f would
be a perfect boon to me. Besides, it is about the only thing I am
capable of doing properly. But who is Mr. Copley and where did he make
his money?"

"South Africa, I believe. He is a millionaire with a taste for sport,
not exactly what you would call a gentleman, but I believe him to be a
thoroughly good fellow. I don't mind telling you, between ourselves,
that I am under obligations to him. Things haven't gone very well with
me, and I don't know how I should have pulled through if it hadn't been
for Copley. He has been very generous and I only wish May could be more
cordial towards him. I can't think why she doesn't like the man. It
would be a splendid thing for her---- But, there. I am rambling again."

Fielden turned his face aside. He was feeling a strange pain at his
heart which he could not account for. But he understood what Sir George
intended to convey. Beyond all doubt, Sir George Haredale was under
great obligations to this newcomer and was warning Fielden there must be
no more nonsense between May and himself. He was telling the latter
precisely what his hopes for his daughter were.

Of course there was nothing in it that Fielden could resent. He had had
his opportunity and deliberately lost it. It was only during the last
twenty-four hours that he realized what his feelings towards May were.
If he had not been a fool, he would be rich and prosperous at this
moment, with May for his wife.

The strange sensation was with him all through dinner. He tried in vain
to shake it off. It was not a cheerful meal, on the whole, for every now
and then Sir George lapsed into moody silence and May's gaiety was
fitful. The evening dragged on till ten o'clock before Sir George came
into the drawing-room with slightly flushed face and eyes that were too
bright. May looked anxiously at her father. So here, Fielden thought,
was another skeleton in the closet. The discovery was a fresh stab to
him. His own selfishness and folly were a reproach. It was a relief when
the door bell clanged and the butler announced that Mr. Copley would
like to speak to Sir George.

"Ask him in," Sir George said unsteadily.

Fielden glanced at May. He could see that her face had changed slightly
and her eyes grown hard and cold. Then the door opened and Copley came
in, big and self-important, with the air of a man entirely at home.
There was something in his appearance which jarred upon Fielden,
something that aroused a pang beyond