ecially
the new owl. It's so amusing to look at in the daytime. Will you take
him round and show him everything?"

The boy jumped up gleefully, and Sir Francis roused himself from his
easy-chair to obey his daughter's order. He had grown accustomed to
obeying--experience had shown him it was more comfortable in the long
run to do as she wished.

"Bring some cake along, and we'll feed the birds," he said to the boy,
and the two moved off together to the aviary, which lay sheltered under
the south wall of the house.

When the two were out of earshot, Larssen turned smilingly to Olive, and
his tone was that of one who finds himself at home again.

"It's good to be back," he said.

Olive did not smile welcome to him, as he expected. There was an
unlooked-for constraint in her voice as she inquired: "Another cup?"

"Thanks."

She took the cup from him.

"I've missed you," he added.

"I've had a worrying time," began Olive as she poured out tea and cream
for him.

"Clifford?"

"Ye-es."

Larssen read through the slight hesitancy of her answer. "That means the
Verney girl, does it?"

"I've seen her."

"Where?"

"At Wiesbaden."

"What made you travel to there?"

"She wrote me a letter."

"Which roused your curiosity."

"Yes."

"Did you satisfy yourself?"

"I satisfied myself that so far there's nothing to take hold of between
her and Clifford."

"If she managed to give you that impression, she must be clever as well
as attractive."

"I know I'm right.... Though of course they're in love with one another.
Both admit it."

Olive was ill at ease--a most unusual frame of mind for her. Larssen
guessed she had some confession to make, and prepared himself for an
outwardly sympathetic attitude.

"No doubt she's got the hooks into Clifford tight enough," he answered.
"It'll be merely a question of time. No cause for you to worry. Wait
quietly. Have them watched."

"I intend to do nothing of the kind!" said Olive sharply.

Larssen at once adjusted himself to her mood. "Well, that's as you
please. The affair is yours and not mine. I don't doubt you have good
reasons."

Olive played nervously with a spoon. "I've decided to drop the matter."

"Which?"

"Divorce."

Larssen had the sudden feeling that during his absence in the States the
reins had slipped from his hands. He would have to play very warily for
their recovery.

"No doubt you're right," he answered tacitly, inviting explanation.