-what more?"

"She came into this money; my proposal no longer tempted her. She then
refused me, even though I told her that the past--her past--would be
forgotten, that I would never refer to it."

"What past?" Hugh shouted.

"Hers and yours," Slotman said boldly. "A supposed marriage that never
took place, her sudden disappearance from her school in June, nineteen
hundred and eighteen, when that marriage was supposed to have been
celebrated--but never was. Her story of leaving England for
Australia--an obvious lie, Mr. Alston. All those things I knew. All
those things I can prove--against her--and against you--and--and--"
Slotman's voice quivered. He leaped to his feet and uttered a shout for
help.

The blood-red mist was before Hugh's eyes, and out of that mist appeared
a vision of a face, an unpleasant face, with starting eyes and gaping
mouth.

This he saw, and then his vision cleared, and with a shudder he released
his hold on the man's throat, and Philip Slotman subsided limply into
his chair.

CHAPTER XXVII

THE WATCHER

Helen Everard's pleasant face was beaming. Her smile expressed complete
contentment and satisfaction, for everything was going as everything
should go. Johnny was an accepted lover, Joan's future would be
protected; she herself would be left free to make her long journey to
the dear ones at the other side of the world. All was well!

Joan had been to London yesterday, had rushed off with scarcely a word,
and had returned at night, tired and seemingly dispirited.

Joan, quiet and calm, smiled at Helen and kissed her good morning, but
spoke hardly at all.

"You had a tiring day in Town yesterday, dear?"

"Very!"

"Shopping?"

"No!"

Helen asked no more questions. She thought of Hugh Alston. Could it be
anything to do with him? She could never quite understand the position
of Hugh Alston. Of course the talk about a marriage having taken place
years ago between Hugh Alston and Joan was absurd, was ridiculous. Joan
was proving the absurdity of it even now by accepting Johnny.

"Connie is coming over this afternoon to see you, Joan," she said. "She
sent me a note over yesterday by a boy. Johnny has told her of course,
and Connie is delighted beyond words. She sends you her dear love."

"Thank you!" Joan said calmly.

"Of course," Helen hesitated, "the marriage need not be long delayed.
You see--" She paused, and then went into explanations about Jessie and
the childre