man in
London." Then Dinah fairly beamed.

"I am so glad you like her. She is a great favourite of ours. Elizabeth
often stays at the Manor House. They get on splendidly together. And
the Colonel is so charming. Oh, Mr. Herrick, I am relieved that you
mentioned them. Henley is not far from Cookham, and I should think they
must know something of the Jacobis."

"I will ask Mrs. Godfrey directly I see her," he returned. "I am going
to the Manor House next week."

"Next week!" in surprise; "I hoped you would have stayed with us for
ten days at least."

"You are very kind," in a tone of regret, "but, my dear lady, I fear it
is utterly impossible. My engagement with the Godfreys is of long
standing, but I shall only remain at the Manor House three or four
days. My regular holiday comes later."

"I suppose you have already made your plans?" in a friendly tone.

"Yes, I have decided not to go abroad this year. I have some literary
work I do not wish to lay aside, and I think of taking up my quarters
at the Crow's Nest, where I can combine country air and work."

"Then you will be our neighbour," and Dinah's voice expressed such
satisfaction at the prospect that Malcolm felt quite pleased. "What a
pity Cedric will be away most of August--the dear boy has so many
engagements." But Malcolm, who was extremely truthful, did not endorse
this regret. Cedric was a nice enough fellow, he thought, but he did
not always know when he was not wanted, and at times his lively chatter
was a weariness to the flesh.

"I expect I shall see something of him," was all he could bring himself
to say. "But you may depend on me for getting information about the
Jacobis. I am a little curious myself on the subject," he added with
the frankness that was natural to him; and then, as the sound of
approaching footsteps reached them, they mutually dropped the subject.

CHAPTER XIII

THE CROW'S NEST

Take the little pleasures of life, watch the sunsets
and the clouds, the shadows in the streets and the
misty light over our great cities. These bring joy by
the way, and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father.
--ANNE T. CLOUGH.

In a certain sense all are historians.
--CARLYLE.

Perhaps Elizabeth's conscience pricked her that night, or more
probably, being rather a casual and careless young woman, a gentle hint
from Dinah may have had its effect.

Dinah had mer