ys earlier, and Anstice acknowledged the supposition
to be correct, relieved to see by her smile that she did not grudge his
former secrecy.

"Yes, by Jove! Dr. Anstice came to the rescue or I'd have had a nasty
fall on the pavement," said Major Carstairs genially. "And by the way, I
declare I'm quite jealous of your supremacy with Cherry! She does
nothing but talk of you, and I hear she infinitely prefers your car to
her mother's!"

"Yes, Cherry and I are very good friends," said Anstice with a smile.
"We had a slight difference last week because I wouldn't allow her to
drive that same car; but Cherry is always amenable to reason, and when I
pointed out to her that she had no licence, and might possibly be
reported by some interfering police-constable and get us both into
trouble she gave in like a lamb. By the way, Mrs. Carstairs, where is
she to-night? Not in disgrace again, I hope?"

"No, she's as good as gold to-day because she is to sit up to dinner
to-night," said Chloe, smiling--Anstice thought her smiles came more
readily than usual this evening. "I believe she is making an elaborate
toilette upstairs just now; and I admit I was glad to have her occupied,
for I wanted, if you and my husband agree, to talk over the matters of
the letters--and Tochatti."

For a second Anstice felt uncomfortable, but Major Carstairs probably
noted his discomfort, for he turned to him with a sincerity there was no
doubting.

"Look here, Dr. Anstice, you have been--luckily for us, if I may say
so--mixed up in this most unsavoury affair, and from what my wife tells
me I believe you are going to be the means of clearing it up--a
consummation most devoutly to be wished."

Anstice's embarrassment vanished before the soldier's frankness.

"I only hope you may be right, Major Carstairs," he said, looking the
other man squarely in the face. "Personally, since I intended to leave
Littlefield before long in any case, these wretched slanders don't
affect me much. The few friends I have made in this place are not likely
to give credence to the rumour which has been spread broadcast in the
last week or two--and for the rest----"

"I understand your indifference to the opinion of 'the rest,'" said
Major Carstairs, smiling, "but I think it will be more satisfactory for
all of us when the affair is really cleared up. But won't you sit down?
Chloe tells me it is too late for tea--but you'll have a peg?"

"Not for me, thanks." Anstice was