Lyveden descended the steps.

From the luxury of a smart landaulette a dame of some consequence
regarded him shrewdly. She had, of course, witnessed the comedy upon
the steps.

"Who lives here?" she demanded haughtily.

Lyveden drew himself up.

"Mrs. Slumper, madam."

His statement was received with an irrational suspicion.

"Indeed! I didn't know that Lady Helen Amiens had let her house."

"Neither, madam, did I."

The great lady stared at Anthony, who looked straight ahead. Then--

"I--I beg your pardon," she murmured.

Anthony bowed and turned on his heel. As he passed Walters, who was
standing wide-eyed, the latter touched his hat faithfully.

When the car had passed on, Anthony closed the door thoughtfully. It
had not occurred to him that the house had been hired as it stood.
Certainly the Slumpers had given no hint of such a state of affairs.
Probably they felt it to be beneath their dignity. It being no affair
of his, Lyveden decided to keep his own counsel.

* * * * *

Two days later Anthony visited Patch for the second time.

The same relentless train that had rushed the two down to Hertfordshire
that dreadful Thursday had become an easy-going friend. By pocketing
his lunch, Lyveden could catch it with anything under five minutes to
spare. This gave the two another three-quarters of an hour.

Their second meeting was a replica of the first.

Anthony was admitted, announced his desire, and sat down in the dim
hall. Presently a brisk familiar step made itself heard--firm little
paws meeting the tough linoleum squarely--and Anthony rose to his feet.
Out of a passage came Patch readily, the fair-haired girl behind him
bidding him go ahead. For a moment he looked about him. Then he saw
Lyveden, stiffened and stood stock still. The next second, with his
body clapped to the floor, he had darted sharply across and, laying his
head sideways, crouched at his idol's feet--an adoring suppliant,
craving to be raised.

"Why, Patch----"

The white scrap quivered and flung up a panting visage. Lyveden
stooped and gathered him in his arms. The terrier licked his face
frantically. Then he squirmed like a mad thing till he was down, tore
to a basket of logs, and of his strength brought a billet gripped in
his big mouth and laid it at Anthony's feet.

The girl laughed merrily.

"What did I tell you?" said Lyveden. "It's just the way of his heart.
I must always h