on.

Even during those wonderful days he went on steadily with his book, Myra
sitting near him in the smoking-room, writing letters or reading, while
he worked. "I do better work if you are within reach, or at all events,
within sight," Jim had said; and it was impossible that Lady Ingleby's
mind should not have contrasted the thrill of pleasure this gave her,
with the old sense of being in the way if work was to be done; and of
being shut out from the chief interests of Michael's life, by the closing
of the laboratory door. Ah, how different from the way in which Jim
already made her a part of himself, enfolding her into his every
interest.

She wrote fully of her happiness to Mrs. Dalmain, telling her in detail
the unusual happenings which had brought it so rapidly to pass. Also a
few lines to her old friend the Duchess of Meldrum, merely announcing the
fact of her engagement and the date of her return to Shenstone, promising
full particulars later. This letter held also a message for Ronald and
Billy, should they chance to be at Overdene.

Sunday evening, their last at Tregarth, came all too soon. They went to
the little church together, sitting among the simple fisher folk at
Evensong. As they looked over one hymn book, and sang "Eternal Father,
strong to save," both thought of "Davy Jones" in the middle of the hymn,
and had to exchange a smile; yet with an instant added reverence of
petition and thanksgiving.

"Thus evermore, shall rise to Thee,
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea."

Jim Airth's big bass boomed through the little church; and Myra, close to
his shoulder, sang with a face so radiant that none could doubt the
reality of her praise.

Then back to a cold supper at the Moorhead Inn; after which they strolled
out to the honeysuckle arbour for Jim's evening pipe, and a last quiet
talk.

It was then that Jim Airth said, suddenly: "By the way I wish you would
tell me more about Lady Ingleby. What kind of a woman is she? Easy to
talk to?"

For a moment Myra was taken aback. "Why, Jim--I hardly know. Easy? Yes, I
think _you_ will find her easy to talk to."

"Does she speak of her husband's death, or is it a tabooed subject?"

"She speaks of it," said Myra, softly, "to those who can understand."

"Ah! Do you suppose she will like to hear details of those last days?"

"Possibly; if you feel inclined to give them, Jim--do you know who did
it?"

A surprised silence