thrust his cuffs up his arms, and
showed other unmistakable symptoms of gratification.

"You can do anything with him," she said presently. "I wish I could."

Jernington protested with guttural exclamations.

"He's killing himself," she resumed. "And I have to sit by and see it,
and say nothing."

"Killing himself!"

Jernington, who believed in women, was shocked.

"With overwork. He's on the verge of a complete breakdown. And it's you,
Mr. Jernington, it's all you!"

Jernington was more than shocked. His gratification had vanished. A
piteous, almost a guilty expression, came into his large fair face.

"Ach!" he exclaimed. "What have I done?"

"Oh, it's not your fault. But Claude almost worships you. He thinks
there is no one like you. He's afraid to lose a moment of time while you
are with him. Your learning, your enthusiasm excite him till he's beside
himself. He can't rest with such a worker as you in the house, and no
wonder. You are an inspiration to him. Who could rest with such an
influence near? What are we to do? Unless he has a complete holiday he
is going to break completely down. Do watch him to-day! Notice! See for
yourself!"

Jernington, much impressed--for Charmian's despair had been very
definite indeed, "oleographic in type," as she acknowledged to
herself--did notice, did see for himself, and inquired innocently of
Charmian what was to be done.

"I leave that to you," she answered, fixing her eyes almost hypnotically
upon him.

Secretly she was willing him to go. She was saying in her mind: "Go! Go!
Go!" was striving to "suggestion" him.

"Perhaps--" he paused, and pulled his cuffs down over his large, pale
hands.

"Yes?"

"Perhaps I had better take him away for a little holiday."

She could have slapped him. But she only said eagerly:

"To England, you mean! Why not? There's a boat going the day after
to-morrow take your passage on the _Marechal Bugeaud_. Don't say a word
to Claude. But and leave the rest to me. I know how to manage Claude.
And if I get a little help from you!"

Old Jernington took his passage on the _Marechal Bugeaud_ and left the
rest to Charmian, with this result. Late the next night, when they were
all going to bed, she whispered to him, "I've put a note in your room.
Don't say a word to him!" She touched her lips. Much intrigued by all
this feminine diplomacy Jernington went to his room, and found the
following note under a candlestick. (Charmian had a sen