e
situation between Abel's parents upset. Sabina said no more, and in the
momentary silence that followed she rose and left them.

"What clumsy fools even nice men can be," sighed Miss Ironsyde, and
Churchouse spoke.

"Leave Sabina to me," he said. "I'll comfort her when you've gone.
There is a certain ingrained stupidity from which no man escapes in the
presence of women. They may, or may not, conceal their feelings; but we
all unconsciously bruise and wound them. Sabina did not conceal hers.
She is quick in mind as well as body. What matters is that she knows
exceedingly well we are all on her side and all valuable friends for the
lad. Now let us return to the point. I think with Estelle that Abel may
have something of the artist in him. He drew exceedingly well as a
child. You can see his pictures in Sabina's room. Such a gift if
developed might waken a sense of power."

"If he knew great things were within his reach, he would not disdain the
means to reach them," said Miss Ironsyde. "I do think if the boy felt
his own possibilities more--if we could waken ambition--he would grow
larger-minded. Hate always runs counter to our interests in the long
run, because it wastes our energy and, if people only knew it, revenge
is really not sweet, but exceedingly bitter."

"I suggest this," said Ironsyde: "that Uncle Ernest and Estelle visit
the boy--not in any spirit of weakness, or with any concessions, or
attempts to change his mind; but simply to learn his mind. Sabina was
right there. We'll approach him as we should any other intelligent
being, and invite his opinion, and see if it be reasonable, or
unreasonable. And if it is reasonable, then I ought to be able to serve
him, if he'll let me do so."

"I shall certainly do what you wish," agreed Ernest. "Estelle and I will
form a deputation to this difficult customer and endeavour to find out
what his lordship really proposes and desires. Then, if we can prove to
him that he must look to his fellow creatures to advance his welfare; if
we can succeed in showing him that not even the youngest of us can stand
alone, perhaps we shall achieve something."

"And if he won't let me help, perhaps he'll let you, or Estelle, or Aunt
Jenny. Agree if he makes any possible stipulation. It doesn't matter a
button where he supposes help is coming from: the thing is that he
should not know it is really coming from me."

"I hope we may succeed without craft of that sort, Raymond," de