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“Never mind I’ll explain later” They hurried out into the hall Only the missed note on the pianoforte and a sudden screech from Miss Melinda indicated anyone had noted their departure “Mr Harrison,” Daniel called out to the figure hurrying across the landing

The person ground to a halt but did not turn around

“We wish you no harm,” Mrs Chambers said

Daniel stepped closer “Surely you knoe’re here”

With the inforentleht fellow

Mr Harrison turned slowly “What … what do you ith me?”

“Two things,” Daniel said bluntly There was no time to pass pleasantries They had one more visit to make to complete their business, and it was difficult to focus when all he cared about was discovering the identity of Daphne Chambers’ mysterious intruder “We require a confession and an explanation”

“A confession?” Mr Harrison’s hollow cheeks accentuated his timid countenance He was one of life’s victims No doubt problems followed him wherever he went “But it is obvious to everyone that I’m a man And don’t ask me to explain that which I fail—”

“Do not play ga the person who caused the daree to pay for the repairs That is all we require Twenty pounds should suffice”

“Twenty pounds!” the gentleman cried, all trace of feminine intonation abandoned “For a broken ”

Mrs Chambers sucked in a breath “I believe you have just confessed, sir, as Mr Thorpe ree, twenty pounds is far too steep for a pane of glass”

Mr Harrison clasped his hands together in prayer “It was a stupid lapse of judgment Perhaps Madame Fontaine will allow me to work to repay the debt for I do not have a spare shilling to my name”

Daniel reached into the inside pocket of his coat, rerabbed Mr Harrison’s hand and thrust it into this palm “That should cover all expenses You’re to call in at the modiste’s and pay for the repair to theas a ency Ten pounds should suffice”

Mr Harrison unfolded the note and gasped “Heavens above But what shall I do with the change?”

“Spend it Madame Fontaine’s dresses are too expensive for your est you call on Mrs Wilson on South Moulton Street, number fifty-nine if my memory serves me She is a skilled dressmaker, but her prices are fair”