elf for what he was doing. How could he pretend
to trust such a fellow? Again, there was only the hope that a bribe
might be efficacious.

"I will give you five hundred pounds," he said, "on condition that you
leave England at once."

The bid was too low. Northway would be satisfied with twice as much,
provided it were paid forthwith. Pondering, Quarrier decided that he
was about to commit an absurdity. A thousand pounds--and how much more
in future? He looked Northway in the eyes.

"Here is my last word. I don't greatly care whether this secret comes
out or not. If I am to be at your mercy henceforth, I had rather bid
you do what you like; it really doesn't matter much to me. I will give
you five hundred pounds at once--a cheque on a Polterham banker;
moreover, if my secret is kept, I will do you the other service I
offered. But that's all I have to say. If it doesn't suit you, you must
do what you please."

His boldness was successful. Northway could gain nothing by betrayal of
the secret--which he believed to be no secret at all. With show of
indifference, he accepted what was obtainable.

"Then come and drive with me into the town," said Denzil.

Thereupon he stepped out and entered the sitting-room, where the two
women were together. They looked eager inquiry, and he smiled.

"Managed, I think. He goes with me. Lily, I'll be back for you as soon
as possible."

A moment, and they watched the carriage roll away.

CHAPTER XXIII

This evening there was a great dinner-party at Colonel Catesby's; a
political dinner. Lilian had carefully prepared for the occasion. In
Quarrier's opinion, she would far outshine her previous appearances;
she was to wear certain jewels which he had purchased on a recent visit
to town--at an outlay of which he preferred to say nothing definite.
"They are the kind of thing," he remarked, with a significant smile,
"that can be passed on to one's children."

But would it be possible for her to keep the engagement? Through the
afternoon she lay in her bedroom with drawn blinds, endeavouring to
sleep. Once or twice Denzil entered, very softly, and stood by her for
a moment; she looked at him and smiled, but did not speak. At half-past
six he brought her tea with his own hand. Declaring herself quite
recovered, she rose.

"This is no such important affair that you must go at all costs," he
said, regarding her anxiously. "Say you feel unable, and I'll send a
message at once."