eek Mr. Caryll upon the instant that she might ask him and allay
her fears. But what right had she? Upon what grounds could she set a
question upon so secret a matter? She conceived him raising his brows in
that supercilious way of his, and looking her over from head to toe as
though seeking a clue to the nature of this quaint thing that asked him
questions. She pictured his smile and the jest with which he would set
aside her inquiry. She imagined, indeed, just what she believed
would happen did she ask him; which was precisely what would not have
happened. Imagining thus, she held her peace, and nursed her secret
dread. And on the following day, his weakness so far overcome as to
leave him no excuse to linger at Stretton House, Mr. Caryll took his
departure and returned to his lodging in Old Palace Yard.

One more treasonable interview had he with Lord Ostermore in the library
ere he departed. His lordship it was who reopened again the question,
to repeat much of what he had said in the arbor on the previous day,
and Mr. Caryll replied with much the same arguments in favor of
procrastination that he had already employed.

"Wait, at least," he begged, "until I have been abroad a day or two, and
felt for myself how the wind Is setting."

"'Tis a prodigiously dangerous document," he declared. "I scarce see the
need for so much detail."

"How can it set but one way?"

"'Tis a question I shall be in better case to answer when I have had
an opportunity of judging. Meanwhile, be assured I shall not sail for
France without advising you. Time enough then to give me your letter
should you still be of the same mind."

"Be it so," said the earl. "When all is said, the letter will be safer
here, meantime, than in your pocket." And he tapped the secretaire. "But
see what I have writ his majesty, and tell me should I alter aught."

He took out a drawer on the right--took it out bodily--then introduced
his hand into the opening, running it along the inner side of the desk
until, no doubt, he touched a spring; for suddenly a small trap was
opened. From this cavity he fished out two documents--one the flimsy
tissue on which King James' later was penned; the other on heavier
material Lord Ostermore's reply. He spread the latter before him, and
handed it to Mr. Caryll, who ran an eye over it.

It was indited with stupid, characteristic incaution; concealment was
never once resorted to; everywhere expressions of the frankest wer