A marked change had come over his manner since luncheon, and his tones, even more than his words, made a deep impression on the mind of every one present.  The shade of melancholy passed, however, and, ringing the bell, Hugh Mainwaring ordered carriages for himself and his guests for the afternoon and departed, leaving his secretary to attend to some private work in the library.  Harry Scott’s manner, upon finding himself alone within the private rooms of Hugh Mainwaring, betrayed intense excitement.  He pushed his work impatiently from him and, rising, began to walk swiftly, though noiselessly, back and forth, the entire length of the two apartments.  Twice he paused before the large desk, and taking therefrom the will, already familiar to him, read its contents with burning eyes while his face alternately flushed and paled.  Then folding and replacing the document, he turned towards the safe, muttering,-

“It is no use.  I have searched there once before and could find nothing.”

Suddenly he exclaimed, “No one knows what may happen; this may be my last opportunity!  I will search once more and leave not a corner unexplored.”

Having locked the library, he returned to the safe.  He knew the combination, and soon the great doors swung open, revealing the contents arranged with the precision for which Mr. Mainwaring was noted in his business habits.  Conscious that he had abundance of time for the work he had undertaken and that he was secure from interruption, he began a careful and methodical search through all the compartments.  Various private documents were examined and then replaced in exactly their original position, but all seemed of no avail.  He discovered no trace of that which he hoped to find.

At last he came to a metallic box, which he surmised, from its weight and general appearance, contained the old family jewels.  Should he open that?  A moment’s thought decided the question; he would leave nothing unexplored.  Further search revealed the key concealed in a tiny drawer.  He applied it to the lock; the cover flew backward, and a dazzling light flashed into his face as a ray of sunlight fell across his shoulder upon the superb gems, gleaming and scintillating from the depths of their hiding-place.  But he paid little heed to them, for, in a long and narrow receptacle within one side of the box, his keen eye had discovered a paper, yellow and musty with age, the sight of which thrilled him with hope.  He quickly drew it forth, and a single glance at its title assured him it was indeed the object of his search.  With a low cry of joy, he locked and replaced the metallic box, and, opening the ancient document, he eagerly scanned its contents, an expression of intense satisfaction overspreading his features.

He was still perusing the paper when he heard footsteps approaching the library through the long corridor, followed an instant later by a knock.  Depositing the precious document safely within an inside pocket, he swung the doors of the safe together, turning the handle so as to lock it securely, and, crossing the library, unlocked and opened the door.