Rhoda smiled back at him, with a trembling lip. She would have given the world to avoid the interview which the baronet was determined to force upon her. There was a gravity in his look quite different from the calm serenity of his everyday expression; she knew that an ugly thought concerning his wife and Jack Rotherfield had been obtruded upon his mind for the first time. Was it better that he should know the danger? Perhaps so. But in any case it was a terrible thing for the girl that she had unconsciously helped to bring it home to his mind. The boy’s innocent words might perhaps have passed unheeded, but for the point she herself had all unconsciously and unwillingly given them by her startled look. And then, following that moment of revelation, there had come the speech about the picture, and again she thought that her face might perhaps have revealed some guilty knowledge concerning it. They went slowly downstairs, Rhoda first, Sir Robert following in silence. It was not until they reached the hall that Sir Robert, taking a hat from the hall table, turned to her and said: “Shall we take a turn round the garden? I want to speak to you.” There was no help for it. She bowed her head, and they passed out quickly by the garden-door, for she understood that his intention was to avoid Lady Sarah and possible interruptions, to which they might have been liable if they had gone straight to the study. He led the way quickly to the water, crossed the rustic bridge, and so reached a beautiful grass path which could not be seen from the house. Here he slackened his steps, and then he said in a very gentle tone: “Please don’t look so frightened, my dear Miss Pembury. I am not going to ask any awkward questions, believe me. I may say at once that I know you are shielding some one who was concerned in the disappearance of my picture, but I am not going to press you for any details which you may not feel inclined to give me. But I have had a rude shock within the last half-hour, following on an anxious time in connection with the disappearance of first the snuff-boxes and then the ‘Lady Hamilton.’ And I am obliged to come to you for--for advice, and--for guidance.” “I’m afraid I’m too stupid to be able to advise any one,” said Rhoda timidly. He made a gesture of denial. “No, no. I quite understand the difficulty you are in, and I hope I shall not have to say anything to pain you. It is very hard on such a young woman as you are to find herself in such a position as that you are in. But you will help me if you can, I’m sure.” “Of course I would help you in any way I could. You won’t press me to betray any secrets, I’m sure.” He looked at her quickly. “Tell me,” he said quite sharply, “whether, as far as you can see, I am neglecting any part of my duty to--to any member of my--my family.”