ngle visible
trace behind you for us to follow. If we accomplish this object in the
course of the next five days, Mrs. Lecount will take the journey
to Zurich. If we fail, she will be a fixture at Sea View, to a dead
certainty. Don't ask questions! I have got your instructions ready for
you, and I want your closest attention to them. Your marriage with my
niece depends on your not forgetting a word of what I am now going to
tell you.--One question first. Have you followed my advice? Have you
told Mrs. Lecount you are beginning to think yourself mistaken in me?"

"I did worse than that," replied Noel Vanstone penitently. "I committed
an outrage on my own feelings. I disgraced myself by saying that I
doubted Miss Bygrave!"

"Go on disgracing yourself, my dear sir! Doubt us both with all your
might, and I'll help you. One question more. Did I speak loud enough
this afternoon? Did Mrs. Lecount hear me?"

"Yes. Lecount opened her door; Lecount heard you. What made you give me
that message? I see no pictures here. Is this another pious fraud, Mr.
Bygrave?"

"Admirably guessed, Mr. Vanstone! You will see the object of my
imaginary picture-dealing in the very next words which I am now about to
address to you. When you get back to Sea View, this is what you are to
say to Mrs. Lecount. Tell her that my relative's works of Art are two
worthless pictures--copies from the Old Masters, which I have tried
to sell you as originals at an exorbitant price. Say you suspect me of
being little better than a plausible impostor, and pity my unfortunate
niece for being associated with such a rascal as I am. There is your
text to speak from. Say in many words what I have just said in a few.
You can do that, can't you?"

"Of course I can do it," said Noel Vanstone. "But I can tell you one
thing--Lecount won't believe me."

"Wait a little, Mr. Vanstone; I have not done with my instructions yet.
You understand what I have just told you? Very good. We may get on from
to-day to to-morrow. Go out to-morrow with Mrs. Lecount at your
usual time. I will meet you on the Parade, and bow to you. Instead of
returning my bow, look the other way. In plain English, cut me! That is
easy enough to do, isn't it?"

"She won't believe me, Mr. Bygrave--she won't believe me!"

"Wait a little again, Mr. Vanstone. There are more instructions to
come. You have got your directions for to-day, and you have got your
directions for to-morrow. Now for the day after