ions. But I want her--I want her at once! I've got
important news for her news of the greatest importance--I beg your
pardon, my dear madame, for the violence of my language--though I could
say a great deal more to this husband of yours if I were alone with
him. But it's no use wasting further time. I must find her--I must find
her at once."

John Heron was as red as a turkey-cock and gasping like a cod out of
water.

"This gross and unseemly attack is only excused by your age--"

"Confound my age!" exclaimed Mr. Wordley. "Let me tell you, sir, your
age does not excuse your conduct, which has been that of a heartless
and sanctimonious fool. When I gave that dear child into your care, I
had misgivings, and they are fully justified. Would to God I had never
lost sight of her! The dearest, the sweetest and best--Oh, let me get
out, or I shall say something offensive."

As he made for the door, John Heron cleared his throat and stammered:

"I forgive you, sir. You will regret this exhibition of brutal
violence, and I shall put up a prayer--"

"Don't you dare to put up any prayer for me!" cried Mr. Wordley. "I
should be afraid something would happen to me. I need not ask why she
left your house. It's quite evident enough. I've nothing more to say to
you."

"One moment," said John Heron, with an attempt at dignity; "perhaps you
will be good enough to inform me of the nature of the communication
that you have for my cousin Ida."

Mr. Wordley looked as if he were going to choke.

"No, I will not, sir!" he at last responded. "I will tell you
nothing--excepting that I hope and trust I may never see your
sanctimonious face again. Good-morning! Good-morning, madame!"

He was outside Laburnum Villa with the velocity and force of a
whirlwind, and was half-way on his road to the station before he could
get his breath or regain his self-possession. Being a lawyer, he, of
course, went straight to the police; but he was shrewd enough not to go
to Scotland Yard, but to the police station near the terminus; for it
seemed to him that it would be easier to trace Ida from that spot.

Fortunately for him, he found an inspector in charge who was both
intelligent and zealous. He listened attentively to the detailed
statement and description which the lawyer--calm enough now--furnished
him, and after considering for a minute or two, during which Mr.
Wordley waited in a legal silence, asked:

"Young lady any friends in London, sir?"