"Yes. It was necessary to learn Ferdy's secrets, so I utilised my resemblance to him to find out what I wanted. No one discovered that I was Clarice Baird, save Zara."
"Oh, Lord!" Anthony clutched his head. "She will tell everyone."
"No, I have made that right. I know too much about Zara for her to betray me. I am quite safe. Only Zara knows, and Mrs. Rebson knows, and now you know. I am absolutely safe."
"But what made you do such a mad thing?"
"I have told you--to save Ferdy."
"But I could have gone up, and----"
"No," interrupted Clarice, imperiously. "Zara would have laughed at you. I did what I did, with a full knowledge of what I was doing. You must forgive me, Anthony, and I think you will, when you learn what terrible things I have discovered."
"Of course, I am somewhat annoyed," said Ackworth, slowly, "at least, I would be, were you an ordinary woman. But you are so clever, and so well able to look after yourself, that I forgive you this time. But I must ask you not to masquerade again as Ferdy."
"I promise that," she said, with a sigh. "Ferdy is in such danger that you must help me."
"Ferdy in danger? What sort of danger?"