"I tell you frankly, Sir Henry, that my friendship with her ladyship is a purely platonic one.

We were children together, at home in Bedford, and ever since our schooldays I have remained her friend." "I know that," remarked the old man quietly.

"My wife told me that when you dined with us on several occasions at Park Street.

I have never objected to the friendship existing between you, Flockart; for, though I have never seen you, I have always believed you to be a man of honour." "I feel very much gratified at those words, Sir Henry," he said in a deep, earnest voice, glancing at the grey, dark-spectacled face of the fragile man whose arm he was holding.

"Indeed, I've always hoped that you would repose sufficient confidence in me to know that I am not such a blackguard as to take any advantage of your cruel affliction." The blind Baronet sighed.