Joan saw that McKeith was extremely anxious to know more about the writer of that letter and the progress of that love-affair, though he had given his word of honour that he would not try to find out her identity.

But he put subtle questions to Joan about her friends in England and her acquaintance with the higher circles of society in London.

Once, he asked her straight out whether she had heard again from her typewriting correspondent, and if the Soldier of Fortune had proved himself a Bounder, as they had suspected?
'Yes,' Joan answered unguardedly.

'I'm thankful to say that he is married to his heiress.' The eager light which suddenly shone in McKeith's eyes startled Mrs Gildea.
'You don't mean to say that you're thinking of her like that ?' she exclaimed.

'It's no use, Colin.' 'Probably not,' he answered composedly.