The detective purposely kept himself and Lauriston between Zillah and the
open door at the rear of the shop. He made a kindly motion of his head
towards her.

"Now, my dear!" he said. "Don't get upset--your grandfather was getting a
very old man, you know--and we can't expect old gentlemen to live for
ever. Take it quietly, now!"

The girl turned and laid her flowers and parcels on the counter.
Lauriston, watching her anxiously, saw that she was nerving herself to be
brave.

"That means--he's dead?" she said. "I am quiet--you see I'm quiet. Tell me
what's happened--you tell me," she added, glancing at Lauriston. "Tell me
--now!"

"I came in and found no one here, and I looked round through the door into
the parlour there," answered Lauriston, "and I saw your grandfather lying
on the floor. So I jumped over the counter and went to him."

Zillah moved forward as if to go into the parlour. But the detective
stopped her, glancing from her to Lauriston.

"You know this young man, Miss Wildrose?" he asked. "You've met him
before?"

"Yes," replied Zillah, confidently. "He's Mr. Lauriston. Let me go in
there, please. Can nothing be done?"

But Ayscough only shook his head. There was nothing to be done--but to