intrusion"--the countess stared at him. "No;
I won't trouble her. But please tell her that everything shall be done
for--him."

The countess accompanied him to the gate.

"You have been to the police?"

He nodded almost indifferently.

"Yes; the man is well known. We were flattered by the attentions of a
celebrated cracksman. I've seen the detective in charge of the case, and
given him all the particulars. He says that the men were assisted by
some one inside the house--one of the servants, he suggests."

The countess looked startled.

"Surely not, Drake! Who could it be?"

He shrugged his shoulders with the same indifference.

"Can't tell. It doesn't matter. I've sent the things to the bank, and
the other people will look after their jewels pretty closely after this.
I wouldn't worry myself, countess."

"But you are worrying, Drake!" she said shrewdly, as she looked at his
haggard face. "About this poor Mr. Falconer, of course!"

He started slightly, but he was too honest to assent.

"Partly; but there is no need for you to follow my example. I'll go on
now."

He got up and drove off, but slowly, and he put the horse to a walk as
he neared the house.

He had not seen Luce that morning, for he had been out, inquiring at the
lodge at six, and had gone straight on to Anglebridge, where he had
breakfasted.

In his heart he had been glad of the excuse for his absence, for the few
hours of reprieve. But he would have to see her now, would have to ask
her to be his wife--while his heart ached with love for Nell!

As he drove up to the door, one of the Angleford carriages came round
from the stables. He glanced at it absently, and entered the hall
slowly, draggingly, and was amazed to find Lord Turfleigh, in overcoat
and hat, standing beside a pile of luggage.

"By George! just in time, Drake!" he exclaimed, his thick voice
quavering with suppressed excitement, his hands shaking as he tugged at
his gloves. "Just had bad news--deuced bad news!"

But though he described the intelligence as bad, there was a note of
satisfaction in his voice.

"I'm sorry. What is it?" asked Drake.

"Buckleigh--Buckleigh and his boy gone down in that infernal yacht of
his!" said Lord Turfleigh hoarsely.

He turned aside as he spoke to take a brandy and soda which the footman
had brought.

The Marquis of Buckleigh was Lord Turfleigh's elder brother, and, if the
news were true, Lord Turfleigh was now the marquis, and a ric