MOSTYN RAY'S LOVE STORY In a dark corner of the library, sitting motionless before a small writing-desk, I found the Duke.

The table was littered all over with papers, a ledger or two and various documents.

I had met Mr.Hulshaw, the agent to the estates, in the drive, so I judged that the two had had business together.
The Duke had not greeted me on my entrance, and he seemed to be asleep in his chair.

But at the sound of the electric bell, which announced the opening of the safe, he turned sharply round.
"Is that you, Ducaine ?" "Yes, your Grace," I answered.
"What are you doing there ?" "I have brought up the first batch of copy, sir," I answered.
"You have sealed it properly ?" "With Lord Chelsford's seal, sir," I told him.
He turned round in his chair sharply.
"What's that ?" he asked.
"Lord Chelsford gave me an old signet ring before he left, sir," I said, "with a very peculiar design.

I wear it attached by a chain to an iron bracelet round my arm." "Let me see it," the Duke ordered.
I took off my coat, and baring my arm, showed him the ring hanging by a few inches of strong chain from the bracelet.