ind admitting a fact which is so obvious."

"The revelation that could move her to such a step must have been a very
startling one."

"It was strong enough to decide her course," replied the lawyer gravely.

"And you can assure me that she is in good hands?" Gilbert asked
anxiously.

"I have every reason to suppose so. She is with her father."

Mr. Medler announced this fact as if there were nothing extraordinary in
it. Gilbert started to his feet.

"What!" he exclaimed; "she is with Mr. Nowell--the father who neglected
her in her youth, who of course seeks her now only for the sake of her
fortune? And you call that being in good hands, Mr. Medler? For my own
part, I cannot imagine a more dangerous alliance. When did Percival
Nowell come to England?"

"A very short time ago. I have only been aware of his return within the
last two or three weeks. His first step on arriving in this country was
to seek for his daughter."

"Yes; when he knew that she was rich, no doubt."

"I do not think that he was influenced by mercenary motives," the lawyer
said, with a calm judicial air. "Of course, as a man of the world, I am
not given to look at such matters from a sentimental point of view. But I
really believe that Mr. Nowell was anxious to find his daughter, and to
atone in some measure for his former neglect."

"A very convenient repentance," exclaimed Gilbert, with a short bitter
laugh. "And his first act is to steal his daughter from her home, and
hide her from all her former friends. I don't like the look of this
business, Mr. Medler; I tell you so frankly."

"Mr. Nowell is my client, you must remember, Mr. Fenton. I cannot consent
to listen to any aspersion of his character, direct or indirect."

"And you positively refuse to tell me where Mrs. Holbrook is to be
found?"

"I am compelled to respect her wishes as well as those of her father."

"She has been placed in possession of her property, I suppose?"

"Yes; her grandfather's will has been proved, and the estate now stands
in her name. There was no difficulty about that--no reason for delay."

"Will you tell me if she is in London?" Gilbert asked impatiently.

"Pardon me, my dear sir, I am pledged to say nothing about Mrs.
Holbrook's whereabouts."

Gilbert gave a weary sigh.

"Well, I suppose it is useless to press the question, Mr. Medler," he
said. "I can only repeat that I don't like the look of this business.
Your client, Mr. Nowell, must have a