ground--discounting each look and word wrung from him in some moment of
emotion by the mocking raillery with which he followed it up.

More than once he had hinted at some barrier, spoken of a shadow that
dogged his steps, as if complete freedom of action were denied him.
Could it be--was it conceivable, that he was already married? And at the
thought Diana hid hot cheeks against her pillow, living over again that
moment in the car--that moment which had suddenly called into being
emotions before whose overmastering possibilities she trembled.

At length, mentally and physically weary, she dropped into an uneasy
slumber, vaguely wondering what the morrow would bring forth.

It brought the unexpected news that the occupants of Red Gables had
suddenly left for London by the morning train.




CHAPTER VIII

MRS. LAWRENCE'S HOSPITALITY

"_An Officer's Widow offers hospitality to students and professional
women. Excellent cuisine; man-servant; moderate terms. Apply: Mrs. L.,
24 Brutton Square, N.W._"

So ran the advertisement which Mrs. Lawrence periodically inserted in one
of the leading London dailies. She was well-pleased with the wording of
it, considering that it combined both veracity and attractiveness--two