Egan replied that it all depended upon circumstances. They were in no way
pressed for time, and as they were there on State business they were not
limited as to expenses. With a remark to the effect that they might meet
again later on in the evening, Venner went on his way and stood waiting
for Vera at the foot of the stairs. She came down presently, and they
entered a cab together.

"We won't go to a theatre at all," Venner said. "We will try one of the
music halls, and we shall be able to talk better there; if we have a box
we shall be quite secure from observation."

"It is all the same to me," Vera smiled. "I care very little where I go
so long as we are together. How strange it is that you should have turned
up in this extraordinary way!"

"There is nothing strange about it at all," Venner said. "It is only Fate
making for the undoing of the criminal. It may be an old-fashioned theory
of mine, but justice always overtakes the rogue sooner or later, and
Fenwick's time is coming. I have been the instrument chosen to bring
about his downfall, and save you from your terrible position. If you
would only confide in me--"

"But I can't, dear," Vera said. "There is somebody else. If it were not
for that somebody else, I could end my troubles to-morrow. But don't let
us talk about it. Let us have two delightful hours together and thank
Providence for the opportunity."

The time passed all too quickly in the dim seclusion of one of the boxes;
indeed, Vera sat up with a start when the orchestra began to play the