MISCHIEF AFOOT It would have been a remarkable thing if Egremont had succeeded, even for a day or two, in keeping secret his work at the library.

The vulgar in Lambeth are not a jot less diligent in prying and gossip than are their kin in Mayfair.

And chance is wont to be mischief-making all the world over.
When Mr.Bower passed the library in the dinner-hour on Monday, and, after seeing Thyrza Trent come out, forthwith observed Mr.Egremont standing within at the window, his mind busied itself with the coincidence very much as it might have been expected to do.

When he reached home he privately reported the little incident to his wife.
They looked at each other, and Mr.Bower lowered first one eyelid, then the other.
'Is Grail still at his work ?' Mrs.Bower inquired.
'Safe enough.

He goes on till Saturday.