ysical kind."

A shadow crept into Challoner's face, but he banished it.

"I am happy in having a wife who won't see my faults." Then he added
humorously: "After all, however, that's not good for one."

Blanche gave him a tender smile, but he did not see it, for he was
gazing at a man who came down the steps from the neighbouring cable
railway. The newcomer was about thirty years of age, of average
height, and strongly made. His face was deeply sunburned and he had
eyes of a curious dark-blue with a twinkle in them and dark lashes,
though his hair was fair. As he drew nearer, Blanche was struck by
something that suggested the family likeness of the Challoners. He had
their firm mouth and wide forehead, but by no means their somewhat
austere expression. He looked as if he went careless through life and
could be readily amused. Then he saw Bertram, and, starting, made as
if he would pass the entrance to the gallery, and Blanche turned her
surprised glance upon her husband. Bertram's hand was tightly closed
on the glasses he held and his face was tense and flushed, but he
stepped forward with a cry of "Dick!"

The newcomer moved towards him, and Blanche knew he was the man who had
brought dishonour upon her husband's family.

"This is a fortunate meeting," Bertram said, and his voice was cordial,
though rather strained. Then he turned to his wife. "Blanche, here's
my cousin, Dick Blake."

Blake showed no awkwardness. Indeed, on the whole he looked amused,
but his face grew graver as he fixed his eyes on Mrs. Challoner.

"Though I'm rather late, you'll let me wish you happiness," he said.
"I believe it will be yours. Bertram's a very good fellow; I have much
to thank him for."

There was a sincerity and a hint of affection in his tone which touched
Blanche. She had been prepared to suspend her judgment and be
charitable, but she found that she pitied the man. He had failed in
his duty in time of stress, but he had suffered for it and it must be
hard to be an outcast. Blake saw her compassion and was moved by it.

"But how did you come here?" Bertram asked. "Where have you been
since----"

He stopped abruptly and Blake laughed. "Since you surreptitiously said
good-bye to me at Peshawur? Well, after that I went to Penang and from
there to Queensland. Stayed a time at a pearl-fishing station among
the Kanakas, and then came to England for a few months."

"But how did you manage?" Bertram inquire