"I have seen Zara."
"You have seen that girl? When? Where?"
"Last night--in London. At the Mascot Music Hall, and at her own rooms. You look surprised."
"I am. You should not have gone to her rooms, let alone the Mascot Music Hall."
"I know that--but to save Ferdy I did so. It was just as well that I went, for several reasons. Oh, I have much to tell you"--Clarice drew her lover to the sofa with gentle force--"and perhaps you will be angry with me."
"I said that I would trust you," remarked Ackworth, slowly.
"Your trust has not been misplaced. But I have done what you may think rather a bold thing. Still, in this case, what I have learned is so important, that I can safely say that the end has justified the means."
"What have you done?" Anthony looked apprehensive.
She tapped his cheek. "Nothing to make you colour up in that way, my dear boy. I'll tell you everything when you have explained how you came to find out about Frank Clarke."
"Oh, that will not take long. I asked Ferdy down yesterday, as you desired me to do, and he came without any suspicions that you wanted him out of the way. We had a very jolly evening. At least, Ferdy had, for I was worrying about you, and wondering what you were doing. Also, I must admit that I had the detective fever."