"Oh! Ferdy informed me that Barras masqueraded as his client, so as to deceive people into thinking that Mr. Horran was spending the money, and that his illness was a blind for profligacy."
"What a wretch Mr. Barras was!"
"Well, he is dead, so we'll forgive him."
"Now," said Clarice, "secondly? How did Zara know that the stamp was hidden in Ferdy's bedroom?"
"She made him tell her where he had put it," replied Anthony; "you know how weak Ferdy was."
Clarice sighed: "It is weak people who usually get into trouble," she said, "and know no escape. Has Zara held her tongue?"
"Yes, and they say--the Press says, I mean--that she is going to marry a wealthy American. For her own sake she will be silent. I don't think we need worry any more about that past."
"I am glad of that, Anthony. It is more pleasant to look forward to a bright and quiet future. But I still worry about Ferdy. After all, he is my twin brother, you know."
"Don't trouble about him, sweetest. He is not worth it, and you may be sure that he never gives you a thought."
"Well," said Mrs. Ackworth, gravely, "I don't know that I mind. I have you, and you are my world. But there's only one thing, Anthony--I'll never wear purple, however fashionable it may become."