your Cleo those bank-notes she
had at Dover? Do you know where she went directly after leaving you?
There is a certain house in Hampstead you know quite well. It has a
room in it with a fountain, and really pretty hanging lamps, and
peacocks on the windows. Well, she immediately took repossession of
it. And very glad her rightful lord and master was to have her back
again! The distraction of his affections by the engrossing interest of
ambitious matrimonial schemes had been only temporary. As for his
wife--well, about the living one should be silent unless one has
something nice to say. Therefore I'll say nothing about her. Before
long, Morgan, you'll be a free man, and a certain chapter of your life
will be erased. Fox & Kraft are an excellent firm of solicitors--almost
a pity to employ such steam-hammers to crack such a very simple nut."

"You are going along much too fast, Helen. You know I am leaving Upper
Thames street next week; it is an old promise made to my father. I
must consult him first. Of course, I shall be glad to have this
meaningless tie that binds me to Cleo cut right through, and for ever.
But I do not care to let my happiness rest on such a basis. Margaret
and I shall remain friends and nothing more."

"Stuff and nonsense!" she cried again. "Your father is too wise a man
not to agree with me. And so I am quite content you shall abide by his
counsel. Otherwise I'd have to force you into happiness even if I had
to do it by threatening suicide, and you know my threats are not idle
ones."

"I shall be guided by my father," he conceded. "But don't overwhelm me
so much, please. My emotions at this moment are much too complex for
my understanding."

"Then let me give you some tea. It will put all your notions--and your
emotions--in order."

The tea certainly did soothe him. He had never known that the beverage
could be so delicious.

"How did you find out about Ingram and Cleo?" he asked suddenly.

"Oh, that was very easy. The moment I heard she had bank-notes I had a
very strong suspicion of the truth. As I was eager to learn whether I
could be your good fairy, I had that house watched. When my suspicions
were corroborated I waltzed round my room sixteen times, and, you may
be sure, I was determined never to lose sight of your Cleo for a
moment. But my task was not a difficult one. That delightful room
seems to have been as fatal to her imagination as she was to yours.
She made some desperate atte