"Jeringham. I believe that he discovered that my father had returned, and perhaps knowing of this intrigue between him and Mona Bantry, remained at The Laurels, unknown to my mother, in order to assist her as a friend."
"How did Jeringham obtain possession of the dagger?"
"I cannot say. We must find out. But he did obtain possession of the dagger, and during a quarrel with my father killed him with it. He fled to avoid the consequences. Oh, yes! I swear that Jeringham is guilty. But I will hunt him down, if I have to do it alone."
"You will not do it alone," said Tait quietly. "I am with you still."
"I know what I said! I think it is best to leave well alone. But since you are set on learning the truth, I will help you to the best of my ability. Only," added Tait explicitly, "should you discover the truth to be unpalatable, do not blame me."
"I won't blame you. I am certain that you will find that I am right, and that Hilliston and my mother had nothing to do with the affair. Help me, that is all I ask. I will bear the consequences."
"Very good! Then we had better get to work," said Tait dryly. "Just go and dress, my dear fellow, or you'll keep dinner waiting."
"Why should I dress? I am not going out to-night."
"Indeed you are! We are due at Mrs. Durham's 'At Home' at ten o'clock."
"I shan't go. I am in no mood for frivolity. I would rather stay at home and think over the case. It is only by hard work that we can hope to learn the truth."
"Very true. At the same time it is necessary for you to go out to-night, if only to meet with John Parver."
"The author of 'A Whim of Fate,'" asked Claude eagerly, "is he in town?"
"Yes. And he will be at Mrs. Durham's to-night. We must see him, and find out where he obtained the materials for his novel."
"Do you think such information will lead to any result?" asked Claude dubiously.
"I don't think. I am sure of it," retorted Tait impatiently. "Now go and dress."
THE name Bohemia is suggestive of unknown talent starving in garrets, of obdurate landladies, of bacchanalian nights, and shabby dress. Murger first invested the name with this flavor, and since his time the word has become polarized, and indicates nothing but struggling humanity and unappreciated genius. Yet your true Bohemian does not leave his country when he becomes rich and famous. It is true that he descends from the garret to the first floor; that he fares well and dresses decently; but he still dwells in Bohemia. The reckless air of the hovels permeates the palaces of this elastic kingdom of fancy.