ely six o'clock! Upon my word, I
don't relish the idea of her being disturbed. Braithwaite's such a
hot-head. For all I care, they can stop here as long as they like. I'll
take a holiday so as not to embarrass them." He faced Lady Dawn with
troubled frankness. "The question is: _are_ they married? I've been
trying to figure things out. They simply can't be unless he met her with
a special license in Gloucester. And even then, I can't see how---- But
if they're not married, surely he would never have had the audacity to
bring her to my house. It would be too preposterous--to the house of a
man to whom she was engaged, where she would be waited on by a woman
with whom he was once in love."

At that moment Ann entered, pretty and sleepy-eyed, with Braithwaite
following close behind. Tabs commenced speaking at once, in order that
he might put them at their ease as regards his intentions.

"We're not here to blame any one. You, General, evidently think that I'm
hostile. I'm not. As far as you're concerned, Ann, whatever you've done
is right. Of course I'm a little taken aback to find that my house was
chosen for the honeymoon. But if you'd like to have the use of it for a
week or so and Ann doesn't object, I'll clear out and leave you to
yourselves. You'll make me really happy if you'll accept the offer;
it'll be a proof of friendliness. You're wondering why we surprised you
so early. It wasn't to prevent you from marrying. It was because Lady
Dawn was responsible for Terry and we felt that a runaway match, with
the marriage announced after the event, might damage not only her but
you, General, as well. I read yesterday in the papers of what you're
doing and I want to say just this to you. You're the better man. You
deserved to win. Last time we met you refused to shake my hand. I hope
you'll take it now. You can afford to be magnanimous to a rival, now
that you're Terry's husband."

Tabs stood with his hand held out. Braithwaite made no motion to accept
it; and yet his expression was generous. "I can't shake your hand as
Terry's husband, Lord Taborley. I'm not married to her."

Lady Dawn sprang to her feet and came between the two tall men. "Not
married to her! But you intend to marry her? You told us you were
married."

Braithwaite was still smiling. "I am." To their amazement he slipped his
arm about Ann and kissed her sleepy, tender mouth. "Terry is safe with
your Ladyship's sister. We took her there when she arrive