“I spent the afternoon at Central Park.”

“Was Randolph with you?”

“No, sir. It wasn’t necessary; I found my way without any trouble.”

Here Mrs. Briggs entered.

She nodded slightly to Gilbert, and said, in a chilly way:—

“Take that seat, Mr. Greyson.”

Gilbert seated himself, and Randolph, who entered directly afterwards, sat down opposite.

“You were not with Gilbert to-day, Randolph,” said his father.

“No, sir.”

“Where were you?”