ency, crime found a resting place.

Then he found himself suspecting Mr Girtle, and on the face of the
evidence Capel laid before himself, the case looked very black. He knew
everything; he held the keys--he, the old friend and companion, had been
left merely a signet ring.

"Impossible!" cried Capel, half aloud; "I might as well suspect Artis,
or Miss Lawrence, or Katrine herself."

"May I come in," said a voice that sent a thrill through the thinker,
and Katrine D'Enghien stood in the doorway.

"Come in? Yes," cried Capel, advancing to meet her with open hands, and
moved by an impulse that he could not withstand.

"Is anything the matter," she said simply.

"Yes--no--yes, a great deal is the matter," cried Capel. "There, I must
speak to you."

"Mr Capel!" she said, half in alarm.

"Forgive me if I seem impetuous," he cried, "but I am greatly troubled
in mind, and I feel as if I would give anything for the sympathy of one
who would listen to my troubles, and help me with her counsel."

"Surely you have all our sympathy, Mr Capel," said Katrine, innocently.

"Yes, I hope so," he cried earnestly, "but I want more than that,
Katrine. You must know that I love you."

"Mr Capel!"

"Pray do not be angry with me."

"Is this a time or season to make such a declaration to me, Mr Capel?"
said Katrine, softly.

"For some things--no, for other things--yes. I am in such sore need of
help and counsel, such as could be given me by the woman who returned my
love. No, no; don't leave me. Hear me out. As soon as I heard that
will read, it filled my heart with joy, for it told me that I was rich,
and that these were riches which I could share with you. Then, when the
discovery was made that the treasure had been stolen, it was not the
wealth that I regretted, but I despaired because it seemed that you were
farther from me. But listen to me. I am trying hard to discover how
this large fortune has been swept away."

Katrine's eyes glittered.

"Help me in my endeavours, and tell me this--some day if I make the
discovery, and am once more in a position to ask you to be my wife--you
will listen to me?"

She raised her beautiful eyes to his, and he caught her hand.

It was withdrawn, and she said softly:

"I am sorry you should think me so sordid."

"Then you love me," he cried.

"I made no such confession. The man to whom I give my hand will not be
chosen for the sake of his money."

"Then I may hope?"