ly or make little of it. In taking the
architect round the place, in showing this place that his ancestors had
possessed for so many generations, in talking of his plans for a future
that had only so recently become assured, he was in a manner conveying
his thanks, and Westray knew it.

Lady Blandamer was concerned for Westray. She saw that he was downcast,
and ill at ease, and in her happiness that the cloud had passed from her
husband, she wanted everyone to be happy with her. So, as they were
returning to the house, she began, in the kindness of her heart, to talk
of Cullerne Minster. She had a great longing, she said, to see the old
church again. She should so much enjoy it if Mr Westray would some day
show her over it. Would he take much longer in the restorations?

They were in an alley too narrow for three to walk abreast. Lord
Blandamer had fallen behind, but was within earshot.

Westray answered quickly, without knowing what he was going to say. He
was not sure about the restorations--that was, they certainly were not
finished; in fact, they would take some time longer, but he would not be
there, he believed, to superintend them. That was to say, he was giving
up his present appointment.

He broke off, and Lady Blandamer knew that she had again selected an
unfortunate subject. She dropped it, and hoped he would let them know
when he was next at leisure, and come for a longer visit.

"I am afraid it will not be in my power to do so," Westray said; and
then, feeling that he had given a curt and ungracious answer to a
kindly-meant invitation, turned to her and explained with unmistakable
sincerity that he was giving up his connection with Farquhar and
Farquhar. This subject also was not to be pursued, so she only said
that she was sorry, and her eyes confirmed her words.

Lord Blandamer was pained at what he had heard. He knew Farquhar and
Farquhar, and knew something of Westray's position and prospects--that
he had a reasonable income, and a promising future with the firm. This
resolve must be quite sudden, a result of yesterday's interview.
Westray was being driven out into the wilderness like a scapegoat with
another man's guilt on his head. The architect was young and
inexperienced. Lord Blandamer wished he could talk with him quietly.
He understood that Westray might find it impossible to go on with the
restoration at Cullerne, where all was being done at Lord Blandamer's
expense. But wh