ery, unless one of the new servants was an
accomplice.

_Nothing_ was broken open. In the morning every door and window was
as usual. Of course the servants are under suspicion; but they seem
stupid, ordinary people, according to James.

As for Mrs. Ellsworth, he says she is making a fuss over the wretched
bits of jewellery she lost, things of no importance. She, too, slept
through the affair, and knew what had happened only when she waked to
see a safe she has in the wall of her bedroom wide open.

It seems that in place of her jewel box and some money she kept there
was an _insulting_ note, announcing that for the first time something
belonging to her would be used for a good purpose. To James this is the
one bright spot in the darkness.

When Annesley had read this long letter with its many italics, she passed
it to Knight who, in exchange, handed her a London newspaper with a page
folded so as to give prominence to a certain column. It was an account of
the burglary at Mrs. Ellsworth's house, which he had been reading.

* * * * *

Generous with money as "Nelson Smith" was, he was not a man who would
allow himself to be "done," and in some ways the Annesley-Setons were
disappointed in the bargain they arrived at with him. He appeared
delighted with the chance of getting their London house, and of having
them come to stay, in order to introduce his wife and himself to the
brightest, most "particular" stars in the galaxy of their friends.

Yet, when it came to making definite terms he seemed to take it for
granted that, as the Annesley-Setons would be living in the house as
guests, they would not only be willing, but anxious, to accept a low
price.

This had not been their intention. On the contrary, they had meant
their visit and social offices to be a great, extra favour, which
ought to raise rather than lower the rent. In some mysterious way,
however, without appearing to bargain or haggle, Nelson Smith, the young
millionaire from America, made his bride's relatives understand that he
was prepared to pay so much, and no more. That they could take him on his
own terms--or let him go.

Terrified, therefore, lest he and his money should slip out of their
hands, they snapped at his carelessly made offer without venturing an
objection. And they realized at the same time in a way equally
mysterious, and to their own surprise, that not they but Mr. and Mrs.