"You're a fool, Clancy," said Miss Loach, emphatically. "You
know Mrs. Herne doesn't like to be contradicted. You've sent
her away in a fine rage, and she's taken Hale with her. Quite
spoilt our game of--ah, here's Susan. Off with you, Clancy.
I wish to be alone."

The man would have spoken, but Miss Loach silenced him with a
sharp gesture and pointed to the door. In silence he went
upstairs with Susan, and in silence left the house. It was a
fine night, and Susan stopped for a moment at the door to
drink in the fresh air. She heard the heavy footsteps of a
policeman draw near and he passed the house, to disappear into
the path on the opposite side of the road. When Susan
returned to the kitchen she found supper ready. Soon the
servants were seated at the table and talking brightly.

"Who does that house at the back belong to?" asked Susan.

"To Lord Caranby," said Thomas, although not directly
addressed. "It's unfinished."

"Yes and shut up. Lord Caranby was in love with a lady and
built that house for her. Before it was ready the lady died
and Lord Caranby left the house as it was and built a high
wall round it. He then went travelling and has been
travelling ever since. He never married either, and his
nephew, Mr. Cuthbert Mallow, is heir to the title."

"I thought you said Lord Caranby loved Miss Loach?"