d," he said again. "Is there an inn near here where I can
hire one?"

"Oh, yes, sir," replied Lucy. She quickly directed him to the tiny river
hostel not far off, and Adrien disappeared.

Had it not been for that grim presence behind the door, whom, in her
excitement, she had nearly forgotten, Lucy would have wished John to
come home quickly; as it was, she trembled at every fresh sound as she
went upstairs again to her patient.

By means of that most potent magic--gold, Leroy quickly procured a
carriage, old and dusty; but a veritable thing of beauty in such a
strait as this. He meant to get to Hampton, and from there use his own
motor. He hastened back to the little shop, and, summoning Lucy, sent
her up with a message.

"Tell the lady," he said quickly, "I have a carriage waiting, and if she
is strong enough, we can start at once."

The news acted like a tonic; for in a marvellously short time Lady
Merivale, pale but resolute, came downstairs into the little
sitting-room.

She was wrapped up in shawls, and a long cloak covered her from head to
foot. Too upset to speak, she motioned with her hand to Adrien to open
the door; and, laying a ten-pound note on the table, he said a few words
of thanks to Lucy, then led the unhappy countess to the carriage.

No sooner had the horse started than her calmness gave way. She covered
her face with her hands and burst into tears.

"Adrien," she sobbed, "I am ruined."

"No," said Leroy reassuringly, "you are safe, now. This man is promised
ten pounds if he reaches Hampton in half an hour. My motor is waiting
there. I myself will drive you to Waterloo Station; there you can get a
taxi, without attracting any attention, and you will reach home before
ten. Your husband will think you stayed to dine with Lady Rose."

"But you--you!" she wailed, "Will you promise----"

"I," he said, with a laugh of scorn at her doubt of him. "This day of my
life is yours; none will ever hear from me how it was spent, and you
know it."

"You swear?"

"I give you my word," he said simply. "I can give no stronger oath than
that."

Lady Merivale sank back with a sigh of relief.

Alas! Leroy did not pause to reflect that, let happen what might, there
was one day of his life he could not account for--one whole day of which
he had sworn to keep silent.

Faster and faster went the great car, at a pace that would have shocked
chauffeur and policeman alike, but Leroy was reckless; a woman's h