in their own rooms, she had elected to avoid the family meal,
at which her instinct told her Gore would be present. After last
night's mental crisis, the idea of encountering his polite avoidance
had seemed to her intolerable.

As she passed downstairs now, with slow and sobered steps, she half
paused as the burly figure of George Tuffnell appeared at the open hall
door; but her hesitation was not permitted to last, for instantly her
host caught sight of her, he came forward hospitably. And a new shame
woke in her, as she realised that Lady Diana Tuffnell had preserved
silence even to her husband upon the subject of last night's
incident--or at least upon her share in it.

"Hallo, Mrs. Milbanke!" he cried cheerfully. "Has the London atmosphere
got imported with our guests? These are London hours, you know!"

He strode up to her, followed closely by a couple of dogs, and seized
her hand cordially.

Clodagh gave a little embarrassed laugh; and instantly stooped to
caress the dogs.

"I feel ashamed of myself," she said hurriedly. "You and Lady Diana
must forgive me. But I was very tired last night."

Tuffnell waived the matter good-naturedly.

"Don't apologise! Don't mention it! But you should be thinking about
the train. I was just coming to tell you that the trap is ready,
whenever you are. It was Di's idea to give you the trap; she said you'd
hate a big conveyance that would tempt people to offer themselves as
escorts!" He laughed in his hearty, untroubled way. "One of the men
will drive you over, but you can get rid of him at the station. He'll
come back in the dog-cart with Miss Asshlin's luggage."

Again Clodagh bent to pat the dogs.

"How kind of Lady Diana!" she murmured. "I haven't seen my little
sister for years and years, you know."

"You'll find her changed, I'll guarantee. Children do spring up!" He
gave a loud, contented sigh. "But shall I order the trap round? Or do
you want to see Di first?"

"I think I'll--I'll see Lady Diana later--if it will not seem
ungracious."

"Ungracious! Not a bit! I'll get the trap." He turned and swung across
the sunny hall, whistling to his dogs. And Clodagh, still quiet and
subdued, walked slowly after him to the door.

No one was about when the small trap was brought round from the
stables, followed by Tuffnell and the dogs. And as Clodagh came down
the steps the two animals pressed forward with upturned, eager faces;
and the friendly appeal in their faithful