you if you would allow me to do you this
service."

Northway was like clay in her hands. Every word had precisely the
effect on which she calculated. His forehead unwrinkled itself, his
lips hung loose like the mouth of a dog that is fondled, he tried not
to smile. Though he thought himself as far as ever from renouncing
Lilian, he began to like the idea of facing Quarrier--of exhibiting his
natural delicacy, conscientiousness, and so on. Something was in the
background, but of that he took no deliberate account.

A few minutes more, and Mrs. Wade had him entirely at her disposal. It
was arranged that, whilst she went into the town to discover Quarrier,
Northway should remain on guard, either in or about the cottage.
Luncheon would be provided for him. He promised not to molest Lilian,
on condition that she made no attempt to escape.

"She will stay where she is," Mrs. Wade assured him. "Your natural
delicacy will, I am sure, prevent you from seeking to hold conversation
with her. She is very weak, poor thing! I do hope no serious illness
will follow on this shock."

Thereupon she returned to the sitting-room, where Lilian stood in an
anguish of impatience.

"I think I shall manage it, dear," she whispered, in a tone of
affectionate encouragement. "He has consented to see Mr. Quarrier,
provided I go first and break the news."

"You, Mrs. Wade? You are going to see Denzil?"

"Dearest girl, leave it all in my hands. You cannot think what
difficulties I have overcome. If I am allowed to act freely, I shall
save you and him."

She explained the articles of truce, Lilian listening with distressful
hope.

"And I don't think he will interfere with you meanwhile. But you can
keep the door locked, you know. Annie shall bring you something to eat;
I will tell her to give him _his_ luncheon first, and then to come very
quietly with yours. It is half-past twelve. I can hardly be back in
less than an hour and a half. No doubt, Mr. Quarrier will come with me."

"How good you are, dear Mrs. Wade! Oh, if you can save him!"

"Trust me, and try to sit quietly. Now, I will be off at once."

She pressed the hand that was held to her, nodded, and left the room.

CHAPTER XXII

It was striking one when Mrs. Wade came in sight of the Quarriers'
house. At this hour Quarrier was expected at home for luncheon. He
arrived whilst the visitor still waited for an answer to her ring at
the door.

"But haven't you seen Lily