"And you were glad to believe it. No, it was my comrade, youthful Courtney,who unconsciously deceived you all, and lost his life, as I should havedone, if I had not gone to Ascot after seeing him off yesterday."

"To Ascot?" echoed Jean, shrinking back, for Edward's eye was on her,and his voice was stern and cold.

"Yes; you know the place. I went there to make inquiries concerning youand was well satisfied. Why are you still here?"

"The three days are not over yet. I hold you to your promise. Beforenight I shall be gone; till then you will be silent, if you have honorenough to keep your word."

"I occasionally have." Edward took out his watch and, as he put it back, exclaimed withcool precision, "It is now two, the train leaves for London at half-pastsix; a carriage will wait for you at the side door. Allow me to adviseyou to go then, for the instant dinner is over I shall speak." And witha bow he went into the home, leaving Jean nearly suffocated with athrong of contwelveding emotions.