the village, Agatha did not mention his nocturnal
visit to any one, and Alick was the only one who knew of it besides
themselves. Elfie and Clare were both rather disappointed that the
mystery of the cupboard seemed to be such a common-place affair, but
they noticed that it had brought a great deal of anxious thought to
Alick Lester. His face was almost careworn at times, and he seemed now
to spend most of his time in London, occasionally coming to have a
further rummage in the cupboard.

'It is crammed full of old letters and papers,' he said once to Agatha;
'and if you will let me look through them on the spot, it will be such
a help to me.'

One day he brought in Roger Lester, and introduced him; and after that
the two young fellows often dropped in to afternoon tea, assuring
Agatha that they never felt so much at home anywhere else. They both
had a fund of high spirits, and though Alick at times looked absorbed
and pre-occupied in anxious thought, he knew how to throw it aside and
be as light-hearted as his cousin.

They were sitting one afternoon on the verandah outside the
drawing-room, when Roger turned to Agatha and remarked,--

'You would not imagine it, Miss Dane, but we two have grown up with
such perfect _cameraderie_ that until quite lately, I believe, we have
never concealed a single thing from each other. And now if you hear of
us drifting apart, and our liking turning to hate, you will know the
cause--it is the renowned old carved cupboard.'

Alick had been talking and laughing with Elfie, but he stopped
instantly as if he had been shot when he heard this speech, and there
was an awkward silence for a minute.

Roger added with a laugh, 'It is some skeleton he has unearthed; but
why he should refuse to let me share in the secret I can't imagine!'

'I don't think we need make it a matter of public talk,' said Alick
hotly.

His cousin looked at him in astonishment, then changed the subject with
a shrug of his shoulders and a laugh.

When they were gone Clare said thoughtfully, 'There is a mystery after
all, and not a very pleasant one, apparently. I feel sorry for Mr.
Alick.'

'Which do you like the best of the cousins?' asked Elfie carelessly.

Clare's face looked sad as she replied, 'Oh, I don't know. I don't
think any young man is worth a thought. They amuse one by their fun,
but I would just as soon not have them come here so often. Miss Miller
will be attacking us soon on the sub