end of me if my Mr. Muskett came back before his usual time
and did not find me at my post. And I was no longer indifferent as to
the length of my days at Witching Hill. But I resolved to risk them for
the man who had made the place what it was to me--a garden of
friends--however otherwise he might people and spoil it for himself.

We started at my luncheon hour, which could not in any case count
against me, and quite early in the afternoon we reckoned to be back. It
was a very keen bright day, worthier of General January than his
chief-of-staff. Ruts and puddles were firmly frozen; our bicycle bells
rang out with a pleasing brilliance. In Bushey Park the black chestnuts
stamped their filigree tops against a windless radiance. Under the trees
a russet carpet still waited for March winds to take it up. The Diana
pond was skinned with ice; goddess and golden nymphs caught every
scintillation of cold sunlight as we trundled past. In a fine glow we
entered the palace and climbed to the grim old galleries.

"Talk about haunted houses!" said Uvo Delavoye. "If our patron sinner
takes such a fatherly interest in the humble material at his disposal,
what about that gay dog Henry and the good ladies in these apartments? I
should be sorry to trust living neck to what's left of the old
lady-killer." It was the famous Holbein which had set him off. "But I
say, Gilly, here's a far worse face than his. It may be my rude
forefather; by Jove, and so it is!"

And he took off his cap with unction to a handsome, sinister creature,
in a brown flowing wig and raiment as fine as any on the walls. There
was a staggering peacock-blue surtout, lined with silk of an orange
scarlet, the wide sleeves turned up with the same; and a creamy cascade
of lace fell from the throat over a long cinnamon waistcoat piped with
silk; for you could swear to the material at sight, and the colours
might have been laid on that week. They lit up the gloomy chamber, and
the eyes in the periwigged head lit them up. The dark eyes at my side
were not more live and liquid than the painted pair. Not that Uvo's were
cynical, voluptuous, or sly; but like these they reminded me of deep
waters hidden from the sun. I refrained from comment on a resemblance
that went no further. I was glad I alone had seen how far it went.

[Illustration: A handsome, sinister creature, in a brown flowing wig and
raiment as fine as any on the walls.]

"Thank goodness those lips and nostrils