CHAPTER XIV.
THE HAND OF FATE.
At the first stroke of noon next day, Arnold arrived at his cousin's house in Chester Square.

He was accompanied by Iris, by Lala Roy, and by Mr.Frank Farrar.
"Pray, Arnold, what is meant by all this mystery ?" asked Clara, receiving him and his party with considerable surprise.
"I will explain all in a few minutes, my dear Clara.

Meanwhile, have you done what you promised ?" "Yes, I wrote to Dr.Washington.He will be here, I expect, in a few minutes." "You wrote exactly in the form of words you promised me ?" "Yes, exactly.

I asked him to meet me here this morning at a quarter past twelve, in order to discuss a few points connected with Iris's future arrangements, before he left for America, and I wrote on the envelope, 'Immediate and important.'" "Very well.

He will be sure to come, I think.