Vane remained silent for a few moments and lighted a fresh cigarette. "As a bachelor I don't pretend to understand women," he said at length, "and it is just on the cards that she may cut up rough. Still, if she loves you really and truly, as Aunt Emma assured me she does, she will forgive your innocent deception. After all, by concealing the truth you only gave yourself a fair chance of being judged on your merits."
Hench nodded wearily. "That of course was my idea of masquerading, and it was a right idea, seeing how strongly her father has prejudiced her against me. I am a kind of monster in her eyes in my capacity of heir"--Hench turned restlessly--"I must tell her, I suppose."
"You must, and as soon as possible," advised his mentor firmly. "If you don't, the information may come from a less pleasant quarter."
"Now, what do you mean by that?" asked Hench, startled.
"Madame Alpenny----?"
"You don't know her."
"Oh yes, I do. I am not aware if Aunt Emma told you, but I went down to Bethnal Green for a day or so."
"She told me last night, when I dined at her house. I was wondering why you went there?"
"Where are your wits?" asked Vane in a surprised tone. "Of course, I went in your interest to that boarding-house and stopped for a couple of nights."
"In my interest?" Hench raised himself on his elbow and stared at Vane with an uneasy look in his eyes.