niel went. That he had made another blunder was plain enough, but just
now he was too hurt and indignant to care a great deal.

"All right," he said shortly; "I'm goin'. You needn't worry about that.
That's about all the orders I get nowadays--to go away. I ought to be
used to it, by this time. I'm a fool, that's what I am, an old worn-out,
useless fool."

He slammed the door and descended the stairs. He had been in his
accustomed refuge, the library, for perhaps twenty minutes, when the
bell rang. He waited for Hapgood to answer the ring and then, suddenly
remembering that the butler had departed, answered it himself.

Mr. Monty Holway smiled greeting from the steps.

"Good evening, Captain Dott," he said. "Is Miss Dott in?"

Daniel hesitated. "Yes," he said, "she's in, but--"

"May I see her? Will you be good enough to give her my card?"

The captain took the card.

"Ye-es," he said, "I'll give it to her, but--but--Well, you see, she
ain't feelin' very well this evenin' and I don't know as she'll want to
see anybody."

Gertrude herself called from the head of the stairs.

"Who is it, Daddy?" she asked. "Someone for me?"

"It's--er--Mr. Holway."

"Oh, is it!" The tone was one of delighted surprise. "Ask him to come
in, Daddy. I'll be right down."

She came almost immediately. She greeted the caller with outstretched
hand.

"I'm so glad to see you, Mr. Holway," she said. "I was lonely. It was
nice of you to come."

She was pale, and the dark circles under her eyes were more apparent
than ever, but the eyes themselves were shining brightly. She was gay
and, for her, extremely vivacious. Mr. Holway looked gratified and
happy. Captain Dan looked astonished and bewildered.

CHAPTER XII

The bewilderment and astonishment remained with the captain for some
time, just as his daughter's apparent light heartedness remained with
her. Holway's call was longer than usual, lasting until Serena, escorted
by Mr. Hungerford, returned from Mrs. Black's, where they had been
discussing the all-important election. Hungerford and his friend greeted
each other with a marked lack of warmth; in fact, they scarcely spoke.
Serena was too tired to talk, but Gertrude talked enough for all. She
chatted and laughed with almost feverish gaiety until the caller, after
many false starts and with evident reluctance, finally tore himself
away. Then her manner changed, she was silent and thoughtful and, soon
afterward, said goo