gainsaid that such a rivalry exists. I have reason to know that the
late Mr. Farrington had certain views concerning his niece and ward, and
I flatter myself that those views were immensely favourable to me."

"What do you mean?" asked Frank, harshly.

The Count shrugged again.

"I had a little conversation with Mr. Farrington in the course of which
he informed me that he would like nothing better than to see the future
of Doris assured in my hands."

Frank went white.

"That is a lie," he said, hoarsely. "The views of Mr. Farrington were as
well known to me as they are to you--better, if that is your
interpretation of them."

"And they were?" asked the Count, curiously.

"I decline to discuss the matter with you," said Frank. "I want only to
tell you this. If by chance I discover that you are working against me
by your lies or your cunning, I will make you very sorry that you ever
came into my life."

"Allow me to show you the door," said Count Poltavo. "People of my race
and of my family are not usually threatened with impunity."

"Your race I pretty well know," said Frank, coolly; "your family is a
little more obscure. If it is necessary for me to go any farther into
the matter, and if I am so curious that I am anxious for information, I
shall know where to apply."

"And where will that be?" asked the Count softly, his hand upon the
door.

"To the Governor of Alexandrovski Prison," said Frank.

The Count closed the door behind his visitor, and stood for some moments
in thought.

It was a depressed little party which assembled an hour later in the
drawing-room of the Brakely Square house. To the Count's annoyance,
Frank was one of these, and he had contrived to secure a place near the
sad-faced girl and engage her in conversation. The Count did not deem it
advisable at this particular moment to make any attempt to separate
them: he was content to wait.

T. B. Smith was there.

He had secured an invitation by the simple process of informing those
responsible for the arrangements that if that courtesy was not offered
to him he would come in another capacity than that of a friend.

The senior partner of Messrs. Debenham & Tree, the great city lawyers,
was also present, seated at a table with his clerk, on which paper and
ink was placed, and where too, under the watchful eyes of his assistant,
was a bulky envelope heavily sealed.

There were many people present to whom the reading of this will wou