earn money by her drawing, not, it seemed, with much success.
Hannaford was always said to be on the point of selling some
explosive invention to the British Government, whence would result a
fortune; but the Government had not yet come to terms.

"What a shame it is," quoth Dr. Derwent, "that an honest man who
facilitates murder on so great a scale should be kept waiting for
his reward!"

Hannaford pursued his slight acquaintance with Arnold Jacks, who. in
ignorance of any relationship, once spoke of him to Miss Derwent.

"An ingenious fellow. I should like to make some use of him, but I
don't quite know how."

"I am sorry to say he belongs by marriage to our family," replied
Irene.

"Indeed? Why sorry?"

"I detest his character. He is neither a gentleman, nor anything
else that one can respect."

It closed a conversation in which they had differed more sharply
than usual, with--on Irene's part--something less than the
wonted gaiety of humour. They did not see each other very often, but
always seemed glad to meet, and always talked in a tone of peculiar
intimacy, as if conscious of mutual understanding. Yet no two
acquaintances could have been in greater doubt as to each other's
mind and character. Irene was often mentally occupied with Mr.