"Ah! And that even though I give you my word it would be to your brother's interest to break the seal?" questioned Sir Reginald.
Bernard's eyes suddenly drooped under their red brows. "And betray my trust?" he said lazily.
"I beg your pardon," said Sir Reginald.
He finished his drink with a speed that suggested embarrassment, but the next moment he smiled. "You had me there, padre. I withdraw the suggestion. I should not have made it if I could see the man himself. But he has disappeared, and even Barnes, who knows everything, can't tell us where to look for him."
"Neither can I," said Bernard. "I am not in his confidence to that extent."
"Why don't you ask his wife?" a low voice said.
Both men started. Sir Reginald sprang to his feet. "Mrs. Monck!"
"Yes," Stella said. She stood a moment framed in the French window, looking at him. Then she stepped forward with outstretched hand. The morning sunshine caught her as she moved. She was very pale and her eyes were deeply shadowed, but she was exceedingly beautiful.
"I heard your voices," she said, looking at Sir Reginald, while her hand lay in his. "I didn't mean to listen at first. But I was tempted, because you were talking of—my husband, and—" she smiled at him faintly, "I fell."
"I think you were justified," Sir Reginald said.