ight morning air. When he returned an hour later, Jervase had
drunk himself to sleep, and there was no further trouble with him. Irene
was ready and came from her bedroom at the General's call. His heart
ached as he looked at her, for the passage of that one night of
sleepless grief had blighted all her fresh young beauty as a year of
sickness might have done. He took her to his arms and held her there
until she drew gently away from him.

'I know, dear,' she said in a voice she bravely tried to control, but
with no great success. 'I know, dear.'

They exchanged no further words until they reached home, but her father
placed an arm about her shoulders and drew her to his breast, where she
nestled quietly. She had wept all her tears away, but a dry sob shook
her frame from time to time, and with every repetition of the sound the
father's face twitched as if a rough hand had been laid upon a wound. He
parted from her tenderly when they reached home, and they met again at
the breakfast table.

'You understand everything that has happened, dear?' he asked. 'I think
so.'

'The owner of the salt mine which my partners have for years been
robbing is a Major de Blacquaire, whose regiment is just now quartered
at Birmingham. They will have the route in a day or two, and I must see
him before he goes. I shall drive into the town at once; and then I must
run up to London. I do not know as yet what my partners' rascality may
have cost me, but I am not a wealthy man, and the business may spell
ruin. I cannot afford to be idle, and I must get back into harness. Lord
Raglan knows my record. I was with him when he lost his right arm at
Waterloo. He has more than once,' the old soldier went on with a certain
stateliness, 'expressed a certain regard for me. I have every reason to
believe myself highly honoured by his esteem. At a time like this men
of experience will be in demand, and I feel hopeful of finding an
appointment. I am not yet too old to serve my Queen and country. Lord
Raglan will see service again, of course, and he is six years my senior,
so that he is scarcely likely to make my years a ground of objection.'

'Take me with you, dear,' said Irene, 'I shall not be very happy if I am
left alone.'

'Do you care for the drive this morning?' her father asked.

'I should like it,' she answered, 'of all things.'

'Run away and dress then,' said the General, 'for I have ordered the
carriage already, and it will be round in