he became anxious about Lady Clementina, and, in spite of Surbiton's
remonstrances, came back to Venice by train.

As he stepped out of his gondola on to the hotel steps, the
proprietor came forward to meet him with a sheaf of telegrams. Lord
Arthur snatched them out of his hand, and tore them open.
Everything had been successful. Lady Clementina had died quite
suddenly on the night of the 17th!

His first thought was for Sybil, and he sent her off a telegram
announcing his immediate return to London. He then ordered his
valet to pack his things for the night mail, sent his gondoliers
about five times their proper fare, and ran up to his sitting-room
with a light step and a buoyant heart. There he found three letters
waiting for him. One was from Sybil herself, full of sympathy and
condolence. The others were from his mother, and from Lady
Clementina's solicitor. It seemed that the old lady had dined with
the Duchess that very night, had delighted every one by her wit and
esprit, but had gone home somewhat early, complaining of heartburn.
In the morning she was found dead in her bed, having apparently
suffered no pain. Sir Mathew Reid had been sent for at once, but,
of course, there was nothing to be done, and she was to be buried on
the 22nd at Beauchamp Chalcote. A few days before she died she had
made her will, and left Lord Arthur her little house in Curzon
Street, and all her furniture, personal effects, and pictures, with
the exception of her collection of miniatures, which was to go to
her sister, Lady Margaret Rufford, and her amethyst necklace, which
Sybil Merton was to have. The property was not of much value; but
Mr. Mansfield, the solicitor, was extremely anxious for Lord Arthur
to return at once, if possible, as there were a great many bills to