"Oh, as to that, I am certain it is so. A woman like Rose Gernon, drawing a good salary, would not mix herself up in such a dangerous business merely for money. There is a stronger motive, and that is love. I'll lay anything," continued Merrick, in sporting phrase--"I'll lay anything that she is madly in love with the fellow." "Well, and Olivia, thinking Felix is Francis, loves him madly also. If these two women come together, there will be trouble for Felix." "Eureka!" cried the doctor, jumping up excitedly, "the very thing. When thieves fall out--you know the adage. Let us bring the two women together, and see the upshot." "There will simply be a row," said I; "what is the use of that?" "This," retorted Merrick sharply: "that when Rose finds she has been betrayed she will reveal all the mystery out of revenge and assure Olivia that Felix is not Francis." "That's not a bad idea, Merrick! Also it might occur that Olivia reveals something in her turn." "Impossible! She can't possibly know the man's villainy, else she would not think of marrying him." "I suppose not, and yet," I added reflectively, "I wouldn't be surprised if she were cognizant of Felix's movements on the 10th and 11th. She certainly stuck up for him in the most amazing manner at the first interview." "Of course she did, because she believes he is Francis. Depend upon it, Denham, she knows nothing, and if we bring her and Rose together there will be a revolution and a revelation." "It's worth trying at all events. But how can it be managed?" "By working on the natural jealousy of the sex. Tell Olivia that Felix receives a woman in his rooms every evening." "Oh, hang it, Merrick," said I, reddening, "it wouldn't be delicate even to a married woman, let alone a girl." "Of course I don't mean you to put it to her in that barefaced manner," said Merrick hastily, "but handle the matter delicately. Wrap it up in sugar. I leave it to your own judgment. In any case you must rouse the jealousy of Miss Olivia Bellin, and induce her to come with you to the chambers of Felix when he is interviewing Rose." "She wouldn't come without her mother." "Then bring her mother along with you. This is a serious matter, and it doesn't do to be squeamish." "Then do it yourself," said I angrily. "I!" said he, taken aback. "No! I don't know Miss Bellin. You are the proper person. Besides, it's better that she should know the truth, even at the cost of a shock to her delicacy, than be tied to a brute like Felix, as she certainly will be." "Not if Rose can help it." "She can't help it if she doesn't know. And the only way to spoil the game of Felix is to bring the two women face to face. Their mutual jealousy will do the rest, and instead of going to the altar Felix Briarfield will find himself bound for the scaffold." "True enough! Well, I'll try, Merrick, but it's a job I don't like."