eared by a codicil, attached to his will some
five years before, that Eleanore was not entirely forgotten, she having
been made the recipient of a legacy which, if not large, was at least
sufficient to support her in comfort. After listening to the various
comments of my associates on the subject, I proceeded to the house
of Mr. Gryce, in obedience to his request to call upon him as soon as
possible after the publication of the will.

"Good-morning," he remarked as I entered, but whether addressing me or
the frowning top of the desk before which he was sitting it would be
difficult to say. "Won't you sit?" nodding with a curious back movement
of his head towards a chair in his rear.

I drew up the chair to his side. "I am curious to know," I remarked,
"what you have to say about this will, and its probable effect upon the
matters we have in hand."

"What is your own idea in regard to it?"

"Well, I think upon the whole it will make but little difference in
public opinion. Those who thought Eleanore guilty before will feel that
they possess now greater cause than ever to doubt her innocence; while
those who have hitherto hesitated to suspect her will not consider
that the comparatively small amount bequeathed her would constitute an
adequate motive for so great a crime."

"You have heard men talk; what seems to be the general opinion among
those you converse with?"

"That the motive of the tragedy will be found in the partiality shown in
so singular a will, though how, they do not profess to know."

Mr. Gryce suddenly became interested in one of the small drawers before
him.

"And all this has not set you thinking?" said he.

"Thinking," returned I. "I don't know what you mean. I am sure I have
done nothing but think for the last three days. I----"

"Of course--of course," he cried. "I didn't mean to say anything
disagreeable. And so you have seen Mr. Clavering?"

"Just seen him; no more."

"And are you going to assist Mr. Harwell in finishing Mr. Leavenworth's
book?"

"How did you learn that?"

He only smiled.

"Yes," said I; "Miss Leavenworth has requested me to do her that little
favor."

"She is a queenly creature!" he exclaimed in a burst of enthusiasm.
Then, with an instant return to his business-like tone: "You are going
to have opportunities, Mr. Raymond. Now there are two things I want you
to find out; first, what is the connection between these ladies and Mr.
Clavering----"

"There is a