intended to
leave. He leaned back in his chair, and, yielding to the slight rotatory
movement of that active piece of furniture, indulged in the first twirl
for three days. Bassett or no Bassett, it was exhilarating, and, having
gone to the limit in one direction, he obtained impetus by a clutch at
the table and whirled back again. A smothered exclamation from the door
arrested his attention, and putting on the break with some suddenness he
found himself looking into the pretty, astonished eyes of Joan Hartley.

"I beg your pardon," she said, in confusion. "I thought it was my
father."

"It--it got stuck," said Mr. Vyner, springing up and regarding the chair
with great disfavour. "I was trying to loosen it. I shall have to
send it back, I'm afraid; it's badly made. There's no cabinet-making
nowadays."

Miss Hartley retreated to the doorway.

"I am sorry; I expected to find my father here," she said. "It used to
be his room."

"Yes, it was his room," said the young man. "If you will come in and sit
down I will send for him."

"It doesn't matter, thank you," said Joan, still standing by the door.
"If you will tell me where his room is now, I will go to him."

"He--he is in the general office," said Robert Vyner, slowly.

Miss Hartley bit her lip and her eyes grew sombre.

"Don't go," said Mr. Vyner, eagerly. "I'll go and fetch him. He is
expecting you."

"Expecting me?" said the girl. "Why, he didn't know I was coming."

"Perhaps I misunderstood him," murmured Mr. Vyner. "Pressure of
business," he said, vaguely, indicating a pile of papers on his table.
"Hardly know what people do say to me."

He pushed a comfortable easy-chair to the window, and the girl, after
a moment's hesitation, seated herself and became interested in the life
outside. Robert Vyner, resuming his seat, leaned back and gazed at her
in frank admiration.

"Nice view down the harbour, isn't it?" he said, after a long pause.

Miss Hartley agreed--and sat admiring it.

"Salthaven is a pretty place altogether, I think," continued Robert.
"I was quite glad to come back to it. I like the town and I like the
people. Except for holidays I haven't been in the place since I was
ten."

Miss Hartley, feeling that some comment was expected, said, "Indeed!"

"You have lived here all your life, I suppose?" said the persevering
Robert.

"Practically," said Miss Hartley.

Mr. Vyner stole a look at her as she sat sideways by the window.
Conscie