true enough," put in Mortimer Shelton. "Adrien is so set on the
man, that even with these proofs we shall hardly convince him of his
treachery other than from Vermont's own mouth."

"Yes," said Lord Barminster with a sigh. "I think you are right. But how
is this to be managed?"

"I have brought with me the girl, Jessica, to whom I referred just now,
and her aunt, Miss Ada Lester," said Mr. Harker. "Both of them will be
able to assist us, and I would suggest to your lordship that they be
sent for, and brought into the Castle quietly. We should then be able to
confront Vermont."

"Certainly," agreed Lord Barminster; and, crossing the room, he rang for
his own confidential man.

"Simpson," he said, when the servant appeared, "I want you to drive
down, yourself, to the station."

"The Windleham Hotel, your lordship," interrupted Mr. Harker
respectfully. "I think, too, if your lordship would have no objection, a
short note from me would be advisable."

"Certainly," agreed Lord Barminster. He directed Harker to a small desk,
then turned once more to the waiting servant. "Bring the ladies back
with you. Take them into the Octagon Room, and ask them to wait there."
Then, as Mr. Harker came forward with the note, he added, "Give this to
a Miss Lester."

"Yes, my lord," said Simpson, and taking the letter with a deep bow, he
departed on his mission.

CHAPTER XXV

Lord Barminster conducted Mr. Harker to the Octagon Room, so named from
its peculiar shape.

"If you will wait here," he said courteously, "I will have some
refreshment sent up to you and the ladies, when they arrive."

"Thank you, my lord," returned Mr. Harker gratefully.

Seating himself, he waited patiently for the arrival of Miss Lester and
Jessica, secretly congratulating himself on the success of his
interview. The time passed quickly; and, while waiting, Lord Barminster
and Mortimer Shelton held a hurried consultation with him as to the best
method of exposing Vermont. Long before they had finished, Miss Lester
and her niece had arrived, the former flushed with excitement and
triumph at the prospect of at last, as she expressed it, "getting her
own back" with Jasper.

Lord Barminster and Shelton descended to the terrace, where they found
Lady Constance; and almost immediately after came Adrien, with his
inevitable companion, Jasper Vermont.

Lord Barminster had already arranged for his three visitors to be i