"Worse and worse, Conny; can't I even know who has supplanted me?"
"It's a great secret, and must be carefully guarded, but, I believe I will confide that much to you, as it does not conflict with any promises."
"Well! I listen."
"Doctor Heath is protected by an able detective. His name I must not communicate."
Ray Vandyck opened wide his handsome eyes, and gave vent to a long, low whistle.
"Conny, you are too deep for me," he said; "I am all at sea; I will drop the subject, as it is working severely upon my curiosity."
For a few moments they sat in silence, Constance thinking how much she regretted not asking Mr. Bathurst to make himself known to this loyal friend, who must now be kept in ignorance, however worthy he might be of all confidence, and Ray thinking of something that caused his face to sadden, and his eyes to darken with inward pain. Presently he drew a little nearer his hostess, and asked, in a low, sorrowful tone:
"Conny, have you seen her lately?"
"Not for a week or more, Ray."
"I saw her yesterday."