f this?" she asked.

"Positive!" replied Sir Francis, flicking the light ash off his
cigarette delicately with his little finger. "When you wrote me that
note about the Vere, I confess I had my suspicions. Since then they've
been confirmed. I know for a fact that Errington has had several private
interviews with Vi, and has also written her a good many letters. Some
of the fellows in the green-room tease her about her new conquest, and
she grins and admits it. Oh, the whole thing's plain enough! Only last
week, when he went up to town to see his man Neville on business he
called on Vi at her own apartments in Arundel Street, Strand. She told
me so herself--we're rather intimate, you know,--though of course she
refused to mention the object of his visit. Honor among thieves!" and he
smiled half mockingly.

Lady Winsleigh seemed absorbed, and walked on like one in a dream. Just
then, a bend in the avenue brought them in full view of the broad
terrace in front of the Manor, where Thelma's graceful figure, in a
close-fitting robe of white silk crepe, was outlined clearly against the
dazzling blue of the sky. Several people were grouped near her,--she
seemed to be in animated conversation with some of them, and her face
was radiant with smiles. Lady Winsleigh looked at her,--then said
suddenly in a low voice--

"It will break her heart!"

Sir Francis assumed an air of polite surprise. "Pardon! Whose heart?"

She pointed slightly to the white figure on the terrace.

"Hers! Surely you must know that?"

He smiled. "Well--isn't that precisely what you desire Clara? Though,
for my part, I don't believe in the brittleness of hearts--they seem to
me to be made of exceptionally tough material. However, if the fair
Thelma's heart cracks ever so widely, I think I can undertake to mend
it!"

Clara shrugged her shoulders. "You!" she exclaimed contemptuously.

He stroked his moustache with feline care and nicety.

"Yes--I! If not, I've studied women all my life for nothing!"

She broke into a low peal of mocking laughter--turned, and was about to
leave him, when he detained her by a slight touch on her arm.

"Stop a bit!" he said in an impressive _sotto-voce_. "A bargain's a
bargain all the world over. If I undertake to keep you cognizant of
Bruce-Errington's little goings-on in London,--information which, I dare
say, you can turn to good account,--you must do something for me. I ask
very little. Speak of me to Lady Erringt