call at Fenwick's house or make myself known to him except in the way of
business. As it happens, we never did meet, and whenever I saw Vera it
was usually by stealth. The very marriage was a secret one, and you may
charge me fairly with showing great weakness in the matter. But there, I
have told you the story before, and you must make the best of it. On the
whole, I am glad things turned out as they did, for now I can play my
cards in the game against Fenwick without his even suspecting that he has
me for an opponent. It is certainly an advantage in my favor."

Venner had scarcely ceased speaking before Fenwick and Vera appeared. She
gave one timid glance at Venner; then, averting her eyes, she walked
demurely across to her place at the table. Fenwick followed, looking
downcast and moody, and altogether unlike a man who is supposed to be
the happy possessor of millions. His manner was curt and irritable, and
he seemed disposed to find fault with everything. Venner noticed, too,
that though the man ate very little he partook of far more champagne than
was good for anyone. Thanks no doubt to the wine, the man's dark mood
lifted presently, and he began chatting to Vera. The two men at the other
table appeared to be deeply interested in their dinner, though, as a
matter of fact, they were listening intently to every word that Fenwick
was saying. He was talking glibly enough now about some large house in
the country which he appeared to have taken for the winter months. Vera
listened with polite indifference.

"In Kent," Fenwick was saying. "Not very far from Canterbury. A fine old
house, filled with grand furniture, just the sort of place you'd like.
I've made all arrangements, and the sooner we get away from London the
better I shall be pleased."

"It will be rather dull, I fear," Vera replied. "I don't suppose that I