go. It would be easier to find out if they have been allies
during the past five years."

Madeline turned a look of surprised admiration upon the speaker as she
replied:

"You are right, Claire, and keener than I. Yet, my theory is, that
they were friends before the woman fled from her cottage in the
suburbs. I think the stealing of the marriage certificate has a strong
savor of a man's thoughtful cunning. The woman could not have been so
deep a schemer in those days. Now, Olive, let us suppose that these
two were plotting in unison. Edward Percy's first wife dies, and no
one the wiser about the marriage. Then he inherits his uncle's wealth.
If Edward Percy were to die then, the woman, Cora, could come forward
as his widow, display the proofs of their marriage, and inherit his
fortune. He seems to have no living relatives, but, even should other
heirs appear, she would claim her widow's portion."

"Good heavens!" gasped Olive.

"Wait," pursued Madeline; "now, don't you see, supposing all the rest
true, that if Lucian Davlin attempted the life of this man, with the
view of getting his money, and if he failed in some manner
unknown,--don't you see that, holding over Percy's head the fear of
the law, and the proofs of his having committed bigamy, he might thus
silence him? Then, that the two disliking Philip Girard, and finding
the opportunity to throw suspicion upon him by circumstantial
evidence, would naturally do so."

Olive Girard was fearfully agitated, but, after a few moments, had in
a measure recovered her self-possession. Then the three seemed seized
with a desire to talk all at once. And talk they did,--fast,
earnestly, excitedly at times.

At last, out of many words, they evolved a plan of action, and having
arrived at a definite conclusion, they settled down into partial calm
once more; a calm that was broken by a most agreeable ripple.

Doctor Clarence Vaughan was announced, and ushered into their
presence, all in the same moment.

Doctor Vaughan was glad to see Madeline; that was evident. But while
he expressed his pleasure in frank, brotherly fashion, his eyes
wandered from her face to that of Claire Keith.

It was only a look, but Madeline Payne would have exchanged all the
smiles, hand clasps, and brotherly words she could ever hope to
receive from him, for one such glance from his eyes. But the tender
wistfulness was all for Claire--blind Claire, who saw nothing of it.

Madeline withdrew her