's drama, the scene of which was pitched in Shorne Mills.

"The yacht put in quite unexpectedly," continued Luce. "I didn't want to
land at all, but Archie worried me into doing so. We climbed a miserable
kind of steep place. I refused to go any farther. They went on, and I
turned into a kind of recess to rest--and found Drake there."

For a moment the name did not strike with its full significance upon
Nell's mind, and the soft voice had continued for a sentence or two
before she realized that the man of whom this woman was speaking, the
lover whose loss she was regretting, bore the same name as Drake. She
had no suspicion that the men were the same; it only seemed strange and
almost incredible that there should be two Drakes at Shorne Mills.

"I can imagine the scene," said Lady Chesney; "and I can quite
understand how you feel about it. But, Luce, is it altogether hopeless?"

Lady Luce laughed bitterly.

"You don't know Drake," she said. There was a pause. "And yet"--she
hesitated, and her tone became thoughtful and speculative--"sometimes I
think that I could get him back. He is very fond of me; it must have
nearly broken his heart. Yes; sometimes I feel sure that if I could have
him to myself for, say, ten minutes, it would all come right."

"Don't you know where he is?"

"No. There was a row royal between his uncle and him, and he
disappeared. No one knows where he is. It is just possible that he has
gone abroad."

"There is danger in that," said Lady Chesney gravely. "One never knows
what a man may do in a moment of pique. They are strange animals."

"You mean that he might be caught on the rebound, and marry some 'dusky
bride' or ruddy-cheeked dairymaid?" said Lady Luce, with a little laugh
of scorn. "You don't know Drake. He's the last man to marry beneath him.
If I were not afraid of seeming egotistical, dear, I would say that he
has known me too long and loved me too well----But there! don't let us
talk any more about it. The gods may send him to my side again. If they
do, I shall avail myself of their gracious favor and get him back; if
not----" She sighed, and shrugged her shoulders. "Heavens! how I wish I
had a cigarette!"

"My dear, you shall have one," said Lady Chesney, with a laugh. "I know
where the smoking room is. I'll go and get you one, you poor, dear
soul!"

She went in, and Nell rose from her seat. She could not remain a moment
longer, even if she had to tell this lady she had overhe