resident people like ourselves keep open house, don't
you know? and very glad to. We never know how many are coming in to
lunch; but then they put up with anything; and it's great fun; it's an
occupation for idle people. Then, when you've got a billiard-table,
they can turn to that on wet days. Or Edith can give them some music;
they say she's rather a swell at it. You see, everybody is in Brighton
in December, with friends or in hotels; and, as I say, it's a case of
open house and take your chance.'

'We are more formal, and a little duller, in Wiltshire,' said Frank
King. 'I wish you'd come to Kingscourt for a few days. We haven't
shot the best of the covers yet.'

Those who thought that Tom Beresford was a foolish youth knew nothing
about him. Without a hum or a ha he said--

'Yes, I will. When?'

'I'm going back for Christmas. Of course you'll have to stay here with
your sisters. As soon after that as you can manage.'

'I could come to you on the 27th or 28th.'

'That's settled then. I will write and let you know about trains and
things.'

As luck, good or ill, would have it, there was no other visitor at
lunch; the party consisting of Lady Beresford, her two daughters, Mr.
Tom, and Captain Frank King. But Mr. Tom was in high spirits over this
prospective visit to Kingscourt, and was most amiable to everybody and
everything; he even said that he himself would go through to Lewes and
fetch Nan home for Christmas.

Now this was odd: that, whenever Nan's name was mentioned, Frank King
always glanced up with a quick look, as if he were surprised. Was he
beginning to believe, then, as he had tried to make himself believe,
that this was the real Nan Beresford now on the other side of the
table? Was he surprised to be reminded of the other Nan far away--and
now no doubt greatly altered from her former self? Madge Beresford was
aware that her neighbour opposite regarded her very frequently--and she
pretended not to be conscious of it; but once or twice when she looked
up and her eyes met his, she thought there was an oddly wistful or even
puzzled expression in those dark blue eyes that Edith was always
talking about.

After luncheon Lady Beresford retired to her room, as was her wont; the
two young ladies went upstairs to the drawing-room, and Captain King
accompanied them, for Madge had asked him to advise her about the
rigging of some boats she had been sketching. Mr. Tom remained below
to pra