nal
sacrifice." He paused a moment--then resumed. "Now, speak out,
Errington, and plainly,--for if mischief has been done and I can repair
it in any way, you may be sure I will."

Thus persuaded, Sir Philip briefly related the whole story of the
misunderstanding that had arisen concerning Neville's wife, Violet
Vere--and concluded by saying--

"It is, of course, only through Britta that I've just heard about Lady
Winsleigh's having anything to do with it. Her information may not be
correct--I hope it isn't,--but--"

Lord Winsleigh interrupted him. "Come with me," he said composedly.
"We'll resolve this difficulty AT once."

He led the way out of the library across the hall. Errington followed
him in silence. He knocked at the door of his wife's room,--in response
to her "Come in!" they both entered. She was alone, reclining on a sofa,
reading,--she started up with a pettish exclamation at sight of her
husband, but observing who it was that came with him, she stood mute,
the color rushing to her cheeks with surprise and something of fear. Yet
she endeavored to smile, and returned with her usual grace their
somewhat formal salutations.

"Clara," then said Lord Winsleigh gravely, "I have to ask you a question
on behalf of Sir Philip Errington here,--a question to which it is
necessary for you to give the plain answer. Did you or did you not
procure this letter from Violet Vere, of the Brilliant Theatre--and did
you or did you not, give it yourself yesterday into the hands of Lady
Bruce-Errington?" And he laid the letter in question, which Philip had
handed to him, down upon the table before her.

She looked at it--then at him--then from him to Sir Philip, who uttered
no word--and lightly shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know what you are talking about," she said, carelessly.

Sir Philip turned upon her indignantly.

"Lady Winsleigh, you _do_ know--"

She interrupted him with a stately gesture.

"Excuse me, Sir Philip! I am not accustomed to be spoken to in this
extraordinary manner. You forget yourself--my husband, I think, also
forgets himself! I know nothing whatever about Violet Vere--I am not
fond of the society of actresses. Of course, I've heard about your
admiration for her--that is common town-talk,--though my informant on
this point was Sir Francis Lennox."

"Sir Francis Lennox!" cried Philip furiously. "Thank God! there's a man
to deal with! By Heaven, I'll choke him with his own lie!"

Lady Win