gathered from one or two words of Cecilia's that Mr. Romfrey,
until finally stung by Nevil, had indulged in his best-humoured banter.

CHAPTER XXXIV. THE FACE OF RENEE

Shortly before the ringing of the dinner-bell Rosamund knocked at
Beauchamp's dressing-room door, the bearer of a telegram from Bevisham.
He read it in one swift run of the eyes, and said: 'Come in, ma'am, I
have something for you. Madame de Rouaillout sends you this.'

Rosamund saw her name written in a French hand on the back of the card.

'You stay with us, Nevil?'

'To-night and to-morrow, perhaps. The danger seems to be over.'

'Has Dr. Shrapnel been in danger?'

'He has. If it's quite over now!'

'I declare to you, Nevil...'

'Listen to me, ma'am; I'm in the dark about this murderous business:--an
old man, defenceless, harmless as a child!--but I know this, that you
are somewhere in it.'

'Nevil, do you not guess at some one else?'

'He! yes, he! But Cecil Baskelett led no blind man to Dr. Shrapnel's
gate.'

'Nevil, as I live, I knew nothing of it!'

'No, but you set fire to the train. You hated the old man, and you
taught Mr. Romfrey to think that you had been insulted. I see it all.
Now you must have the courage to tell him of your error. There's no
other course for you. I mean to take Mr. Romfrey to Dr. Shrapnel, to
save the honour of our family, as far as it can be saved.'

'What? Nevil!' exclaimed Rosamund, gaping.

'It seems little enough, ma'am. But he must go. I will have the apology
spoken, and man to man.'

'But you would never tell your uncle that?'

He laughed in his uncle's manner.

'But, Nevil, my dearest, forgive me, I think of you--why are the
Halketts here? It is not entirely with Colonel Halkett's consent. It is
your uncle's influence with him that gives you your chance. Do you not
care to avail yourself of it? Ever since he heard Dr. Shrapnel's letter
to you, Colonel Halkett has, I am sure, been tempted to confound you
with him in his mind: ah! Nevil, but recollect that it is only Mr.
Romfrey who can help to give you your Cecilia. There is no dispensing
with him. Postpone your attempt to humiliate--I mean, that is, Oh!
Nevil, whatever you intend to do to overcome your uncle, trust to time,
be friends with him; be a little worldly! for her sake! to ensure her
happiness!'

Beauchamp obtained the information that his cousin Cecil had read out
the letter of Dr. Shrapnel at Mount Laurels.

The bell ran