--a prospect
which he did not relish in the slightest.

As he left the Yard and turned into the keen autumn sunshine, he lifted
his face to the skies and thanked the stars that he had come to London
after all and placed things in proper hands. There was nothing now for
him to do but to go back to Merriton Towers and as expeditiously as
possible make up for the day lost from 'Toinette.

So, after a visit to a big confectioners in Regent Street, and another to
a little jeweller in Piccadilly, Merriton got into the train at Waterloo,
carrying his parcels With a happy heart. He got out at Fetchworth station
three hours later, hailed the only hack that stood there--for he had
forgotten to apprise any one at the Towers of his quick return--and drove
straightway to Withersby Hall.

'Toinette was at the window as he swung open the great gate. When she saw
him she darted away and came flying down the drive to meet him.

The contents of the various packages made her happy as a child, and it
was some time after they reached the house that Nigel asked some question
concerning her uncle.

Her face clouded ever so little, and for the first time Nigel noticed
that she was pale.

"Uncle has gone away for a few days," she replied. "He said it was
business--what would you? But I told him I should be lonesome in this
great house, and I--I am so frightened at those horrible little flames
that twinkle twinkle all night long. I cannot sleep when I am alone,
Nigel. I am a baby I know, but I cannot help it. It makes me feel so
afraid!"

As was usual in moments of emotion with 'Toinette, her accent became more
pronounced. He stroked her hair with a gentle hand, as though she were in
very truth the child she tried not to be.

"Poor little one! I wish I could come across and put up here for the
night. Hang conventions, anyway! And then too I have to make ready for
some visitors who will be down to-morrow or the next day."

"Visitors, Nigel?"

"Yes, dear. I've a couple of--friends coming to spend a short time with
me. Chaps I met in London to-day."

"What did you go up for, Nigel--really?"

He coloured a little, and was thankful that she turned away at that
moment to straighten the collar of her blouse. He didn't like lying to
the woman he was going to marry. But he had given his word to Cleek.

"Oh," he said off-handedly, "I--I went to my tailor's. And then stepped
in to buy you that little trinket and your precious chocs, and cam