On the scaffolding, among the white-jacketed workmen, he could discern one figure in a dark suit.
'You have a clerk of the works, I see,' he observed.
'Nominally I have, but practically I haven't.' 'Then why do you keep him ?' 'I can't help myself.

He is Mr.Dare; and having been recommended by a higher power than I, there he must stay in spite of me.' 'Who recommended him ?' 'The same--De Stancy.' 'It is very odd,' murmured Somerset, 'but that young man is the object of my visit.' 'You had better leave him alone,' said Havill drily.
Somerset asked why.
'Since I call no man master over that way I will inform you.' Havill then related in splenetic tones, to which Somerset did not care to listen till the story began to advance itself, how he had passed the night with Dare at the inn, and the incidents of that night, relating how he had seen some letters on the young man's breast which long had puzzled him.

'They were an E, a T, an N, and a C.I thought over them long, till it eventually occurred to me that the word when filled out was "De Stancy," and that kinship explains the offensive and defensive alliance between them.' 'But, good heavens, man!' said Somerset, more and more disturbed.

'Does she know of it ?' 'You may depend she does not yet; but she will soon enough.

Hark--there it is!' The notes of the castle clock were heard striking noon.