After dinner I therefore went to call on Felix. His rooms were in Jermyn Street, and, as mine were just round the corner in Duke Street, I had not far to go. My visit was paid on the chance of finding him in, as I did not wish to put him on his guard by notifying my wish for an interview. As the twins, in spite of constant disagreement, occupied the same rooms, I could not but wonder at the nerve of Felix in coming back to the apartments where every familiar object would remind him of his fratricidal act. It was just eight o'clock when I reached the door of the chambers. At the foot of the stairs I found the caretaker ensconced in a glass box like an insect. To him I addressed myself. He was an old friend of mine, and rather an oddity in his way. "Is Mr. Briarfield within?" "Mr. Francis Briarfield is in his rooms," said the caretaker; "but Mr. Felix is in Paris." Of course I guessed that this would be the answer, and secretly admired the dexterity with which Felix had carried out his plans. Doubtless in the end when his brother did not return, or rather when his pretended self did not reappear, he would account for it by an accident in the Eastern deserts. However, my business was with Felix, alias Francis, so I made no comment on the caretaker's remark. "Pray take up my card to Mr. Briarfield," I said. "I want to see him at once." "I can't take it up now, sir," said the caretaker civilly. "Mr. Briarfield is engaged, and gave particular orders that he was not to be disturbed." "Ah! but doubtless he is engaged with a friend of mine," I hinted ambiguously. "Is the lady a friend of yours, sir?" A lady! My thoughts at once reverted to Rose Strent; but, then, the chances were that it might be Olivia. "Yes, Miss Bellin?" "That's the young lady, sir, to whom Mr. Briarfield is engaged?" asked the caretaker, who was a confirmed gossip. "Yes!" "It is not her, sir. I know her well by sight, as she has been here with Mrs. Bellin. It's another lady." My surmise was right, and I felt confident that while I stood there Felix was having an interview with his accomplice. I could not disturb them, yet wished to assure myself of the identity of Rose Strent. When I found out all about her, there might be a possibility of solving the mystery. "Well, no matter," I answered carelessly, stuffing the card back into my case. "I'll see Mr. Briarfield another time." "Will you leave your name, sir?" "No, it doesn't matter. I'll call about nine on the chance of finding him in." Having thus baffled the inquiries of the caretaker, I strolled into the street, and, taking up my station at the corner, kept my eyes on the door. If Rose Strent was with Felix, she must certainly come out in a short time. Then I intended to follow her up and speak to her if I got a chance. Failing Briarfield, I might possibly extort a confession from the weaker vessel.