p, and the damp air from the river pervaded the
whole place. The sudden draught made the lamp smoke, and he moved it
hastily. As he did so a dark figure came between him and the light, and
seized him almost roughly by the arm.

"So it is you, Herrick, at last!" in a hoarse voice that was scarcely
recognisable. "Now tell me, please, what have you done with Leah?"

The grip on Malcolm's arm was so painful that he winced. "Let me shut
that window first, there's a good fellow," he returned coolly, "or we
shall be blown into the street;" and as Cedric sullenly let him go, he
fastened it and drew down the blind and turned up the lamp.

Cedric watched him savagely.

Verity might well have suspected that something was seriously amiss.
Cedric's face was pale and his whole aspect disordered, and the
strained, fierce look in his blue eyes almost dismayed Malcolm. There
was something aggressive too in his manner that affected him
unpleasantly.

"Well, are you going to speak?" in a defiant voice, "or do you wish to
drive me crazy? What have you done with the girl who is to be my wife
to-morrow?"

"Why do you imagine that I have done anything with her?" returned
Malcolm steadily, for he wanted to find out what Cedric really knew. "I
have just come from the Wood House. Your sisters are in great trouble
about this."

"You have not taken her there," retorted Cedric, with a sneer, "and I
am not in a mood to discuss my sisters. Herrick, I call this an
infernal shame! What right have you to come between a man and his
affianced wife? I will not bear it--you shall make me
amends!"--stammering with passion. "Saul says you are at the bottom of
this."

"Mr. Jacobi will have to prove it then," returned Malcolm quietly.

"Prove it! Do you think we have not sufficient proof?" exclaimed Cedric
angrily. "I suppose you do not deny that you were at Gresham Gardens
this morning."

"I was there certainly; Miss Jacobi sent for me. I had seen her in
Kensington Gardens the previous day."

"I know all about that," interrupted Cedric rudely. "Saul told me you
were bent on making mischief between me and Leah. You left the house
with her this morning. One of the servants saw you go. You were
carrying a Gladstone bag and a travelling wrap, evidently a lady's."

Malcolm bit his lip. They had been seen then.

"Before we go on with this cross-examination, will you allow me to
explain matters," he observed. "It is no use your taking this tone with