I arrived at the station and had taken my ticket, and was stooping to pick up my bag, when I felt a hand on my arm, and turning, saw Mr.Milburgh.He was in a state of great agitation and distress, and asked me to take a later train and accompany him to the Florentine Restaurant, where he had taken a private room.

He told me he had very bad news and that I must know.
"I put my bag in the cloak-room and went off with him, and over the dinner--I only had a cup of tea, as a matter of fact--he told me that he was on the verge of ruin.

He said that Mr.Lyne had sent for a detective (which was you), and had the intention of exposing him, only Mr.Lyne's rage against me was so great, that for the moment he was diverted from his purpose.
"'Only you can save me,' said Milburgh.
"'I ?' I said in astonishment, 'how can I save you ?' "'Take the responsibility for the theft upon yourself,' he said.

'Your mother is involved in this heavily.' "'Does she know ?' "He nodded.

I found afterwards that he was lying to me and was preying upon my love for mother.
"I was dazed and horrified," said the girl, "at the thought that poor dear mother might be involved in this horrible scandal, and when he suggested that I should write a confession at his dictation and should leave by the first train for the Continent until the matter blew over, I fell in with his scheme without protest--and that is all." "Why did you come to Hertford to-night ?" asked Tarling.
Again she smiled.
"To get the confession," she said simply "I knew Milburgh would keep it in the safe.