You wrote me word that you wanted me here to-day, because you needed my advice on a matter of some importance.

What is it ?" Silence followed that question.

Mr.Vanborough's face betrayed signs of embarrassment.

He poured himself out another glass of wine, and drank it at a draught before he replied.
"It's not so easy to tell you what I want," he said, "after the tone you have taken with me about my wife." Mr.Kendrew looked surprised.
"Is Mrs.Vanborough concerned in the matter ?" he asked.
"Yes." "Does she know about it ?" "No." "Have you kept the thing a secret out of regard for _her ?_" "Yes." "Have I any right to advise on it ?" "You have the right of an old friend." "Then, why not tell me frankly what it is ?" There was another moment of embarrassment on Mr.Vanborough's part.
"It will come better," he answered, "from a third person, whom I expect here every minute.

He is in possession of all the facts--and he is better able to state them than I am." "Who is the person ?" "My friend, Delamayn." "Your lawyer ?" "Yes--the junior partner in the firm of Delamayn, Hawke, and Delamayn.
Do you know him ?" "I am acquainted with him.