“And what is that, pray?”

“I have been watching the doings of Ned Warbeck, his goings and comings, as you told me to do a month ago.”

“Well, and with what success? Have you discovered anything?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“What?”

“Why, I saw him and a young naval officer not more than half an hour ago, hand as pretty a lady out of a carriage as ever man’s eyes rested upon.”

“Indeed! are you certain?”

“I am; and, more than that, old Sir Richard conducted her into the mansion with much politeness and ceremony.

“You did not, of course, learn her name?”

“I did. I heard Ned Warbeck and his companion conversing together for a moment after she had gone into the house.”