e waiting. Go and get your coat, and be quick
about it; or I shall certainly be ready first."

He turned away at once, and the incident was over, since by this
unexpected move Nan had managed to convey to her too ardent champion
that she desired it to be so.

He departed sullenly to the refreshment-room, mystified but obedient and
she dived hurriedly into the cloakroom in search of her property.

She found Piet waiting for her when she came out, and she passed forth
with him to the waiting motor with a laugh and a jest for the benefit of
the onlookers.

But the moment the door closed upon them she fell into silence, drawn
back from him as far as possible, her cold hands clenched tight under her
cloak.

He did not attempt to speak to her during the quarter of an hour's drive,
sitting mutely beside her in statuesque stillness; and it was she who,
when he handed her out, broke the silence.

"I have something to say to you."

He bent before her stiffly.

"I am at your service."

There was something in his words that sounded ironical to her, something
that sent the blood to her face in a burning wave. She turned in silence
and ascended the steps in front of him.

She found the door unlocked, but the hall was empty, and lighted only by
the great flames that spouted up from the log-fire on the open hearth.

Clearly the rest of the family had retired, and a sudden, sharp suspicion
flashed through Nan that her husband had deliberately laid his plans for
this private interview with her.

It set her heart pounding again within her, but she braced herself to
treat him with a high hand. He must not, he should not, assume the
mastery over her.

Silently she waited as he shut and bolted the great door, and then
quietly crossed the shadowy hall to join her.

She had dropped her cloak from her shoulders, and the firelight played
ruddily over her dress of shimmering white, revealing her slim young
beauty in every delicate detail. Very pale, but erect and at least
outwardly calm, she faced him.

"What I have to say to you," she said, "will make you very angry; but
I hope you will have the patience to listen to me, because it must be
said."

He did not answer. He merely stooped and stirred the fire to a higher
blaze, then turned and looked at her with those ever-watching eyes of
his.

Nan's hands were clenched unconsciously. She was making the greatest
effort of her life.

"It has come to this," she said, forcing h