Meanwhile, Ralph Mainwaring was giving the detective his views on the subject.

“I, for one, am not sorry that he has followed the example of the coachman and taken himself off.  It is my opinion,” he continued, in impressive tones, “that we will yet find he had reasons for leaving in this manner.”

“Undoubtedly!” Merrick replied, with equal emphasis.

“Now, that’s just where you’re wrong, governor,” said young Mainwaring.  “Scott is as good as gold.  There is no sneak about him, either; and if he had reasons for leaving as he has, they were nothing to his discredit; you can stake your last shilling on that!”

“Oh, I know he has pulled the wool over your eyes,” said his father; “but he has never tried his smooth games on me; he knows I can see through him.  I detest him.  One of your typical American swells!  Just what one would expect to find in a country where a common clerk is allowed to associate with gentlemen!”

“But, begging your pardon, Mr. Mainwaring,” the detective interposed, quietly, “Mr. Scott is not an American.  He has lived less than two years in this country.”

A chorus of exclamations followed this statement.

“Not an American!  Then he must be an Englishman,” cried Miss Carleton, her sparkling eyes unconsciously betraying her pleasure at the discovery.

“Merrick, are you sure of that?” inquired Mr. Whitney, in astonishment.

“Certainly, or I would never have made the assertion I did.”

Ralph Mainwaring suddenly turned the conversation.  “How about that will business, Mr. Whitney?  When will that come off?”

“The petition was filed this afternoon, and will be granted a hearing some time next week; I have not yet learned the day.”

“And then will you gentlemen be ready to start for home?” Mrs. Mainwaring inquired, a touch of impatience in her voice.

“Well, by my soul!  I should say not,” laughed Mr. Thornton, before her husband could reply.  “It will probably take a number of months, my dear madam, to settle up this estate, even if there should be no contest; and if the case is contested, it may drag on for years, eh, Mr. Whitney?”

“That will depend upon circumstances.  A contest would, of course, delay the case, perhaps for several months; but I am not aware of any contestants with sufficient means for continuing it the length of time you mention.”

“Mercy me!” exclaimed Mrs. Mainwaring, addressing her husband; “do you and Hugh intend to remain here all that time?”

“Our stay will probably be somewhat indefinite,” he replied, evasively; “but that is no reason why you and the young ladies need remain against your will.”

“Indeed!  Why could you not have said as much before?  Neither Isabel nor I care to remain here a day longer than is necessary; we have simply been awaiting your pleasure.  Wilson, bring me the morning papers; I want to see what boats are expected.  We will take the first steamer home.  Mr. Thornton, will you and the young ladies accompany us, or do you prefer to remain in exile a while longer?”