no other than gratefully accept," said Ricordo; "but I am
afraid I am monopolising your company, Signor Castlemaine."

He turned aside as he spoke, and made room for Purvis and Sprague, who
had evidently been waiting for a chance to speak to them.

"I could not help making the most of the opportunity which you have
afforded," said Sprague. "I am afraid The Homestead was not meant for
such as Purvis and myself; but you will forgive me, won't you?"

There was marked restraint in John Castlemaine's welcome of the two men,
still he greeted them civilly. Perhaps he had partly forgotten the part
they took in the painful drama of years before. As for Olive, she was
evidently undecided what to do. She ended, however, by speaking civilly
to them both, but did not seem at all pleased that they should come and
speak to her.

"I see you know my late opponent on the golf links," said Sprague,
turning to Ricordo.

"We have met to-night for the first time," said Mr. Castlemaine, turning
towards the stranger, and as he turned he saw a look in his eyes that
made him feel uncomfortable. There was such a sinister expression on
Ricordo's face, that he wondered if he had done right in asking him, in
spite of his unquestionable credentials, to his house. For this reason
he was almost glad that Sprague and Purvis were there. He had known them
well years before, and although he had no pleasure in recalling the
past, he felt that he might seem churlish, and uncivil, if he did not
extend his invitation to them. Acting on the impulse of the moment,
therefore, a thing which was very rare with him, he asked them both to
walk up to the house.

"Signor Ricordo is coming up," he said; "you might as well join him if
you care, and then you can all walk back together."

"Delighted, I am sure," said Sprague; but Purvis pleaded a headache, and
declared that he would be such a dull companion that he would not
inflict his company upon them. The quartette started their walk, and
passed through the village almost without a word. Whether Ricordo was
pleased or annoyed because of Sprague's presence it was impossible to
say. He showed no sign either way. While they were in the village they
walked abreast, but after they had passed through the lodge gates,
Sprague and Olive walked side by side, while Ricordo and Mr. Castlemaine
came on behind. Sprague found himself strangely nervous when he realised
that he was alone with Olive. It was he who had sent the