"Suicide, then?" suggested Dan once more, and again Curberry looked at him unpleasantly, as if not relishing the idea. "So far as I saw he had no intention of committing suicide," he said in a cold manner, "however, the evidence at the inquest will settle the matter." "I expect he didn't look where he was going and fell in," said Lillian suddenly. "Mr. Penn was always absent-minded you know." "I frequently found him so," remarked Curberry grimly. "He made a great mess of his work occasionally. I am inclined to agree with you, Miss Moon." "Well," said Dan, after a pause, "let us settle that Penn fell in by accident until we hear the verdict of the jury. When does the inquest take place?" "In another hour," responded the host, glancing at his watch. "I was just impressing upon Miss Moon the necessity of returning home when you arrived. I have to be present, of course, so as to state what I know of Penn." "You will give him a good character?" asked Halliday pointedly. Curberry stared in a supercilious way. "The best of characters," he said. "I had no fault to find with him save that he was absent-minded, a quality which no doubt accounts for his death, poor chap." "Well, well, it's all very sad," said Mrs. Bolstreath in a matter of fact way, "but all our talking will not bring the poor man back. Lillian, child, we must go home, now that your curiosity is satisfied. But first I shall ask Lord Curberry to give me some of those hot-house flowers I see yonder," and she nodded toward a conservatory, which could be entered from the drawing-room by means of a French window. "Oh, I shall be charmed," said Curberry with alacrity, "and perhaps Miss Moon will come also to choose the flowers." "I can wait here," replied Lillian carelessly. "I have every confidence in Mrs. Bolstreath's choice." Curberry scowled at Dan, for he understood well enough that Lillian wished to remain with his rival. However, he could make no further objection without appearing rude, so he moved reluctantly toward the conservatory beside the chaperon. Yet Dan saw plainly that he was determined not to lose sight of the two, for he plucked the flowers which were directly in front of the French window, and thus could gain a view of the young couple every now and then, when facing round to speak with Mrs. Bolstreath. Lillian noticed this espionage, also, and whispered to Dan, who had sauntered across the room close to her elbow. "He won't let us out of his sight," said Lillian rapidly, "and I can't get to the library, although I have been trying all the time." "Why do you wish to get to the library?" asked Dan in a low voice. Lillian rose suddenly and dropped a piece of paper. "Put your foot on it and pick it up when he is not looking," she said swiftly; "hush, he's coming back," and then she raised her voice as Curberry returned to the room. "Of course Mr. Penn was always nervous. I really think his health was bad."