Gerald Durrant had grown fonder of Marigold than ever, and the pair were now inseparable. He disliked the idea of the girl living in that house of mystery, but she told him that she was in no way afraid, and that she was determined to solve the curious motive of Boyne's double life.
When, at six o'clock, she returned she sat down to tea with her aunt, and later, while she was laying Mr. Boyne's table, he came in, greeting her cheerily, as was his wont.
His attitude towards her was distinctly friendly, for he gave no outward sign of suspicion.
The evening passed uneventfully, for Boyne went out about eight o'clock, and he did not return until long after the old woman and her niece were in bed.
Marigold listened, but only heard him go up to his bedroom and close the door. After that there was no other sound.
Boyne spent part of the following day with Lilla at Pont Street, where he held a long and secret consultation with her, after which he took a taxi to Upper Brook Street and sat with Ena for half an hour, explaining what he had discovered concerning the unwelcome attention which young Durrant and the girl was paying to him.
The Red Widow at once became greatly perturbed.
"But how much can they know?" she gasped, leaning forward in her chair, pale and agitated.
"Very little."
"They know nothing of your upstairs friend—eh?"