is only one Pastimes, so
one of us is bound to be disappointed!"

He pounced on that as if scenting a hopeful weakness.

"Exactly. Yes; but the disappointment would vary in intensity. That is
what I am anxious to point out. When Edwards told me that the tenant
was a lady I felt reassured, for it is a matter in which a woman's
kindliness and good heart--"

My eyes roved to the screen. Charmion's ears were assuredly open at
this moment, straining to hear my reply. I raised my eyebrows, and said
frostily:--

"We are speaking of a business arrangement. I am afraid that is the
only light in which we can consider the matter. We shall honourably
fulfil our part of the agreement which we have signed."

"You refuse to show any consideration for an invalid returning home--
after many years?"

"Not at all. If it is ever in our power, as neighbours, to show him any
kindness, we shall be eager to do all that is possible--short of giving
up our own house for his benefit. Would you do it yourself, Mr
Maplestone--for the sake of a stranger you had never seen?"

He stood staring at me, his cheeks bulging with the moving lumps which
show that people are swallowing down words which they dare not allow
themselves to say. With the same air of elaborate patience which he had
shown before, he explained slowly:--

"My cousin has been stationed in India. In a border regiment. He has
served his country for thirty years. Now he has had a paralytic stroke,
and is making his way home by slow stages. A man who has worked and
suffered as he has done deserves a home, and the gratitude of his
fellow-countrymen."

"There are two sides to every question, Mr Maplestone. If I chose to
go into details, I might convince you that Mrs Fane and I have our own
claims, which seem to us equally strong."

He leapt from his seat, and advanced until he stood directly facing my
chair.

"That finishes it! It is no use appealing to your feelings. Let us
make it pure business then! I offer you a hundred pounds down for the
reversion of the lease!"

So it had come to this. Bribery undisguised! I lowered my eyelids, and
sat silent, an image of outraged dignity.

"You refuse! It is not enough? Two hundred then! Three!"

Still silence. But my listening ears caught a threatening rustle behind
the screen.

"Three hundred! It is a good offer. You are not bound to this
neighbourhood. You can find other houses to suit you. Still not