f such
work practically depended Grail's future. To Gilbert Grail he had
solemn duties to perform. Henceforth the scope of his efforts would be
lessened; instead of exerting himself for a vague populace, it would
really be for Grail alone that he worked. Grail he must and would aid
to the end. It was a task worthy of a man who was not satisfied with
average aims. He would crush this tyrannous passion in his heart, cost
him what struggle it might, and the reward would be a noble one.

He rose at length with a haggard face. It was long past the hour at
which he usually took his mid-day meal, and he had no appetite for
food. He went to a restaurant, however, and made pretence of eating;
thence into the smoking-room, where he spent the time till five
o'clock, drinking coffee and reading papers. His only object now was to
kill time.

At half-past eight he was in Lambeth. He knew Bunce's address, but had
never before been in Newport Street. It was his habit to discover
places by the aid of a map alone, and, thus guided, he found the house.

Totty Nancarrow happened to be on the stairs when he knocked; she had
just come in. She ran down to the door. Egremont inquired for Bunce,
and was told he was not at home, and would not be till very late.

'Do you know when I could be sure to find him here?'

'Yes,' replied Totty, who was able to guess at Egremont's identity, and
examined him with some interest. 'He'll be here to-morrow after eight.
He's on a job in Hammersmith, working late. But to-morrow's the last
day, and he's sure to be back by eight o'clock.'

'He leaves early in the morning, I suppose?'

'At half-past five.'

'Thank you. I will call to-morrow evening. Gould you let him know that,
from Mr. Egremont? I wish to see him particularly.'

'I'll let him know, sir.'

This was a mishap. It would necessitate another whole day in London.

He called upon Mrs. Ormonde next morning, at the hotel which it was her
wont to use when in town for a day or two. At first she was strongly
opposed to his waiting just on this account.

'I cannot go till I have done this for you,' he said firmly. 'I shall
see Bunce to-night, and go away to-morrow. You must let me have my way
in this.'

And he desired to remain for a weightier reason than the apparent one.
It was this morning, Wednesday, that Thyrza would expect to find him at
the library. She must be disappointed, and he would prove to himself
that he was yet strong enough to