stled
off to Coire started the investigation. Thus far, a trusted clerk
could only ascertain that the newspaper had undoubtedly commissioned
the girl on the lines indicated. Still, the point demanded attention.
He resolved to telegraph further instructions in the morning, with
Spencer's name added as a clew, though, to be sure, he was not done
with Millicent yet. He would reckon with her also on the morrow.
Perhaps, if he annoyed her sufficiently, she might explain that
cryptic taunt.

Could he have seen a letter that was brought to Spencer's room before
dinner, the telegram would not have been written. Mackenzie, rather
incoherent with indignation, sent a hurried scrawl.

"DEAR MR. SPENCER," it ran,--"A devil of a thing has
happened. To-day," the date being three days old, "I went
out to lunch, leaving a thick headed subeditor in charge. I
had not been gone ten minutes when a stage fairy, all frills
and flounces, whisked into the office and asked for Miss
Wynton's address. My assistant succumbed instantly. He was
nearly asphyxiated with joy at being permitted to entertain,
not unawares, that angel of musical comedy, Miss Millicent
Jaques. His maundering excuse is that you yourself seemed to
acknowledge Miss Jaques's right to be acquainted with her
friend's whereabouts. I have good reason to believe that the
frail youth not only spoke of Maloja, but supplied such
details as were known to him of your kindness in the matter.
I have cursed him extensively; but that can make no amends.
At any rate, I feel that you should be told, and it only
remains for me to express my lasting regret that the
incident should have occurred."

This letter, joined to certain lurid statements made by Stampa, had
induced Spencer to accept Mrs. de la Vere's invitation. Little as he
cared to dine in Bower's company, it was due to Helen that he should
not refuse. He was entangled neck and heels in a net of his own
contriving. For very shame's sake, he could not wriggle out, leaving
Helen in the toils.

Surely there never was a day more crammed with contrarieties. He
witnessed his adversary's rebuff, and put it down to its rightful
cause. No sooner had he discovered Mrs. de la Vere's apparent motive
in keeping the girl by her side, than he was buttonholed by the Rev.
Philip Hare.

"You know I am not an ardent admirer of Bower," said the cleric; "but
I must