t I can't tell you what is troubling me."

She made a sign of acquiescence. "You would if it were possible and I
won't press you, but you know I can be trusted if you need me. I was
afraid of that woman; I felt she threatened you."

Their glances met and lingered, and Challoner felt that the reason for
his grief was but thinly veiled from her. Still, for his son's sake,
he could not confirm her suspicions, and he broke into a dry smile.

"I believe you tried to protect me, and it certainly wasn't your fault
that you failed. I appreciate it, Margaret, but after all there may be
less cause for anxiety than I imagine, and we'll talk about something
else. Will you come up to the house?"

They walked slowly across the lawn, and though his companion chatted
about indifferent matters Challoner knew he had her sympathy. When
they reached the door she stopped.

"I needn't bring you in, because I have something to ask Hilda. No
doubt, it's unnecessary, but you won't mind my warning you not to be
influenced by anything that woman said."

"I had already decided to disregard it."

A look of gratified confidence came into her eyes. "That is what I
expected; you are not easily swayed, but I see signs of strain. There
is some crisis you must face, and I think it is connected with
Greythorpe's visit."

"You have guessed correctly."

"When one is in difficulties the easiest way out is not always the
best. But you know that."

"I have learned it. One has often to chose between the right and the
most prudent thing."

"Ah!" said Mrs. Keith, "I believe they are generally the same in the
end; that is, if one has the courage to choose the former."

Challoner bowed. "You have never failed me, Margaret, and you give me
good counsel now."

She went in, and he turned away, feeling encouraged; but a reaction
followed, and he spent the rest of the day in troubled thought. A day
or two later Greythorpe arrived and in the early evening sat with his
host in the library. Though dusk was closing in, a window near them
stood open and a single shaded candle burned upon a neighbouring table.
Presently Greythorpe opened some papers.

"We have not settled the African appointment yet," he said. "The
matter, of course, is not altogether in my hands, but my recommendation
will have weight, and I should be glad of your opinion before making
it. You will find the names and qualifications of the candidates here."

Challoner studie