"Mr. Blake to whom you are engaged; Mr. Frederick Leighbourne, with whom you have some understanding; and the late Mr. Grent."

Lydia grew red. "I am engaged to Roderick Blake," she said, "and he trusts me too much to believe your insinuations. With Mr. Leighbourne I have nothing to do."

"Save in the way of telegrams," put in Torry drily.

"That telegram contained an intimation that Mr. Leighbourne had found a situation for me," cried Lydia hotly. "I asked him to interest himself on my behalf."

"In that case you will not mind shewing me the telegram, miss?"

"I cannot; I tore it up."

"You can collect the pieces, and----"

"I cannot; I threw the pieces into the fire."

"Really? A fire in summer time--how strange."

At this last thrust Miss Hargone lost her temper. "Understand, Mr. Torry," she cried, "that the telegram concerns me and no one else. I decline to shew it to you."