lled the inner room, that the hours flew past as she listened
to him, and it was always with real regret that she took her leave when
the time came for her to go home.

"Aunt Madge and Marcus find me so much more interesting ever since you
have taken me in hand," she said once. "I try and repeat all you tell
me, but, of course, I forget half. Very often Marcus helps me to
remember--he has read so much on these subjects, you see."

Perhaps it was this artless speech that led to Mr. Gaythorne showing
Marcus a case of curious insects, and Dr. Luttrell had been so
fascinated, so utterly engrossed, that the old man, much flattered, had
cordially invited him into the museum. Marcus, who had still much time
on his hands, often spent a pleasant hour or two with his patient. Mr.
Gaythorne lent him books, and gave him choice brands of cigars.

Olivia was highly delighted at these evident marks of favour, but it
troubled her that Mr. Gaythorne never liked them to come together.
Olivia was always invited pointedly when Marcus's visit had been paid,
and now and then he would ask Dr. Luttrell to have a chat with him
after dinner. Once when Olivia had ventured to hint her disapproval of
this he had answered with unwonted irritability.

"I like to take my pleasures singly, Mrs. Luttrell. I am sorry if I
keep you from your husband. I am a selfish old misanthrope, I am
afraid;" but Olivia, alarmed by this decided acerbity, hastened to
assure him that her remark had meant nothing.

"It is so natural of me to want Marcus to share my pleasure," she said
so sweetly that Mr. Gaythorne was mollified.

Even Marcus noticed a decided improvement in his patient's manner. He
was less irritable and contradictory, and was evidently grateful for
the relief he had derived from his doctor's treatment. The bare
civility with which he had at first tolerated Marcus soon changed into
greater cordiality. Dr. Luttrell's intelligence could appreciate Mr.
Gaythorne's culture and learning. Before long they were on the best of
terms, but it was Olivia who was the prime favourite.

When Olivia's face appeared on the threshold Mr. Gaythorne's eyes
brightened under their rugged brows, and his voice insensibly softened.
To her, and her only, he showed his real self.

"He has a strange complex nature," she said once to her husband. "He
is very reserved, there are some things of which he never speaks. He
has not once mentioned his son. I should no