neighbourhood."

"I am, at any rate," Lady Angela answered, smiling, "and I think we can
promise you an audience."

Colonel Ray, who had been standing at the window, came back to us.

"If I may be permitted to make a suggestion, Lady Angela," he said, "I
think it would be well if you returned home now, and I will follow
shortly on foot."

"Indeed," I said, "there is no need for you, Colonel Ray, to remain. I
am absolutely recovered now, and the old woman who looks after me will
be here in the morning."

He seemed scarcely to have heard me. Afterwards, when I knew him
better, I understood his apparent unconcern of any suggestion counter to
his own. He thought slowly and he spoke seldom, but when he had once
spoken the matter, so far as he was concerned, was done with. Lady
Angela apparently was used to him, for she rose at once. She did not
shake hands, but she nodded to me pleasantly. Colonel Ray handed her
into the wagonette, and I heard the quicker throbbing of the engine as
it glided off into the darkness.

It was several minutes before he returned. I began to wonder whether he
had changed his mind, and returned to Rowchester with Lady Angela. Then
the door handle suddenly turned, and he stepped in. His hair was tossed
with the wind, his shoes were wet and covered with mud, and he was
breathing rather fast, as though he had been running. I looked at him
inquiringly. He offered me no explanation. But on his way to the