'

Mrs. Heriot went to her and laid her hand on the girl's shoulder.

'It was too bad to have to tell you such a sordid story to-day of all
days.'

'It is a terrible story, but this wasn't a bad time. I feel very sorry
to-day for women who aren't happy.' She started as a motor-horn was
faintly heard. 'That's Geoffrey!' She jumped to her feet.

'Mr. Stonor. What makes you think----?'

'Yes, yes. I'm sure. I'm sure!' Every shadow fled out of her face in the
sudden burst of sunshine.

Lord John hurried in from the garden as the motor-horn sounded louder.

'Who do you think is coming round the drive?'

Jean caught hold of him. 'Oh, dear! are those other people all about?
How am I ever going to be able to behave like a girl who--who isn't
engaged to the only man in the world worth marrying!'

'You were expecting Mr. Stonor all the time!' exclaimed Aunt Lydia.

'He promised he'd come to luncheon if it was humanly possible. I was
afraid to tell you for fear he'd be prevented.'

Lord John was laughing as he went towards the lobby. 'You felt we
couldn't have borne the disappointment!'

'I felt I couldn't,' said the girl, standing there with a rapt look.

CHAPTER XV

She did not look round when Dick Farnborough ran in from the garden,
saying: '_Is_ it--is it really?' For just then on the opposite side of
the great hall, the centre of a little buzz of welcome, Stonor's tall
figure appeared between host and hostess.

'What luck!' Farnborough said under his breath.

He hurried back and faced the rest of the party who were clustered
outside the window trying to look unconcerned.

'Yes, by Jove!' he set their incredulity at rest. 'It _is_!'

Discreetly they glanced and craned and then elaborately turned their
backs, pretending to be talking among themselves. But, as though the
girl standing there expectant in the middle of the hall were well aware
of the enormous sensation the new arrival had created, she herself
contributed nothing to it. Stonor came forward, and she met him with a
soft, happy look, and the low words: 'What a good thing you managed it!'
Then she made way for Mrs. Heriot's far more impressive greeting,
innocent of the smallest reminder of the last encounter!

It was Lord John who cut these amenities short by chaffing Stonor for
being so enterprising all of a sudden. 'Fancy your motoring out of town
to see a supporter on Sunday!'

'I don't know how we ever covered the ground in the old d