"Sit down, Helene." She obeyed him, mystified.
"For your own sake," he continued, "there are certain facts in connection with this matter which I must withhold.

All I can tell you is this.

There are people who have acquired a hold upon Lucille so great that she is forced to obey their bidding.

Lady Carey is one, the Duchess of Dorset is another.

They are no friends of mine, and apparently Lucille has been taken away from me by them." "A--a hold upon her ?" Helene repeated vaguely.
"It is all I can tell you.