platform, came to the front.

'Let us pray,' he said, and a great hush rested on every one, while he
led the multitude in prayer.

When the meeting finally broke up, the General who had spoken earlier
in the evening came and shook Edgecumbe by the hand.

'This meeting is worth more to win the war than an army corps,' he said.

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE LIFTED CURTAIN

The following morning the papers contained lengthy reports of the
meeting, and spoke in no sparing terms of the influence of Edgecumbe's
words on the great crowd. He appeared to be depressed, however.

'It may be only a passing sensation,' he said. 'Still, I couldn't help
doing what I did.'

We had barely finished breakfast when a telegram was brought to me,

'Come at once and bring your friend. Wire time I may expect
you.--BOLIVICK.'

'There,' I said, passing it to Edgecumbe, 'there's dispatch for you.'

A few minutes later we were in a taxi, on our way to Paddington, and a
few hours later we arrived at Bolivick.

We had barely alighted from the conveyance when Edgecumbe gave a start.

'Look,' he said, 'both Springfield and St. Mabyn are there.'

'Yes,' I replied lightly, 'and Lorna too. Don't you see her in her
nurse's uniform?'

His face was set and rigid as the greetings took place; but he had
evidently put a strong check upon himself, and spoke naturally.

'Glad to see you, Luscombe,' cried Sir Thomas, 'and you too, Major
Edgecumbe. Let me congratulate you on your wonderful career. It's
almost like a fairy story!'

'Let me add my congratulations,' cried Springfield. 'I pay my tribute,
not only to the soldier, but to the orator.'

I could not fail to detect the sneer in his voice, even although he
seemed to speak heartily. A copy of _The Times_ was lying on the lawn,
and I imagined that Edgecumbe's speech had been read and discussed.

'We shall be quite a party to dinner to-night,' said Sir Thomas to me
presently. 'Of course you must expect scanty fare, as we are carrying
out the rationing order to the very letter. But it's an important
occasion all the same. Lord Carbis is coming by the next train.
Please don't say anything about it. No one knows but my wife and
myself. I want to give a surprise to both Lorna and Springfield.'

My heart became as heavy as lead, for I knew what he had in his mind,
and I looked towards Edgecumbe, wondering if he had heard anything. It
was evident he had heard nothing, however;