beheld him, the ears which listened to his
words, as in characteristic simplicity he offered his explanation.

"How do you do? You are surprised to see me here. I came down by the
twelve train. Mr Goring and I have arranged to have some fishing
together. I'm putting up at the inn. I called at the Cottage and found
you were out. The maid told me where you were to be found, and I
thought I would walk over, and perhaps have the pleasure of escorting
you home. I have introduced myself as you see!" So far he had
addressed himself pointedly to Vanna, casting never a glance in the
direction of Jean, but now he turned towards Piers with the frankest of
smiles. "My name's Gloucester. I'm just home from abroad. I'm going
to fish with Mr Goring. Hope you don't mind my intruding. I am at a
loose end down here."

"Not at all--not at all! Pleased to see you. Sit down. We'll have
some tea." Piers spoke cordially; what was more to the point, he looked
cordial into the bargain. Of a shy, reserved nature, cherishing an
active dislike of strangers, he yet appeared to find nothing
extraordinary or offensive in the intrusion of this man "just home from
abroad," who had raided his mother's privacy in the hope of gaining for
himself the pleasure of meeting her invited guests. Vanna looked past
him to the faces of the two old ladies seated on the basket chairs, and
beheld them benign, smiling, unperturbed. They also had fallen beneath
the spell of Gloucester's personality, and had placidly accepted his
explanations. Jean walked to the farthest of the row of chairs, pushed
it back out of the line of vision, and seated herself in silence. Piers
strolled towards the house to hurry the arrival of tea, and Miggles
declared genially:

"So nice for gentlemen to fish! Such an interest, especially getting on
in years like Mr Goring. Gout, you know! such a handicap. I believe
the inn is comfortable. Quite clean; but always mutton. You will have
to take meals with us."

"I--I've lost my handkerchief. I'll look upstairs," mumbled Vanna
hurriedly. She dived through the open window, fled upstairs to the
shelter of the bedroom where she had laid aside her wraps three hours
before, and sinking down on the bed pressed both hands against her lips.
For the first time for many weeks, laughter overcame her in paroxysms
which could not be repressed. She laughed and laughed; the tears poured
down her cheeks; she laughed again and ag