"This little card" said Helen.

"Oh that's mine" replied Cyril "I'll put it in my pocket if you give it
here."

Helen handed it over, "it looks exactly like a pawn ticket does'nt it?"
she asked.

"Yes, its not unlike one" replied Cyril.

"No not at all" said Helen, "in fact when I read it yesterday, I thought
it was uncommonly like one."

Cyril turned a ghastly white and flew into the hall to get his hat.

"Ha ha my dear" thought Helen "I've found out your little game," but
never the less she followed him innocently into the hall, "dear Cyril"
she exclaimed "I hope my thinking that ticket like a pawn one has not
upset you; of course it is awfully foolish of me I know."

"Yes I know it is" replied Cyril cooly, "I may say more than foolish."

Helen laughed "you wont be so late today I presume," she said.

"No I dont think so" said Cyril, "I may be home by three o'clock today."

"Very well" replied Helen "dont hurry on my account, and with a giggle
she opened the door and watched Cyril safely down the street, "yes my
boy" she thought I dare say I'm cleverer than you take me for, any how I
know where you're off to now and I wish you luck" and with a sigh Helen
entered the office.

"Netherby" she cried "a word with you if you please."

The clerk shuffled quickly to his feet and followed Helen into the
passage.

"Now look here" said Helen firmly "did Mr. Sheene ask if any ladies
entered the office yesterday."

Netherby looked uneasily at the floor and kicked up the oil cloth.

"Speak up" cried Helen loudly, "and dont tear my carpets please."

"Well miss" said Netherby nervously "he did mention something of the
kind last night."

"Oh he did, did he" screamed Helen "and what did you say?"

"Well miss I did'nt tell a story" said Netherby "I said not that I knew
of because you see miss, I did'nt look to see if you let the lady in or
not after I went into the office."

"Thank you Netherby" said Helen "you have done me a great service, "and
she pressed a sovereign into the trembling hand of the clerk.

Entering the sitting room she found Alice waiting with a telegram in
hand "its for you miss" she said "and the reply is prepaid."

Helen tore it open; it ran thus:

"Have heard from Norfolk, come directly.

GLADYS.

Seizing a pencil Helen wrote the following answer:

"Will try to come tomorrow.

Helen giving it to Alice she told her to t