, Meredith
changed the subject, introducing any topic he could think of which he
thought might interest him. In vain. Both felt that they were farther
apart than when they had last met. There was, in fact, a barrier between
them which neither knew how to remove. Engrossed in his own reflections,
Verschoyle did not keep up the first semblance of bonhomie; a little,
indeed, resenting Meredith's efforts in one direction, since he did not
seem likely to make any in another of more importance.

Both men were equally relieved when a ruddy-cheeked servant-maid
appeared at the door, and informed them that dinner would be ready in
ten minutes now. Verschoyle led the way into the house, showed Meredith
to a room, and then availed himself of the opportunity to say a few
hurried words to his sister.

"Remember, Madge: there's no necessity for offering him a bed. Only a
chance visit; that means nothing; and, therefore, dinner is quite
enough. How have you contrived it?"

"Oh, pretty well. No need for pretence. He must know by the general
aspect of things how it is with us."

"Well, give the mother a hint not to press the hospitalities."

"He would not care to remain if she did, I should think; there is
nothing to attract him here"; adding, with a little surprise, "but I
should have thought you would have been glad to welcome anyone, dull as
you find it, Laurence."

"If I were not in such straits I might. You know I am at my wits' end
just now; liable to be seized at any moment for that wretched debt."

He had given it the name of debt to her, and she had not the slightest
suspicion that it was anything worse.

[Illustration: "MEREDITH WAS INTRODUCED."]

At that moment Allan Meredith entered the room, which not even the
shabby furniture and appurtenances of the dinner table could render mean
looking, with its noble proportions, oak ceiling, carved, high
chimney-piece, and oriel window. There was not sufficient carpet even
for the fashion--only, indeed, one large old Turkey rug; and that was
spread in the recess of the window, where were, also, a finely-carved,
high-backed, well cushioned chair, small work and writing tables, and
two or three other last relics of better days, devoted to the use of the
invalid; a gentle, suffering-looking woman, with traces of great beauty
in her thin, worn face.

Meredith was introduced to her by her daughter, with a tone and look
which showed she felt that she had still something to be pr