or Benoit and--Doctor Heath."

"And who are these young men--I suppose they _are_ young men? Can you
give me any information concerning them?"

"The young man with Doctor Benoit is a stranger to me, he comes, I
believe, from one of the neighboring towns; the one with Doctor Heath,"
here, in spite of herself, Constance colored slightly, "is the son of
one of our wealthiest citizens. He had, I believe, been reading a little
in the city during the winter before Doctor Heath established himself
here; since when he has remained in W----, and read in Doctor Heath's
office, when it has suited him to do so; he is like many young men of
great expectations."

"And his name?"

"His name," hesitating a little, "is Francis Lamotte."

"Thank you; and now, Miss Wardour, I want to ask at least three favors
of you, in return for which you may command me to any extent."

"Ask them," replied Constance, feeling inwardly that she was outgrowing
surprise.

"First, will you promise me--I know that you keep your promises--not to
repeat one word of this conversation to Doctor Heath."

"Doctor Heath is not my father confessor," she said coldly; and then
remembering the sort of man she was addressing, she added as best she
could. "Although from what you saw last night, you might almost have
fancied him such. I promise in any case to keep secret this interview."

"Will you promise, above all, to keep it from Mr. Belknap; to keep
_everything_ concerning me from his knowledge?"

Constance laughed.

"So far as I can," she replied. "Mr. Belknap is a detective; let him
find out things as you seem to do."

"I don't find out everything, more's the pity," he replied; then
hesitating slightly over the question. "May I rely on your aunt?"

"I promise for my aunt," replied Constance, laughing again; "she is very
loyal."

"Thank you. Now there is one thing more I very much wish, for reasons
which no doubt you will know in good time, to see or hear the report of
Mr. Jerry Belknap, private detective. This I know, is asking much, but
you will have no cause to regret it if you enable me to obtain this
knowledge."

Constance looked perplexed, and hesitated in her answer.

"You distrust Mr. Belknap," she said finally. "I thought--"

He throws up his hand somewhat impatiently.

"You jump at conclusions," he interrupted; "a detective's motives must
be taken for granted. It is not distrust that causes me to ask this
favor; I could not tell you m