at innocent-seeming boy for a cruel, impish
knave, and they mistrusted him. Sir Oliver either did not know or did
not heed that sound piece of ancient wisdom. It was to be borne in upon
him by grim experience, and even as his light pensive eyes smiled upon
the sunshine that flooded the terrace beyond the long mullioned window,
a shadow fell athwart it which he little dreamed to be symbolic of the
shadow that was even falling across the sunshine of his life.

After that shadow came the substance--tall and gay of raiment under a
broad black Spanish hat decked with blood-red plumes. Swinging a long
beribboned cane the figure passed the windows, stalking deliberately as
Fate.

The smile perished on Sir Oliver's lips. His swarthy face grew
thoughtful, his black brows contracted until no more than a single deep
furrow stood between them. Then slowly the smile came forth again, but
no longer that erstwhile gentle pensive smile. It was transformed into a
smile of resolve and determination, a smile that tightened his lips even
as his brows relaxed, and invested his brooding eyes with a gleam that
was mocking, crafty and almost wicked.

Came Nicholas his servant to announce Master Peter Godolphin, and close
upon the lackey's heels came Master Godolphin himself, leaning upon
his beribboned cane and carrying his broad Spanish hat. He was a tall,
slender gentleman, with a shaven, handsome countenance, stamped with
an air of haughtiness; like Sir Oliver, he had a high-bridged, intrepid
nose, and in age he was the younger by some two or three years. He wore
his auburn hair rather longer than was the mode just then, but in his
apparel there was no more foppishness than is tolerable in a gentleman
of his years.

Sir Oliver rose and bowed from his great height in welcome. But a wave
of tobacco-smoke took his graceful visitor in the throat and set him
coughing and grimacing.

"I see," he choked, "that ye have acquired that filthy habit."

"I have known filthier," said Sir Oliver composedly.

"I nothing doubt it," rejoined Master Godolphin, thus early giving
indications of his humour and the object of his visit.

Sir Oliver checked an answer that must have helped his visitor to his
ends, which was no part of the knight's intent.

"Therefore," said he ironically, "I hope you will be patient with my
shortcomings. Nick, a chair for Master Godolphin and another cup. I bid
you welcome to Penarrow."

A sneer flickered over the younge