of a
sentimentalist who was aiding and abetting an elopement. Tabs had the
feeling as he limped along the pavement with Terry tripping at his side,
that the eyes of the house which they had left followed them--followed
them jealously, romantically, expectantly. There was only one way in
which they could give satisfaction and that was by returning to it
engaged.

"He lacks ardor. Perhaps, after all, he's too old!" Lady Beddow's
criticism drummed in his mind. Not very pleasant hearing!

Silence was maintained till they had rounded a corner and the tall buff
house was left behind. Then Terry raised a shy, laughing face.
"Downcast, Tabs? You look as though you were bearing the sins of all the
world."

"Not of all the world!" he corrected gravely. "Only of three people."

"Then I'm one of them. Who are the other two?"

"You know already--Mrs. Lockwood and Braithwaite. I saved all your
necks, but I broke my own."

She brushed against him affectionately. "Tabs, you're a trump."

Her praise displeased him. "I didn't tell you for that."

"Then why?"

"Because I thought you ought to know." He slackened his pace. "I thought
you ought to know that your father isn't as keen on me as he was,
Terry."

"That's all right," she said cheerily; "I am. But what have you been
doing to Daddy?"

"Describing Mrs. Lockwood as a lady above reproach and accusing him of
uncharity towards Braithwaite."

She tossed her head and laughed outright. "You _have_ become converted!"

"Converted!" He pondered her assertion. "No. I'll acknowledge that I was
inclined to be too harsh at first. I may have become more pitiful; but
I've not become converted, if by that you mean that I condone what these
two people have done. I still think that Mrs. Lockwood's conduct with
Adair was inexcusable and that Braithwaite's holding back the truth from
you was dishonorable. In talking with your father I gave Braithwaite all
the credit for speaking out to him like a man, and I let him suppose
that Mrs. Lockwood had given up Adair unconditionally. As you know,
Braithwaite didn't come up to scratch till I'd handed him your
ultimatum; and Mrs. Lockwood---- But you don't know about her yet. I
haven't told you."

"I know," Terry smiled roguishly. "Maisie's a great abuser of the
telephone. She called me up this morning to ask whether she might share
you with me for a few weeks. When I asked her why, she said to help her
to forget Adair. Of course I consented."