for Crofter's study. No one was there. He
turned and saw me.

"Tell Crofter I want him at once."

I departed with my heart in my mouth. At the foot of the staircase I
met Crofter.

"Tempest wants to see you," said I; "he sent me to--to ask you to come."

"He doesn't know?" inquired Crofter.

"Yes--I told him--I--I thought I ought to let him know." Crofter
laughed his sweet laugh.

"If I had wanted it known all over Low Heath," said he, "I could hardly
have done better than tell you to keep it a secret. I'd much sooner he
had not known. However--where is he?"

"In your study, I think."

I felt constrained to follow. Crofter evidently was expecting to be the
recipient of an outburst of effusive gratitude. I had not the courage
to disabuse him.

He walked pleasantly and graciously into his study, where Tempest stood,
flushing and biting his lips, awaiting him. "Is this true what that
youngster says, that you've had the--that you've paid bills of mine?"

"I'm sorry he told you, Tempest. I thought it might get you out of a
difficulty, and I--"

"And you expect me to thank you! Take that, for daring to meddle in my
affairs!"

And he struck Crofter on the cheek--not a hard blow, but one which sent
the recipient reeling across the room with astonishment.

For a moment I expected a fight. Crofter, however, pale, but smiling
still, declined the challenge.

"You'll be sorry, I'm sure," said he, as coolly as he could. "I only
wanted to do you a good turn, and--"

"I'm sorry already," said Tempest, who had already gathered himself
together. "I hoped you'd fight like a man. As you're afraid to, I'm
sorry I touched you."

"I see nothing to fight about," said Crofter. "I don't see what there
is to be angry about."

Tempest waited motionless for a few uncomfortable moments, in the hope
that Crofter would pluck up spirit to accept the challenge. But, as
Crofter only smiled, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room.
As he passed me, he beckoned me imperiously to follow him. I did so in
terror.

He put a piece of paper and a pen before me.

"Write down there an account of every bill you paid, and the amount."

I obeyed--my memory fortunately served me for the task.

"Now go. You've had the satisfaction of seeing me make an ass of myself
in striking that cad--he's not worth it. You may go and tell him I'm
sorry if you like. As for you, I don't want to see any more of you. Go
to you