eyed the group. Removing his old hat he bowed gravely to the
ladies. His flowing hair, and largely cut classical features gave him an
Apollonian aspect as he towered above the startled group, looking down on
them with an expression half triumphant, half sarcastic. Tatham was the
first to recover himself. He approached Melrose with a coolness like his
own.

"You are back early, sir? I apologize for my intrusion, which will not be
prolonged. I came, as you see, to inquire after my old friend, Mr.
Faversham."

"So I understand. Well--what's wrong with him? Isn't he doing well--eh?
Faversham, will you introduce me to your friends?"

Mrs. Penfold, so much shaken by the sudden appearance of the Ogre that
words failed her, bowed profoundly; Lydia slightly. She was indignant for
Tatham. Mr. Melrose, having announced his absence for the day, ought not
to have returned upon them by surprise, and his manner convinced her that
it had been done on purpose.

"They gave you tea?" said Melrose to Mrs. Penfold, with gruff civility,
as he descended the steps. "Oh, we keep open house nowadays. You're
going?" This was in answer to Tatham's bow which he slightly
acknowledged. "Good-day, good-day! You'll find your horse. Sorry you're
so hurried."

Followed by the old man's insolent eyes, Tatham shook hands with
Faversham and the Penfolds; then without reentering the house, he took a
short cut across the garden and disappeared.

"Hm!" said Melrose, looking after him, "I can't say he resembles his
mother. His father was a plain fellow."

No one answered him. Mrs. Penfold nervously pressed for her carriage,
throwing herself on the help of Dixon, who was removing the tea things.
Melrose meanwhile seated himself, and with a magnificent gesture invited
the ladies to do the same. Mrs. Penfold obeyed; Lydia remained standing
behind her mother's chair. The situation reminded her of a covey of
partridges when a hawk is hovering.

Mrs. Penfold at once began to make conversation, saying the most
dishevelled things for sheer fright. Melrose threw her a monosyllable now
and then, reserving all his attention for the young girl, whose beauty he
instantly perceived. His piercing eyes travelled from Faversham to Lydia
repeatedly, and the invalid rather angrily divined the conjectures which
might be passing in their owner's brain.

* * * * *

"How are you?" asked Melrose abruptly, when he returned from accompanying
th