tion, and that the sooner Mr. Cuthbertson--if such a person
existed--could be brought on to the scene the better for every one
concerned. He asked himself whether he ought to summon Mrs. Clover. His
glance towards the door must have betrayed his thought, for the sick
man spoke as though in reply to it.

"We will say nothing to her yet, if you please. I--I begin to feel a
little better. Our long confidential talk has done me good. By the by,
Greenacre--I beg your pardon, Gammon--you quite understand that it is
all in the strictest confidence. I trust you implicitly as my dear
wife's friend; it is all in her interests, as you see. I think now, if
you would kindly get a cab--yes, I feel quite equal to it now--we will
go to Lowndes Mansions."

The voice was thin, husky, senile; but his tone had more of
rationality, and he appeared to have made up his mind to a course of
action. Gammon presently went downstairs and told Mrs. Clover that her
husband wished to go into town on business. She made no objection, but
asked whether Gammon would take the responsibility of looking after
him. This he promised. Whether the man would return hither or not was
left uncertain.

"If he goes to his own house," said Gammon, "I'll see him safe there
and let you know. He lives in the West End. Now don't upset yourself;
if he doesn't come back you shall know where he is, and if you want to
you shall go and see him. I promise you that. I know all about him, and
so shall you; so just keep yourself quiet. He'll have to go to bed and
stay there; anyone can see that. If you take my advice you'll let us go
out quietly and not speak to him. Just trust to me, Mrs. Clover."

"Do you think he's right in his mind?" she asked.

"Well, he's very shaky, and ought to be kept quiet. What has he told
you?"

"Nothing at all; he sat crying for an hour last night, and talked about
the old times. When I asked questions he put me off. And when I went
into his room this morning he said nothing except that he wanted to see
you, and that he must have some brandy for his cold."

"All right; let us leave the house quietly, and I'll see you again
to-day or to-morrow. Oh, I say, has a man called Greenacre been here at
any time?"

"I don't know anyone of that name," answered Mrs. Clover as she turned
distressfully away.

A cab was summoned, and Gammon, having helped the sick man to clothe
himself warmly in overcoat and muffler, led him from the house. They
drove s