"But you said——"
"I know what I said! I think it is best to leave well alone. But since you are set on learning the truth, I will help you to the best of my ability. Only," added Tait explicitly, "should you discover the truth to be unpalatable, do not blame me."
"I won't blame you. I am certain that you will find that I am right, and that Hilliston and my mother had nothing to do with the affair. Help me, that is all I ask. I will bear the consequences."
"Very good! Then we had better get to work," said Tait dryly. "Just go and dress, my dear fellow, or you'll keep dinner waiting."
"Why should I dress? I am not going out to-night."
"Indeed you are! We are due at Mrs. Durham's 'At Home' at ten o'clock."
"I shan't go. I am in no mood for frivolity. I would rather stay at home and think over the case. It is only by hard work that we can hope to learn the truth."
"Very true. At the same time it is necessary for you to go out to-night, if only to meet with John Parver."
"The author of 'A Whim of Fate,'" asked Claude eagerly, "is he in town?"
"Yes. And he will be at Mrs. Durham's to-night. We must see him, and find out where he obtained the materials for his novel."