I did not wish to see about the house in my new character, lest I should be recognised, if there was any trouble over the assurance money; to complicate matters, I determined to disguise myself as the real Vrain.

Of course, Clear personated Vrain as Lydia had last seen him, that is, clean-shaven, and neat in his dress.

But the real Vrain, neglecting his personal appearance, had cultivated a long, white beard, and wore a black velvet skull-cap to conceal a baldness which had come upon him.

I disguised myself in this fashion, therefore, and went to Pimlico under the name of Wrent.".