ioning glance upon the other occupant of the seat, knitted his
brows for a second, and then held out his hand, with an exclamation of
recognition. "Rayner! How are you? Glad to see you again. I was only
talking of you to Moss the other day. That last thing of yours gave me
great pleasure--very fine indeed. You are striding ahead! Come and
lunch with me some day while I am in town. I should like to have a
chat. Have you been making friends with my daughter? Much obliged to
you for entertaining her, I have so many old friends here that I don't
know which way to turn. Well, what day will you come? Will Tuesday
suit? This is my present address, and my kind hostess allows me to ask
what guests I will. There was something I had specially on my mind to
ask you. Tuesday, then--half-past one! Good-bye till then. Hilary, I
will look you up later on. Glad you are so well entertained." He was
off again, flying across the room, scattering smiles and greetings as he
went, while the two occupants of the corner seat exchanged glances of
amusement.

"That's just like father. He gets so excited that he flies about all
over the house, and hardly knows what he is doing."

"He is delightfully fresh and breezy; just like his books. And now you
would like some refreshments. They are in the little room over there.
I shall be happy to accompany you, if you will accept my somewhat--er--
inefficient escort."

Hilary murmured some words of thanks, a good deal puzzled to understand
the meaning of those last two words. Somewhat to her surprise, her new
friend had not risen to talk to her father, and even now, as she stood
up in response to his invitation, he remained in his seat, bending
forward to grope behind the curtains. A moment later he drew forth
something at the sight of which Hilary gave an involuntary exclamation
of dismay. It was a pair of crutches; and as Mr Rayner placed one
under each arm and rose painfully to his feet, a feeling of overpowering
pity took possession of the girl's heart. Her eyes grew moist, and a
cry of sympathy forced themselves from her trembling lips.

"Oh--I--I'm _sorry_!" she gasped, with something that was almost a sob
of emotion, and Mr Rayner winced at the sound as with sudden pain.

"Thank you," he said shortly. "You are very kind. I'm--I'm used to it,
you know. This way, please." And without another word he led the way
towards the refreshment room, while Hilary followed, abas