me with a little disdainful
laugh. 'It reads like a love-letter, and is anything but filial.' As I
folded the letter and put it carefully away, she watched me keenly.

'Mr. Masters,' she said, 'you have been in some unaccountable manner
startled, or shocked, by that letter.'

I could neither deny nor explain, and I frankly admitted it, assuring
her that she would not remain long in the dark.

'Oh, I can wait,' she smiled. 'Do not fancy me so unreasonable as to
expect the full confidence of a detective. Only, don't fear for my
"nerves," and let me help in any way that I can. I think,' laughing,
'that I have said this before.'

I was anxious to go now, and, rising, I took her at her word. 'You can
help me in two ways,' I said, 'but I must ask you not to demand
reasons just yet.'

'Go on,' she said promptly.

'First, should this brunette, this "H. A.," write you again, will you
inform me at once, and--I don't think it likely to occur, but if she
should call here, will you refuse to receive her?'

'Yes to both. But she does not know my address.'

'You forget; she has been seen to pass this house. Don't be too sure.'

'I will be on my guard. Is that all?'

'There is another point--a delicate one. I could not but see that
Monsieur Voisin's company that day in Midway was not entirely welcome
to your aunt and yourself; and--bear with me, please, I am speaking in
the interest of another. Promise me that you will not close your doors
against Monsieur Voisin, or treat him too coldly, for a little while.
Believe me, my reason is one that you will be first to endorse when it
is known to you.'

She hesitated, and I hurried on:

'The man is of a fiery disposition, and he recognises a rival in the
field--pardon my intrusion upon delicate ground. He comes from the
land of duellists.' She started. 'A little patience and diplomacy upon
your part, and I think I can promise that he will not annoy you much
longer.'

'Very well,' she assented, 'I agree. Auntie, strange to say, has urged
the same thing--concerning Monsieur Voisin, that is. At the worst we
can go home. It is now the last of June, and we go, in any case, in
July. Never fear, I shall not forget your admonitions, any of them.'
And she gave me her hand at the door with a reassuring smile.

Half-way over the threshold I turned back to say: 'By the way, Miss
Jenrys, if I chance to appear here at the same time as Monsieur
Voisin, please be kind to me.'

*