Mrs.Crayford fell into thinking once more.

Had this young gentleman (she asked herself) anything to do with the untold end of the story?
Was this the true secret of Clara Burnham's terror at the impending return of Richard Wardour?
Mrs.Crayford decided on putting her doubts to the test.
"A friend of yours, my dear ?" she asked, innocently.

"Suppose you introduce us to each other." Clara confusedly introduced the young gentleman.
"Mr.Francis Aldersley, Lucy.

Mr.Aldersley belongs to the Arctic expedition." "Attached to the expedition ?" Mrs.Crayford repeated.

"I am attached to the expedition too--in my way.