s it was more comfortable than the sitting room.

"Oh dear it has commenced to rain" cried Gladys, and walking to the
window she drew back the pretty muslin curtain.

Helen followed and the two girls stood for a moment looking out of the
window, through which a few rain-drops were splashing on to the thick
Turkish carpet.

Helens eyes wandered listlessly across the terrace gardens, but she did
not take in the scene before her, as she gazed intently at the lively
throng before her, her thoughts were far away in the dingy little
home-office, and she was wondering if Cyril would permit Gladys to dwell
under his roof.

All of a sudden Gladys clutched hold of Helen's arm, and pointed to a
figure in the street, which was coming quickly up the steps of the
house.

"Oh Helen he has come!" she cried "quick, quick we must come down
stairs!"

The two girls rushed to the door, but ere they had time to take a dozen
steps, they were met at the top of the stairs by _Mr. Palsey_.

Helen's cheeks and lips grew white as a sheet, and she crept behind the
welcome shade of Gladys's back, as the gaze of the man she hated fell
upon her.

"What is the meaning of this?" hissed Mr. Palsey between his teeth.

"The meaning of what?" enquired Gladys in a trembling voice.

"This--this--most un-called-for visit?" cried Mr. Palsey pointing to
where Helen stood trembling like a leaf in every limb.

"It means" cried Gladys in a loud tone, "that I know all Mr. James
Palsey, all your false deceitful ways, all your cruel treatment of my
cousin Helen and above all the murder of her father, and the robbery of
the safe!"

Mr. Palsey grew livid with fury and fear, and clung for support to the
bannisters.

"Oh you know all that do you?" he enquired sardonically, "For once your
imaginations have gone too far Miss Gladys Lincarrol, I did not murder
Mr. Winston as it happens, perhaps his daughter can throw light on that
subject."

"What do you mean?" cried Helen fiercely.

"What I say" replied Mr. Palsey.

"If you mean to infer Mr Palsey "that Cyrill has had anything to do with
the murder you are wrong, he is far too honourable for that."

"Of course he is" said Mr. Palsey sarcastically.

"Then dont talk about what you dont know anything about" retorted Helen.

Mr. Palsey was about to reply, when Gladys interupted him, "well it is
of no use to prolong matters James" she said "so I'll tell you straight
what I mean; of course I shall not dre