, pretended to miss the significance of Giuseppe's
confession.

"A good master--eh! I expect the old sea wolf is an excellent friend
when you know his little ways."

Doria admitted it.

"He is all that I could wish and he likes me, because I understand
him and make much of him. Every dog is a lion in his own kennel.
Redmayne rules; but what is the good of a home to a man if he does
not rule? We are friends. Yet, alas, we may not be for long--when--"

He broke off abruptly, puffed a villainous cloud of smoke, and went
back to his wire netting. But he turned a moment and spoke again as
Brendon proceeded.

"Madonna is at home," he shouted and Mark understood to whom he
referred.

He had reached "Crow's Nest" in five minutes and it was Jenny
Pendean who welcomed him.

"Uncle's in his tower," she said. "I'll call him in a minute. But
tell me first if there is anything to tell. I am glad to see
you--very!"

She was excited and her great, misty blue eyes shone. She seemed
more lovely than ever.

"Nothing to report, Mrs. Pendean. At least--no, nothing at all. I've
exhausted every possibility. And you--you have nothing, or you would
have let me hear it?"

"There is nothing," she said. "Uncle Ben would most certainly
have told me if any news had reached him. I am sure that he is
dead--Robert Redmayne."

"I think so too. Tell me a little about yourself, if I may venture
to ask?"

"You have been so thoughtful for me. And I appreciated it. I'm all
right, Mr. Brendon. There is still my life to live and I find ways
of being useful here."

"You are contented, then?"

"Yes. Contentment is a poor substitute for happiness; but I am
contented."

He longed to speak intimately, yet had no excuse for doing so.

"How much I wish it was in my power to brighten your content into
happiness again," he said.

She smiled at him.

"Thank you for such a friendly wish. I am sure you mean it."

"Indeed I do."

"Perhaps I shall come to London some day, and then you would
befriend me a little."

"How much I hope you will--soon."

"But I am dull and stupid still. I have great relapses and sometimes
cannot even endure my uncle's voice. Then I shut myself up. I chain
myself like a savage thing, for a time, till I am patient again."

"You should have distractions."

"There are plenty--even here, though you might not guess it.
Giuseppe Doria sings to me and I go out in the launch now and then.
I always travel to and fro tha