his fire with coal at sixpence a scuttle, and me not knowing
whether he's coming back to-night.'"

"Well, you might see at any rate that the fire was properly laid," the
architect said, as the lighting process gave evident indications of
failing for the third time.

"I do my best," she said in a larmoyant tone, "but I can't do
everything, what with having to cook, and clean, and run up and down
stairs with notes, and answer the bell every other minute to lords."

"Has Lord Blandamer been here?" asked Westray.

"Yes, he came yesterday and twice to-day to see you," she said, "and
then he left a note. There 'tis"--and she pointed to the end of the
mantelpiece.

Westray looked round, and saw an envelope edged in black. He knew the
strong, bold hand of the superscription well enough, and in his present
mood it sent something like a thrill of horror through him.

"You needn't wait," he said quickly to the servant; "it isn't your fault
at all about the fire. I'm sure it's going to burn now."

The girl rose quickly to her feet, gave an astonished glance at the
grate, which was once more enveloped in impotent blackness, and left the
room.

An hour later, when the light outside was failing, Westray sat in the
cold and darkening room. On the table lay open before him Lord
Blandamer's letter:

"Dear Mr Westray,

"I called to see you yesterday, but was unfortunate in finding you
absent from home, and so write these lines. There used to hang in
your sitting-room at Bellevue Lodge an old picture of flowers which
has some interest for my wife. Her affection for it is based on early
associations, and not, of course, on any merits of the painting
itself. I thought that it belonged to Miss Joliffe, but I find on
inquiry from her that she sold it to you some little time ago, and
that it is with you now. I do not suppose that you can attach any
great value to it, and, indeed, I suspect that you bought it of Miss
Joliffe as an act of charity. If this is so, I should be obliged if
you would let me know if you are disposed to part with it again, as my
wife would like to have it here.

"I am sorry to hear of fresh movement in the tower. It would be a
bitter thought to me, if the peal that welcomed us back were found to
have caused damage to the structure, but I am sure you will know that
no expense should be spared to make all really secure as soon as
possible.

"Very faithfully yo