n earth did you do it?"

He looked so pleased that her heart gave a throb of triumph. It had been
well worth while just to win that look from him.

She smiled back at him. "I don't know. I really don't know.
But,--Scott"--she became a little breathless--"if--if he really wants
me to-morrow, I think--p'raps--I'd better go."

Scott gave her his straight, level look. There was a moment's pause
before he said, "Wait till to-morrow comes anyway!" and with that he was
gone, limping through the great room with that steady but unobtrusive
purpose that ever, to Dinah's mind, redeemed him from insignificance.

"Ah! He's the gentleman is Master Scott," said Biddy's voice at her side.
"Ye'll never meet his like in all the world. It's a sad life he leads,
poor young gentleman, but he keeps a brave heart though never a single
joy comes his way. May the Almighty reward him and give him his desire
before it's too late."

"What desire?" asked Dinah.

Biddy shot her a lightning glance from her beady eyes ere again
mysteriously she shook her head.

"And it's the innocent lamb that ye are entirely, Miss Dinah dear," she
said.

With which enigmatical answer Dinah was forced to be content.

CHAPTER IX

THE BURDEN

Sir Eustace was standing by the window of the little boudoir when his
brother entered, and Scott joined him there. He also lighted a cigarette,
and they smoked together in silence for several seconds.

Finally Eustace turned with his faint, supercilious smile. "What's the
matter, Stumpy? Something on your mind?"

Scott met his look. "Something I've got to say to you anyway, old chap,
that rather sticks in my gullet."

Sir Eustace laughed. "You carry conscience enough for the two of us. What
is it? Fire away!"

Scott puffed at his cigarette. "You won't like it," he observed. "But
it's got to be said. Look here, Eustace! It's all very well to be in
love. But you're carrying it too far. The child's downright afraid of
you."

"Has she told you so?" demanded Eustace. A hot gleam suddenly shone in
his blue eyes. He looked down at Scott with a frown.

Scott shook his head. "If she had, I shouldn't tell you so. But the fact
remains. You're a bit of an ogre, you know, always have been. Slack off a
bit, there's a good fellow! You'll find it's worth it."

He spoke with the utmost gentleness, but there was determination in his
quiet eyes. Having spoken, he turned them upon the garden again and
resumed his cigare