, whom Fane recognised from having seen him at the inquest. The American was also grave, and Fane wondered what was to be the subject of conversation. It could not be Arnold's engagement to Laura, or both the men would not look so serious as they did. "I am glad to see you, Fane," said Calvert, pushing forward a chair. "Sit down. I hope you don't mind Mr. Tracey being present? You met him at the inquest, I believe?"