se of the
dramatic.)

"DEAR MR. JERNINGTON,--Claude _won't_ go. It's no use for
me to say anything. He is in a highly nervous state brought on by
this overwork. I see the only thing is to let him have his own way
in everything. Don't even mention that we had thought of this
holiday in England. The least thing excites him. And as he _won't_
go, what is the use of speaking of it? If I can get him to join you
later well and good. For the moment we can only give in and be
discreet. You have been such a dear to us both. The house will
seem quite different without you. _Not a word to Claude. Burn
this!_
"C. H."

And old Jernington burnt it in the flame of the candle, and went away
alone on the _Marechal Bugeaud_ the next morning, with apologies to
Claude.

The house did seem to Charmian quite different without him.

CHAPTER XXVII

Two days later, on the 4th of September, Charmian had got rid of Claude
as well as of old Jernington, and, in a condition of expectation that
was tinged agreeably with triumph, was awaiting the arrival of important
visitors. She had received a telegram from Lake:

"Have got him into the Chateaux country going on to Orange hope on hope
ever--ALSTON."

And she knew that the fateful motor would inevitably find its way to the
quay at Marseilles.

She had had no difficulty in persuading Claude to go. When Jernington
had departed Claude felt as if a strong prop had suddenly been knocked
from under him, as if he might collapse. He could not work. Yet he felt
as if in the little house which had seen his work he could not rest.

"Go away," Charmian said to him. "Take a couple of weeks' complete
holiday."

"Where shall we go?"

"But I am not going."

He looked surprised. But she noticed that he did not look displeased.
Nevertheless, thinking of the future and remembering Alston Lake's
advice, she continued:

"You need a complete change of people as well as of place. Is there
anyone left in Algiers?"

"If you don't come," he interrupted her quickly, "I'd much rather go
quite alone. It will rest me much more."

She saw by the look in his eyes that this sudden prospect of loneliness
appealed to him strongly. He moved his shoulders, stretched out his
arms.

"Yes, it will do me good. You are right, Charmian. It is sweet of you to
think for me as you do."

And he bent down an