r some moments at the carpet, then raised her grey
eyes and looked earnestly at the speaker. She had learned in the brief
time that had elapsed since this black sorrow had come upon him to
understand what it was in the character of Monte Irvin which had
attracted Rita. It afforded an illustration of that obscure law
governing the magnetism which subsists between diverse natures. For not
all the agony of mind which he suffered could hide or mar the cleanness
and honesty of purpose which were Monte Irvin's outstanding qualities.

"No," Margaret replied, "honestly, I don't. And I feel rather guilty
about it, too, because I have been urging uncle to take such a step
for quite a long time. You see"--she glanced at Irvin wistfully--"I am
brought in contact with so many victims of the drug habit. I believe the
police are hampered; and these people who deal in drugs manage in some
way to evade the law. The Home office agent will report to a committee
appointed by Lord Wrexborough, and then, you see, if it is found
necessary to do so, there will be special legislation."

Monte Irvin sighed wearily, and his glance strayed in the direction of
the telephone on the side-table. He seemed to be constantly listening
for something which he expected but dreaded to hear. Whenever the toy
spaniel which lay curled up on the rug before the fire moved or looked
towards the door, Irvin started and his expression changed.

"This suspense," he said jerkily, "this suspense is so hard to bear."

"Oh, Mr. Irvin, your courage is wonderful," replied Margaret earnestly.
"But he"--she hastily corrected herself--"everybody is convinced that
Rita is safe. Under some strange misapprehension regarding this awful
tragedy she has run away into hiding. Probably she has been induced to
do so by those interested in preventing her from giving evidence."

Monte Irvin's eyes lighted up strangely. "Is that the opinion of the
Home office agent?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Inspector Kerry shares it," declared Irvin. "Please God they are
right."

"It is the only possible explanation," said Margaret. "Any hour now we
may expect news of her."

"You don't think," pursued Monte Irvin, "that anybody--anybody--suspects
Rita of being concerned in the death of Sir Lucien?"

He fixed a gaze of pathetic inquiry upon her face.

"Of course not!" she cried. "How ridiculous it would be."

"Yes," he murmured, "it would be ridiculous."

Margaret stood up.

"I am quite relie