somebody. Besides,
Tochatti, in her way, is implacable. She never forgives what she really
considers an injury."

These words, fitting in so curiously with their conversation a little
earlier, caused the men to glance surreptitiously at one another; but
Chloe, whose eyes were as sharp as her wits, intercepted the look.

"Sir Richard, why do you and Dr. Anstice look at one another?" She put
the question directly, with her usual frankness; and Sir Richard met
candour with candour.

"I will tell you in a moment, Chloe. First of all, I will admit that our
visit here to-night was made with a purpose. We came here to ask you one
or two questions which I feel sure you will answer as fully as
possible."

"Certainly I will." Her manner had lost its animation and once more she
wore the marble mask which as a rule hid the real woman from the world's
gaze. "But won't you sit down? And if a cigarette will help you in your
cross-examination----"

She sat down herself as she spoke, and Sir Richard followed her example;
but Anstice remained standing on one side of the fireplace; and after a
glance at his face Chloe did not repeat her invitation.

Rather to Sir Richard's surprise Chloe did not wait for him to begin
questioning her; but put a question to him on her own account.

"Sir Richard, has your visit anything to do with certain letters
received lately by several people in Littlefield?"

Both the men, genuinely taken aback, stared at her in silence; and with
a faint smile she proceeded quietly.

"Well, _I_ have heard of those letters, anyway. In fact"--she paused
dramatically before making her _coup_--"I've received one myself!"

"You have?" Anstice's voice was full of dismay.

"Yes. And I gather, from a short conversation I had with Mr. Carey last
evening, that there have been several more of the things flying about
this week."

"Well"--Sir Richard looked rather helplessly at Anstice--"in that case
there is no need to make a mystery of it. Yes, Chloe, we did call here
to-night to talk over those abominable letters, and to see if you can
possibly help us to follow up a rather extraordinary clue."

"A clue!" Chloe's eyes suddenly blazed.

"Yes. That is to say--possible clue." Sir Richard hedged a little. "But
Anstice can tell you the story better than I can."

"Will you, please, tell me, Dr. Anstice?" She turned to him, grave again
now; and he complied at once, giving her a full account of his visit to
Clive, and