in Meryl's mind, some thought that held danger, but she could
not grasp in what direction it tended.

And van Hert smoked his pipe with a very thoughtful air that evening,
pondering deeply. Meryl had neither encouraged him nor repulsed him,
and she seemed just the same and yet different; and once more that
half-formed dread came back to his memory that through Rhodesia he
might lose her.

And then he thought he would put the uncertainty at an end quickly and
learn his fate as soon as possible; for he was treading on rather thin
ice in his public capacity just now, and a strong coalition against
him, which was rumoured in the air, might place him in an unpleasant
position.

On the other hand, Mr. Pym's support and Meryl's charm might prove
weapons which would see him safely through, and help him to mould his
position anew on broader lines.

But for another three weeks Diana successfully baffled his intention,
influenced by that vague fear she could not fathom, and a futile,
helpless desire to ward off some pending destiny. And in the meantime
she puzzled her small head daily concerning the invulnerable silence
and aloofness of Peter Carew, and the blue shadows deepening under
Meryl's eyes, though she strove hourly to be ever her old self and
show no sign.

XXII

MERYL'S DECISION

Although van Hert had no opportunity to reopen the subject of his
hopes to Meryl during those three weeks, she knew quite well that he
had in no wise changed to her. His every look showed it, and an
intangible something in his manner whenever he addressed her. And all
the time, though her heart was given hopelessly elsewhere, she felt
herself in the grip of circumstances that might determine her action
against her inclination.

It would be difficult to relate just what passed in her mind through
those three weeks, while outwardly she moved in the whirl of social
happenings dependent upon their return with all her usual charm and
dignity. Certainly she was rather quieter than usual, but as Diana
talked and laughed faster, possibly with intent, the change was not
noticed. She was specially quieter when van Hert was there, and Diana
was specially talkative; entertaining him, rallying him, teazing him,
in a way that, at any rate, brought out his best side, and in a sense
buffeted the bigot good-naturedly into the attractive companion. And
it seemed to show Diana at her best too, for behind all her flippancy
there was undoubtedly