vil!"

Mr. Delamayn interfered--partly in the interests of his client, partly
in the interests of propriety.

"You attach some importance, I think, to letting this house as soon as
possible?" he said.

"Of course I do!"

"Is it wise--on account of a momentary annoyance--to lose an opportunity
of laying your hand on a tenant?"

"Wise or not, it's an infernal nuisance to be disturbed by a stranger."

"Just as you please. I don't wish to interfere. I only wish to say--in
case you are thinking of my convenience as your guest--that it will be
no nuisance to _me._"

The servant impenetrably waited. Mr. Vanborough impatiently gave way.

"Very well. Let her in. Mind, if she comes here, she's only to look into
the room, and go out again. If she wants to ask questions, she must go
to the agent."

Mr. Delamayn interfered once more, in the interests, this time, of the
lady of the house.

"Might it not be desirable," he suggested, "to consult Mrs. Vanborough
before you quite decide?"

"Where's your mistress?"

"In the garden, or the paddock, Sir--I am not sure which."

"We can't send all over the grounds in search of her. Tell the
house-maid, and show the lady in."

The servant withdrew. Mr. Delamayn helped himself to a second glass of
wine.

"Excellent claret," he said. "Do you get it direct from Bordeaux?"

There was no answer. Mr. Vanborough had returned to the contemplation of
the alternative between freeing himself or not freeing himself from the
marriage tie. One of his elbows was on the table, he bit fiercely at his
finger-nails. He muttered between his teeth, "What am I to do?"

A sound of rustling silk made itself gently audible in the passage
outside. The door opened, and the lady who had come to see the house
appeared in the dining-room.

IV.

She was tall and elegant; beautifully dressed, in the happiest
combination of simplicity and splendor. A light summer veil hung over
her face. She lifted it, and made her apologies for disturbing the
gentlemen over their wine, with the unaffected ease and grace of a
highly-bred woman.

"Pray accept my excuses for this intrusion. I am ashamed to disturb you.
One look at the room will be quite enough."

Thus far she had addressed Mr. Delamayn, who happened to be nearest to
her. Looking round the room her eye fell on Mr. Vanborough. She started,
with a loud exclamation of astonishment. _"You!"_ she said. "Good
Heavens! who would have thought of meeting _you