"What is the matter, Adrien?" asked his father, and seeing that Jasper
Vermont was also present, he turned his eyes to him inquiringly. But
Jasper seemed wishful to avoid his glance, and only shook his head.
Adrien handed back the blue paper, still without speaking, then turned,
as if to address his father, who was looking sternly from one troubled
face to the other, while behind him stood Lady Constance and Mortimer
Shelton. But before any one could utter a word, the inspector came
forward, and addressing Lord Barminster, said quietly:
"Sorry, my lord, to have to do this at such a time but I am here in the
performance of my duty. I should be glad if we could go to a more
private room, where I could explain to your lordship without your guests
being informed of the matter."
Lord Barminster was about to sharply retort when Shelton, who seemed to
realise the seriousness of the affair, touched him lightly on the arm.
"I think, sir," he said earnestly, "it would be as well to hear what
this man has to say quietly, as he suggests."
Lord Barminster controlled his feelings, recognising the good sense of
the suggestion, and turning coldly to the inspector, said:
"Perhaps it would be best, Inspector.
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