tte came downstairs. Louis, who was now
greatly disturbed about her, went up to his sister and took her hand.

'Aux grands maux les grands remedes,' he said, gravely. 'I have a plan.'

'I have a dozen!' said she.

'You have?'

'Yes. But what are they worth? And yet there must--there _must_ be a
way!'

'Viviette,' said Louis, 'promise that you will wait till I come home to-
night, before you do anything.'

Her distracted eyes showed slight comprehension of his request as she
said 'Yes.'

An hour after that time Louis entered the train at Warborne, and was
speedily crossing a country of ragged woodland, which, though intruded on
by the plough at places, remained largely intact from prehistoric times,
and still abounded with yews of gigantic growth and oaks tufted with
mistletoe. It was the route to Melchester.

On setting foot in that city he took the cathedral spire as his guide,
the place being strange to him; and went on till he reached the archway
dividing Melchester sacred from Melchester secular. Thence he threaded
his course into the precincts of the damp and venerable Close, level as a
bowling-green, and beloved of rooks, who from their elm perches on high
threatened any unwary gazer with the mishap of Tobit. At the corner of
this reposeful spot stood the episcopal palace.

Louis entered the gates, rang the bell, and looked around. Here the
trees and rooks seemed older, if possible, than those in the Close behind
him. Everything was dignified, and he felt himself like Punchinello in
the king's chambers. Verily in the present case Glanville was not a man
to stick at trifles any more than his illustrious prototype; and on the
servant bringing a message that his lordship would see him at once, Louis
marched boldly in.

Through an old dark corridor, roofed with old dark beams, the servant led
the way to the heavily-moulded door of the Bishop's room. Dr. Helmsdale
was there, and welcomed Louis with considerable stateliness. But his
condescension was tempered with a curious anxiety, and even with
nervousness.

He asked in pointed tones after the health of Lady Constantine; if Louis
had brought an answer to the letter he had addressed to her a day or two
earlier; and if the contents of the letter, or of the previous one, were
known to him.

'I have brought no answer from her,' said Louis. 'But the contents of
your letter have been made known to me.'

Since entering the building Louis had mor