identity. Mrs. Roberts, would you like to have me investigate something
that may be to his disadvantage?"

Mrs. Roberts had a prompt answer ready:--

"There are reasons why it is specially important that such an
investigation should be made and reported to me. May I commission you?"

The doctor bowed; and the subject of Professor Ellis was immediately
dropped.

During the following week certain innovations took place in Mrs.
Roberts well-ordered household. At the end of the conservatory was a
long, bright, and hitherto unfurnished room; it had been designed as a
sort of second conservatory, whenever the beauties of that department
should outgrow their present bounds, but meantime other plants had
taken root and blossomed in the mistress' heart. Early in this week
the unused room had been opened and cleaned; then began to arrive
packages of various shapes and sizes; a roll of carpeting, and two
young men from the carpet store; and there followed soon after the
sound of hammering. Furniture-wagons halted before the door, leaving
their burdens. Men and women flitted to and fro, busy and important.

It was Saturday night before Mr. Roberts and his young clerk were
invited in to admire and criticise the new room. Mr. Roberts, at least,
was prepared to appreciate its transformation.

The floor was covered with a heavy carpet in lovely shades of mossy
green, and easy chairs and couches in tints that either matched or made
delightful contrasts with the carpet abounded. The walls were hung with