rs, sir--but of course I can't be quite
positive."

"And what else?"

"Mr. Winton said something, whereupon all of them glanced at the door
and then at the window. One of the foreigners came to the window, but
did not notice that there was a slight crack through which I could
see. Then he turned the key in the door. After he had returned to his
chair, the man who had arrived with Mr. Winton took from his pocket
something that shone. My heart beat quickly. It was a diamond
necklet--the object I had seen in his hand earlier. He passed it round
for the admiration of the others, who each took it and closely
examined it beneath the light--all but the young lady. She was
standing aside, near the fireplace, watching. Now and then she placed
her hand to her forehead, as though her brain were weary."

"And after that?"

"After the necklet had been passed round the elder of the two
foreigners wrapped it carefully in his handkerchief and placed it in
his pocket. Then Mr. Lewis gave them a long address, emphasizing his
words with his hand, and they listened to him without uttering a word.
Suddenly Mr. Winton sprang up and wrung his hand, afterwards making
what appeared to be some highly complimentary remarks, for Mr. Lewis
smiled and bowed to the assembly, who afterwards rose. Then the young
lady rushed up to Mr. Lewis and implored him to do something, but he
refused. She stood before him, pale-faced and determined. Her eyes
seemed starting from her head. She seemed like one horrified. But he
placed his hand tenderly upon her shoulder, and uttered some quick low
words which instantly calmed her. Very shortly after that the party
broke up, and the door was re-opened. The two foreigners hurriedly
swallowed a liqueur-glass of brandy each, and then, passing into the
yard, wished their companions adieu and drove away in their car--in
the direction of London."

"Carrying with them the diamond necklet which the other man had
brought there?"

"Yes, sir."

"And what became of the young lady?" I inquired very anxiously.

"She first had a long and private conversation with the gentleman
named Winton--the bald-headed man."

This, it will be remembered, was the person whose description tallied
exactly with that of her father.

"They went outside together," said the boots, "out into the yard, and
there conversed alone in half-whispers. Afterwards they rejoined the
others. Mr. Lewis seemed very annoyed with her; nevertheless, after