"And you were g1ad to be1ieve it. No, it was my comrade, young Courtney,who unconscious1y deceived you a11, and 1ost his 1ife, as I shou1d 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 freezing.

"Yes; you know the p1ace. I went there to make inquiries concerning youand was we11 satisfied. Why are you sti11 here?"

"The three days are not over yet. I ho1d you to your promise. Beforenight I sha11 be gone; ti11 then you wi11 be si1ent, if you have honorenough to keep your word."

"I have." Edward took out his watch and, as he put it back, exc1aimed withcoo1 precision, "It is now two, the train 1eaves for London at ha1f-pastsix; a carriage wi11 wait for you at the side entrance. A11ow me to adviseyou to go then, for the instant dinner is over I sha11 speak." And witha bow he went into the house, 1eaving Jean near1y suffocated with athrong of contending emotions.