It must not be forgotten that Theydon was a romancer, an idealist. The
"lounge suit" of the modern tailor hampers the play of such qualities
no more than the beaten armor of the age of chivalry.

"If my departure for France will relieve Miss Forbes of anxiety on
your behalf, I'll go," he vowed.

Forbes regarded him with a new interest.

"I believe you mean that," he said.

"I do."

"But I cannot send you out of the country on a false pretense. It was
your safety and well-being, not my daughter's, that I was thinking
of."

"What have I to fear?"

"I do not know. I am like a man wandering by night in a jungle alive
with fearsome beasts and reptiles."

"Yet you had some reason for suggesting my prompt departure."

"Yes. It is an absurd thing to say, but I believe I am putting you in
danger of your life by coming here this morning."

"Can't you speak plainly, Mr. Forbes? What good purpose do you serve
by holding forth these vague terrors? If, as Miss Forbes told me, you
have visited the Home Office, I take it you made yourself clear to the