.

' His words faded away as the old lady again raised her lorgnon and gazed at him calmly.

She went on: 'You know, my dear, it won't be even out of my way, as I have to call at Mr.Malpas's office, and I can go there from the hotel in Regent Street.' This was all news to Stephen.

She did not know that her aunt had intended going to London; and indeed she did not know of any business with Mr.Malpas, whose firm had been London solicitor to the Rowlys for several generations.

She had no doubt, however, as to the old lady's intention.