He hurried away, and Paul stood looking after him, wondering how the discovery of a dyed feather could affect the case. Had some blood-thirsty person come down from London especially to murder Milly, and had the rainbow feather been left as the sign manual of the work, after the fashion of a secret society? Paul smiled at the fantasy of the idea. Milly did not know anyone in London--or rather had not known, since the poor girl must now be spoken of in the past tense--and the fame of her beauty could not have spread beyond the environs of Barnstead and Marborough. The tragedy of her death had given her a fame much wider. After some meditation Paul found himself unable to explain Herne's conversation; and for the time being he put the matter of the squire's departure to London out of his mind. His attention was further distracted by the approach of Miss Clyde, her companion, and Iris. This trio paused before him, and Iris began to talk. "Paul," she said, lifting her veil, "Miss Clyde is exceedingly kind. She intends to offer herself as bail for my step-father." "With Mr. Mexton, of course!" said Miss Clyde in her hearty voice. "We can go to Marborough tomorrow, and after the due formalities, have Dr. Lester released. Then he can come back here." "Alone?" said Mexton, thinking of Lester's weakness. "Ah," cried Mrs. Drass, penetrating his thoughts, "that is just what I say! If Dr. Lester comes back, he will take to the brandy-bottle again." "I don't think so," said Iris, shaking her head. "Miss Clyde's lesson has been very severe." "Oh! so you know that Dr. Lester is innocent, Iris?" "Of course she does," interposed Miss Clyde cheerfully. "I told her about it before the funeral." "Well," said Mrs. Drass with a doubtful look, "I only hope that the lesson will do the doctor good; but you mark my words, he'll drink again when alone in his own house." "He won't be alone," said Iris quietly. "I shall come back with him." "And leave my mother, Iris?" said Paul. "Yes. Mrs. Mexton thinks I should be with my stepfather; and I think so also. He Has lost poor Milly, and I must do my best to comfort him." "I saw you talking to Mr. Herne," said Mrs. Drass to Paul. "What has he to say to this death, Mr. Mexton?" "He is very much concerned, Mrs. Drass, and wishes to hunt down the assassin." "Lucas Lov----" began Iris quickly, and then stopped, as she recollected how Miss Clyde loved the suspected man. "Oh! go on," said Miss Clyde, with all calmness. "I know Mr. Lovel is innocent, so I don't mind how much you and Mr. Herne suspect him." "I beg your pardon," said Paul, "but Mr. Herne does not suspect Lovel now." "Why not?" asked Iris, astonished. Paul shook his head. "I can't tell you," he said, "but Mr. Herne asked me to do nothing further in the matter touching Mr. Lovel." "What have you done?"' asked Miss Clyde sharply. "I have found out that he was with Milly twenty minutes before the murder."