worried Lionel
nearly out of his patience."

Jan had said at the station that Deerham Court was "close by." His
active legs may have found it so; but Sir Henry began to think it rather
far than close. As they reached the gates Sir Henry spoke.

"I suppose there is an inn near, where I can send my servant to lodge.
There may not be accommodation for him at Lady Verner's?"

"There's accommodation enough for that," said Jan. "They have plenty of
room, and old Catherine can make him up a bed."

Lady Verner and Lucy were out. They had not returned from the call on
Mrs. Bitterworth--for it was the afternoon spoken of in the last
chapter. Jan showed Sir Henry in; told him to ring for any refreshment
he wanted; and then left.

"I can't stay," he remarked. "My day's rounds are not over yet."

But scarcely had Jan reached the outside of the gate when he met the
carriage. He put up his hand, and the coachman stopped. Jan advanced to
the window, a broad smile upon his face.

"What will you give me for some news, Miss Lucy?"

Lucy's thoughts were running upon certain other news; news known but to
herself and to one more. A strangely happy light shone in her soft,
brown eyes, as she turned them on Jan; a rich damask flush on the cheeks
where _his_ lips had so lately been.

"Does it concern me, Jan?"

"It doesn't much concern anybody else.--Guess."

"I never can guess anything; you know I can't, Jan," she answered,
smiling. "You must please tell me."

"Well," said Jan, "there's an arrival. Come by the train."

"Oh, Jan! Not papa?"

Jan nodded.

"You will find him indoors. Old Bat's come with him."

Lucy never could quite remember the details of the meeting. She knew
that her father held her to him fondly, and then put her from him to
look at her; the tears blinding her eyes and his.

"You _are_ pretty, Lucy," he said, "very pretty. I asked Jan whether you
were not, but he could not tell me."

"Jan!" slightingly spoke Lady Verner, while Lucy laughed in spite of her
tears. "It is of no use asking Jan anything of that sort, Sir Henry, I
don't believe Jan knows one young lady's face from another."

It seemed to be all confusion for some time; all bustle; nothing but
questions and answers. But when they had assembled in the drawing-room
again, after making ready for dinner, things wore a calmer aspect.

"You must have thought I never was coming home!" remarked Sir Henry to
Lady Verner. "I have contemplated it so l