iana gave her a quick smile of
sympathy and understanding; and turned to greet the new-comers.

"What, Frances!" she exclaimed laughingly, as she caught sight of her
sister's face. "Has George been beating you?"

Lady Frances came forward frowning.

"How ridiculous you are, Di! Your mind never soars above George." Then,
realising that her annoyance had carried her away, she gave a short
laugh and suddenly recovered her composure.

"I am angry because our game was spoiled. I was making a really
excellent break, when we were interrupted by a stupid telegram from
Walter Gore."

Almost abruptly, Clodagh turned back to the open window, conscious that
her face and ears were suddenly burning and that her heart had given a
great unsteady throb.

Lady Diana looked quickly from her sister to her husband.

"From Walter?" she said in surprise.

"Yes, from Walter." George Tuffnell came forward with an open telegram
in his hand. "Listen to this! 'Back from Russia. Town insufferably hot.
Gore Bridges in tradesmen's hands. No plans for immediate week. Can you
put me up from to-morrow?--WALTER GORE.' Luck, isn't it! Why, we
haven't seen him for a year. Dear old Walter!" Tuffnell's good-natured
face beamed with hospitable enthusiasm. "What do you say, Di?" he
added. "Of course we can manage it?"

"Of course! Why, it will make our party complete." Lady Diana glanced
at her sister. But, to her surprise, there was no response in Lady
Frances's expression.

With a movement of sudden decision, she had stepped forward.

"Di, wait a moment!" she said. "You know Walter and Val Serracauld
never hit it off--and Walter and Deerehurst detest each other. Do you
think it would be wise?"

Lady Diana looked perplexed.

"It is a little difficult," she said. "But we cannot refuse Walter."
She looked at her husband.

George Tuffnell responded with a laugh.

"Refuse Walter! Why, I'd as soon refuse to have the boys home for the
holidays! The house is big enough for everybody! What do you say, Mrs.
Milbanke?"

Clodagh turned from the open window. From being red, her face was now
very pale.

"I," she stammered--"I----"

Again Tuffnell laughed good-naturedly.

"Certainly! Don't you think, Di, that Mrs. Milbanke could give us an
expert opinion on the management of man?"

Clodagh laughed unsteadily. Then, all at once, her mental balance was
shaken by a wave of feeling. The thought of Gore--the remembrance of
Gore--rose like tangible th