r walk, but spent
the day talking with his father; he wished the last impression he would
leave to be as charming as possible, and took great pains to appear at
his best.

He slept well that night, and in the morning dressed himself with
unusual care. At Primpton House they breakfasted at eight, and
afterwards James smoked his pipe, reading the newspaper. He was a little
astonished at his calm, for doubt no longer assailed him, and the
indecision which paralysed all his faculties had disappeared.

"It is the beginning of my freedom," he thought. All human interests had
abandoned him, except a vague sensation of amusement. He saw the humour
of the comedy he was acting, and dispassionately approved himself,
because he did not give way to histrionics.

"Well, Uncle William," he said, at last, "what d'you say to setting to
work on our guns?"

"I'm always ready for everything," said Major Forsyth.

"Come on, then."

They went into what they called the harness-room, and James began
carefully to clean his gun.

"I think I'll take my coat off," he said; "I can work better without."

The gun had not been used for several months, and James had a good deal
to do. He leant over and rubbed a little rust off the lock.

"Upon my word," said Uncle William, "I've never seen anyone handle a gun
so carelessly as you. D'you call yourself a soldier?"

"I am a bit slack," replied James, laughing. "People are always telling
me that."

"Well, take care, for goodness' sake! It may be loaded."

"Oh, no, there's no danger. It's not loaded, and besides, it's locked."

"Still, you oughtn't to hold it like that."

"It would be rather comic if I killed myself accidentally. I wonder what
Mary would say?"

"Well, you've escaped death so often by the skin of your teeth, I think
you're pretty safe from everything but old age."

Presently James turned to his uncle.

"I say, this is rotten oil. I wish we could get some fresh."

"I was just thinking that."

"Well, you're a pal of the cook. Go and ask her for some, there's a good
chap."

"She'll do anything for me," said Major Forsyth, with a self-satisfied
smile. It was his opinion that no woman, countess or scullery-maid,
could resist his fascinations; and taking the cup, he trotted off.

James immediately went to the cupboard and took out a cartridge. He
slipped it in, rested the butt on the ground, pointed the barrel to his
heart, and--fired!

EPILOGUE

A letter fro