Perhaps a tender remembrance of a certain thunderstorm in the
foregoing August when she stood with Somerset in the arbour, and did not
own that she loved him, was pressing on her memory and bewildering her.
She had not seen quite clearly, in adopting De Stancy's suggestion, that
Somerset would now have no professional reason for being at the castle
for the next twelve months.

But the captain had, and when Havill entered the castle he rejoiced with
great joy. Dare, too, rejoiced in his cold way, and went on with his
photography, saying, 'The game progresses, captain.'

'Game? Call it Divine Comedy, rather!' said the soldier exultingly.

'He is practically banished for a year or more. What can't you do in a
year, captain!'

Havill, in the meantime, having respectfully withdrawn from the presence
of Paula, passed by Dare and De Stancy in the gallery as he had done
in entering. He spoke a few words to Dare, who congratulated him. While
they were talking somebody was heard in the hall, inquiring hastily for
Mr. Havill.

'What shall I tell him?' demanded the porter.

'His wife is dead,' said the messenger.

Havill overheard the words, and hastened away.

'An unlucky man!' said Dare.

'That, happily for us, will not affect his installation here,' said De
Stancy. 'Now hold your tongue and keep at a distance. She may come this
way.'

Surely enough in a few minutes she came. De Stancy, to make
conversation, told her of the new misfortune which had just befallen Mr.
Havill.

Paula was very sorry to hear it, and remarked that it gave her great
satisfaction to have appointed him as architect of the first wing before
he learnt the bad news. 'I owe you best thanks, Captain De Stancy, for
showing me such an expedient.'

'Do I really deserve thanks?' asked De Stancy. 'I wish I deserved a
reward; but I must bear in mind the fable of the priest and the jester.'

'I never heard it.'

'The jester implored the priest for alms, but the smallest sum was
refused, though the holy man readily agreed to give him his blessing.
Query, its value?'

'How does it apply?'

'You give me unlimited thanks, but deny me the tiniest substantial
trifle I desire.'

'What persistence!' exclaimed Paula, colouring. 'Very well, if you
WILL photograph my picture you must. It is really not worthy further
pleading. Take it when you like.'

When Paula was alone she seemed vexed with herself for having given
way; and rising from her seat she we