the two theories."

"Why not?" asked May, sharply.

"Because you have had no opportunity of really studying Mr. Lashmar's
views."

"Oh, I assure you he has made them perfectly clear to me--perfectly."

"In outline," said Constance, smiling as one who condescends to a
childish understanding.

"Oh no, in detail."

Miss Bride contented herself with a half-absent "Indeed?" and seemed to
resume her meditations. Whereupon, May's eyes flashed, and her head
assumed its most magnificent pose.

They exchanged not another word on the drive to Rivenoak.

CHAPTER XX

May awoke very early next morning. It was broad daylight, however, and
she hastened to look at her watch. Reassured as to the time, her next
thought regarded the weather; she stepped to the window, and saw with
vexation a rainy sky. An hour later, she again lifted the blind to look
forth. No sun was shining, but rain had ceased. She began to dress.

At a quarter to eight, equipped for walking, she quietly left her room
and tripped down stairs. A housemaid met her in the hall; she asked
whether the front door was unlocked, and the servant went before to
open for her. Following a path which led to the rear of the house, she
was soon out in the park; in some ten minutes she passed the old
summer-house among the trees, and, with quickened pace, came to the
door which led into the Wapham Road. Before using her key, she tapped
lightly on the wood; from without there sounded immediately an
answering knock. Then she opened.

"Do you know?" asked Lashmar, eagerly, as he gave his hand, forgetting
the formal salute.

"Yes. We had the news after dinner. Mr. Breakspeare sent a message."

"He lived for about an hour. I came on to Hollingford late, and have
passed the night at the Saracen's Head. It's to be understood, of
course, that I got the news in town just in time for the last train."

Whilst exchanging rapid sentences, they stood, one within, one outside,
the park wall. May held the door as if uncertain what to do next.

"You can spare me a few minutes?" said Dyce, glancing this way and that
along the public way.

"Come in. I didn't bring my bicycle, as it's so wet."

"Of course not. You needn't be anxious. Nobody comes this way."

He closed the door. May was looking behind her into the frees and
bushes, which hid them from the park The sky had begun to brighten; a
breeze shook drops from the shining leafage.

"How does Lady Ogram take the news?