courtesy such as she might have used to anyone, Constance replied that
she felt a little tired, not quite herself. They talked for some
minutes in this way. Lashmar learnt that the Amyses had returned to
London.

"For the present, you stay here?" he said, the interrogative accent
only just perceptible.

"For a day or two. My secretaryship goes on, of course. I have a good
deal of correspondence to see to."

On his way hither, Lashmar had imagined quite a different meeting; he
anticipated an emotional scene, beginning with forced calm on
Constance's side, leading OR to reproaches, explanations, and masculine
triumph. But Constance was strangely self-possessed, and her mind
seemed to be not at all occupied with agitating subjects. Lashmar was
puzzled; he felt it wise to imitate her example, to behave as quietly
and naturally as possible, taking for granted that she viewed the
situation even as he did.

He turned his eyes to the marble bust on its pedestal behind Constance.
The note of scorn in its fixed smile caught his attention.

"So that is to stand in the Hospital," he murmured.

"Yes, I believe so," replied Constance, absently, with a glance towards
the white face.

"What strange stories it will give rise to, in days to come! She will
become a legendary figure. I can hardly believe that I saw and talked
with her only a few days ago. Have you the same feeling at all? Doesn't
she seem to you more like someone you have read of, than a person you
really knew?"

"I understand what you mean," said Constance, smiling thoughtfully.
"It's certain one will never again know anyone like her."

"Are all the provisions of her will practicable?"

"Perfectly, I think. She took great trouble to make them so. By the
bye, from whom did you get your information?"

It was asked in a disinterested voice, the speaker's look resting for a
moment on Lashmar with unembarrassed directness.

"Mrs. Toplady told me about the will."

Dyce paused for a moment, then continued, with an obvious effort
indeed, but in an even voice.

"She came to see me, after the funeral. Mrs. Toplady has a persevering
curiosity; she wanted to know what had happened, and, I have no doubt,
had recourse to me after finding that you were not disposed to talk as
freely as she wished. I was able to enlighten her on one point."

"May I ask what point?"

"She began by telling me that Miss Tomalin was at her house. She had
heard Miss Tomalin's story, wit