In the
vestibule at the head of the stairs stood Mrs. Wade, and Northway,
indistinguishable from ordinary frequenters of the exhibition, was
not far off. This gentleman had a reason for what he was doing; he
wished to discover who Mr. Marks really was, and what (since the
political plea could no longer be credited) had been his interest in
Lilian.
"He is here already," said Mrs. Wade, as she joined Denzil. "Among
the sculpture--the inner room."
"Then I shall follow you at a distance. Challenge that fellow to go
up to Glazzard and address him as Mr. Marks."
The widow led in the direction she had indicated, through the
central hall, then to the right, Northway following close. Denzil
had, of course, to take it for granted that Mrs. Wade was acting
honourably; he did not doubt her good faith. If it came to a mere
conflict of assertions between his friend and Northway, he knew
which of them to believe. But he was much perturbed, and moved
forward with a choking in his throat.
Arrived at the threshold of the Lecture Room, he saw that only some
dozen people were standing about. No sooner had he surveyed them
than he became aware that Northway was sauntering directly towards
the place where Glazzard stood; Mrs. Wade remained in the doorway.
Unperceived, the informer came close behind his confederate and
spoke quietly.
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