come and tell you about it."

Viner, who had remained a little in the background, was watching the
faces of the two to whom this initial breaking of news was made. And he
saw at once that there was going to be no scene. The girl by the fire
looked for an instant at the inspector with an expression of surprise,
but it was not the surprise of great personal concern. As for the elder
woman, after one quick glance from Drillford to Viner, whom she evidently
recognized, she showed absolute self-possession.

"A bad accident?" she asked.

Drillford again looked from the elder to the younger lady.

"You'll excuse me if I ask what relation you ladies are to Mr. Ashton?"
he said with a significant glance at Mrs. Killenhall.

"None!" replied Mrs. Killenhall. "Miss Wickham is Mr. Ashton's ward. I am
Miss Wickham's chaperon--and companion."

"Well, ma'am," said Drillford, "then I may tell you that my news
is--just about as serious as it possibly could be, you understand."

In the silence that followed, the girl turned toward the visitors, and
Viner saw her colour change a little. And it was she who first spoke.

"Don't be afraid to tell us," she said. "Is Mr. Ashton dead?"

Drillford inclined his head, and spoke as he was bidden.