oudly but very sternly. Hardly knowing
what to do, she was about to return to the terrace to ascertain what was
happening, when fortunately her uncle approached with Mortimer Shelton.
She went quickly to meet them, and told them her fears.

Much surprised, both Lord Barminster and Mr. Shelton accompanied her;
and they found the voices were issuing from one of the small anterooms
adjoining the terrace. Within this room, which was far removed from
where the dancing was going on, they discovered Adrien Leroy, unmasked
and very pale, staring at a blue paper which had evidently been given to
him by the man standing at his side--an inspector of police.

"What is the matter, Adrien?" asked his father, and seeing that Jasper
Vermont was also present, he turned his eyes to him inquiringly. But
Jasper seemed wishful to avoid his glance, and only shook his head.

Adrien handed back the blue paper, still without speaking, then turned,
as if to address his father, who was looking sternly from one troubled
face to the other, while behind him stood Lady Constance and Mortimer
Shelton. But before any one could utter a word, the inspector came
forward, and addressing Lord Barminster, said quietly:

"Sorry, my lord, to have to do this at such a time but I am here in the
performance of my duty. I should be glad if we could go to a more
private room, where I could explain to your lordship without your guests
being informed of the matter."

Lord Barminster was about to sharply retort when Shelton, who seemed to
realise the seriousness of the affair, touched him lightly on the arm.

"I think, sir," he said earnestly, "it would be as well to hear what
this man has to say quietly, as he suggests."

Lord Barminster controlled his feelings, recognising the good sense of
the suggestion, and turning coldly to the inspector, said:

"Perhaps it would be best, Inspector. Kindly come this way."

At the end of a small passage outside the anteroom, the door opened into
a smaller room, which at one time had been used as a study, and was
noted for its impenetrability as to sound. Here they entered; and Lord
Barminster, asking all to be seated, bade the inspector proceed with
such explanations as he had to offer.

"My lord," he said respectfully, "the explanation is a very simple one,
and in deference to your lordship, to make it as private as possible, I
have left my men outside the Castle. I, unfortunately, hold a warrant
for the arrest of Mr.