ooked at her.

"Well, he did. I've come about that. It's not very pleasant."

"Is he ill?" asked Jenny sharply.

"Oh, no; not at all; at least, he didn't say so."

"What's the matter, then?"

Jack fumbled in his breast-pocket and drew out a letter, which he held a
moment before unfolding.

"I think you'd better read what he says, Miss Launton. It isn't
pleasant, but it's all over now. I thought I'd better tell you that
first."

She held out her hand without speaking.

Jack gave it her, and addressed himself carefully to his cigarette. He
didn't like this kind of thing at all, he wished Frank wouldn't give him
unpleasant commissions. But, of course, it had to be done. He looked out
at the lawn and the sleepy house, but was aware of nothing except the
girl beside him in her white dress and the letter in her hands. When she
had finished it, she turned back and read it again. Then she remained
perfectly still, with the letter held on her knee.

"Poor, dear old boy!" she said suddenly and quietly.

An enormous wave of relief rolled up and enveloped Jack. He had been
exceedingly uncomfortable this morning, ever since the letter had come.
His first impulse had been to ride over instantly after breakfast; then
he had postponed it till lunch; then he had eaten some cold beef about
half-past twelve and come straight away. He told himself he must give
her plenty of time to write by the late Sunday night post.

He had not exactly distrusted Jenny; Frank's confidence was too
overwhelming and too infectious. But he had reflected that it was not a
wholly pleasant errand to have to inform a girl that her lover had been
in prison for a fortnight. But the tone in which she had just said those
four words was so serene and so compassionate that he was completely
reassured. This really was a fine creature, he said to himself.

"I'm extraordinarily glad you take it like that," he said.

Jenny looked at him out of her clear, direct eyes.

"You didn't suppose I should abuse him, did you?... How exactly like
Frank! I suppose he did it to save some blackguard or other."

"I expect that was it," said Jack.

"Poor, dear old boy!" she said again.

There was a moment's silence. Then Jack began again:

"You see, I've got to go and tell Lord Talgarth. Miss Launton, I wish
you'd come with me. Then we can both write by to-night's post."

Jenny said nothing for an instant. Then:

"I suppose that would be best," she said. "Shall we