Meanwhile, the subject of his complaisant musings was in her own room, with the door locked, and was walking backwards and forwards in an agony of passion such as would have surprised him, if he could have seen it. She rubbed her right hand violently with her pocket handkerchief, and gave vent to short inarticulate cries of fury. “I thought I could bear it,” she panted, hoarsely, “I believed I could endure anything for Harley’s sake, and to bring this perjured thief and murderer to justice. I have overrated my strength, for the contamination of his touch has nearly driven me mad. And yet I acted so well that I really believe that he imagines me to have fallen hopelessly in love with him! I am sure he also thinks me infatuated and pliant enough to be a willing tool in his hands. Upon my word, it doesn’t take much manœuvring to throw dust in the eyes of a vain man.” Miss Stratton muttered a good deal more to the same purpose, and then, having calmed down a little, began to wash her hands, for she was not satisfied with merely rubbing off Mr. Staines’ touch. Then, having made sure that her toilet and disguise were all perfect, she ascertained from Mrs. Dollman the time at which she would be expected in to lunch, and, carrying a portfolio with her, went out, ostensibly to sketch. Her real purpose, however, was to hunt about until she found a shop in which she could buy or order a few local sketches, as nearly in the same style as some English sketches that she had brought with her as possible. She was fortunate enough to secure just what she wanted, and at a price, too, which made her wonder how the artist could possibly make a living at that sort of work. Returning to the house, she found that it was near lunch time, and that Mr. Staines, contrary to his usual custom, intended to grace the board with his presence. But he was very cautious in his behaviour, and Mrs. Dollman’s sharp eyes could not detect more admiration on his part for the beautiful stranger than was consistent with the fact that she was a previously unknown new arrival. On her side Miss Stratton was a pattern of discreetness, and bestowed nearly all her attention upon the pretty little mistress of the house.