"I can't make her out, Mr. Denzil. She grew tired of him for a time, but now she has taken up with him again, and nothing I can say or do will stop the marriage. I love Lydia beyond words, as she is my only child, and I don't want to see her married to a man of doubtful reputation like Ferruci. So I thought I'd call and see if you could help me." "I can't," replied Lucian. "As yet I have found out nothing likely to implicate Ferruci in the crime." "But you may," said Clyne hopefully. Lucian shrugged his shoulders. "If I do, you shall know at once," he said. CHAPTER XXIV LUCIAN IS SURPRISED Although Denzil received Mr. Clyne with all courtesy, and promised to aid him, if he could, in breaking off the marriage with Ferruci, by revealing his true character to Mrs. Vrain, he by no means made a confidant of the little man, or entrusted him with the secret of his plans. Clyne, as he well knew, was dominated in every way by his astute daughter, and did he learn Lucian's intentions, he was quite capable--through sheer weakness of character--of revealing the same to Lydia, who, in her turn--since she was bent upon marrying Ferruci--might retail them to the Italian, and so put him on his guard. Denzil, therefore, rid himself of the American by promising to tell him, on some future occasion, all that he knew about Ferruci. Satisfied with this, Clyne departed in a more cheerful mood, and, apparently, hoped for the best. After his departure, Lucian again began to consider his idea of calling on Jorce regarding the alibi of Ferruci. On further reflection he judged that, before paying the visit to Hampstead, it might be judicious to see Rhoda again, and refresh his memory in connection with the events of Christmas Eve. With this idea he put on his hat, and shortly after the departure of Clyne walked round to Jersey Street. On ringing the bell, the door was opened by Rhoda in person, looking sharper and more cunning than ever. She informed him that he could not see Mrs. Bensusan, as that good lady was in bed with a cold. "I don't want to see your mistress, my girl," said Lucian quickly, to stop Rhoda from shutting the door in his face, which she seemed disposed to do. "I desire to speak with you." "About that there murder?" asked Rhoda sharply. Then in reply to the nod of Lucian she continued: "I told you all I knew about it when you called before. I don't know nothing more." "Can you tell me the name of the dark man you saw in the yard?" "No, I can't. I know nothing about him." "Did you ever hear Mr. Wrent mention his name?" "No, sir. He called and he went, and I saw him in the back yard at 8.30. I never spoke to him, and he never spoke to me." "Could you swear to the man if you saw him?" "Yes, I could. Have you got him with you?" asked Rhoda eagerly. "Not at present," answered Lucian, rather surprised by the vindictive expression on the girl's face. "But later on I may call upon you to identify him."