said plainly enough, "What shall I tell
him? How much does he know?"

"I wish to have no secrets from Mr. Heron," said Dino, simply. "He is
the gentleman who is going to marry Miss Elizabeth Murray, and, of
course, he is interested in the matter."

"Ah, of course, of course. I don't know that you ought to have brought
him here," said Mr. Brett, shaking his head waggishly at Dino. "Against
rules, you know: against custom: against precedent. But I believe you
want to arrange matters pleasantly amongst yourselves. Well, Mr. Heron,
I don't often like to commit myself to a statement, but, under the
circumstances, I have no hesitation in saying that I believe this
gentleman now before you, who called himself Vasari in Italy, is in
reality----"

"Well?" said Percival, feeling his heart sink within him and speaking
more impatiently than usual in consequence, "Well, Mr. Brett?"

"Is in reality," said Mr. Brett, with great deliberation and emphasis,
"the second son of Edward and Margaret Luttrell, stolen from them in
infancy--Brian Luttrell."

CHAPTER XXIX.

DINO'S PROPOSITION.

Dino turned away. He would not see the discomfiture plainly depicted
upon Percival's face. Mr. Brett smiled pleasantly, and rubbed his hands.

"I see that it's a shock to you, Mr. Heron," he said. "Well, we can
understand that. It's natural. Of course you thought Miss Murray a rich
woman, as we all did, and it is a little disappointing----"

"Your remarks are offensive, sir, most offensive," said Percival, whose
ire was thoroughly roused by this address. "I will bid you and your
client good-evening. I have no more to say."

He made for the door, but Dino interposed.

"It is my turn now, I think, Mr. Heron. You insisted upon my coming
here: I must insist now upon your seeing the documents I have to show
you, and hearing what I have to say." And with a sharp click he turned
the key in the lock, and stood with his back against the door.

"Tut, tut, tut!" said Mr. Brett; "there is no need to lock the door, no
need of violence, Mr. Luttrell." In spite of himself, Percival started
when he heard that name applied to the young monk before him. "Let the
matter be settled amicably, by all means. You come from the young lady;
you have authority to act for her, have you, Mr. Heron?"

"No," said Percival, sullenly. "She knows nothing about it."

"This is an informal interview," said Dino. "Mr. Heron refused to
believe that you had undertaken m