He was a man of the utmost reticence in personal matters.

My relations with him were not of that nature." This reply was delivered with a sincerity which it was impossible to doubt.

In palpable disappointment Barrant turned to a renewed scrutiny of the letter, which he held open in his hand.
"It is very strange," he muttered.
"Not the least strange part of it is that I cannot ascertain who posted it," said Mr.Brimsdown, glancing earnestly at the letter.

"I asked Thalassa, but he says he knows nothing about it." "Thalassa is probably lying to you as he has lied to me.

One lie more or less would not weigh on his conscience." "Why should he tell a lie over such a small thing as the posting of a letter ?" Barrant did not reply.