," Engleton answered, "nor am I
such an utter fool as to be so easily deceived. The fact that you, as
my partner, played like an idiot, made rotten declarations, and revoked
when one rubber was nearly won, I pass over. That may or may not have
been your miserable idea of the game. Apart from that, however, I
regret to have discovered that you, Forrest, and you, madam," he added,
addressing the Princess, "have made use throughout the last seven
rubbers of a code with your fingers, both for the declarations and for
the leads. My suspicions were aroused, I must confess, by accident. It
was remarkably easy, however, to verify them. Look here!"

Engleton touched his forehead.

"Hearts!" he said.

He touched his lip.

"Diamonds!" he added.

He passed his fingers across his eyebrows.

"Clubs!" he remarked.

He beat with his fourth finger softly upon the table.

"Spades!"

Major Forrest rose to his feet.

"Lord Ronald," he said, "I am exceedingly sorry that owing to my
introduction you have become a guest in this house. As for your
ridiculous accusation, I deny it."

"And I," the Princess murmured.

"Naturally," Engleton answered smoothly. "I really do not see what else
you could do. I regret very much to have been the unfortunate means of
breaking up such a pleasant little house-party. I am going to my room
now to change my clothes, and I will trespass upon your hospitality,
Mr. De la Borne, only so far as to beg you to let me have a cart, or
something of the sort, to drive me into Wells, as soon as your people
come on the scene."

Engleton rose to his feet, and with a stiff little bow, walked toward
the door. He, too, seemed somehow during the last few minutes to have
shown signs of a greater virility than was at any time manifest in his
boyish, somewhat unintelligent, face. He carried himself with a new
dignity, and he spoke with the decision of an older man. For a moment
they watched him go. Then Forrest, obeying a lightning-like glance from
the Princess, crossed the room swiftly and stood with his back to the
door.

"Engleton," he said, "this is absurd. We can afford to ignore your mad
behaviour and your discourtesy, but before you leave this room we must
come to an understanding."

Lord Ronald stood with his hands behind his back.

"I had imagined," he said, "that an understanding was exactly what we
had come to. My words were plain enough, were they not? I am leaving
this house because I have found