rd,
pressed the bell of Clodagh's hall door.

The summons was answered by the same maid who had admitted Clodagh on
the day of her arrival; and seeing the visitor, she drew back
instantly, throwing the door wide.

"Is Mrs. Milbanke up, Barkes?" Lady Frances asked. "I did not see her
in the park this morning."

"Mrs. Milbanke didn't ride this morning, my lady. She is having
breakfast in her own room. Shall I say your ladyship is here?"

Lady Frances replied by walking into the hall.

"No, thanks! I'll announce myself."

Stepping forward without ceremony she passed down the hall and opened
the door of Clodagh's bedroom. But on the threshold she paused,
interested by what she saw.

The two windows that looked upon the park were wide open, and through
them the beautiful warm sunshine was pouring across the room, touching
the old French furniture into a renewal of its glories. Drawn into the
full radiance of this light, stood a small round table set with silver,
china, and a bowl of flowers; and at the table sat Clodagh. She was
wearing a simple dress of black muslin, and her hair--which gleamed
almost bronze in the clear, strong sunshine--was twisted into one thick
coil. But it was neither her dress nor appearance that attracted her
visitor; it was something vaguely disturbing--something subtly
suggestive--in her attitude, as she sat close to the table, an array of
letters and papers spread before her, a gold pencil held thoughtfully
against her lips.

Thinking it was a servant who had entered the room, she did not change
her position with the opening of the door; and Lady Frances Hope had a
full minute in which to observe her; then, having made her deductions,
she allowed her presence to be known.

"Can you tolerate such an early visitor?" she asked.

Clodagh started almost guiltily, and drew the array of papers into a
confused heap; then she rose hastily, laughing to cover her momentary
confusion.

"How you frightened me!" she said. "I must be developing nerves. But
come in! I am delighted!"

She went forward with apparent cordiality, and, taking her visitor's
hand, kissed her.

"How nice and energetic you look! You make me feel very lazy. I wasn't
in the mood for a ride this morning. Come in! Sit down!"

Lady Frances responded to the suggestion by moving across the room.
Pausing by the breakfast-table, she bent forward and buried her face
for a moment in the flowers, at the same time stealing a swift g