I was to go with him, to see that he did not resume his studies, so, in an evil hour for us both, we went to Italy." "Your father was not mad ?" said Lucian, thinking of the extraordinary behaviour of Vrain in the square.
"Oh, no!" cried Diana indignantly.

"He was a trifle weak in the head from overwork but quite capable of looking after himself." "Did he indulge in strong drink ?" Miss Vrain looked scandalised.

"My father was singularly abstemious in eating and drinking," she said stiffly.

"Why do you ask such a question ?" "I beg your pardon," replied Lucian, with all humility, "but it was reported in Geneva Square that Berwin--the name by which your father was known--drank too much; and when I met him he was certainly not--not quite himself," finished the barrister delicately.
"No doubt his troubles drove him to take more than was good for him," said Diana in a low voice.

"Yet I wonder at it, for his health was none of the best.