At least, so Lord Harry told me the other day." In spite of herself, Iris betrayed the agitation which those words instantly roused in her.

"Lord Harry!" she exclaimed.

"Where is he?
In London ?" "Yes--at Parker's Hotel." "When did he return ?" "Oh, a few days ago; and--what do you think ?--he's come back from the goldfields a lucky man.

Damn it, I've let the cat out of the bag! I was to keep the thing a secret from everybody, and from you most particularly.

He's got some surprise in store for you.