my question, I shall have recourse to the police at once."

Sir Lionel, meaning to make things pleasant, now got up, and went
over to his son. He did not know on what footing, with reference to
each other, his son and Lady Harcourt now stood; but he did know that
they had loved each other, and been betrothed for years; he did know,
also, that she had left her husband, and that that husband and his
son had been the closest friends. It was a great opportunity for
him to make things pleasant. He had not the slightest scruple as to
sacrificing that "dear Caroline" whom he had so loved as his future
daughter-in-law.

"George," said he, "if you know where Lady Harcourt is, it will be
better that you should tell Sir Henry. No properly-thinking man will
countenance a wife in disobeying her husband."

"Father," said George, "Lady Harcourt is not in my custody. She is
the judge of her own actions in this matter."

"Is she?" said Sir Henry. "She must learn to know that she is not;
and that very shortly. Do you mean to tell me where she is?"

"I mean to tell you nothing about her, Sir Henry."

"George, you are wrong," said Sir Lionel. "If you know where Lady
Harcourt is, you are bound to tell him. I really think you are."

"I am bound to tell him nothing, father; nor will I. I will have no
conversation with him about his wife. It is his affair and hers--and
that, perhaps, of a hundred other people; but it certainly is not
mine. Nor will I make it so."

"Then you insist on concealing her?" said Sir Henry.

"I have nothing to do with her. I do not know that she is concealed
at all."

"You know where she is?"

"I do. But, believing as I do that she would rather not be disturbed,
I shall not say where you would find her."

"I think you ought, George."

"Father, you do not understand this matter."

"You will not escape in that way, sir. Here you are named as her
trustee in this will--"

"I am glad that you acknowledge the will, at any rate," said Mr.
Stickatit.

"Who says that I acknowledge it? I acknowledge nothing in the will.
But it is clear, from that document, that she presumes herself to be
under his protection. It is manifest that that silly fool intended
that she should be so. Now I am not the man to put up with this. I
ask you once more, Mr. Bertram, will you tell me where I shall find
Lady Harcourt?"

"No, I will not."

"Very well; then I shall know how to act. Gentlemen, good-morning.
Mr. Stickatit,