"Is she cheerful?" asked Lucy languidly. "I fear not, doctor. She was engaged to my cousin, and his death has made her sad." "Probably, but she bears up wonderfully. But that she is in mourning one would hardly guess she had sustained such a loss. Was she very much attached to Mr. Gore?" "Yes. I never saw a more attached couple. Did you ever meet him?" "Once at Miss Plantagenet's. You know I am great friends with the old lady. I often visit her, not professionally, for she is as healthy as a trout in a pond." "Is Alice--Miss Malleson also well?" "In very good health, and appears resigned to her loss." "I should have thought she would have felt it more," said Lucy, perplexed. "Alice has such a tender heart." Dr. Payne was doubtful. So far as he saw, Miss Malleson was remarkably cheerful under her sorrow. "She is philosophic, Miss Randolph, and that is wise. I think, however, if you would have her over to see you, it would do both her and yourself good." "I shall write a note to her to-day," said Lucy. "I am very fond of her, and we get on very well together. Poor Alice. I wish Bernard had lived, so that he could have married her." "From what I read in the papers it is just as well Mr. Gore did not live," said Payne, rising to take his leave. "If he was guilty--" "Ah!" said Lucy, raising herself with animation from the sofa upon which she was lying. "If he was guilty. There it is, doctor. I do not believe he was. Bernard had a high temper, but he could not always control it, and was a kind-hearted boy. He is innocent I am sure." "How are you sure, my dear Lucy?" asked a third voice, and she looked up to see Julius standing in the doorway. He came forward. "Forgive me if I heard a few words of your conversation. But I have just come in. Dr. Payne, I hope I see you well." "Quite well," said the doctor, who did not like Beryl, thinking him, in schoolboy phrase, "a sneak." "I am just going, Mr. Beryl." "Are you ill, Lucy?" asked Beryl, with affection. "I have an attack of nerves," she replied pettishly. "Poor Bernard's death has shaken me." "It is just as well he did die, though." "I have been saying that," said Payne; "but I must take my leave. I will come and see you again, Miss Randolph, and remember what I told you. Rest and cheerful company--Miss Malleson's for choice." He departed smiling, and they heard him gallop off. When the sound of the horse's hoofs died away, Julius, who was looking out of the window, turned abruptly to Lucy. "Why do you think Bernard is innocent?" he asked. "Because, if he is guilty, his action gives the lie to his whole life, Julius," she replied, raising herself on her elbow. "I can't believe he killed my uncle." "Sir Simon is not your uncle," said Beryl, jealously. "You are only a distant relative." "Perhaps my marriage with you may make me a nearer one." "If we ever do marry," said Julius, gloomily.