?"

"Bring dinner--here?" gasped Stratton.

"Yes. I have had nothing since early breakfast."

"You cannot have it here," said Stratton, making an effort, and speaking
firmly. "I am better and calmer now. After a night's rest I shall be
myself again."

"I hope so," said Guest quietly.

"So go now, there's a good fellow. I'll explain everything to you some
day, and I shall be far better alone."

"Yes; you are fit to trust!"

"You need not sneer. You think I shall make some insane attempt upon my
life."

Guest looked at him fixedly.

"Yes; you have good reason for doubting me, but I swear to you that you
may trust me."

At that moment steps were heard upon the stairs, almost inaudible; but
whoever it was whistled some melody, and before Stratton could stay him,
Guest threw open the door, and called to the whistler to come back.

"Want me, sir?" said a telegraph boy, appearing in the opening.

"Yes," said Guest, giving the boy sixpence; "ask the woman at the lodge
to come up here directly."

"All right, sir."

Guest returned to his seat, and saw that Stratton's face was averted and
his eyes closed.

"Finds he must give way," said the young barrister to himself; and once
more there was silence, till Mrs Brade's knock was heard.

Guest admitted her, and cut short a string of wondering exclamations by
giving her his orders.

"Oh, certainly, sir," she cried; "but I thought--"

"Yes, of course you did, my dear madam, but unfortunately Mr Stratton
was suddenly taken ill."

"Oh, poor dear!" cried Mrs Brade, in deep concern. "Let me go and ask
my doctor to--"

"No," cried Stratton so fiercely that the woman started and turned pale.

"Go and do as I said," whispered Guest; and after a while the
refreshments were brought, partaken of, and, in spite of his friend's
protests, Guest insisted upon passing the night in an easy-chair,
dropping off to sleep occasionally, to dream that Stratton was
threatening to destroy his life, and waking to find him in his
easy-chair thrust back to the side of the fireplace between him and the
panelled door.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

TWO NIGHTS OF WATCHING.

"Thank goodness!" said Guest to himself, as he moved slightly and saw
that his companion appeared to be sleeping heavily; but as he rose
Stratton followed his example, looking very pale, but more like himself.

"Morning; how are you?" said Guest.

"Better--much better."

"You should have undressed and gone