usiness.
You'll have the goodness to tell me whatever I ask you."

Dyce made a gesture of deprecating frankness.

"Personally," he said in a low voice, "I admit your right to be kept
fully informed of all that comes to pass in this connection. Will it be
enough if I say that Constance accepted my view of what had happened?"

"Did you tell her everything that _had_ happened?" asked Lady Ogram,
looking him in the eyes.

"Not in detail," Dyce replied, rather nervously, for he could not with
certainty interpret that stern look. "You will understand that--that I
was not at liberty--that I had to respect--"

He came near to losing himself between the conflicting suggestions of
prudence and hopefulness. At the sight of his confusion, Lady Ogram
smiled grimly.

"You mean," she said, in a voice which seemed to croak indulgence,
"that you had no right to tell Constance anything about Miss Tomalin?"

Lashmar's courage revived. He suspected that the old autocrat knew
everything, that both girls had already gone through the ordeal of a
private interview with her, and had yielded up their secrets. If so,
plainly the worst was over, and nothing would now serve but sincerity.

"That is what I mean," he answered, quietly and respectfully, admiring
his own dignity as he spoke.

"We are beginning to understand each other," said Lady Ogram, the grim
smile still on her face. "I don't mind telling you, now, that I have
spoken both with Constance and with May."

Lashmar manifested his relief. He moved into an easier posture; his
countenance brightened; he said within himself that destiny was hearing
him on to glorious things.

"I'm very glad indeed to hear that, Lady Ogram! It ruts my mind at
rest."

"I have talked with them both," continued the reassuring voice, which
struggled with hoarseness. "That they told me the truth, I have no
doubt; both of them know me too well to do anything else. Constance, I
understand, had your authority for speaking to me, so her part was
easy."

"She has a fine, generous spirit!" exclaimed Dyce, with the glow of
genuine enthusiasm.

"Well for you that she has. As for May, you had put her into a more
difficult position."

"I fear so. But I am sure, Lady Ogram, that you dealt with her very
kindly."

"Exactly." The smile was very grim indeed, and the voice very hoarse.
"But the things I couldn't ask May to tell me, I expect to hear from
you. Begin with this morning. You met her, I understand