rench nodded, as if she had received a reply which she knew to
be correct.

"You're very fond of your dog," she said.

"He's all I've got."

"All? Haven't you a single friend?"

"Not one," said Anthony.

A little cough came to her vigilant ears, and Valerie rose to her feet.
As she came to the window, she stopped and looked at Anthony with a
quiet smile.

"I don't think you ought to say that," she said gently. "Not since you
know me so well."

Long after she had passed in, Lyveden stood gazing at the threshold
from which she had spoken....

The veterinary surgeon was with Patch.

After a tender examination, he rose to his feet, and Anthony introduced
himself.

"He's a fine little dog," said the other. "And he makes a good
patient, but I'm afraid he's in for a bad time." He turned to the
kennel-man. "Have you warned Williams and Minter?"

"I have, sir."

"That's right. From now on, he mustn't be left."

"Will he have some brandy, sir?"

"Not yet."

In answer to Anthony's questions, the surgeon spoke plainly.

"He's getting steadily worse. That will go on for anything from six to
twelve hours. Then one of two things will become apparent--either that
he will recover, or that he can't."

"What about my being with him?"

"If you like to be near, sir, yes. As to being in the room--he's a
highly-strung little fellow, and in the circumstances I don't advise
it. Of course, if there was any sudden change ..."

"I'm in your hands," said Anthony. "I'll leave my hat here. Then
he'll know that I'm at hand."

"You couldn't do better, sir."

The surgeon was patently glad of an owner who would do as he said.

Anthony stooped to touch the damp muzzle....

Then he stole gently away.

Out on the verandah he made his plans. Not for fifty Marquesses would
he leave ere the change had come. He decided to telegraph to the
butler. Perhaps they would understand. Any way, it could not be
helped. If he were to be dismissed, he would try again. Only the fear
of unemployment had kept him in Eaton Square. The very thought of Lord
Pomfret made his blood boil. Perhaps, even if they said nothing, it
would be better to leave.

He picked up my lady's _Times_....

The trouble was that the demand for men-servants seemed rather small.
Married couples, apparently, were all the rage. Of course he was
getting good wages. The substance might not be toothsome, but it was
better than shadow. At least, you