“Ah, I am not surprised; in fact, nothing would surprise me now. Mark you, I shall not publish to the world the story of her treachery. Why should I fill the mouths of curious fools? It would not undo my wrongs nor alleviate my bitter humiliation. I shall agree with her to concoct some tale of incompatibility extending over many years and culminating in a separation absolutely necessary for the peace of mind of both. The truth will be known for certain to two people, you and myself, perhaps a third—my niece Rosabelle Sheldon. You, I am convinced, Mr. Lane, are a man of discretion and will keep your knowledge to yourself.”
Lane assured him that the secrets of all his clients were sacred to him. One last question he put before he left.
“You will make her confess who this so-called Archie Brookes really is?”
And Morrice’s voice was as hard as iron as he answered: “You may rely upon me to do my best. Good-night, sir. What I have learned through your masterly activities has been inexpressibly painful, but thank heaven I know at last the foes in my own household. I shall no longer live in a fool’s paradise.”
Shortly after Lane’s departure he went to his room, but try as he would, sleep refused her kindly solace. The man had been shaken to the very foundation of his being.
On his way out Lane found Rosabelle waiting for him in the hall as on a previous occasion; she had heard of his visit from one of the servants.
“Why are you here to-night?” she whispered. “Has anything of importance happened?”
“A great deal,” Lane whispered back. “It was not till the last moment I made up my mind to come, but certain things happened which rendered it necessary to hasten matters. I have not time to tell you now, it would take too long. Slip down to my office to-morrow morning as early as you can.”
Much wondering, the girl promised she would be there as near ten o’clock as possible.
“And just one last word, Miss Sheldon. I have told your uncle that young Brookes has been sponging on Mrs. Morrice, and much has been found out. But your name has not been brought in. Forget all about that conversation you told me of. Best, if your uncle should question you to-night or to-morrow, to dismiss it from your mind, to appear surprised as you would have been if you had never overheard it. I will explain to-morrow. Good-night. I will not stop a second longer; he might come out any moment and surprise us.”