The Red Window. Fergus Hume

had been in his office on the previous day. "Why do you say that? Do you know him?"

      "I know that he has a castle near my uncle's place."

      "Cove Castle," snapped Sir Simon. "All the county knows that. But he never comes near the place. Did you meet Lord Conniston at Miss Plantagenet's, Julius?"

      "I have never met him at all," rejoined the meek young man stiffly, "and I have been to Miss Plantagenet's only in the company of Bernard."

      "Aha!" chuckled Sir Simon. "You did not fall in love with that girl?"

      "No, uncle. Of course I am engaged to Miss Randolph."

      "You can call her 'Lucy' to a near relative like myself," said the baronet, dryly. "Do you know Miss Malleson, Durham?"

      "No. I have not that pleasure."

      "But no doubt Bernard has told you about her."

      Durham shook his head. "I have not seen Gore for months."

      "Are you sure? He inherits a little money from his father; and you—"

      "Yes! I quite understand. I have charge of that money. Gore came a few months ago, and I gave him fifty pounds or so. That was after he quarrelled with you, Sir Simon. Since then I have not seen him."

      "Then he does not know that I am in Crimea Square."

      "Not that I know of. Certainly not from me. Is he in town?"

      It was Beryl who answered this. "Bernard has enlisted as an Imperial Yeoman," said he.

      "Then I think the more of him," said Durham quickly. "Every man who can, should go to the Front."

      "Why don't you go yourself, Durham?"

      "If I had not my business to look after I certainly should," replied the lawyer. "But regarding Mr. Gore. Will you make any provision for him, Sir Simon?"

      "I can't say. He deserves nothing. I leave it to Julius."