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 With the morning came action. First he must see Mrs. Durham, and secure a written retraction of her accusation against Philippa; then he would sift the matter down to the last grain of fact, exonerate Victoria, and bring Valdeck to his much-needed punishment.

As early as he decently could, Morton telephoned to Mrs. Durham, and was promptly answered.

His anger flamed up once more as he sat in the stuffy booth and heard over the connecting wire the well-modulated tones of her voice.

"This is Mr. Conway," he answered her first question. "Can you make it convenient to see me this morning?" His tone was cold, and boded no mercy.

To his surprise the answer came fearlessly, and it was even more belligerent and icy than his own. "Certainly; I was expecting you. If you will come for me at once, you will find me at breakfast in the restaurant. We can go into the matter at once." Her readiness staggered him; he had expected 240