gard to Maude, and determined to lose no
time in getting clear of the entanglement. He sought an opportunity of
speaking to her that afternoon; he really did; but could not find it. The
dowager had taken her out to pay a visit.

Mr. Carr was as good as his word, and got down in time for dinner. One
glance at Lord Hartledon's face told him what he half expected to
see--that the word of emancipation had not yet been spoken.

"Don't blame me, Carr. I shall speak to-night before I sleep, on my word
of honour. Things have come to a crisis now; and if I wished to hold back
I could not. I would say what a fool I have been not to speak before;
only you know I'm one already."

Thomas Carr laughed.

"Mrs. Ashton has heard some tattle about Maude, and spoke to me this
afternoon. Of course I could only deny it, my face feeling on fire with
its sense of dishonour, for I don't think I ever told a deliberate lie in
my life; and--and, in short, I should like my marriage with Anne to take
place as soon as possible."

"Well, there's only one course to pursue, as I told you when I was down
before. Tell Lady Maude the candid truth, and take shame and blame to
yourself, as you deserve. Her having known of the engagement to Miss
Ashton renders your task the easier."

Very restless was Lord Hartledon until the moment came. He knew the best
time to speak to Maude would be immediately after dinner, whilst the
countess-dowager took her usual nap. There was no hesitation now; and he
speedily followed them upstairs, leaving his friend at the dinner-table.

He went up, feeling a desperate man. To those of his temperament having
to make a disagreeable communication such as this is almost as cruel as
parting with life.

No one was in the drawing-room but Lady Kirton--stretched upon a sofa and
apparently fast asleep. Val crossed the carpet with softened tread to the
adjoining rooms: small, comfortable rooms, used by the dowager in
preference to the more stately rooms below. Maude had drawn aside the
curtain and was peering out into the frosty night.

"Why, how soon you are up!" she cried, turning at his entrance.

"I came on purpose, Maude. I want to speak to you."

"Are you well?" she asked, coming forward to the fire, and taking her
seat on a sofa. In truth, he did not look very well just then. "What is
it?"

"Maude," he answered, his fair face flushing a dark red as he plunged
into it blindfold: "I am a rogue and a fool!"

Lady Maud