he sought to learn?

"Who is that man?" asked Colonel Ashley of Mr. Kettridge, who had often
come to the shop during the holiday seasons to help Mrs. Darcy.

"Oh, that's Mr. Grafton."

"Mr. Grafton? Who is he?"

"Aaron Grafton, one of Colchester's best and wealthiest citizens. He
owns the Emporium."

"That big department store?"

"Yes. He has built it up from a small establishment. I have known him
a number of years, and he knew Mrs. Darcy quite well. He often has
purchased diamonds here, though he is not married, and I don't know
that he is engaged--rather late in life, too, for him to be considering
that."

"Oh, well, you never can tell," and the colonel smiled.

"So that is Aaron Grafton!" he mused. "Well, Mr. Grafton, in spite of
the well known reputation you bear, I think you will stand a little
watching. I must not neglect the smallest clew in a case like this.
Yes, decidedly, I think you will bear watching!"

For at that moment the merchant, after another round of the store,
seeking for something it seemed he could not find, turned and hurried
out, a much-troubled look on his face. Colonel Ashley followed.