d, these doctor fellows on occasions like
these!"

"M-yes," said Mrs Mallison once more, and there rose before Dane's eyes
a picture of Teresa, in a white dress, dispensing garden tea, with a
tall young figure assiduously waiting upon her. Once more he realised
that that "M-yes!" was meant to imply that more than mere professional
interest was at stake.

The sound of a bell jingled through the quiet house, and Dane rose from
his chair. Of old he had been as a son in this house, treated with
affection and familiarity, but at this moment he felt an intruder, whose
presence was merely an inconvenience, taking up time which should have
been bestowed elsewhere. He held out his hand, and said:

"At what hour to-morrow will it be most convenient for me to call to see
Teresa?"

"I will ask her," Mrs Mallison said, and left the room, to return with
astonishing quickness. Evidently there had been no hesitation about the
reply; evidently also the maternal judgment approved.

"Teresa says she will be glad if you will excuse her to-morrow. There
is so much to do. She would rather leave her own affairs until after
the funeral. Perhaps you will come in to tea on Thursday."

"Thank you. I will come in after tea. About five o'clock. I am
staying at the hotel. Please let me know if there is anything I can
do."

He kept his voice resolutely controlled, but his anger showed in
sparkling eye, and a rising of colour over cheek and brow. Mrs
Mallison regarded these signs with a natural satisfaction. It was not
in feminine human nature to resist one parting thrust.

"One day," she said suavely, "cannot matter, when you have waited so
long!"

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

THE SECOND BEST.

Dane awoke next morning to face a long and difficult day. Idle hours
are proverbially dedicated to temptation, and despite many resolutions
his thoughts drifted continually towards Cassandra, continually
emphasised her nearness, and dallied with the possibility of a meeting.
He swore that such a meeting should not be his own doing, but what if
chance brought it about?

For some moments he permitted himself to envisage possibilities, then
sternly called himself to order. Teresa in sorrow demanded an undivided
loyalty; her tenderness during the past year riveted her claims. He
determined to telephone to the Squire, apologise for his own inability
to call at the Court, and try to arrange a meeting in town, but half an
hour later as he