"I've lost it," he cried. "There is no denying the fact, Mr. Darnley, that I had just the kind of box you describe. It is possible that I dropped it, and the culprit picked it up. I should hardly be likely--to----"
The speaker paused, and Ralph filled in the rest of the speech for him.
"I perfectly understand," he said drily. "It is hardly likely that Mr. Vincent Dashwood would go out of his way to destroy a property which sooner or later he looks forward to enjoying as his own. I think that is what you mean to convey?"
[CHAPTER XXIV.]
A FRESH CALAMITY
Dashwood nodded sulkily. He had a vague idea that Ralph was making fun of him in some way. Still, he was understood to say that such was his precise meaning. Lady Dashwood rose and walked off in the direction of the house; she had to see to the comfort of her expected visitors.
"I hope you will dine with us tonight, Mr. Darnley," she said. "Just Sir George and Mary, with Vincent here--nothing more than a quiet family party."
"Too quiet and too family for me," Dashwood muttered. "You can count me out. Besides, I have the most important business in London tonight."
Lady Dashwood looked relieved. There was no mistaking the expression of her face as she turned away. Dashwood noticed it, and his face flushed dully. He made a motion to follow, but Ralph laid a strong hand upon his arm.
"One moment, if you please," he said, "I should like to have a few words with you on the subject of that matchbox. The police are pretty certain to ask you a great many questions concerning it, as you can see for yourself?"