clearly resolved not to take his daughter into his confidence-- for
the present, at any rate.

"I really fail to see why you should assume some connection between
the crime which was committed here on Monday night and the arrival of
a somewhat singular package at your house this morning," he said
reassuringly.

"Like every other woman, I jump at conclusions," she answered. "Why
should this crime, in particular, have worried my father?
Unfortunately, the newspapers are full of such horrid things, yet he
hardly ever pays them any attention. No, Mr. Theydon, I am not
mistaken. He either knew Mrs. Lester, and was shocked at her death, or
saw in it some personal menace. Then comes the letter, with its
obvious threat, and I am ordered to remain at home, under a strong
guard, while he hurries off to Whitehall. You have met my father, Mr.
Theydon. Do you regard him as the sort of man who would rush off in a
panic to consult the Home Secretary without very grave and weighty
reasons?"

"But you can hardly be certain that a wretched crime in this
comparatively insignificant quarter of London supplies the actual
motive of Mr. Forbes's action," urged Theydon.

The girl stamped an impatient foot. He heard it distinctly.

"Of course I am certain," she cried. "Why won't you be candid? You
know I am right-- I can tell it from your voice, and your guarded way
of talking--"