The young lady made her appearance, and the door being closed, soon enlightened him on that point.

"You are Mr. Desmond's lawyer?" she asked.

"Yes, I have that honour," replied Norwood, rather puzzled to know what she had come about.

"I--I take a great interest in Mr. Desmond," said the girl, hesitating, "in fact, I'm engaged to him."

"But I thought Lord Calliston----"

"Lord Calliston is nothing to me," she broke in impatiently. "I never did like him, though my guardian wished me to marry him, and I love Myles Desmond, if I did not I would not be here."

"Well, of course I feel sure he is innocent."

"Innocent! I never had any doubt on the subject, but I want to know what chances there are of proving his innocence."

"It will be a difficult matter," said Norwood thoughtfully, "as I can get him to tell me nothing."

"What is it he refuses to tell you?" asked Miss Penfold.