t head, has Oliver. This year he will have special
need of it. It will be a critical time for him."

Diana gave a vague assent. She had, in truth, two recent letters from
Marsham in her pocket at that moment, giving a brilliant and minute
account of the Parliamentary situation. But she hid the fact, warm and
close, like a brooding bird; only drawing on her companion to talk
politics, that she might hear Marsham's name sometimes, and realize the
situation Marsham had described to her, from another point of view.--And
all the time her ear listened for the sound of hoofs, and for the front
door bell.

At last! The peal echoed through the old house. Sir James rose, and,
instinctively, Diana rose too. Was there a smile--humorous and
tender--in the lawyer's blue eyes?

"I'll go and finish my cigarette out-of-doors. Such a tempting
afternoon!"

And out he hurried, before Diana could stop him. She remained standing,
with soft hurrying breath, looking out into the garden. On a lower
terrace she saw Fanny and Alicia Drake walking together, and could not
help a little laugh of amusement that seemed to come out of a heart of
content. Then the door opened, and Marsham was there.

CHAPTER IX

Marsham's first feeling, as he advanced into the room, and, looking
round him, saw that Diana was alone, was one of acute physical pleasure.
The old room with its mingling of color, at once dim and rich; the
sunlit garden through the casement windows; the scent of the logs
burning on the hearth, and of the hyacinths and narcissus with which the
warm air was perfumed; the signs everywhere of a woman's life and charm;
all these first impressions leaped upon him, aiding the remembered spell
which had recalled him--hot-foot and eager--from London, to this place,
on the very first opportunity.

And if her surroundings were poetic, how much more so was the
girl-figure itself!--the slender form, the dark head, and that shrinking
joy which spoke in her gesture, in the movement she made toward him
across the room. She checked it at once, but not before a certain
wildness in it had let loose upon him a rush of delight.

"Sir James explained?" he said, as he took her hand.

"Yes. I had no notion you would be here--this week-end."

"Nor had I--till last night. Then an appointment broken down--and--_me
voici_!"

"You stay over to-morrow?"

"Of course! But it is absurd that the Feltons should be five miles
away!"

She stammered:

"