hey danced even as though no gaping and ravenous lions,
no Bulls of Bashan, were there to see. Even before each other they
hid the secret mysteries of their hearts; he his overwhelming passion
for her, she her dread for his immediate future.

They had not forborne to talk of Philip de Mountford's death; they
would not have admitted that there was anything there that could not
be discussed with perfect indifference--she, reclining against the
cushions, and he in immaculate morning coat, with hair smoothly
brushed, and speckless tie and linen, talking of things which meant
life or death for them both.

He had told her all he knew, his visit to Philip at the Veterans'
Club, his quarrel with him, the hatred which he bore to the man that
was dead. He made no secret of the police officer's questionings, nor
of Doctor Newington's extraordinary attitude.

"One would think those fellows had a suspicion that I had murdered
Philip," he said quite lightly.

And her face never moved whilst she listened to these details,
analyzing them in her mind, comparing them with those at which the
morning papers had hinted, the "clues" and "startling developments,"
to obtain confirmation of which her father had gone out to seek Sir
Thomas Ryder.

Luke de Mountford would no more have dreamed of telling Louisa of the
dark suspicions which really threatened him, than he would have laid
bare before her some hideous wound, if he happened to be suffering
from one. The police officer's insolence and the doctor's easy
contempt had sounded a note of warning of what was imminent, but
beyond that he had no fear. Why should he have? And having none, why
worry Lou with plaints that might agitate her?

Remember that he individually was quite convinced that Philip's
murderer would soon be discovered. He too had read his morning paper,
and knew as well as anybody that for the moment suspicion rested upon
him. "Seek whom the crime will benefit!" was a phrase freely used in
the press this morning. But it was only a question of time; an
unpleasant phase to be traversed, some mud that presently would have
to be brushed off. No use to worry Louisa with it. Fortunately she
took it lightly, too. She was far too sensible to attach importance to
such nonsense.

Nevertheless mud thrown in such boundless profusion was apt to hurt
very considerably. Luke had to set his teeth this morning when he
perused the _Times_ and even now there was in him a sensation of
ha