"How will you set to work to get that certificate?" George wrinkled his brows. "There is only one way, sir. I must find out who killed Mrs. Jersey. If you can help me----" "I can't. I know no more who murdered the woman than you do." "Yet you were in the house on that night." Derrington grew wrathful. "Don't talk rubbish, sir. If I was, I should not mind admitting the fact. As it is----" He broke off, gnawing his lip and avoiding Brendon's eyes. That the old man knew something vital to the case Brendon was certain; that he would never confess what it was George felt perfectly sure. He abandoned the point, as he did not wish to make Lord Derrington incriminate himself, and he might do so. Brendon was satisfied that he had seen him in the house on the night when Mrs. Jersey was murdered. "There is no more to be said," he remarked, taking up his hat. "No. Except that I'll give you a fair chance of finding the church. Bawdsey shall watch you no more." "Thank you. And Mrs. Ward?" "She shall be made to hold her tongue." George bowed. "I am obliged to you, sir. I now see that you intend to fight fairly. Good-day," and he departed. Derrington stood where he was, in deep thought. Suddenly he struck a mighty blow on the desk. "By Heaven, he's a man after my own heart!" said the old scamp. "He shall be my heir, he shall marry that girl; but to exercise his wits he shall fight every inch of the way to attain his ambition." CHAPTER XIII A WOMAN SCORNED Dorothy was by no means of a jealous disposition. Moreover, her love for George was so deep and pure that she trusted him entirely. Nevertheless, having learned from the few words dropped by Vane, that Brendon knew Lola, she felt desirous of seeing the woman. That Lola was her rival she never for one moment believed, as she knew Vane's malicious nature and evil tongue. But the fact remained that Brendon's name was coupled with that of the dancer, and this incipient scandal annoyed Miss Ward. There was no need for her to ask George why such a report should prevail, for she knew that he would be able to explain in a satisfactory manner, and, trusting him already, it was useless to demand details. Her feelings would remain the same after the telling of his story as they were now, therefore she avoided the disagreeable subject. Nevertheless, she was woman enough to desire a sight of Lola, and induced her mother to take her to the music-hall. Mrs. Ward was very pleased to do so, but she was too clever to hint that she guessed Dorothy's reason for making this request. "Certainly, my dear," she said briskly. "I am very glad that you are coming out of your shell. Men hate a woman who can't talk of everything, and nothing is talked about but Lola." "I must educate myself to please men, then," said Dorothy, dryly, "so I may as well begin with the dancer. On what night can we go?" "Oh, Friday will do. Mr. Vane has invited us to dine at the Cecil, so I'll ask him to get us a box."