"It is about that I wish to speak to you," she said hurriedly. "I want you to stop investigating this case. You will learn nothing; it would be of no use to anyone if you did solve the mystery. Stop troubling yourself with slander, Claude."
"Why?" he asked, astonished at her earnest tone.
"Because your conduct vexes my husband. He has been a father to you in the place of the one you lost, so you ought to consider him a little. Pray leave that mystery unsolved."
"If I would, Tait would not. He is now even more eager than I to find out the truth."
"Horrid little man!" said the lady viciously. "Where is he now?"
The time had now come to try the effect of Tait's destination, and fixing his eyes on Mrs. Hilliston as she slowly fanned herself, Claude uttered the fatal words.
"He is at Horriston."
The fan stopped, Mrs. Hilliston paled, but, preserving her self-control with a strong effort, replied quietly:
"At Horriston. And why?"
"To find out a person not mentioned in the case."