sador," Wingrave said coldly, "you are not acceptable to
me. It is a matter which I could only discuss with Lady Ruth herself. If
Lady Ruth has anything to say to me, I will hear it."

Barrington stood quite still for several moments. The veins on his
forehead stood out like tightly drawn cords, his breath came with
difficulty. The light in his eyes, as he looked at Wingrave, was almost
murderous.

"If Lady Ruth desires to see me," Wingrave remarked slowly, "I shall be
here at nine o'clock this evening. Tomorrow my movements are uncertain.
You will excuse me if I hurry you away now. I have an engagement which
is already overdue."

Barrington took up his hat and left the room without a word. Wingrave
remained in his chair. His eyes followed the departing figure of his
visitor. When he was absolutely sure that he was alone, he covered his
face with one hand. His engagement seemed to have been with his thoughts
for he did not stir for nearly an hour later. Then he rang the bell for
Aynesworth.

IN THE TOILS

Wingrave did not speak for several moments after Aynesworth had entered
the room. He had an engagement book before him and seemed to be deep in
its contents. When at last he looked up, his forehead was furrowed with
thought, and he had the weary air of a man who has been indulging in
unprofitable memories.

"Aynesworth," he said, "be so good as to ring up Walters and excuse me
from dining with him tonight."

Aynesworth nodded.

"Any particular form of excuse?" he asked.

"No! Say that I have an unavoidable engagement. I will see him tomorrow
morning."

"Anything else?" Aynesworth asked, preparing to leave the room.

"No! You might see that I have no visitors this evening. Lady Ruth is
coming here at nine o'clock."

"Lady Ruth is coming here," Aynesworth repeated in a colorless tone.
"Alone?"

"Yes."

Aynesworth shrugged his shoulders, but made no remark. He turned towards
the door, but Wingrave called him back.

"Your expression, Aynesworth," he said, "interests me. Am I or the lady
in question responsible for it?"

"I am sorry for Lady Ruth," Aynesworth said. "I think that I am sorry,
too, for her husband."

"Why? She is coming of her own free will."

"There are different methods of compulsion," Aynesworth answered.

Wingrave regarded him thoughtfully.

"That," he said, "is true. But I still do not understand why you are
sorry for her."

"Because," Aynesworth said, "I know the histo