But I
really believe that Mr. Nowell was anxious to find his daughter, and to
atone in some measure for his former neglect."
"A very convenient repentance," exclaimed Gilbert, with a short bitter
laugh. "And his first act is to steal his daughter from her home, and
hide her from all her former friends. I don't like the look of this
business, Mr. Medler; I tell you so frankly."
"Mr. Nowell is my client, you must remember, Mr. Fenton. I cannot consent
to listen to any aspersion of his character, direct or indirect."
"And you positively refuse to tell me where Mrs. Holbrook is to be
found?"
"I am compelled to respect her wishes as well as those of her father."
"She has been placed in possession of her property, I suppose?"
"Yes; her grandfather's will has been proved, and the estate now stands
in her name. There was no difficulty about that--no reason for delay."
"Will you tell me if she is in London?" Gilbert asked impatiently.
"Pardon me, my dear sir, I am pledged to say nothing about Mrs.
Holbrook's whereabouts."
Gilbert gave a weary sigh.
"Well, I suppose it is useless to press the question, Mr. Medler," he
said. "I can only repeat that I don't like the look of this business.
Your client, Mr. Nowell, must have a very strong reason for secrecy, and
my experience of life has shown me that there is very seldom mystery
without wrong doing of some kind behind it.
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