I don't care for her in the least."

"As if that mattered. There is always one who loves and one who is
loved, as Heine says, and that is the cause of all life's tragedies. Of
this tragedy maybe, although I think some envious stockbroker may have
shot Pine as a too successful financial rival. However, we shall see
about it."

"And see about another thing, Clara," said Lambert quickly. "Call on
Agnes and tell her that she need not worry over Silver. She expects the
Deluge in a few days, remember."

"Write and tell her that I have the case in hand and that she needn't
trouble about Silver. I'll straighten him out."

"I fear you are too hopeful."

"I don't fear anything of the sort. I'll break his neck if he doesn't
obey me. I wouldn't hesitate to do it, either."

Lambert ran his eyes over her masculine personality and laughed. "I
quite believe that, Clara. But, I say, won't you have some tea before
you go?"

"No, thanks. I don't eat between meals."

"Afternoon tea is a meal."

"Nonsense. It's a weakness. I'm not Garvington. By the way, where is
he?"

"In Paris, but he returns in a few days."

"Then don't let him meddle with this matter, or he'll put things wrong."

"I shall allow no one but yourself to meddle, Clara, Garvington shan't
know a single thing."

Miss Greeby nodded. "Right. All we wish kept quiet would be in the
papers if Garvington gets hold of our secrets. He's a loose-tongued
little glutton. Well, good-bye, old chap, and do look after yourself.
Good people are scarce."

Lambert gripped her large hand. "I'm awfully obliged to you, Clara."

"Wait until I do something before you say that, old son," she laughed
and strode towards the door. "By the way, oughtn't I to send the doctor
in?"

"No. Confound the doctor! I'm all right. You'll see me on my legs in a
few days."

"Then we can work together at the case. Keep your flag flying, old chap,
for I'm at the helm to steer the bark." And with this nautical farewell
she went off with a manly stride, whistling a gay tune.

Left alone, the invalid looked into the fire, and wondered if he had
been right to trust her. After some thought, he concluded that it was
the best thing he could have done, since, in his present helpless state,
he needed some one to act as his deputy. And there was no doubt that
Miss Greeby had entirely overcome the passion she had once entertained
for him.

"I hope Agnes will think so also," thought Lambert, when he bega