"Paul!" Iris turned round indignantly. "You may be sure he is sober! He has not touched alcohol since he came back. Miss Clyde's lesson was cruel, but efficacious; I don't think he will ever indulge in strong drink again. But we can talk of his reform later," added Iris, as they sat down in the drawing-room. "I am anxious to know how you got on with Catinka."
"Well, I found out a great deal."
"You did?" said Iris; and then added, with a blush: "And did you find her as charming as you expected?"
"Indeed I did not! I found that my idol had feet of clay, and she has tumbled off her pedestal forever. A hard, cruel woman, Iris; not at all the woman of my dreams."
"I am glad you found out your mistake before it was too late," said Iris in a contented tone. "I am sure she would never have made you happy."
"I am sure also," rejoined Mexton, laughing. "I must look for my happiness nearer home." He said this with such a significant look that the colour again flushed the face of Iris; but, not deeming the moment a propitious one for love-making--since she was not yet sure of her own heart--she hurriedly turned the conversation.
"What did Catinka tell you, Paul?"
"Many things," replied Mexton; then, after a pause, he added: "Iris, I remember you asked me not to search for the assassin. Was that because you wished to save your father?"
"No; that was not my reason," said Iris in a hesitating tone. "I told you so before."
"Then you did not want Lovel to be arrested?"