best to do next. In the midst of it there came a light knock at the door, and Mr. Hilton entered saying:

‘They told me you wished to see me at once — Hulloa!’ He rushed across the room and took Harold by the shoulders, turning his face to the light. He looked in his eyes long and earnestly, the others holding their breaths. Presently he said, without relaxing his gaze:

‘Did you see mistily at first?’

‘Yes.’

‘Seeing at the periphery; but the centre being opaque?’

‘Yes! How did you know? Why, I couldn’t see’ — see pointing to Stephen — ’Lady de Lannoy; though her face was right in front of me!’