She loves him, I tell you. She has known
him for years. I have come too late to have a chance. Too late, my God,
too late!" He pulled himself up with an effort, then with a laugh said,
"Do you recognise me, Tom? I confess I do not recognise myself. Well,
that's out. Let it go. That's the last you will get from me. But, Tom,
this is more than I can stand. I must quit this country, and I want you
to make it easy for me to go. We'll get up some yarn for Sibyl. You'll
help me out, old man? God knows I need help in this."

"Rot, beastly rot. Give her up to that German heel-clicking
bounder--rather not. Buck up, old man--give the girl a chance
anyway--play the game out, eh, what? Oh, by the way, I have made up my
mind to take that treasurership--beastly nuisance, eh? Goin'? Where?"

"Off with the dogs for a run somewhere."

"No, take the car--too beastly hot for riding, don't you know. Take my
car. Or, I say, let's go up to the mine. Must get to know more about the
beastly old thing, eh, what? We'll take the guns and Sweeper--we'll be
sure to see some birds and get the evening shoot coming back. But, last
word, my boy, give the girl a chance to say no. Think of it, a German,
good Lord! You go and get the car ready. We'll get Sybil to drive while
we shoot."

Tom Waring-Gaunt found his great, warm, simple heart overflowing with
delight at the tremendous news that had come to him. It was more than
his nature could bear that he should keep this from his wife. He found
her immersed in her domestic duties and adamant against his persuasion
to drive them to the mine.

"A shoot," she cried, "I'd love to. But, Tom, you forget I am a
rancher's wife, and you know, or at least you don't know, what that
means. Run along and play with Jack. Some one must work. No, don't tempt
me. I have my programme all laid out. I especially prayed this morning
for grace to resist the lure of the outside this day. 'Get thee behind
me--' What? I am listening, but I shouldn't be. What do you say? Tom,
it cannot be!" She sat down weakly in a convenient chair and listened to
her husband while he retailed her brother's great secret.

"And so, my dear, we are going to begin a big campaign--begin
to-day--take the girls off with us for a shoot--what do you say, eh?"

"Why, certainly, Tom. Give me half an hour to get Martha fairly on the
rails, and I am with you. We'll take those dear girls along. Oh, it is
perfectly splendid. Now let me go; that will do,