ruptly parting the curtains, he
ruthlessly interrupted the performance by his entrance, conscious on the
instant of the alluring picture she made,--or, rather, would make, to
senses that were impressionable. Having outlived that stage, he could
only survey at his leisure the curve of her youthful cheek and the small
bow of her mouth that seemed to demand kisses; watch the lights dance in
the gold of her hair, and amuse himself with the play of her eyelashes.
She was dressed in rich simplicity, the only colour about her, apart
from the shell-pink of her face and the natural crimson of her lips, was
a deep, red rose in her bosom. He inhaled its perfume as she ran to him
and seized his hand in impetuous welcome, while he could not but
appreciate the exceptional opportunity afforded him of improving their
acquaintance.

"How did you know that I was longing to send for you but lacking in
courage?" she asked, holding his hand in both hers with extreme
cordiality, born of her gratitude for his late services. Her manner was
that of a child towards a respected senior, and was not without a
certain charm.

"You did not come to dinner," he replied with his grudging smile, "so I
had to call and see why. You are such a grave responsibility to me in
your husband's absence."

"Does it weigh very heavily on you?" she asked coquettishly.

"As you see, it dragged me here at this late hour!"

"Poor you!" she sympathised; then instantly pulled a long face and
explained her alarms deprecatingly while she drew him--still holding his
hand--to her bedroom that he might see the child for himself and judge
of his condition.

It was her habit to have the baby's crib by her bed, and the ayah close
at hand in case of disturbed nights, while Meredith was compelled to
retire to a separate suite, adjoining hers. "Such a young infant needs
his mother, you selfish old Daddy, and must not be deprived." Arguments
respecting the advantages of employing an English nurse and establishing
a nursery had been swept aside as arbitrary and unfeeling. As if she
could ever consent to a hireling occupying her place with her beloved
child! Others might do as they pleased and lose their place in their
little ones' affections, but not she! Fathers should consider their
offspring before themselves. When Meredith had looked unconvinced and
injured, she had tried to soften the blow by cajoleries, in the use of
which she was past-mistress. Silly goose! as if the sam