nd by that you have put aside all suspicions; and that
is an encouragement."

The slow voice said; "I would do anything in my power, your Grace,
which was not against my conscience, to help on that cause of which you
have spoken; but I must confess--"

My Lord Grey said, sharply: "There, there! we understand, and are very
glad of it. The thing can be arranged without any treason at all, or any
injury to a soul. It is merely a demonstration--no more, upon my
honour."

The drawling voice said: "No more will be needed. His Grace and we two
went round everywhere. They are not like soldiers at all; they are
remiss in everything."

The Duke said: "You see, my Lord, it is exactly as I said. God knows we
would not injure a soul. I well know your Lordship's high principles."

The slow voice said: "Well, your Grace, so long as that is understood--I
shall be very happy to hear what the design may be."

Mr. Sheppard said: "One instant, my Lord--" Then he dropped his voice;
and I saw what he was at. I slipped back as quick as I could; drew out
the sliver of wood from beneath the other door, and sat down. Then I
heard his footstep outside.

When he came in, I was in the chair; but I rose.

"I beg pardon for keeping you, sir," he said: "there is just that trifle
of business, and no more. I am come to keep you company."

Well; I resigned myself to it with a good air; and we sat and talked
there of indifferent matters, or very nearly, for at least half an hour
longer. It was highly provoking to me, but it could not be helped--that
I should sit there with an affair of real importance proceeding in the
next room, and I placed so favourably for the hearing of it. However I
had gained something, though at present I did not know how much.

Suddenly Mr. Sheppard stood up; and I heard a door open and voices in
the entrance hall.

"You will excuse me, sir, an instant," he said. "I must see these
gentlemen out."

I bowed to him as I stood up and put myself in such a position that I
could get a good look into the hall as he went out; and fortune favoured
me, for there in the light of the pair of candles outside I caught a
plain sight of the plump and rather solemn face of my Lord Russell. It
was only for an instant; but that was enough; and at the same time I
heard the drawling voice of someone out of sight, bidding good-night to
others within the parlour. Then Mr. Sheppard shut the door behind him,
and I sat down again.

Well; I