ortune of Mrs. Herresford,
which the husband had absorbed after his wife's death.

CHAPTER XXIII

DORA SEES HERRESFORD

Herresford recovered his composure very quickly after the departure of
his daughter. A few harsh words from Trimmer silenced him, and he
remained sitting up, staring out of the window. The next time Trimmer
came into the room, he called him to his side, and gazed into his face
with a look that the valet understood. Trimmer knew every mood, and there
were some when the master ruled the servant and commands were not to be
questioned.

"Trimmer, I have a commission for you. Go to the residence of Colonel
Dundas. See his daughter, Dora. She has been here--you remember her?"

"I'm afraid not, sir."

"Pretty girl, brown hair, determined mouth, steady eyes, quietly
dressed--no thousand-dollar sables and coats of ermine. Came to tea--and
didn't cackle!"

"I can't recall her, sir."

"You must. We don't have many women here. My memory is better than yours.
I want to see her again; and, when she comes, I talk to her alone, you
hear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Trimmer, my grandson is alive."

"Alive, sir?"

"Yes, and back from the war. He's got to marry that girl; but she's
engaged to someone else--you understand?"

"I think so, sir."

"So, be cautious. Bring her here secretly, or--I'll sack you."

"Yes, sir."

"Go at once."

"Yes, sir. Your medicine first."

The old man dropped back into his querulous, peevish mood. Trimmer poured
out the medicine, administered it, and then departed on his mission.

On his arrival at the colonel's house, he sent word to Dora that he came
from Mr. Herresford on important business.

When Dora received the message, her face flushed, and she looked puzzled
and distressed. But she came to Trimmer presently, and listened with bent
head to what he had to say. Afterward, she was silent for several
minutes. She did not know what to say to his curious request that she
would come immediately and see Mr. Herresford--on a matter of grave
importance.

"Do I understand you to say that he himself sent you with this strange
request?" she asked.

"Yes, miss. I have come straight from Mr. Herresford."

"Did he not say why he wished to see me?"

"I am only his valet, miss; he would not be likely to tell me. What
answer shall I take him?"

"I will call at Asherton Hall this afternoon," the girl promised.

"I will acquaint Mr. Herresford with your decision," replied T