heart was
aching, he could not help admiring the man who stood beside him with all
the grace of health and high birth in his bearing; and he sighed
involuntarily as he drew a contrast between himself and "my lord the
earl."

"All the same," Drake went on, "the countess would rather have lost her
diamonds than you should be hurt."

"Her ladyship is very kind," said Falconer. His eyes, unnaturally
bright, were fixed on Drake's face, his voice was low but steady. "I am
glad I was of some little use in saving them. The man has been committed
for trial, I hear?"

Drake nodded indifferently.

"Yes," he said. "I wish he had dropped the jewel cases and got off. It
would have saved a lot of bother. But don't be afraid that you will be
wanted as a witness," he added quickly. "I and one or two of the men who
were present when he was captured will be sufficient. There will be no
need to worry you--or Miss Lorton."

Falconer nodded.

"I hope you will be able to get out soon," said Drake. "I told Miss
Lorton that I would send a carriage for you--something bulky and
comfortable. Perhaps you'll let me drive you?"

Falconer nodded again, and Drake began to feel vaguely uncomfortable
under his fixed gaze and taciturnity; and being uncomfortable, he
blundered on to the subject that tortured him.

"But Miss Lorton can drive you well enough; she is a perfect whip.
And--and now I am mentioning her, I will take the opportunity of
congratulating you upon your engagement, Falconer."

Falconer's lips twitched, but his eyes did not leave Drake's face, which
had suddenly become stern and grim.

"You knew Miss Lorton before she came here, Lord Angleford?" said
Falconer.

Drake colored, and set his lips tightly.

"Yes," he said, trying to speak casually. "We met----"

He stopped, overwhelmed by a thousand memories. His eyes fell, but
Falconer's did not waver.

"Then it is as an old friend of hers that you congratulate me, Lord
Angleford?" he said.

"Yes, an old friend," said Drake, his throat dry and hot. "I wish you
every happiness, my dear fellow; and I think you----"

Falconer raised himself on his elbow.

"You are laboring under a mistake, Lord Angleford," he said, very
quietly. "You think that Miss Lorton--is betrothed to me?"

Drake nodded. His face had grown pale; there was an eager light in his
eyes. Falconer dropped back with a sigh.

"You are wrong," he said. "Who told you?"

Drake was silent a moment. The bloo