December Love Part 124

"I quite understand that. I've just been with the fellow."

Miss Van Tuyn started up.

"You've seen him?"

"Yes."

"Where? Here?"

"I went to Mr. Garstin's studio to have a look at the portrait and say a word to him. While I was there Arabian called. I stayed on and sat with him for some time. Afterwards I walked with him to the building where he is living temporarily and went in."

"Went in? _You_ went into his flat!"

"As I say."

Miss Van Tuyn looked at him without speaking. Her expression showed intense astonishment, amounting almost to incredulity.

"I had it out with him," said Sir Seymour grimly, after a pause. "And in the heat of the moment I told him something which I had not intended to tell him, which I had not meant to speak of at all."

"What? What?"

"I told him I knew about the theft of ten years ago."

"Oh!"

"And I told him also that you knew about it."

"That I--oh! How did he take it? What did he say?"

"I didn't wait to hear. The flat was--well--scented, and I wanted to get out of it."

His face expressed such a stern and acute disgust that Miss Van Tuyn's eyes dropped beneath his.

"You may think--it would be natural to think that the fact of my having told the man about your knowledge of his crime would prevent him from ever attempting to see you again," Sir Seymour continued, "but I don't feel sure of that."

"You think that even after that he might--"

"I'll be frank with you. I can't tell what he might or might not do. He may follow my suggestion--"

"What did you--"

"I suggested to him that he had better clear out of the country at once.

It's quite possible that he may take my view and go, but in case he doesn't, and tries to bother you any more--"

"He's been! He's written! He says he _will_ see me. He has guessed that something has turned me against him."

"He knows now what it is. Now I want you to write a note to him which I will leave at the bureau in case he calls to-night or to-morrow morning."

"Yes."

She went to the writing-table and sat down.

"If you will allow me to suggest the wording."

"Please--please do!"

She took up a pen and dipped it in the ink. Then Sir Seymour dictated:

SIR,--Sir Seymour Portman has told me of his meeting with you to-day and of what occurred at it. What he said to you about me is true. I _know_.

If you call you will not see me. I refuse absolutely to see you or to have anything more to do with you, now or at any future time.

"And then your name at the end."

Miss van Tuyn wrote with a hand that slightly trembled. "B. VAN TUYN."

"If you will put that into an envelope and address it I will take it down and leave it at the bureau."

"Thank you."

Miss Van Tuyn put the note into an envelope, closed the envelope and addressed it.

"That's right."

Sir Seymour held out his hand and she gave him the note.

"Now, good night."

"You are going!"

He smiled slightly.

"I don't sleep at Claridge's as you and Miss Cronin do."

"No, of course not. Thank you so very, very much! But I can never thank you properly."

She paused. Then she said with sudden bitterness:

"And I used to pride myself on my independence!"

"Ah--independence! A word!" said Sir Seymour.

He turned away to go, but when he was near the door he stopped and seemed hesitating.

"What is it?" said Miss Van Tuyn anxiously.

"Even men sometimes have instincts," he said, turning round.